₦airaland Forum

deols: Heheehe. U want her wealth. How would you need that?

Not really... I don't really care about girl wealth (I only arrange it according to my scale of preference).

Is Sissie that put wealth in the first instance and asked us to arrange according to how they are important to us. The answer wouldn't complete without you listing it also, as it is in the question. Moreso, putting it at the end show that I am more or less interested in it

Every responsible man should never share family responsibilities with his wife, only when the wife wish to do voluntarily. I will rather ask Almighty Allah for wealth than expecting to get married to a wealthy girl or family.

Sissie: @deols and maclatunji, Both or you didn't get my question,
My question is will you check
Beauty (physical attraction, appearance, brain e.t.c)
Family background
Wealth (ambition, finance e.t.c)
Religion last

Or religion first then the others.

Hmmmm... A lot of wonderful interaction going on here, nice one.

I think my own preference should be

1. Religion
2. Beauty (Brain follow by Physical Attraction
3. Family Background
4. Wealth

surveycash: @kwammy5000,@tapesz,@manutd19,@bajugbajug,@twinskenny,@jackson44 your contacts are received.

@melojames,@semanose am yet to hear from you.

I wouldn't be able to make this Sunday meeting due to the very tight schedule I have on that day. I will try to make the subsequent one.

Please, all of you that will be able to attend the meeting should try as much as possible to minute every issue treated down, in order for follow up every other time when subsequent meeting will hold. May be Secretary can even be appointed that day to be taking minute of events at the meeting.

Do have a fruitful deliberation. May Almighty God grant our heart desires and wishes in actualizing this project.

BizBloke: [color=#000033][b]First off, don't play the patronage or peace-maker card here. You don't just come to a forum, get your fingers all itchy and type whatever you want to type without verifying facts. If you know so much about this business, why are you not on the field helping people out?

You are talking about a faulty weight yardstick. Did you visit the link? I bet not. And even if you did, you were so subjective not to notice. Then again, I don't need a snapshot of your recent order because a snapshot never and can never display weight value.

Sorry to say, but you just displayed some degree of ignorance in relation to packaging and the likes. Seems you take this on the theoretical level, not practically. If not so, tell me why you can't simply understand that when you pack a powerbank individually, the weight value increases because of the box/pack, but when you pack it in a carton, it has lesser weight.

Secondly, whether you're trying to be a spoiler or de-spoiler, suit yourself, bro and judge your first post and all you wrote there.

On the third note, please, don't play that patronage card again. And don't crack me up with "...that is why we normally analyze critically every option people suggest that are available." Who are the we? What makes you think you were really objective?

Please, read the last sentence of my signature. That's a reminder for people who can't get their facts straight before typing anything and mentioning monikers anyhow.

Happy new month to you, Wizeboy.[/b][/color]

Let me start from WE; WE simply mean every honourable members of Nairaland that have been following this thread for long. In fact, this SEASON 2 was created to simply to find alternative to shipping goods from China. I think that clear the issue of WE.

On packaging, what I mean is that the goods should weigh more when in RETAIL BOX than when pack together in a carton, but you never read that line very well to understand what I mean.

Bros, I am still saying it that my 10 pieces of powerbank always give me 1kg, I believe both the seller and my shipping company can never be wrong and even if they made mistake the first time, they can never make the same mistake on the second and third time, so I have my full confirmation and I know what I am saying very well. Anyway, every organization have yardstick for measurement. So I respect your company measurement!!!

All in all, I am not here to tackle you as I have said earlier, it is on the basis of WE looking for alternative that prompt this issue, if not, I wouldn't have even comment at all. I am very sorry with anyway you may have view my analysis on your business.

BTW: Please kindly unquote me, Usiyaro too should unquote me so that I can delete the post... I am not here to fight.

Happy New Month to you too; may you continue to progress in all your endeavour.

PEACE!!!

BizBloke: [color=#000033]I would have ignored your post but @bold wouldn't let me.

So, here. Just a word of caution: before jumping into conclusion, get your facts straight. The pictures attached below are for you - that's the weight value of said powerbank (1pc) and some other useful info. Now multiply it by 20 and judge yourself.

Good day.[/color]

Bros, whatever weight you are using to weigh your goods is faulty... I deal with powerbank, infact I can snap my new order of powerbank to you when they arrive next week.

I order the same model of powerbank last week with retail box (50 pieces precisely) and the total weight is 5kg, tell me how you normally calculate your own, in order for you to arise at 20 pieces for 5kg. May be you can also try to consult other shipping company to know how they weigh 10 pieces of powerbank that normally give them 1kg.

I am not trying to be a spoiler, but try to adjust your setting/weighing option; once I found your service worthy of using, I can assure you that, I can even suspend my Chrisvic patronage to start business with you.... All we are looking for on this thread is an alternative to Chrisvicmall, that is why we normally analyze critically every option people suggest that are available.

We will be happy if you can be an alternative to Chrisvic by adjusting your weigh setting.

Thanks for your understanding.

PEACE!!!

My one cent for those looking for alternative to Chrisvic is that they should really analyze any shipping they find very well, because every shipping company do have their shortcomings (devil known is always better than new angel), when we try to analyze some other shipping company from China now, most of them cannot be an alternative to CHRISVICMALL.

It will really be good to see another shipping company that can compete with Chrisvic in order for them to improve on their communication and service (Though I never have problem with them since I started using them about 9 months ago because I communicate with Elena personally on phone and my order are always processed and ship very fast).

Let us all continue the search for the shipping company that can really compete with Chrisvic, which is the major aim of creating this SEASON II, as is always good to have option in case of unforeseen circumstances.

BTW: I am myself and not an agent of Chrisvicmall (before people will start saying they pay me to advertise for them), I am just talking based on what I see.

Modified***

toluxa1: I think I strongly agree with a few things you have said. For now, I think this plan is simpler and probably more effective with less logistics involved. I also like what the Ijebu Ode guys are doing, and maybe that's what other should do too.

I personally, am into 3 major items for now. Tablets, Wrist Watches and Power Banks, though I buy stuff for people on demand. I even buy some household things for the family (e.g petrol powered lawn mower, etc).

As texaco has said, the major aim here should be to reduce landing cost, hence, a few group(s) of people with like-products in mind, can come together to archive that. The idea of same location is to make it easier to execute. I am in Minna, Niger state and this place is central to Abuja/Kaduna so I can work with both/either teams. Most of my sales is towards both directions except for recently that I'm sending stuffs to Ilorin (my state).

In the process, different individuals have different marketing strategies, so speed of sales will vary, and that's why I totally agree with Imma's point below:



For example, in my Tab Biz, sometimes I supply to co-operatives who have a specific payment plan. Sometimes I have to chase and chase some people around before I get my money. If I supply 50 Tablets from the JV's products to Org. A, with an agreement to pay in 2 weeks and they don't pay until 5 weeks, what impact does that have on the JV? So many many factors are involved and that's why once again I'll say the most feasible method is the contribute, buy and share method (same environment). The complexity of the business is such that, there are things that can be done together (e.g items purchasing) and some that'll be difficult (marketing/sales).

Lastly we can still work together with peeps in other areas depending on how convenient, it doesn't even have to be issue of contributing money. We also have this thread as a 'Base' for us. For example, Funclub (my Oga at the top) and I have our personal dealings by the side. Working together has made things much easier. Same with surveycash (my Oga at the peak). Also enolly, adedayo and one other guy. We share ideas together very often. By the way, e get some guys here ehn, they no go post ooo, dem go just dey watch but wetin dem dey do for background ehn? Hmm.
I was speaking with Elena yesterday and she said two separate customers from Nigeria are presently with them at the same time to buy stuffs, that's why they have been busy. Only God know how many containers dem come carry. I sure say na all these "4 Guest viewing".

Finally, let's just plan properly, make up our minds and act fast. May God grant us our heart desires and help us to sing great songs of testimony by the end of this year. Amin, Ase!

PS: I am just at the 4th page of this thread, while typing this so other better ideas might have come up which I'll read later. And this method I have agreed to is meant to be a starting point to test the main idea. After a while we can then move on to the Mega JV depending on the success of this.

I totally agree with all you said. Sharing idea here will only jeopardize the wonderful opportunities we suppose to derive from it.

From now on, let deliberation strictly be on how meeting will be converge as soon as possible and the modalities of the meeting. Every idea and suggestion can then be thoroughly analyze at the meeting.

We everybody is busy brainstorming here without no particular action, some guys are already smiling to the bank. May God help us!

As we are all aware of NCC directive to all Telecom operators in Nigeria last year that all telecommunication operators in the country must provide instant SMS service to all phone users at the end of every call, and to provide full details of the cost of each call, and available balances to the subscriber.

I was surprised and shocked when MTN sent me message on the 28th July, 2013; informing me that my Instant Call Bill Notification (branding it as: EasyInternet SMS Alert) expire on 27th July, 2013 and will always be renewed with N5/content. The message is as follow:

Y'ello, your EasyInternet SMS Alert Pack will expire on 27/07/2013 10:52am. This will be renewed automatically for N5.00/content. To disable autorenew, dial *661*7#

I never knew it was the Instant Call Bill at first, until I dial the code and I discovered that Instant Call Bill is not working on my phone again. This prompt me to checked their previous message that suggested that I can voluntarily disable my Instant Call Bill by dialing *661*7#.

The funniest thing is that after dialing the code, they sent another message:

Y'ello, your EasyInternet SMS Alert Pack Auto-Renew has been turned off. To subscribe again, please dial *661#. Thank you

My concern now is that:

1. Is this not a tricky way MTN want to start their exploitation again because they know that Nigerian will never subscribe to their new N5/content Notification, which can give them free day to deduct whatever they like after call or SMS?

2. Is MTN telling us that it is very difficult for them to send Notification after call or SMS for free, as other network is currently doing or what?

Please, as anybody received or witness the same situation?

BELOW IS THE NEWS OF THE NCC DIRECTIVE LATE LAST YEAR:

Punch (1st November, 2012) - SEND INSTANT BILLS TO CALLERS NCC ORDERS OPERATORS

In a move aimed at curbing subscriber complaints over billing irregularities, the Nigerian Communications Commission has mandated all telecoms operators to provide free instant Short Message Service to all phone users detailing the cost of each call and available balances to the subscriber at the end of every call from today (Thursday). A statement made available to our correspondent on Wednesday by the Head, Media and Public Relations, NCC, Mr. Reuben Muoka, stated that any operator that failed to commence the service to its subscribers would be liable to a fine of N5m and a further N500,000 per day as long as the contravention persisted. Muoka said, “The commission had in a directive issued since August 2012, mandated that from November 1, 2012, all mobile operators shall send, free of charge, a message or an alert to both post-paid and prepaid subscribers after every call, SMS, or system generated charge or tariff, with a proviso that a subscriber can opt out if he or she so wishes. “The directive mandates the service providers to send messages containing six critical information including: exact duration of the call minutes and seconds; total cost for each call or SMS; customer accounts balance after the last call for prepaid and SMS; customer account balance after a charge or tariff and the reason for the charge or tariff; cumulative call charges up to the last call within the charging period for post-paid customers; and cost of services and credit balance upon request by customer for data service.” He said the directive was in line with the provisions of Section 53(1) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and was a response to one of the major concerns of the subscribers as it related to the actual amounts deducted from their credit balances by the service providers for each call or SMS sent.
Source: http://www.ncc.gov.ng/index.php/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1092%3Apunch-1st-november-2012-send-instant-bills-to-callers-ncc-orders-operators&catid=86%3Acat-mediapr-headlines&Itemid=64

texaco1: Well I understand ,but believe me the jv won't work.most of the people saying I rep here and there will back out when it is time to throw the cash in.
What I initially thought was that a group of 5 or 10 will come together buy and split .definitely not everyone will finish selling his or her own items by the stipulated time to make another order which means some will stay will some will back out,that is life but as someone is backing out another person too will enter.after this group must have done business together for like 3months they will know the market.bringing in container of goods without solid network and infrastructure is futile.people should learn from ibos,a group of 20 trader will contribute money for one of them to go to china ,he will get the goods cheap ,bring it in and share it according to the money each person contributed,but now you guys have the internet you don't need to sponsor anyone to china all that is needed by the group is to identify a seller on AE ,the deal will be transparent for all in the group ,everyone contributes,gets his goods and does his or her own marketing.trust me they can't and they won't lose if they do it like that.because they will first brainstorm on the product to buy and the best competitive price to sell it fast

Your suggestion is good but "Buy and Split Option" you suggest will not really be helpful. How can the business empire been proposed be achieved if people are busy backing out and some other coming in. That is not a Business Group again but rather a form of crowded market where anything goes, where no tangible achievement will be burst of in the long run. Have you consider the bad effect of some of the people that will still be having their unsold goods, cause to your own product? When people are left with unsold products, some of them will rather sell it at an outrageous price in order just to recover their money back than just keeping it in hand... Having sell it at that outrageous price, did you think people that heard of such price will be willing to buy your own product at the initial price again.

I believe you witness what happened to Brazilian and Peruvian Hair which almost all the people then turn to in Season 1 of "DO IT YOURSELF IMPORTATION THREAD". You can see how the price fall sharply due to the people that are unable to market there own. The world is now a global village, once a product is been sell by a single person at a more reduced rate, people will get to know in the next few days.

Though, both "Buy and Split Option" AND "JV" have their own challenges but I think JV still make sense on the long run than Buy and Split. For those people saying I rep; it is expected in this kind of situation BUT as time goes on, the real men will be separated from boys. I can assure you that at the end of the day, it wouldn't be more than 10 to 20 people that will form the JV. Example is the Importation Thread, over 300 people have been following the thread but people that really take action are not more than 40.

I will suggest the plan should continue, as the real investor will be known as time goes on (that is just my own suggestion).

This is my own little suggestion on this issue based on the people's suggestion I have read so far here.

Firstly, I don't think the "Buy and Share Option" will work. If it works in the first instance where people pool their money together to buy in bulk and the goods were share, it will never work on the long run because we have marketing skills more than each other, which means that, on the long run the large pool of capital will not available again due to the fact that, Surveycash for example may have sold all his own product and his customers are expecting the next order from him while other members may still be battling with their own product. Mind you, other members will not want to give Surveycash their products at exact price they were bought/share or at more discount rate BECAUSE they too are in the business to make profit and Surveycash will not also want to sell what will not bring profit to his pocket. Based on this fact, Surveycash will be forced to start importing on his own, which mean going back to square one.

Secondly, I believe the JV can work if proper planning, deliberation and most importantly agreement were reach. In this case, there should be a biding agreement among all the members that will be involved. Such agreement must have legal backing because of the unforeseen circumstance (it will be good if Lawyer can draft the agreement for every member of the JV to consent and sign). This agreement will be like a constitution which will guide all the aspects of the JV business.

Thirdly, It will also be wrong for people to contribute money equally and when the goods arrived, some people will now go to sleep while others will be on field selling day and night. Based on this fact, is better a well comprehensive Joint Venture Deed be agreed upon. This is how it will work: Profit will always be shared equally BUT those people marketing and selling the product must have an agreed amount of COMPENSATION/COMMISSION (we can also called it salary) based on any goods sold. For example, if 2Sexy sold 10 pieces of the JV product, there should be a certain Commission he must receive by selling those goods (may be 10% or more on the total goods sold within that period). All these Commission/Compensation will have already been given to the members who deserve it before the NET PROFIT will now be worked out. It is the NET PROFIT that all members will now share equally.

I believe this Compensation/Commission can even create job for some of us that are yet to secure good job; by doing this, we are not only developing ourselves financially but also creating job for some of the members or other people that will be involved in it.

All other things that will be considered in that JV agreement will be drawings, what ratio of capital will be allowed as people may not want to contribute equally to the business and all other aspect in order to make it more convenient and easier for members.

To me, JV business is a good venture if proper way are follow. I may not have time for marketing or selling BUT I can also contribute my own quota in the administration of the JV.

Subscribing to the idea...

Asalam Alaykum,

After the successful holding of Island Edition of this year Iftar; I think is time we deliberate on whether Mainland Edition of this year Iftar will hold or not, because there is only few days to the last weekend of this year Ramadan.

Is time to deliberate whether the Mainland should hold or NOT... If it will hold, let thirty and other forum members that have promised to contribute toward the hosting of the programme show their full intention now in order for us to start planning on how it will goes and the venue that will be use.

The earlier we conclude on what to do, the better for everybody to know the next thing to do.


Maa Salam.

How I wish I am also at the venue (Jarus Residence) right now but man propose and God dispose (I really enjoy the Iftar that was held there last year).

For Jarus and the people that are able to attend today's Iftar, may Almighty Allah reward you guys abundantly for your great effort towards propagating Islam. You guys can as well update us on how the event are unfolding.

Almighty Allah will grant everyone of us His mercy and showers on us the blessings of this holy period (Amin).

Jumu'ah Mubarak...

Today is the third Jum'ah in the holy month of Ramadan... May Almighty Allah make this Ramadan one of the best we will observe in our life time and also grant us all the Blessings, Favour, Mercy and Forgiveness in this Holy month (Amin).

thirty: As-salam alaykum brothers and sisters in islam.

Reference to Iftar Mainland edition, I can see some notifications and interest and would like us to make a good plan. May Allah guide us. Ajah is far with that time and I don't want to miss this year iftar get-together. its rewarding. its fun. its a good experience.

Like I said earlier, I think brothers are running away due to the predicament situation of the country but we can put things together if we it to materialise. if its mini iftar, is ok. Brother majaror treated us very well but we can do some tangible with little like someone suggested.

- let us suggest date and time. (I suggest 28/7/2013)
- topic of discuss and the lecturer - ?
- cost implication (need someone to assist me)?

It will hold, insha Allah.

Please show your interest.
08025546052

Ma Salam.

Your suggestions are good, but it cannot hold on the 28th July, 2013 as Island Edition is on 27th July, 2013. It will be too stressful for people, that is why it is suggest that only one Iftar should hold in a particular weekend. If the Mainland Edition will eventually hold, it can be either 3rd or 4th of August (I will suggest 4th August).

People should show interest in co-hosting, contributing and assisting in actualizing the Mainland Edition since their is nobody yet that has shown interest in hosting it. We have only few days to deliberate on this, as 3rd/4th August is the last weekend of Ramadan for this year Insha Allah.

May Almighty Allah continue to be with everyone of us and grant us His favour, mercy, blessings and guidance towards the deen (Amen).

Jumu'ah Mubarak,

Fill this beautiful month of Ramadan with beautiful act of worship to gain Almighty Allah Forgiveness, Blessings, Favour and spiritual upliftment.

May the blessings, favour and mercy of this bountiful month continue to be with us throughout the year and beyond.

mayorall: Thanks mum. The seller told me its gonna last for more than 3 years. Even my department mate who bought it home ordered for more for her friends.

Don't be so sure and confident about how long the seller told you its going to last yet (he also have to deceive you to sell his market). Based on my experience on jewelries from aliexpress for about 7 months, I doubt if there is any jewelries you can buy at the rate of N650 ($4) that will last up to 2 years not to talk of 3 years.

My candid advice is that, you should watch those you sold out first for like 6 months, before you can start having confident on the product. Make sure you don't have many in stock or import in a large quantities yet until some few months, in order for you not to be disappointed. If after some months, there is no complain from any of your customers, then you are good to go bros.

#that's my one cent!

Jarus: DATE: SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2013
VENUE: JARUS' PLACE, AJAH, LAGOS (full address to be communicated later)
TIME: 4:30pm - 8pm

ATTENDEES

1. Jarus
2. Pelummy
3. Mutta
4. WaleLamina
5. Tunyus
6. Cherish
7. Kunleee
8. Showbouy
9. Readonenaire

Indicate your interest in attending by adding your name to the list.

bheemz: hmmmmmnnn!@wizeboy am not looking for a perfect guy, like u don't really understand me. May Allah guide us to the right path.

Amin...

ok. May Almighty Allah grant your heart desires and wishes (Amin)

I believe the time is now to end the moon fight that always occured every Ramadan. This situation is becoming more embarrassing every year as it normally look like we (Muslims) are disorganise and look childish.

Quran, Hadith and Prophet Muhammed (SAW) have clearly explain the procedure if we are willing to follow them but some of the Imam we have in Nigeria always wanted to show power and authority over their jurisdiction by just declaring anyday they like.

The followings are my suggestions or ways of ending this ugly situation of MOON FIGHT:

1. All the Imam should come together and unite in the interest of Islam, is time we all eradicate our self-interest and let the truth prevail.

2. There should be a Workshop, Seminar or Conference by NSCIA for all the Imam to deliberate on the bad effect of a League of Imams doing meeting to decide the day that Ramadan should start or end but rather following the laid down guidelines which is every clear and precise.

3. Imam should never announce in any Juma'ah Service about a date Ramadan should start unless if moon has already been sighted.

4. Moon sighting should be centralised. If any village, community or state sight moon; they must not pronounce it yet until they call the President of NSCIA on phone and the President of NSCIA must also make sure the person calling has the backing of the Chief Imam of the area; such Chief Imam must testify to the sighting of the moon too, after which the pronouncement will now start.

5. The President, Secretary and other members of NSCIA must have a toll-free lines that will enable anybody that sight moon at anytime to call free along with the Chief Imam of the area to pass such information as quickly as possible. The toll-free line can be a line that will be very easy to remember at anytime for example 080ISLAM, 080NSCIA, 080MUSLIM or other simple numbers like that.

6. Is time NSCIA should emulate other country Islamic Council by acquiring moon sighting Technology, which they will be able to use in determining when the moon will be sighted. With the technology, there may not even be any need for them to be waiting for anybody to call before sighting moon anywhere in Nigeria.

Finally, is time all the Imams, Sheiks, Alfas and other knowledgeable Ummah start utilising their authority towards propagating Islam instead of fighting for unnecessary supremacy... None of us human being have any power or authority that is higher than Almighty Allah.

May Almighty Allah count us among those on the right path and continue to shower His wisdom and knowledge of deen on us (Amin)

Ramadan Kareem in advance (few hours to go)... Marhababika yah Ramadhan, A'lan wa sallam wa marhababikum

Maa salam

From the look of situation and with what everybody have been saying since yesterday, it is obvious that some Imam (especially in the South West) are just following their intended mind based on what they have announced to people at Jumaah Service on Friday, none of the so-called Imam has giving us a place or area where they have sighted the moon.

We were about to start Tarawih in our area yesterday before the Imam said he has not confirmed from any source that moon has been sighted that people should watch out for moon and Tarawih will start today, he apologised for the announcement been made at Jumaah Service; we just observe Ishai and go home. Alhamdulillah I didn't heard about any mosque that observe Tarawih in my area yesterday. BUT some Imam are fond of following their initial decision without following Quran and Hadith.

How on earth will an Association of Imam meet to decide when Ramadan should start. Are they Almighty Allah, why can't they follow what is prescribed in the Quran, Hadith and Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Such thing is very common with South West Imam that's why we need to be very careful in who we follow.

It is really a sad thing, how people wanted to turn Islam to a religion where their self-interest should always override the true guideline.

May Almighty Allah continue to guide us to the right path.

moscobabs: pls sombody should help me ooo..wich quran chapter talk abt Ramadan?

Suratul Baqarah
Qur'an 2:185

The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.

Time for taking sahur and iftar depends on your geographical location, Prophet Muhammed (SAW) said we must take sahur late and take our iftar early before observing Mogrib solat.

The following are some of the guidelines that can give you clue to your questions:

(1) The time for sahur extends until dawn. This is the time when Fajr prayers are called or in case if there is ŊO̶̷̊͡ mosque around, it is the time when the dark cloud in the sky are about becoming clear (some white entering into the dark cloud). BUT if the call to the fajr (dawn) prayers is announced and a man still has the cup in his hand, he should not throw it away, but can satisfy himself. The Prophet said: "If a man hears the call while the cup is still in his hand, he shall not lay it down before he is through with it."

(2)The Prophet recommended taking the sahur (night-time meal).He said : "Do not miss the sahur for it is blessed ; take even a mouthful of water. God and his angels greet those who take their sahur."

(3) It is recommended to take the iftar meal as early as possible and the sahur meal as late as possible. The Prophet said : "My people are blessed as long as they take their iftar early and their sahur late".

Omar Ibu Maymun stated that the Prophet's Companions were quick to take their iftar and slow in beginning their sahur.

(4) It is recommended that a man breaks the fast in the manner followed by the Prophet. Anas reported that the Prophet used to break the fast before he performed the sunset prayers, with a few ripe dates, or if not available, a few dry dates; or if not available, a few mouthfuls of water.

(5) At iftar offer your thanks to God in the same words used by the Prophet. Mu'adh Ibn Zahra reported that the Prophet used these words before partaking of iftar "I fasted for Your sake and broke the fast on what You gave me."

(6)Continuing the fast without a break for another day is reprehensible. Ibn Omar reported that the Prophet had forbidden continuation of the fast.

when the Prophet's companions remarked that the Prophet himself did it, he retorted, "I am not like any of you. Allah feeds me and satisfies my thirst".

Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet had said :

"Let no one continue the fast" repeating the command thrice. His companions observed that he did continue the fast whereupon the Prophet answered : "You are not like me: Allah feeds me and quenches my thirst. Do only the things you are capable of."  

May Almighty Allah continue to guide us and continue to shower us with His knowledge. Also spare our lives to witness the Ramadan in good health.

Maa Salam

Asalam Alaykum,

As we our few days away from Ramadan, many people misunderstand the true nature of fasting, and they make it an occasion for eating and drinking, making special meals and staying up late at night to watch shows on both local and satellite TV. They make preparations for that long before Ramadan. They prepare by buying food, preparing drinks and looking at the satellite TV guide so they can choose which shows to follow and which to ignore. They are truly unaware of the real nature of fasting in Ramadan; they take worship and piety out of the month and make it just for their bellies and their eyes.
 
Others are aware of the real nature of fasting in the month of Ramadan, so they start to prepare from Sha’baan, and some of them even start before that. Among the best ways of preparing for the month of Ramadan are:

1. Sincere repentance

This is obligatory at all times, but because of the approach of a great and blessed month, it is even more important to hasten to repent from sins between you and your Lord, and between you and other people by giving them their rights, so that when the blessed month begins you may busy yourself with acts of worship with a clean heart and peace of mind. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

{And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful} [al-Noor 24:31]
 
{وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّـهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ} النور 31
 
Transliteration: watooboo ila Allahi jameeAAan ayyuha almuminoona laAAallakum tuflihoona

It was narrated from al-Agharr ibn Yasaar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “O people, repent to Allah for I repent to Him one hundred times each day.”[Reported by: Muslim] (2702).
 
«يا أيها الناس! توبوا إلى الله. فإني أتوب، في اليوم، إليه مائة مرة» رواه مسلم


2. Du’aa’ (supplication)

It was narrated from some of the salaf that they used to pray to Allah for six months that they would live until Ramadan, then they would pray for five months afterwards that He would accept it from them.

The Muslim should ask his Lord to let him live until Ramadan with a strong religious commitment and good physical health, and he should ask Him to help him obey Him during the month, and ask Him to accept his good deeds from Him.


3. Rejoicing at the approach of the blessed month

The arrival of Ramadan is one of the great blessings that Allah bestows upon His Muslim slave, because Ramadan is one of the occasions of good in which the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed. It is the month of the Qur’aan and of decisive battles in the history of our religion.

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
{Say: ‘In the Bounty of Allah, and in His Mercy (i.e. Islam and the Qur’aan); —therein let them rejoice.’ That is better than what (the wealth) they amass} [Yoonus 10:58]
 
{قُلْ بِفَضْلِ اللَّـهِ وَبِرَحْمَتِهِ فَبِذَٰلِكَ فَلْيَفْرَحُوا هُوَ خَيْرٌ مِّمَّا يَجْمَعُونَ}يونس 58

Transliteration: Qul bifadli Allahi wabirahmatihi fabithalika falyafrahoo huwa khayrun mimma yajmaAAoona


4. Discharging the duty of any outstanding obligatory fasts

It was narrated that Abu Salamah said: I heard ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) say: I would owe fasts from the previous Ramadan and I would not be able to make them up except in Sha’baan. [Reported by: Bukhari 1849 & Muslim 1146]
 
«سمعت عائشة رضي الله عنها تقول: كان يكون علي الصوم من رمضان، فما أستطيع أن أقضي إلا في شعبان.» رواه البخاري ومسلم
 

Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
From her keenness to do that in Sha’baan it may be understood that it is not permissible to delay making them up until another Ramadan begins.
Fath al-Baari (4/191).


5. Seeking knowledge in order to be able to follow the rulings on fasting and to understand the virtues of Ramadan.


6. Hastening to complete any tasks that may distract the Muslim from doing acts of worship.

7. Sitting with one’s family members – wife and children – to tell them of the rulings on fasting and encourage the young ones to fast.

8. Preparing some books which can be read at home or given to the imam of the mosque to read to the people during Ramadan.

9. Fasting some of the month of Sha’baan in preparation for fasting Ramadan.

It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to fast until we said: He will not break his fast, and he used not to fast until we said: He will not fast. And I never saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) complete a month of fasting except Ramadan, and I never saw him fast more in any month than in Sha’baan. [Reported by: Bukhari 1868 & Muslim 1156]
 
«عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يصوم حتى نقول لا يفطر، ويفطر حتى نقول لا يصوم، فما رأيت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم استكمل صيام شهر إلا رمضان، وما رأيته أكثر صياما منه في شعبان» رواه البخاري ومسلم

It was narrated that Usaamah ibn Zayd said: I said: O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting in any month as you fast in Sha’baan? He said: “That is a month that people neglect between Rajab and Ramadan, but it is a month in which people’s deeds are taken up to the Lord of the Worlds and I would like my deeds to be taken up when I am fasting.” [Authenticated as Isnadhu Hasan by: Albani]
 
«ذاك شهر تغفل الناس فيه عنه، بين رجب و رمضان، و هو شهر ترفع فيه الأعمال إلى رب العالمين، و أحب أن يرفع عملي و أنا صائم» حسن إسناده الألباني

This hadeeth explains the wisdom behind fasting in Sha’baan, which is that it is a month in which deeds are taken up (to Allah). Some of the scholars mentioned another reason, which is that this fasting is like Sunnah prayers offered beforehand in relation to the obligatory prayer; they prepare the soul for performing the obligatory action, and the same may be said of fasting Sha’baan before Ramadan.

10. Reading Qur’aan

Salamah ibn Kuhayl said: It was said that Sha’baan was the month of the Qur’aan readers.

When Sha’baan began, ‘Amr ibn Qays would close his shop and free his time for reading Qur’aan.

Abu Bakr al-Balkhi said: The month of Rajab is the month for planting, the month of Sha’baan is the month of irrigating the crops, and the month of Ramadan is the month of harvesting the crops.

He also said: The likeness of the month of Rajab is that of the wind, the likeness of Sha’baan is that of the clouds and the likeness of Ramadan is that of the rain; whoever does not plant and sow in Rajab, and does not irrigate in Sha’baan, how can he reap in Ramadan? Now Rajab has passed, Sha'baan is gradually rounding up. So what will you do in the remaining few days of Sha’baan if you are seeking Ramadan?

May Almighty Allah spare our lives to witness the forthcoming Ramadan, observe it with ease and witness many more of it on earth (Amin).

Maa Salam.

[quote author=tpia@]unless i'm missing something, that particular poster is female.

and why did you rush in with that picture of a showbiz person kissing a muslim woman in hijab.

na wa o.


anyway, its true goodlooking is usually a masculine term, but i assume the poster is female since she indicated that on her moniker.

of course i stand corrected if wrong.[/quote]I know the poster is female, I just tried to generalise it. Because we all at one point or the other expect to meet a complete man/woman, which never happened... That's the main reason there are so many divorce nowadays; as some people tends to pretend/fake whoever they are, in order to just win a partner.

So, I believe we should rather work on ourselves first in order to attract the right person.

BTW: as for the picture, I have them many on my BB (I normally use them as DP as a means of lecture to me and my contacts).

deols: ^^His list isnt demanding too much, actually.

My point is that, is somehow rear to see a goodlooking and comfortable guy and at the same time disciplined as the youth considering the environment we are now.

I am sure you really understand my point. There are some but very scarce...

May Almighty Allah give us our best match as our companion

bheemz: a practising muslim and strongly believe in Allah, goodlooking, confident,comfortable,disciplined, yoruba, matured and goodloking

Hmmmmm...

I am always amazed any time I see something like this; ŊO̶̷̊͡ man can have all the qualities you listed above together at the same time. We are always quick by listing out so many qualities without realising that ŊO̶̷̊͡ man/woman is perfect...

ŊO̶̷̊͡ human being or relationship can be perfect, is the compromise we make; that will make it works.

The picture below will explain it better...

siddiq202: Wizeboy, it was Majoroller that hosted the second edition last year not siddiq202. Please make correction.

I have corrected it.

[quote author=PEN_MIGHT]Will it be right to envy our NL brothers in Lagos? It appears to me that Lagos is just where everything happens.[/quote]I believe Muslim Nairalanders are everywhere in Nigeria, so people can also organise the same programme in other State; once they are able to connect on this thread and plan toward it.

COOL DK: I make an intention to host one probably at Pen-Cinema (TASTEE).

May Allah(SWT) give me the power to do it.

Amin.

Let us know on-time if you will eventually host it, and any of the days you will like among the stated days.

May Almighty Allah accept it has an act of Ibadah.

DNA123: Cool, jazakunmulahu khairan. Can someone who resides outside Lagos extend his/her contribution? How...

Massalam

Your generous contribution is welcome and will be highly appreciated.

Contact JARUS on how to contribute toward the programme through jarushub@gmail.com with the subject: RAMADAN IFTAR.

Ma Salam

Asalam Alaykum,

We are less than 15 days away from this year Ramadan, I believe planning and preparation for this year RAMADAN IFTAR should start earnest now in order to create more awareness and for people to incorporate it in their schedule for the Holy Month as early as possible.


BACKGROUND
As those that have been around for some time already know, Nairaland Muslim Ummah organize Iftaar (Joint Breaking of Fast) on chosen day(s) during Ramadan. The first edition started in 2009, hosted by JARUS at Mama Cass restaurant, Ajose Adeogun, VI, Lagos. We had two editions in 2010, Mainland Edition at Sweet Sensation, Allen Avenue, Ikeja and the Island Edition hosted by Majoroller at Mama Cass, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi. The 2011 Edition also came up in two parts: Island at Mama Cass, Ajose Adeogun VI and Mainland @ Sweet Sensation, Allen Avenue, Ikeja – both bankrolled by Majoroller. The 2012 Edition (Season 4) was also in two places; one at Jarus residence in Ajah while the second was hosted by Majoroller at Surulere.

SEASON 5: 2013
2013 Ramadan is around the corner and Insha Allah, we are having Season 5 of Nairalnders Iftar. Bearing in mind that it is better held on a weekend, we have these possible dates:
Saturday 13th July
Sunday 14th July
Saturday 20th July
Sunday 21st July
Saturday 27th July
Sunday 28th July
Saturday 3rd August
Sunday 4th August

HOST/SPONSORSHIP
Individual, Group or part sponsorship will be welcomed. Contribution is also welcomed. Any member may as well decide to host us in his house. From past experience, budget will be around 40-50k depending on attendance.

Assembling will start by 4pm at the chosen venue and lasts till after break of fast and moghrib, or we wait till 8pm for Ishai. Programmes lined up for the event include: opening remarks by the moderator(s); faces behind the IDs(introduction); general discussions; short lecture; breaking of fast with fruits; main menu etc. Its going to be fun, Insha Allah. People that attended past editions will tell you.

Muslim Nairalanders in other parts of Nigeria and outside can also plan to organize their own at their locations on this thread.

JARUS has shown his intention to host us again this year; expecting to hear from Majoroller if he will still host us this year (he is the second host of the last year edition – Season 4). We are also expecting to hear from others that may be interested in hosting, contributing or sponsoring one of the IFTAR for this year. The earlier we show our interest in hosting/sponsoring the better for everybody to schedule their programme for the wonderful event.

MODS: Maclatunji and deols should please help in making sure that this thread hit the front page as early as possible and also, assist in ensuring that this thread make it to the front page every Friday as well, in order to create more awareness for this programme, so that it wouldn’t be like last year when some said that were not aware ontime. Lets encourage more Muslims to join this thread and also participate actively too.

Let the planning, deliberation and preparation start now!

May Almighty Allah accept it has an act of Ibadah (Amin)

Ma Salam.