Bismillah [IslamCity] Opening in Majid Al Futtaim Group, Dubai, UAE
Dear Brothers sister, Please find below information received which is self explanatory. Please apply at the earliest those who fit for the below positions to [EMAIL PROTECTED]mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] With Regards, Mahboob shariff Hi Mr. Shariff, As per your request, I am sending you the company profile given below. We also have openings for the positions of Finance Manger, Legal Counsel , Executive - Short Term Retail, Executive - Mall Promotions and Media , Document Controller/Administrator, Paralegal with MAF Group. Proficiency in Arabic Language is not required for all the positions mentioned above. Kindly provide me with some good references for the above mentioned positions. Thanks a lot. COMPANY PROFILE: The Majid Al Futtaim Group has successfully brought the concepts of regional shopping malls and hypermarkets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This pioneering vision has changed the face of shopping, entertainment and leisure in the region .The primary focus for Majid Al Futtaim Group is the development of Shopping Malls, Hotels, cinemas and Mixed-use Communities projects across the MENA region. The company opened its first shopping mall in 1995 and has since created a business of international significance. Over the past decade the Group has taken his groundbreaking concepts into other major cities in the United Arab Emirates and throughout the Middle East and North Africa including; Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, and Lebanon. To know more about the company profile please visit company website (www.majidalfuttaim.comhttp://www.majidalfuttaim.com/ ). Thanx Regards Sarab Sawhney, SMC (Symmetrical Management Consulting) Contact no : 09971849111/ 01165486177 E-Mail : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Confidentiality Note : This message is intended for the recipient named above. It may contain confidential or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message and then delete it from your system. Do not read, copy, use or circulatethis communication. For more information about us, Please visit our website www.etaascon.com
Bismillah [IslamCity] Where Do You Sit? An Imaginary Real Life Gender Interaction Scenario
Where Do You Sit? An Imaginary Real Life Gender Interaction Scenario http://muslimmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/chicago_el.jpg[cid:image001.jpg@01C8FD5C.EC33B790]http://muslimmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/chicago_el.jpghttp://muslimmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/chicago_el.jpghttp://muslimmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/chicago_el.jpgAll aboard! You're a happeningly hip young practicing Muslim attending the local university. After staying for an unnecessarily long MSA Exec Board meeting on campus, you are forced to take the train home during rush hour. You really want to get home in time for dinner, so you hurry to the station and barely squeeze into one of the cars in time for the express ride home. As you make your way to find a seat, you notice two, and only two open seats. However, next to each of the spots are two young outrageously attractive passengers of the opposite gender the likes of super models; one non-Muslim and the other a practicing Muslim from your MSA, community, and masjid. You're dead tired from the day and standing is not an option on this 45 minute ride. As the train leaves, the question emerges: where do you sit? Keep in mind that this is an express ride. The train boards now, and doesn't stop until your stop many miles away. Therefore finding open seats and moving from car to car is very difficult, and where you sit is where you sit, period. So let's look at our options. Option 1a: Sit with the non-Muslim Better to sit with some stranger than to make it awkward by sitting next to the sister, right? Not necessarily. Many Muslims are very lax when interacting with non-Muslims of the opposite gender yet very strict about not even acknowledging the existence of their fellow Muslim sisters, an incorrect way of thinking. Not to mention the uneasiness of sitting next to a dangerously attractive human being. Sure you won't do anything, but your eyes certainly might. After all, it was related that the Prophet (SAW) said that the first look is the poison tipped arrow of Shaytan. Ouch! This option doesn't look so promising. Option 1b: Sit with the Muslim Better than sitting with the non-Muslim? Doesn't seem so certain. The last time you had to be so close to this person was in 4th grade Sunday School class. After that, you saw them at Iftar parties, masjid fund raisers, or during MSA events. And to make matters worse, this is someone who is pure potential, if you know what I mean. You really don't want to be on the the hey Salma and hi Kashif omg let's go get dessert together methodology many Muslims have fallen into. Seems sitting next to them is probably not the best way to maintain that respectful means of interaction with this fellow Muslim brother or sister. Option 2: Stand for 45 minutes Your feet are killing you from your long day of Gen Chem lab and if you were to stand the ride home, you wouldn't have the energy to study for exams, help your parents, or worship you Lord late into the night. Yikes! Our scenario doesn't look so good, huh? Is this dilemma really impossible to solve at this point? Well, the thing is, it's not always so black or white. Gender interaction isn't an on and off switch between fully integrate and totally ignore. You need to judge scenarios and see exactly what's up, while at the same time act in a manner of respect. You gotta use your brain. Take Musa 'alayhi as salam for example. When he came by the two women who were in need of assistance, what did he do? Did he ignore them and walk away in fear of his Lord? No. Did he help them yet at the same time get too close and friendly around them? A'udhubiAllah, no. He helped them and took them to where they needed to go, yet he kept it real. As they traveled to their destination, he walked in front of them instead of next to or behind them, so as to help them and at the same time respect them according to the manners of gender interaction. Lots of young Muslims run into the dangers of the two extremes. Either overly-strict ignoring the opposite gender, or overly-lax hi!!!1 omg let's get some Coldstone on Friday night. Muslims need to interact with one another, but at the same time know to keep it real. So what's the answer to this scenario? Simple, follow the methodology of Musa 'alayhi as salam: think and keep it real! Option 3: Think and keep it real! Ask the fellow Muslim to switch seats and have them sit next to the other passenger of their gender. That leaves an open seat for you to sit comfortably without having to deal with any alternatives. There's nothing wrong in speaking to the opposite gender, so long as it is done for need, with respect and without any non-sense. Following the example of Musa, we know that the Prophetic method is to interact with the opposite gender but to modify your actions to suit the scenario in terms of respect. So you go with option 3, the Muslim of the other gender performs
Bismillah [IslamCity] Sex the Ummah: Innocence Lost
Sex the Ummah: Innocence Lost http://muslimmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/girlsgonemild.jpg[cid:image001.jpg@01C8FCA4.223342C0]http://muslimmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/girlsgonemild.jpghttp://muslimmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/girlsgonemild.jpghttp://muslimmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/girlsgonemild.jpghttp://muslimmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/girlsgonemild.jpgWalk into the toy store, and you'll find baby dolls dressed in clothing reminiscent of prostitutes' outfits. Walk into the clothing store, and prepubescent girls are already being introduced to tank tops, mini skirts, and items of clothing that were once reserved for mature women. But hey, this is nothing new. It's been around for a while... and I think that many of us - including myself! - have become somewhat desensitized to this. There are times that we'll remember how bad it is, but what usually happens is that we cluck over it for a bit and then get distracted by the many other problems we're facing. Now, however, I'd like to take the time to address this issue from a couple different angles - both a psychosocial and religious point of view. In Wendy Shalit's book Girls Gone Mild, she discusses the culture of hypersexualization: how it's being promoted, through both media and consumerism, how it's permeated society, and how it has so dangerously affected our lives and mentalities. This articlehttp://www.realtruth.org/articles/071129-003-iltsoy.html?s_kwcid=ContentNetwork|1295428001gclid=CJn00sGbhJECFQppQgodOiciFw (hat-tip to Nasim Choudhury) makes similar points - the psychosocial ramifications of hypersexualized culture are already evident and recognized even by non-Muslims. Awareness of sexuality is occurring at a much earlier age today, and almost always with a confused or warped understanding of it. Girls and boys are both growing up insensitively exposed to sights and concepts about the human body that were once discovered at a much slower rate that accommodated their level of mental and emotional maturity. It doesn't exist only amongst non-Muslims. Even Muslims are infected with the disease of hypersexualization, and its effects are far-reaching. Girls who wear hijaab still obsess over their weight and their image and try to look older than they are... without the maturity or understanding of what 'older' really means. In addition to general psychological and social effects of hypersexualization, as Muslims there is another dimension that makes the issue even more important for us to be aware of. The concept of hayaa' - of modesty and shyness - is one that we Muslims should all be aware of, and prize highly, and do our best to cultivate within ourselves. There are many different kinds of hayaa', but in this context we'll deal specifically with modesty relating to our bodies. In Islam, we have something which we call the 'awra: the part of our bodies that we try to keep covered as much as possible. In general, although of course it differs with women in respect to the hijaab and so on, the 'awra can be described as what is between the navel and the knees. Sheikh Hisham al-Awadhi mentions in his series about Children Around the Messenger that sex education and awareness is supposed to begin at an early age for Muslim children - starting with the understanding that there are certain times and places that they cannot enter without permission. Hopefully this is something that Muslim parents are implementing with their children... but then there's another kind of sex education that must be addressed. That is, teaching our children how to have respect and modesty regarding their own body, and others.' It's not enough to just give kids the birds and the bees talk and to make girls start wearing hijaab - indeed, I find that there are far too many girls out there who wear hijaab without even fully understanding the many wisdoms behind it, including that of respect, modesty, and self-esteem. Rather, we have to cultivate within them an understanding that whatever they see outside, whatever they hear from others about their bodies and self-image, there is something far more important to keep in mind: to have taqwa not just in matters of dos and don'ts but also about our attitude towards our bodies. Respect your body and have self-confidence. Know that first of all, we don't cover our bodies because we're ashamed of it - rather, we're proud of it and respect it. Allah created us in the best of ways, with body parts that both look good (well... mostly!) and perform neccessary functions. However, just 'cuz we look good doesn't mean that we should be showing it off to the whole world! (BTW, this goes for men also - please, no Speedos! Those don't even look good.) I think it's of especial importance to get this message across to young girls: hijaabi or not, most girls have issues with their self-esteem and self-image, especially in this
Bismillah [IslamCity] Sex the Ummah: As A Virgin
Sex the Ummah: As A Virgin The latest buzz in France is about a court case regarding a Muslim couplehttp://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iiSbAg-KX4yOVoqjT-5krX5aKr7wD913G55O0 whose marriage was annulled due to the woman lying about her virginity. Besides the issue of religion vs. secularism that's particularly sensitive in Europe, especially considering the hijaab ban, cartoons, and other infamous incidents, another topic is brought to light: that of virginity and hymen restoration.http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/world/europe/11virgin.html?_r=1emex=1213416000en=81275b58342e41afei=5087%0Aoref=slogin A quick Google search will yield hundreds of results - the majority focusing on the European phenomenon of women from Muslim families seeking certificates of virginity and/ or hymen restoration surgery before they get married. Debate rages on about European Muslims importing such cultural backwardness as vaginal blood on newlyweds' bedsheets to be proof of the bride's virginity, affecting the generation of youth born and brought up on Western soil. Reading these stories, several things come to mind. The situation isn't just about women's virginity; it's about many convulated societal ills that the Muslim community is facing. First and foremost is straying from the Deen, placing culture over religion and possessing strange priorities. It seems that in many of the cases, the women (and men) involved weren't very religious to begin with, hence their dilemma. In at least one case, a boyfriend/ girlfriend couple were engaged to marry, but then the groom's family demanded proof of the bride's virginity; apparently the only way for her to obtain this was hymen reconstructive surgery. Clearly, to them, proof of (technical) virginity was more important than the fact that their son had been dating for some time already. Furthermore, the entire concept of proof of virginity is alien to the Deen and completely absent in the Shari'ah. It is commanded of both Muslim men and women to abstain from pre-marital relations. Since, the only Islamically acceptable way of knowing whether someone has broken this rule is by confession, or having been caught fornicating by the required four witnesses, the whole idea of physiological proof is redundant. Ignorance is another contributing factor to this sensitive issue. Far too many people believe that a woman's hymen is destroyed by intercourse alone. The truth is, however, that accidents, physical activity, and even everyday movements can result in the 'puncturing' of hymens. Thus, the expectation of vaginal blood as proof of virginity is a faulty one that cannot be relied upon for accuracy. Double standards are another sign of culture being placed over religion. Many families are willing to turn a blind eye to their sons playing the field, but become borderline psychotic if their daughters are caught doing so. It must be clearly understood that the Shari'ah does not differentiate between male and female when it comes to gender relations and sexual conduct. Pre-marital relationships are 100% forbidden. It isn't worse if a woman commits zina, or not as bad if a man does. In both cases, it is WRONG and the gravity of the sin is equal in the eyes of Allah. To end, Sheikh Yaser Birjas kindly provides us with a scholarly overview of the issue: Asking for a 'virginity test' is something new in the Muslim society due to the social change occurring as a result to the proximity with western culture. Its hard to find anything regarding this issue in such a straight forward manner in classical works of fiqh, for such a request implies suspicion in the chastity of the woman and hence falls under 'Qadhf' false accusation. The rules of Shariah are based on 'sitr' concealing blemishes when possible and promoting chastity, therefore, unmarried women are assumed virgin unless an evidence suggests otherwise. Women are not obligated to prove their virginity, but if it appeared to their husbands they were not virgin then an explanation is required if requested by the husband or his or her wali. The husband has no right to go around speaking ill against her, he would have the option to dissolve the marriage and take his mahr back or stay with her on that condition. This request is not only a violation to her body, but also to her innocence and to her honor. If the man or his family were suspicious of the virginity of a woman then they should dissolve the contract, not demanding such request. This request springs out from fear of shame on the part of the groom or his family. They do not wish to be accused of calling off a marriage for no reason fearing that this might cause a cultural backfire on them. On the Bloody Bedsheets Tradition This is absolutely haram, awful and works against the request of Rasulullah (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) to keep intimate matters private. If speaking about what happens between a husband and wife behind
Bismillah [IslamCity] Protecting the child / What Islam says about marital violence issue?
Protecting the child By Muhammad Ali Alkhuli Islam looks at the woman as a wife and a mother. In contrast, some non-Islamic societies look at the woman mainly as a female at the expense of her role as a wife and her role as a mother. As a result, Islam shapes instructions to suit the woman's role as a wife and the woman's role as a mother, because the family needs a wife dedicated to her husband and a mother dedicated to her children. We said that Islam blocks the way to illegitimate children by blocking the ways leading to illegal sexual intercourse. This is one way to protect the child. The second way to protect the child is to protect the family. When marriage takes place, a new family is established. When children are born, the family grows in number. Islam protects the family from divorce, which damages all the members of the family. Islam does not allow the husband to intermingle freely with other women so as to protect his relation with his wife. Islam does not allow the wife to intermingle freely with other men so as to protect her relation with her husband. In Islam, the husband is wholly tied to his wife and the wife is wholly tied to her husband. This is the only way to protect marriage from divorce, to protect the family from destruction, and to protect children from fatherlessness, motherlessness, or both. In contrast, in societies that allow the two sexes to intermingle freely, there are two main problems. First, in such societies there are many cases of illegal intercourse and illegitimate children. Secondly, marriage does not live long and divorce is the end of most marriages. Of course, divorce is not only the end of marriage, but also the beginning of problems for the ex-husband, the ex-wife, and their children. I must admit that although the Western countries are scientifically and technologically progressive and are sensitive to statistics related to industry and economy, they do not show the same sensitivity to statistics related to social life. When a Western economist considers the figures and numbers of a certain economy, he concludes something about that economy. In contrast, when a Western sociologist or psychologist considers the statistics of divorce in his country, he concludes nothing. In some Western countries, 60 per cent of marriages end up with divorce. What does this mean? It simply means that the social structure there destroys marriage and that the Western way of life nowadays leads to the destruction of marriage and the destruction of the family. This result is not difficult to expect. In the West, the two sexes mingle freely; alcohol is drunk as frequently as water; women are almost naked everywhere. The result of this mixture is clear. In some non-Islamic countries, the formula now is this: males + females + alcohol + feminine nakedness = illegitimate children + destruction of marriage + homeless children. In contrast, the Islamic formula is exactly the opposite: males separated from females + no alcohol + feminine decency = legitimate children + protection of marriage + protected children. I think it is time for Western specialists in psychology and sociology to look into the statistics about their social diseases and to compare these statistics with others in Islamic countries in order to have a practical clue about the difference between Islam and non-Islam. Islam protects the child by protecting the family and by protecting marriage. Islam guarantees a true father and a true mother for every child and thus secures the psychological health of the child. What Islam says about marital violence issue? By Waseema Hameed Qureshi Men and women have been endowed differently. Male and female gender qualities don't match. Although a woman can function as the breadwinner, while being both the bearer as well as caretaker of the family offspring, a man is constituted only to meet the requirements of the tough outdoor life. For the special responsibility a physically enabled female shares with nature in the grand task of procreation, a male has to, as Allah's vicegerent, carry out this delegated responsibility of providing, protecting and comforting his marital partner to the best of his ability. Let there be no mistake in understanding that Islam has not in any case allowed violence against the weak and least of all against women. Allah has indeed, been highly Gracious and Merciful in issuing mankind the Book which instructs us through our difficulties in life. Every word of His Message means to direct us towards righteousness in the present life and better rewards for the Hereafter. Indeed, mistaken are those who misinterpret Qur'aanic verses as word of permission to execute violence against women such as when it quotes: 'Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel over the other, and because they spend out of their possessions. Thus, righteous women are
Bismillah [IslamCity] Muslim society and the care of the elderly
Muslim society and the care of the elderly How are the elderly treated in Islam? Do they have a special status? Do they receive care that suits their health needs?. Praise be to Allaah. Islam is the religion of compassion and justice, a religion that teaches perfect morals and forbids bad conduct, a religion that grants man his dignity, if he adheres to the laws of Allaah. There can be no doubt that Islam has given the elderly a special status, as there are texts which urge Muslims to respect and honour them. Care of the elderly in Islam is based on a number of focal points, including the following: 1 - Man is an honoured creature and has an honourable status in Islam. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): And indeed We have honoured the Children of Adam, and We have carried them on land and sea, and have provided them with At-Tayyibaat (lawful good things), and have preferred them above many of those whom We have created with a marked preferment [al-Isra' 17:70] So the elderly, as sons of Adam, are included in this high status, based on the general meaning of this verse. 2 - Muslim society is the society of mutual compassion and coherence Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves [al-Fath 48:29] And Allaah says, describing the believers (interpretation of the meaning): Then he became one of those who believed (in the Islamic Monotheism) and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. They are those on the Right Hand (i.e. the dwellers of Paradise) [al-Balad 90:17-18] The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) described the believers as being like a single body. He (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: The likeness of the believers in their mutual love, mercy and compassion is that of the body; if one part of it complains, the rest of the body joins it in staying awake and suffering fever. Narrated by Muslim, 2586. And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 13. And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: The Most Merciful has mercy on those who are merciful. Be merciful to those who are on earth so that the One Who is in heaven will have mercy on you. Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (1924); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 1569. And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: The relationship of the believer to the people of faith is like that of the head to the body; the believer is pained by the suffering of the people of faith just as the body is pained by the suffering of the head. Narrated by Ahmad, 32370); narrated by al-Albaani in al-Saheehah, 1137. And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: Man is doomed and a loser if Allaah does not put compassion for mankind in his heart. Al-Albaani said in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah (456): its isnaad is hasan. 3 - The Muslim society is a society of cooperation and mutual support Ibn Abi'l-Dunya narrated from Ibn 'Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: The most beloved of people to Allaah is the one who brings most benefit to people, and the most beloved of deeds to Allaah is making a Muslim happy, or relieving him of hardship, or paying off his debt, or warding off hunger from him. For me to go with my Muslim brother to meet his need is dearer to me than observing i'tikaaf in this mosque - meaning the mosque of Madeenah - for a month... whoever goes with his Muslim brother to meet his need, Allaah will make him stand firm on the Day when all feet will slip. Classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb wa'l-Tarheeb, 2623. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: Whoever relieves a Muslim of one of the hardships of this world, Allaah will relieve him of one of the hardships of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever helps one who is financial difficulty, Allaah will help in this world and in the Hereafter, and whoever conceals a Muslim's (fault), Allaah will conceal his (fault) in this world and in the Hereafter. Allaah will help a person so long as he helps his brother. Narrated by Muslim, 2699. 4 - The elderly person has a high status before Allaah if he adheres to the laws of Allaah. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: No one of you should wish for death or pray for it before it comes to him, for when one of you dies, his good deeds come to an end, and nothing increases a believer's lifespan but good. Narrated by Muslim, 2682. And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: Shall I not tell you who is the best of you? The best of you is the one who lives the longest life, if he is righteous and does good deeds.
Bismillah [IslamCity] How should we call people to Islam?
Question No. 12376
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Da'wah - calling others to Islam
Question:
How should we call people to Islam?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Allaah created man and caused him to dwell on this earth, but He did not
forsake him. Rather He gave him what he needs of food, drink and clothing, and
revealed to him throughout the ages a path to follow and be guided by. The
interests and happiness of mankind at every time and in every place depend upon
following the path of Allaah and rejecting all others:
And verily, this (i.e. Allaah's Commandments mentioned in the above two Verses
151 and 152) is My straight path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths,
for they will separate you away from His path. This He has ordained for you
that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)[al-An'aam 6:153 - interpretation
of the meaning]
Islam is the last of the heavenly religions and the Qur'aan is the last of the
heavenly Books. Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is the
last of the Prophets and Messengers. Allaah commanded him to convey this
religion to all of mankind:
this Qur'aan has been revealed to me that I may therewith warn you and
whomsoever it may reach[al-An'aam 6:18]
Allaah sent His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
with Islam to all of mankind, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
Say (O Muhammad): 'O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of
Allaah'[al-A'raaf 7:158]
Da'wah or calling others to Islam is the best of deeds, because it involves
guiding people to the Straight Path and to that which will bring them happiness
in this world and in the Hereafter:
And who is better in speech than he who [says: 'My Lord is Allaah (believes in
His Oneness),' and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men)
to Allaah's (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: 'I am one
of the Muslims.'[Fussilat 41:33 - interpretation of the meaning]
Calling others to Islam is an honourable mission. This is the work of the
Prophets and Messengers. The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) explained that his mission in life, and the mission of his followers, is
to call people to Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
Say (O Muhammad): 'This is my way; I invite unto Allaah (i.e. to the Oneness
of Allaah - Islamic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me
(also must invite others to Allaah, i.e. to the Oneness of Allaah - Islamic
Monotheism with sure knowledge). And Glorified and Exalted be Allaah (above all
that they associate as partners with Him). And I am not of the Mushrikoon
(polytheists, pagans, idolaters and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah;
those who worship others along with Allaah or set up rivals or partners to
Allaah)'[Yoosuf 12:108]
The Muslims in general and the scholars in particular are commanded to call
people to Islam, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good
(Islam), enjoining Al-Ma'roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam
orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all
that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful[Aal 'Imraan
3:104]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: Convey from me
even if it is (only) one aayah. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3461)
Calling people to Allaah is an important task and a glorious mission, because
it means calling people to worship Allaah alone. It means bringing them forth
from darkness to the light, planting goodness in the place of evil and truth in
the place of falsehood. Hence whoever does this needs to have knowledge,
understanding, patience, forbearance, gentleness and kindness. He needs to give
of his wealth and of himself, and he needs to understand people's circumstances
and habits. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom
(i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur'aan) and fair preaching, and argue
with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone
astray from His path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided
[al-Nahl 16:125]
Allaah blessed His Messenger with the words (interpretation of the meaning):
And by the Mercy of Allaah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been
severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass
over (their faults), and ask (Allaah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them
in the affairs [Aal 'Imraan 3:159]
The daa'iyah (caller) may be faced with debates in his da'wah activities,
especially with the People of the Book. Allaah
Bismillah [IslamCity] We need to stop thinking about religion and identity alone: Hanif Lakdawala
We need to stop thinking about religion and identity alone: Hanif Lakdawala Posted December 11th, 2007 by kashif * Articleshttp://www.twocircles.net/news/articles * Indian Muslimhttp://www.twocircles.net/news/indian-muslim Hanif Lakdawala is the head of Sanchetna, an NGO-based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, working primarily with Muslims and Dalits. In this interview he talks to Yoginder Sikand about Muslims and inter-communal relations in Gujarat today. This interview was taken in 2005. YS: Three years after the anti-Muslim pogrom in Gujarat, how do you see inter-communal relations in the state? HL: Communal tensions and mistrust remain widespread in Gujarat today, and I fear, any minor incident can be easily blown out of proportion by Hindutva forces at any time in order to unleash deadly pogroms once again. Hardly any efforts are being made to improve inter-communal relations. If at all that happens it generally takes the form of seminars for communal harmony, which are, frankly, not going to change things drastically in society at large. YS: Given that, what efforts do you think are necessary in order to promote inter- community dialogue? HL: Speaking about Muslims in particular, what we desperately need is a shift in our discourse, moving our focus simply from cultural or religious rights to social and economic rights. We need to stop thinking about religion and identity alone and focus also on issues such as education, unemployment, poverty, women's rights and communalism. And once Muslims start doing that they can build relations with other groups who share similar social and economic problems as they do, such as Dalits, Adivasis, poorer sections of the Hindus and so on. In this way, we can work towards a form of inter-community dialogue that is far more meaningful and related organically to people's day-to-day lives. I think one area that needs particular attention is Dalit-Muslim relations. This is because Dalits and Muslims share several similar problems-social, economic and identity-related. Also, Dalits and Muslims generally live together in the same localities, especially in cities. In the pogroms of 2002, Dalits were used by the Hindutva forces at several places to attack and kill Muslims. Some Dalits seek upward social mobility through the vehicle of Hinduisation that Hinduvta groups provide, thinking that thereby they can shed their caste identity and be merged into the larger Hindu fold. This desire to be identified with the 'upper' castes is used by Hindutva groups for their own purposes. So, for instance, aspiring Dalit 'leaders' are given petty posts in local units of the Bajrang Dal and this gives them a sense of importance. But, of course, Dalits won't be given top positions in the Vishwa Hindu Parishad or the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, because these, being the main decision-making bodies of the Hindutva forces, are almost entirely controlled by the 'upper' castes. Being co-opted by Hindutva forces in this way, some Dalits can easily be used by them to attack Muslims, especially since they are given free license to loot, without fear of being caught by the police, who often abet them. This said, however, let me also say that today many Dalits openly admit that they were used by the Hindutva forces because now they feel that they continue to be as oppressed as they were before. Some of them are now openly saying that they need to build bridges with Muslims, to join hands with similar sections of the Muslims for a common struggle focussing on common issues. YS: Do you see any changes taking place in the attitude of Muslim or Islamic organisations and groups in Gujarat today? HL: Yes, this is happening, although perhaps not on the scale that it should. A major landmark in this regard was the destruction of the Babri Masjid in 1992, which caused many Muslims to realise that their traditional leadership had led them to a horrendous pass by playing into the hands of Hindutva fascist forces. They felt that they had no one to help them out. The state had failed them and they perceived the Hindus to be hostile. This led to a sort of rethinking in Muslim circles about the need for a reorientation of community priorities, giving more stress to education, economic empowerment and inter-community dialogue, in place of needless confrontation that the self-appointed leaders of the community had a vested interest in promoting, like their Hindu counterparts. One fallout of 2002 in Gujarat was a growing realisation, even among such conservative groups like the Tablighi Jamaat, an Islamic revivalist movement that Muslims need to talk to or dialogue with secular groups, NGOs, and particularly with secular Hindus. There is this understanding that we cannot go it alone, and that we really need to work along with others who share a common commitment to peace and justice. But as far as dialogue with Hindutva fascist groups is concerned, I don't
Bismillah [IslamCity] The Menses, Nifas and Istihazah / Living in a Virtual World
The Menses, Nifas and Istihazah Cleanliness is a part of faith and Allah teaches all those things which we need in matter of cleanliness. The Menses Menses is the monthly discharge of blood from the uterus of the female attaining puberty. The blood during menstrual period oozes out from endometrium of uterus along with secretion of ovary (with the drops of semen). The blood flowing out is impure. The age limit and duration varies from individual to individual. Various scholars differ in this matter. According to Hanfi school of Thought (Or Imam Abu Hanifa) the minimum age for the menstrual discharge to begin is 7 years and the maximum age limit is 55 years. According to Hanfi School of Thought, the minimum duration of the menstrual discharge is three days and three nights and the maximum is ten days and ten nights. Nifas (Bleeding after child birth) The blood that flows after more than half the baby is delivered from the Woman is called Nifas and it is impure. The bleeding which may occur prior to this stage is not considered as Nifas. There is no minimum period and whenever the bleeding stops the period of Nifas ends. However according to Hanfi and Hanbali school of Thought the maximum period of Nifas is forty days. Acts that are Prohibited during Menses and Nifas During the period of menses and Nifas a woman is prohibited to do any of the following acts. * To touch the Qur'an. * To enter or stay in the mosque. * To offer prayers. * To perform Tawaf (i.e. going round the Kabah) * To observe fast. * To have sexual intercourse. * To observe Ithekaaf. * For the husband it is prohibited to pronounce divorce to their wives during the period of Menses. Prayers Women should take the purification bath (full ablution) immediately after the usual period of menstruation (when menstruation ceases) and at the end of Nifas and then offer regular prayers. Women are exempted from offering prayers during the period of mensus and Nifas and they are not required to compensate for the prayers left out later on, whereas the fasts of Ramadan have to be compensated later on during the whole year. Allah does not impose unbearable burden upon people. The fasts of Ramadan are observed once during the year, and it is quite easy to compensate the abandoned fasts (from 3 to 10) during the whole year. But the completion of abandoned prayers which may range between 15 prayers to 50 every month, is quite difficult. Islam has not put the burden upon women and has granted them this concession. Istihazah The bleeding which occurs not on account of menses or after childbirth is known as Istihazah. This ordinary bleeding from the genitals due to some ailments is considered to be similar to the bleeding from the nose or from any wound. Prayers and fasting are binding on her like other women and sexual intercourse is permitted with her. However, there is one condition for prayers that she should perform fresh ablution for every prayer and cannot offer more than one prayer with one ablution. Segregation - No The menstrual discharge is looked upon as pollution in many religions and the woman who has her courses is segregated. Islam looks upon menses as an impurity which does not make the whole body of the woman polluted. Sexual intercourse is made unlawful during these days, but lying with one's wife, kissing and embracing her, eating and drinking with her is permitted. There is no idea of segregation on this account in Islam. The menstruating woman is not to be segregated from the family. She is permitted to have contacts with the members of the household and participate in all the house hold activities. Some may find it astonishing why Islam has provided Divine Guidance even in such matters whereas other religions have woefully neglected it. One must understand that Allah has created us and the Jinn to worship Him. Every act done in accordance with divine guidance becomes Ibadath. The very act of sexual intercourse with the husband and wife which is lawful in other days becomes unlawful (Haram] during the period of menses. So every Muslim should be fully aware of the acts and things when they are lawful and unlawful and make every act an Ibadath with the intention to seek Allah's pleasure. Living in a Virtual World By A Staff Writer Muslim youth today should be given proper platform to exhibit their talent or they will use the virtual world as a convenient route of escapism. Rauf Ahmed 14, an IX standard student has 134 friends on Orkut, the popular social networking site. He hasn't met most of them, but doesn't mind sharing details of his daily activities with them. His online diary is available for all to view. Long chats with these online friends are also part of his internet life. Anis Khan, father of Rauf, is worried that his son is spending long hours talking to complete strangers. He is completely lost in the virtual world, oblivious of the real life said Anis. In fact, I
Bismillah [IslamCity] Godhra fire was not a pre-planned conspiracy: Shubhradeep Chakravorty
Godhra fire was not a pre-planned conspiracy: Shubhradeep Chakravorty Posted November 8th, 2007 by kashif oArticleshttp://www.twocircles.net/news/articles oIndian Muslimhttp://www.twocircles.net/news/indian-muslim Delhi-based freelance journalist Shubhradeep Chakravorty is the director of 'Godhra Tak', a documentary film on the burning of the train coach in February 2002 at Godhra, that set of a wave of murderous attacks on Muslims in Gujarat. In this interview with Yoginder Sikand he talks about his film and the reactions that it has evoked. YS: What made you decide to make 'Godhra Tak'? SC: When the Godhra incident in February 2002 happened what struck me was the contradictory theories that Hindutva leaders and government officials were putting out. Some said it was a conspiracy hatched by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence. Some others said the Students' Islamic Movement of India or a Kashmiri militant group was behind it. Yet others said it was a result of a conspiracy of local Muslims in Godhra. These contradictory theories puzzled me and so I decided to investigate the incident for myself. So, I began visiting Godhra in May 2002. It was not possible for me to go there earlier as the whole town was under a sort of siege. I had to visit Godhra seventeen times before I could start using my camera because it was obviously difficult to gain the confidence of the people for them to talk to me. The local Muslims were naturally too scared to speak out, fearing that they might be harassed for whatever they said. Many Hindus and Muslims were also suspicious of my intentions. But finally I got down to filming in December 2002, and after months of work finished the documentary. YS: Basically, what exactly is your film all about? SC: The film focuses only on the burning of coach S-6 of the Sabarmati Express at Godhra, which was then used by Hindutva groups to launch murderous riots against Muslims in Gujarat. Piecing together evidence from local people, survivors of the incident, social activists and forensic experts I have tried to show that, in all probability, the coach was not set on fire from the outside by a Muslim mob, as the Hindutva-walas claim, an argument that they deployed to justify the mass killings of Muslims in Gujarat. Rather, it seems, given the evidence that the film highlights, that in all likelihood the fire started from inside the train itself. Hence, to claim that it was the handiwork of the Muslims seems to me to be completely false. YS: If, as you say, the fire started from inside, what could have set it off? SC: We can only speculate on this, of course. One possibility is that there was petrol or some other inflammable substance being carried by the Hindutva activists in the compartment. Some say that that maybe they were carrying stoves to cook food, and these may have caused the fire. A forensic expert I interviewed in Gujarat said that he had seen a television programme in which a girl who was travelling in S-6 revealed that when she was crossing into S-7 she felt a cold liquid on the floor of the compartment. This may have been petrol, which may have been carried inside the train, rather than having been thrown from the outside. Another theory, which, again, is only speculative, is that the coach may have been deliberately set on fire by someone travelling in the coach, who might thereafter have escaped or else died in the fire, in order to set off a wave of attacks on Muslims. Who knows? YS: But your film does not explore the possibility of this theory. SC: No, it doesn't. I deliberately left that out as I did not want to be seen as biased or be branded as an 'anti-Hindu' communist or a 'pseudo-secularist' or whatever. I did not want to step into the realm of the speculative. I wanted to highlight only the confirmed evidence that I could gather, because otherwise 'soft' Hindus whom I wanted to reach out to would have dismissed the film as 'propagandistic' and 'anti-Hindu'. After all, I didn't want to preach to the already converted, to those Hindus and others who are already opposed to Hindutva or communalism. YS: Your film has been used as evidence before the Banerjee Committee that is investigating the Godhra incident. What are your views about the Committee? SC: Yes, the film has been used as evidence before the Committee, and the members of the Committee have watched it. I myself deposed before the Committee in December 2004. Although the Committee has its merits, I feel that it is toothless. Being a Committee, and not a Commission, it has no judicial powers to call people to depose before it. I am also pained at the way the interim report of the Committee has been politicised. It was used by Laloo Prasad Yadav in his election campaigns to garner Muslim votes. This is as bad as the BJP using the Godhra incident to get Hindu votes in Gujarat and elsewhere. I
Bismillah [IslamCity] Markaz Al Huda-Sister Hamida's course
FOR THOSE WHO ARE RESIDING IN U.A.E. Say O Muhammad SAW: If you really love Allâh swt then follow me, Allâh will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Aali Imran 3:31) And the prophet saw says None of you will truly believe until I am more beloved to him than his father, his son and all people. (Bukhari, Muslim). Markaz Al Huda welcomes all sisters to an intensive 2 ½ month weekend course by Sister Hamida Khan, A brilliant opportunity to get to know our beloved Prophet Muhammad `saws' Course curriculum: *SEERAH OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD SAWS (from authentic sources) *Salah workshop - Obligatory and Superogatory prayers - By Imam Albani *`Funeral Rites in Islam' - By Dr. Bilal Philips (Kitab Al Janaiz, Sheikh Albani) *A Bonus 3 hr Workshop on Hijaama (Cupping) and First Aid, Insha'Allah (All the above will be taught with PowerPoint presentations demonstrations) Venue: Markaz Al Huda, Al Twar, Ghusais Days: Fridays[8 am -10:45 am] Saturdays [8:30am -12 pm] Course Begins: 30th November, 2007 Course Ends: 16th February, 2008 Last Date for registration: 30th November, 2007 Admission thru registration (Limited seats on first come first basis) Certificate presented upon graduation Free Transportation, `so no excuses' Babysitting will be provided (for a nominal fee) For more information or Registration kindly contact Sis Fazna: 050-8514252 (1pm-6pm) Sis Jesmin: 050-3801962 (10am-4pm) Sis Azra: 050-7768345 (6pm-10pm) Or Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For Transportation contact Sis Shazia (Dubai): 050-4207094 (1pm- 9pm) Sis Aysha (Sharjah Ajman): 050-3841334 (7pm-11pm
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] 23rd DAY OF TARAVEEH - Glimpses of Quran
23rd Day of TARAVEEH In the second section, there is mention about the wrath of ALLAH on the people of Lut (AS), the people of Aad (AS), Thamud (AS) and the destruction of the people of Nooh (AS) is made in detail as well as about the behaviour of people towards their respective prophets. In the last section of the surah it is said that the Creator of the heavens and the earth is ALLAH, HE has created everything in pairs. Rush towards ALLAH and continue counseling others as counseling benefits the believers, I have created the Jinns and the human beings only for my Ibadath and their sustenance is my responsibility. Surah at-Tur (Mount Tur) begins In the first section, it is said that the things, on which ALLAH swears in the beginning, are great things and it is said that the disobedient would be thrown into the hell by the Angels with disgrace, while the believers, their followers and children who are righteous would be respectfully welcomed in Paradise. There is mention about the bounties of ALLAH in the Paradise. In the last section of this surah, the Prophet (pbuh) was asked to continue his mission of counseling the people, those who call them as poet or a possessed, let them wait till they see their own consequences. If they have doubt in this Quraan, let them bring at least one recital like this. The tricks and evil designs of the disbelievers will not work. Oh Prophet ! wait until the command of your Lord comes to you and WE take every care for you. Surah an-Najm (Star) begins In the first section, it is said that the Prophet (pbuh) does not say anything on his own desire, whatever he says, it is the inspiration sent to him from ALLAH. He never says anything on his own opinion, he says only what was revealed unto him. There is mention about the Mi'raj of the Prophet (pbuh), seeing the signs of ALLAH, his being taken to the heavens, narration about what he saw in the heavens are explained briefly. In the second section, it is said that only those who would be permitted by ALLAH will have the opportunity to intercession. The idols which are worshipped are false and those who worship them are the ones who devised their names and that was their reach. The Mercy of ALLAH is vast and encompassing and HE forgives the sins of HIS slaves, don't try to pretend innocence, HE knows everything and HE knows who is pious. In the last section of the surah it is said that in the hereafter no one would carry the burden of others and the man will get only what he strives for. Many bounties of ALLAH are mentioned in order that they understand and it is not befitting for an intelligent person to ignore the consequence and neglect the words of advice. The right to prostration and obedience belongs only to ALLAH. Surah al-Qamar (the Moon) begins In the first section it is said that the doomsday has come near and the moon is cleft asunder and the world has seen the miracle of the splitting of the moon. The Holy Quraan is the treasure of Wisdom. WE have made the Quraan easy to comprehend, is there anyone who desires to understand it? Mention of the lives of the people of earlier times is also made here. In the second section, it is said that falsifying and rejecting one Prophet amounts to rejecting all the prophets. The people falsifying Saleh (AS), the story of the she camel and the mention about the destruction of the people of Lut (AS) is made in detail. It is repeatedly said; WE have made the Quraan easy to comprehend, is there anyone who desires to understand it? In the last section of this surah, after mentioning about the Pharaoh, his people and their destruction, it is asked, whether the people who lived before were prosperous and happy or the disbelievers of today? Their force would be scattered and they would run away from the scene and they would be taken to account, as per the promise and it is just the matter of a moment. Whatever one has done, it is safely recorded in the book of deeds. Surah ar-Rahman (the Most Gracious) begins In the first section, it is said that the Most Gracious has taught everyone the Quraan, HE only has created the man and taught him to speak. There is mention about more of HIS bounties, but the bounty of the Holy Quraan and its teaching is mentioned before all other gifts in preference. The bounties of this world and the hereafter and the bounties in the Paradise are beautifully described, and after the mention of every favour it is repeatedly asked; Then which of the favours of your Lord would you deny? This is repeated thirty one times in the surah. The moon, the stars, the trees, the mountains, every thing obey HIM, HE has set up the scale and ordained people not to play tricks in weights and measures, what a good number of things HE has given to you for eating and drinking. Then Oh Jinns and human beings, which of the favours of your Lord would you deny? In the second section it is said that every one on earth
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] 16th DAY OF TARAVEEH - Glimpses of Quran
16th Day of TARAVEEH In the first section it is said that Quraan is the illuminated Book with the guidance and good tidings for the believers. Those who are not concerned about the Aakhirah are lost in the material world will be in great loss. It is said that Moosa (AS) went out to get fire for himself but was made the Messenger of ALLAH and there is mention of some of his miracles. In the second section there is mention about Sulaiman (AS) and Dawood (AS), later Sulaiman (AS) becomes king himself. ALLAH had given Sulaiman (AS) such a kingdom that no one had such a kingdom like him afterwards. The Jinns were subjected to him in obedience and under his command he was given the knowledge of understanding the speech of the birds flying in the air, and listening to the conversations of the ants amongst themselves, the story and the role of Hudud, a bird through which he received information about the Queen of Sheba and the mention of his sending a message to the Queen Bilqees and so on. In the third section there is mention about the discussion on the letter of Sulaiman (AS) in the royal palace of Queen Sheba and the army suggesting a military action in response to the letter, but the Queen herself giving the opinion that they should send valuable gifts to the court of Sulaiman (AS) and find out what his response would be. Sulaiman rejects these valuable gifts and ordered them that they should come to his court in total obedience and surrender. In less than the time of the twinkling of an eye Sulaiman (AS) has got the Chair of the Queen carried to his palace. The arrival of Bilqees and the declaration of faith in ALLAH and the Prophet is mentioned. In the fourth section there are details about the people of Thamud and nine unruly elements among them planning to kill Saleh (AS) at night and at last the whole community was destroyed. The people of Lut (AS) were involved in the indecent and deviated behaviour and eventually the wrath of ALLAH befalling them. Lut (AS) and his people were saved but his wife perished along with the rebellious people. In the fifth section there are details about Tawheed and the protection of HIS chosen and distinguished servants, the heavens and the earth, the fields and the greenery, the trees and the mountains, the flowers and the fruits and more of HIS great Creations. ALLAH listens to the people in distress and the desperate people and remedies their problems. The Qiyamah is true and real and that ALLAH alone has the knowledge about it. In the sixth section it is mentioned that the non-believers question as to how they would be brought back to life after they were thrown in the dust, for which it was said that go around the earth and find out. The disobedient have already been punished in this world and the promise of punishment in the hereafter is certain and it is not difficult for ALLAH. ALLAH had explained everything in detail and just before the doomsday there would appear a beast from the earth which will talk to the people. In the last section of the surah it is said that on that day people would be brought in groups after groups and the trumpet would be blown by which the people would be smitten with terror and the mountains would be airborne like spun cotton. Those who are righteous would be safe and peaceful and the evil doers would be thrown headlong into hell fire. Surah al-Qasas begins In the first section the story of Moosa (AS) and the Pharaoh is mentioned, after Moosa (AS) was born his mother put him into a box and set it afloat in the river as per the command of ALLAH. The Pharaoh had taken out the floating box. In this way Moosa (AS) reached the palace of the Pharaoh. With ALLAH's Power he was brought up in his enemy's palace and then ALLAH had returned Moosa (AS) to his mother as promised by HIM and to give cool comforts to her eyes. She understood that ALLAH's promise was true and HE has the power to decide and decree. In the second section the life of Moosa (AS) when he was young a youth belonging to the group of Pharaoh was by mistake killed by him when he intervened in a dispute among the two and a few more moments are mentioned. The steps taken by the people of Pharaoh to kill Moosa (AS) and his leaving the country is mentioned. In the third section there is mention about Moosa (AS) heading towards Madyan near a pond he comes into contact with two daughters of Shuaib (AS). He then meets Shuaib (AS) and narrates his story and one of the two daughters vouchsafing the trustworthiness of Moosa (AS) and the marriage of Moosa (AS) with one of the daughters of Shuaib taking place with some conditions. In the fourth section it is said Moosa (AS) started from Madyan with his family and on his way it was very cold and he went in search of fire leaving behind his family towards mount Tur, where he got an opportunity to talk with ALLAH and favoured by HIM with the honour of Prophethood. Giving him the
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] 15th DAY OF TARAVEEH - Glimpses of Quran
15th Day of TARAVEEH In the third section of Surah an-Noor the believers were asked not to follow the footsteps of Shaitaan and the mention of the forgiveness of those who were overtaken by the influence of the propaganda and tricks of the hypocrite is made. At the same time the rich people who were helping the needy with their money (before they were known to be involved in this affair) were advised to continue with it. Those who charge the chaste women on their behaviour are the accursed in the world and in the hereafter and let them be careful about it. Evil women are for the evil men and chaste women are for the chaste men. In the fourth section believers are advised not to enter the houses other than their own without becoming familiar and taking permission from them and saluting the people in the house, if permission is not given, they should return back. Mosques, Madarassas schools and public places, such a permission is not required. The rules relating to the practice of veil and the marriage (Nikaah) with the widows are explained here. In the fifth section it is said that ALLAH is the Light (illumination) of the heavens and the earth. The qualities of the believers are explained and it is said that every act of disbelievers is not acceptable. The example of their acts are explained and said that no time will be taken to take them into account. In the sixth section it is said that heaven and the earth, the clouds and the mountains, the oceans and the cold and the hot seasons are all the indications of ALLAH's Power. Each creation is engaged in the praise and glorification of ALLAH and each of them know to pray to ALLAH. The cattle, the insects crawling and those on two legs and four legs, are all HIS signs. The hypocrites and those who are forgetful are ignorant, when called towards ALLAH turn away from HIM. In the seventh section it is said that the true believers when called upon by ALLAH and HIS Messenger, they say Labbaik and are at service and obey ALLAH and HIS Messenger. It is to such people ALLAH had promised that HE would give them superiority and the condition is that he should have the token of total submission to ALLAH marked on his neck and chained completely in obedience by his legs at the doorsteps of the Messenger of ALLAH. No one can overpower ALLAH. In the eighth section the believers were told that the domestic servants of under age working in their homes shall take permission to enter the apartments at three times, namely before the Fajar salaat, after the Zuhar time and after the Isha salaat. They shall not enter the rooms without permission. The small children who used to enter your homes without permission, when they grow up shall also take permission to enter your homes. It is also explained how the old women folk should observe the purdah or veil. It is said that there is nothing wrong in taking food collectively or separately. When you depart take leave and permission. Don't consider calling the Prophet (pbuh) is like calling anyone among yourselves, and whenever the Messenger calls you, it is obligatory that you rush to him immediately and returning without permission is forbidden Surah al-Furqan begins In the first section it is said that HE is the Most Bountiful WHO had revealed the Furqan or the Holy Quraan upon the distinguished personality (of the Prophet), everything belongs to HIM. What kind of people are they who associate such things which have little power as partners unto HIM. These idolaters have objection and criticize that the Messenger eats food and moves in the market places and the Angels are not moving with him and they don't have control over treasures of the world. They also consider the Prophet (pbuh) as being influenced by the magic. In the second section it is said that everyone will get bewildered and terrified by the look at the hell fire and the terrific screams and the hearts tremble. The kuffar and the muslims will be punished differently for their sins. Oh Prophet ! The Messengers sent before you also ate food and moved in market places. In the third section those who do not believe in the hereafter were mentioned and on seeing the situation there in the hereafter the kafirs will say, what a pity, why we did not follow the path of ALLAH and HIS Messenger. The Prophet (saw) would complain to ALLAH saying, Oh ALLAH these are my own people who neglected the Quraan totally. It is also questioned by these people why the Quraan was revealed at one stretch? In the fourth section more details about Moosa (AS), Haroon (AS), the people of Nooh (AS), the people Aad and Thamud and other communities are given and it is said that those who surrender to their desires are worst than animals. In the fifth section the example of the world is described as the shade of the sun which increases and decreases and sometimes goes up and sometimes down. How many signs and indications are there in the
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] 13th DAYS OF TARAVEEH - Glimpses of Quran
13th Day of TARAVEEH The story of Moosa (AS) and Khidr (AS) continues from the last section of the fifteenth part. In the tenth section it is narrated that both of them walking down reached a village and Khidr (AS) started constructing a wall. Moosa (AS) did not keep quiet and finally they parted. Before they departed Khidr (AS) explained the mystery behind all these events and said that he did not do all these things on his own but was according to ALLAH's Will. In the eleventh section the mention about the king Dhulqarnain and his powers is made and that he has undertaken the journey of the east and the west, and also about the Yajooj (Gog) and Majooj (Magog). In the last section of this surah it is said that those who commit evil and still think that they had done a good thing are in great loss. For those who do good deeds there is Paradise al-Firdouse. ALLAH 's praise cannot be completed even if the seven oceans were taken as ink to write about HIM. Whoever wants to meet his Lord, he must do good deeds and should not associate anyone in HIS worship and obedience Surah Mariam begins In the first section there is mention about the prayer of Zakariyya (AS) for a child in his old age and the acceptance of his duaa by ALLAH and the good tidings of a son to him, whose name is suggested as Yahya by ALLAH before his birth. Yahya (AS) is asked to hold fast the Book of ALLAH. In the second section there are details about Mariam (AS) and the birth of Eesa (AS) without a father. Eesa (AS) talking from the lap of his mother and the mention about the bounties of ALLAH upon him. Those who refuse to accept the Power of ALLAH are warned about the day on which they would repent and feel at a loss. The owner of everything is ALLAH. In the third section it is explained how Ibrahim (AS) has tried his best to convince and stop his father from the shirk and the idolatry and called him towards Tawheed, his migration and the good tidings that his truthfulness and virtue would be remembered by people of all generations. In the fourth section there are details about the distinguishing characteristics of Moosa (AS), Haroon (AS), Ismail (AS) Idris (AS) and there is mention of few more Prophets, their distinguishing features and that people have become the slaves of their own desires and have seen their own consequences. But for those who have repented and changed their lives there is Paradise for them. In the Paradise nothing undesirable would be found and will be full of bounties of ALLAH. Jibraeel (AS) coming to the Prophet (pbuh) was only with the command of ALLAH. In the fifth section there is refutation for those who questioned the resurrection and bringing back to life on the day of Judgment and were told to listen to the decision of ALLAH that everyone will cross over the as-Siraat bridge and that hose who are righteous will cross it and those who are sinners and unjust will fall down their knees into the hell fire. It is advised not to be mistaken by the let-loose or the respite given here in this world and there it would be known who is successful and who is not successful. In the last section of this surah it is said that the Shaitaan is out to track down the kuffar, so wait for the Aakhirah. It is also explained where those who fear ALLAH would reach and where the sinners will end. On that day all connections would have been severed and the only link would be that of ALLAH, but the unjust people have ascribed son to HIM. It is such a grave thing that the earth would get torn into pieces and the mountains reduced to ashes. God forbid! They ascribe son to the Rahman, while in fact everything in the Universe is created to serve HIM. Those who believe and do good deeds, ALLAH creates love and affection in their hearts and those who rebel against ALLAH and HIS Messengers were destroyed and today nothing is heard of them! Surah Taha begins In the first section it is said that the Quraan was revealed in order that those who are soft at heart take admonition out of it. It is the revelation from the creator of all that exists between the heavens and the earth. Whatever one says secretly or aloud HE knows it. The story of Moosa (AS), about the Qiyamah, and the miracles of Moosa (AS) are mentioned. In the second section there is mention about the supplications of Moosa (AS) his birth and his being set afloat in a box on the river Nile. The mission of Moosa (AS) and Haroon (AS) to call people towards ALLAH and to be polite towards Pharaoh, perhaps he may accept the truth. The argument of the Pharaoh with Moosa (AS) are explained in detail. In the third section there are details about the challenge of the magicians to Moosa (AS) and the defeat of the magicians, their belief in ALLAH, the threat of the Pharaoh to them and the steadfastness of the magicians in their belief. In the fourth section it is said that ALLAH had commanded Moosa (AS) to migrate out of
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] SEVENTH DAY OF TARAVEEH - Glimpses of Quran
7th Day of TARAVEEH Surah al-A'raaf begins In the first section the purpose of the revelation of Quraan is explained informing to the people of the World about their future and warning them of the consequences of their evil deeds. WE will ask the nations, WE will verify from the Messengers and WE will judge based on OUR knowledge, as WE were present everywhere and witness unto everything. On that day the deeds of every person will be weighed, the reward of good deed will be given not on count but on its weight and the real weight will be that of purity, sincerity and piety. Before the creation of man himself the Creator had made provisions for the needs of men on earth. In the second section mention is made about the creation of Adam and the command to the angels to prostrate before him, the refusal of Iblis (Shaitaan) to prostrate before Adam and his challenge that he will mislead and deceive the men until the Day of Judgment. Repenting for the mistakes committed by error of forgetfulness is the quality of Adam (AS) and arrogance on committing a sin is the quality of Iblis. The mention about the exit of Adam (AS) and Hawwa (AS) from the paradise is made here. In the third section it is explained that dress is a great gift from ALLAH and nudity is the way of Shaitaan. Be careful about his tricks because he is an unseen enemy of yours. Come to the Masjid for salaat with moderate and best of your clothes and maintain the moderate path in every act. In the fourth section it is said that all that is created in this world, are for the man to make the best use of it and that he remains grateful to ALLAH. The people of this world are sitting on the dining sheet spread by ALLAH (the provision of sustenance of all beings is the responsibility of ALLAH), but in the hereafter only the believer will be eligible for HIS Kindness and Generosity. The appointed time of the Doomsday will not be advanced or postponed. ALLAH has forbidden and made haraam all evil and indecent things like injustice and excesses, infidelity and associating partners with ALLAH and all that leads to it. Those who have renounced it and remained at a distance, they would not have any fear nor they would grieve, but those who indulge in these things will meet their consequences. In the fifth section it is mentioned that the souls of the Kafirs will not reach the heavens and their abode will be the Hell, where the fire will be everywhere engulfing them. The believers will be getting the bounties of the Paradise, their hearts will be clean and after getting into Paradise they would express their thanks and gratitude to ALLAH. The section ends with the conversation of the people of Paradise and the people of Hell and the status of those who would be in A'raaf. In the sixth section it is mentioned that the people of the Hell will request to the people who would be in Paradise to pass on to them some of the food and drink they have been given. The people of the Paradise will reply to them that for those who had ridiculed the religion in the world, it is made haraam today. They have neglected this day although the book of ALLAH they were explained all these things. Their cries and screams would not be heard and all the links and association among them would be cut off on that day. In the seventh section it is said that the sun, the moon and the stars and the day and the night are all the signs of ALLAH's Power. So, for every need of yours turn to ALLAH and spread your hands and ask for HIS help. Sending down the rain from the sky and giving life to the earth and making it green and fresh is HIS Work. In the eighth section there is mention about the mission of Nooh (AS), his way of calling people towards ALLAH, the misbehaviour of his people and their transgressing the limits and the tempest and the drowning of the people of Nooh (AS). In the ninth section the story of Hud (AS) and the people of Ad, the wrath of ALLAH on them is mentioned. Every Prophet had called his people towards Tawheed. In the tenth section there is mention about Saleh (AS), and the story of the she camel, the transgression of the people of Thamud and their refusal to believe in ALLAH and the destruction of the community by earthquake. Mention is made about the people of Lut (AS) and their immodest behaviour. Lut (AS) called his people towards ALLAH, and their threatening him of deportation and subsequently the wrath of ALLAH befalling them in the form of adhab. In the eleventh section there are details about Shuaib (AS) and his people indulging in various evil practices and in addition unfair trade practices such as cheating the customers in weights and measures, taking more quantity when they procure the commodities and measuring less when they sell. At last the torment of ALLAH had destroyed them. In the twelfth section it is illustrated that those who have rejected the call of the Prophets shave indulged in
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Mistakes to Avoid during Ramadhaan
B i s m i l l a a h i r R a h m a a n i r R a h e e m Ramadhaan Mistakes to Avoid during Ramadhaan [cid:image001.gif@01C7FB76.97E6DA70] By Shaykh Salman Al-Oadah Muslims make a number of mistakes during this auspicious month. These mistakes vary from country to country and from culture to culture, and there are many reasons why they happen. Sometimes they can be attributed to local customs and traditions. Sometimes they occur because of a misapplication of Islamic Law. At other times, the reason for the mistake is the desire to express happiness and joy during this blessed month. At other times, simple ignorance is to blame. Whatever the reason, the outcome is the same: a violation of Islamic teachings in a matter of worship. This is serious, since matters of worship in Islam are established and defined by the sacred texts. The Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: Whoever introduces something new into this matter of ours will have it rejected. [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (2550) and Saheeh Muslim (1718)] Some of the mistakes people make in Ramadhaan are serious enough to be violations of Islamic Law. Some mistakes are innovations. Other mistakes are less serious, causing the person who errs to act in a way that is undesirable. These mistakes can relate to the fast itself or to other customs and practices associated with it. We will now turn our attention to some of these mistakes: Neglecting Congregational Prayer Many people increase their worship in Ramadhaan and frequent the mosques more that usual. However, some people fall short during this month of their observance of congregational prayer and neglect the mosque. This is a mistake, for there is a hadeeth that reads: Whoever hears the call to prayer but does not hearken to it, then he has no prayer. [Sunan al-Tirmidhi (217)] 'Alî b. Abî Tâlib said: There is no prayer for the neighbour of the masjid except in the mosque. [Musannaf 'Abd al-Razzaaq (1915) and Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah (3469)] No doubt, neglect congregational prayer is something serious. It is even more serious to neglect prayer altogether. A hadeeth reads: The covenant between us and them is prayer. Whoever abandons it has disbelieved. [Sunan al-Tirmidhî (2621)] The Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: Whoever abandons the 'Asr prayer, his deeds are lost. [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (528)] There are numerous other hadeeth that stress the importance of prayer. May Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala protect us from neglecting our prayers. A Muslim should safeguard his worship and be steadfast in prayer. Ramadhaan should be an opportunity for us to change for the better and habituate ourselves to doing good deeds. Backbiting Rumour-Mongering Speaking badly about other people is a way to seriously compromise one's fasting. The Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam defined backbiting in the following way: He said: Do you know what backbiting is? They said: Allaah and His Messenger know best. He said: It is to mention about your brother something that he would dislike having mentioned about him. [Saheeh Muslim (2589)] Someone enquired: O Messenger of Allaah! How do you see it if what I said about him is true? He replied: If what you said about him is true, then you have backbitten him. If what you said about him is false, then you have slandered him. [Saheeh Muslim (2589)] Another evil is to spread what people say about each other in order to bring about problems. This rumour-mongering also includes divulging secrets and exposing people's faults. Hudhayfah heard about a man who was spreading rumours and he said: I heard Allaah's Messenger say: 'A rumour-monger will not enter Paradise. [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (6056) and Saheeh Muslim (105)] Vulgar Speech and Bad Manners Aboo Hurayrah relates that the Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: Whoever does not abandon false speech and acting falsely, then Allaah has no need of his abandoning food and drink. [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (1903)] The Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: Fasting is a shield, so the one who fasts should avoid obscene speech and ignorant behavior. If someone abuses him or starts to fight with him, he should reply by saying: 'I am fasting. I am fasting'. [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (1795)] Ibn Hajar writes in Fath al-Baari (4/105)]: The hadeeth means that the fasting person should not respond to the one who abuses him with the same kind of behavior. He should restrain himself by saying: I am fasting. Laziness and Listlessness Some people take the Ramadhaan fast as an excuse for laziness. In this, they behave in stark contrast to the ways of our Pious Predecessors, who had no qualms with working hard in Ramadhaan and even rallying to the defense of the faith. They definitely did not become lax in their regular, daily worship. Indeed, they would increase their religious observances in this month. Some people justify their laziness with the weak hadeeth
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] SECOND DAY OF TARAVEEH - Glimpses of Quran
Second Day of TARAVEEH In the first section and the first verse the comprehensive picture of righteousness is presented, that explains that turning towards east or west does not amount to righteousness but the righteousness is in fact, is to believe in ALLAH the ONE WHO has no partner, to believe in the hereafter, the angels, the heavenly books revealed from ALLAH, and to believe in the Prophets and spending your wealth for the sake of ALLAH, on your relatives, orphans, needy and the travelers, those who ask for help, those burdened with debts and to relieve the captives on ransom. Establishing salaat, paying zakaat fulfilling the promises is also righteousness. Whoever has these virtues are true in their belief and those are really virtuous. In this section rules relating to the retaliation (qisas) and the details of making a will are explained. In the second section it is said that fasting is made obligatory upon the Muslims and details of the revelation of the Quraan and the rules relating to fasting and the ethics of Ithikaf are explained and misappropriating other's wealth and taking bribe is forbidden. The third section explains about the lunar months, sighting of the moon, and reformations of some of the customs and traditions of earlier times is made. Jihad and fighting in the way of ALLAH are ordained and the rules relating to Hajj, and Umrah are explained. In the fourth section the months of Hajj and other rules relating to Hajj and exhortation for the remembrance of ALLAH and the kinds of people who make supplications (duas) are explained. Entering the fold of Islam completely is insisted upon and being cautious about the Shaitaan is emphasized. In the fifth section the irreligious behaviour of Jews, their ungratefulness towards the blessings and favours from ALLAH, punishments meted out to them to tests are explained and also about the spending of wealth and the obligation of Jihad and fighting for the cause of ALLAH is discussed. In the sixth section the sacred months are mentioned and the prohibition of fighting in these months, the punishments for the apostates, (those who revert back to their earlier religion known as Irtidad) and the merits of migration (Hijrah) and Jihad are explained. Prohibition of wine and gambling, behaving nicely with orphans, prohibition of establishing marital relationship with idolaters is discussed. In the seventh section, it is ordained not to cohabit with the wives during the period of menstruation, husband and wife relationships, not to swear frequently for small things, the problem of swearing not to cohabit with wives, the rules relating to the divorced women, and the period of Iddat are explained. In the eighth section, again the rules of divorce (talaaq), the rules of Khulaa and other details, prohibition of causing hardships, inconveniences and problems to the divorced women are discussed. The ninth section calls upon not preventing the divorced women from marrying after the Iddat period is completed, the rules relating to fostering of the children in cases of divorce, rules relating to the women after the death of their husband, the prohibition of the Nikaah of the women during the Iddat period are explained. In the tenth section the rules relating to the Mahr and maintenance of the divorced are explained, emphases on the regular performance of salaat and about the rules relating to divorced women are mentioned. In the eleventh section there is mention of an event from the history of Banu Israel from which one gets guidance with regard to migration. Exhortation on sacrificing one's life and wealth for the sake of ALLAH and there is a mention about the king Talut. In the twelfth section the history of Talut and Jalut is mentioned, and it is shown that ALLAH has given the believers superiority over non-believers in spite of being lesser in number. It becomes evident that changes in the authority and power depend upon the wisdom of ALLAH. In the last verse of the second part there is mention about the prophet hood and the messenger ship of last of the prophets, and the third part begins with; ALLAH had preferred some messengers over some others But we are asked to believe in all the prophets without any discrimination or distinction. The thirteenth section contains the Ayat al kursi the most meritorious of the great verses in Quraan. Each verse in the Ayat and each word explain the Unity and the Oneness of ALLAH, HIS Greatness and HIS power. It declares that there is no compulsion in Islam. The fourteenth section contains an event from the history on this subject in the form of a debate between Ibrahim (A.S) and the contemporary king in which the king is silenced. The Holy Quraan presents the Tawheed, the Risalah and the Aakhirah in a different way. ALLAH, by mentioning about Uzair (A.S) and Ibrahim (A.S) gives a manifest and practical example and demonstration which explains how HE will
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Fasting in Ramadan: Lessons Moralities
Fasting in Ramadan: Lessons Moralities By Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqihttp://www.islamonline.net/livefatwa/english/Guestcv.asp?hGuestID=2cc214 [cid:image001.jpg@01C7F486.3325F8B0] Allah, Most High, says, Blessed be He in whose hand is the Sovereignty, and He is able to do all things. He created death and life that He may try which of you is best in deed. He is the Exalted in Might, oft Forgiving. (Al-Mulk: 1-2) Also, He says, It is He who made the night and day to follow each other for such as have the will to celebrate His praises or to show their gratitude. (Al-Furqan: 62) Life and death and the succession of nights and day have a purpose and that is to test us and to give us an opportunity to express our thanks and gratitude to our Creator and Sustainer. The month of Ramadan comes and goes. We must examine ourselves now and see what we have learned and achieved during this month. The test of success of this month lies in the effects it has left upon us as follows: 1. Discipline: We learn in this month how to discipline ourselves for the sake of Allah. In our morning and evening, we follow a strict schedule of eating and drinking. We are constantly aware that even in our such mundane activities as eating and drinking, we must remain under divine injunctions. We change our habits in our daily routines because we learn that we are not the servants and slaves to our habits, but always the servants of Allah. Then after Ramadan, we have to keep this spirit of discipline in other modes of our life and must continue with our submission to the commands of Allah. 2. Renewal of Devotional Life: Ramadan renews our enthusiasm for worship and devotion to Allah. In this month we are more careful of our daily prayers and have special prayers at night. There is no religion without prayer and Muslims learn in this month how to strengthen and deepen their religious life. 3. Renewal of Contact with the Qur'an: Ramadan and the Qur'an are linked together from the beginning. It was in this month that this divine message was revealed to Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. We are told that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was fasting when he received the first revelation. Fasting prepares the believers' hearts to learn the Word of Allah. It is the most suitable condition for our spiritual and mental communication with the Qur'an. The Muslim Ummah pays more attention to the Qur'an in this month. This renewed contact with the Qur'an must help us in following its message. 4. Renewal of Identity with the Ummah: Ramadan is not an individual experience only, but it is an experience in community. The whole Muslim Ummah fasts together in one and the same month. We identify with one another in our obedience to Allah. This gives us a new sense of togetherness and association. Ramadan teaches us that the Muslim Ummah is the community of piety and devotion to Allah and its members derive their strength from each other in deeds of piety and virtue. The bonds that are based on piety and virtue are the strongest bonds and it is these bonds that prove good for mankind. The strength of the Muslim community lies in its commitment to the values of goodness, morality and piety. Ramadan leaves an imprint of all these values upon the Muslim Ummah. 5. A Fresh Sense of Care and Sympathy: Fasting in the month of Ramadan helps us to understand the suffering and the pains of the poor and needy. By our voluntary hunger and thirst we realize what it means to be deprived of basic necessities of life. Ramadan is called the month of charity and sympathy. We learn how to be more kind and generous in this month. Many Muslims also pay their Zakah in the month of Ramadan. 6. Jihad or Struggle: Fasting in Ramadan and Jihad both of them were prescribed in the same year, that is, the second year of Hijrah in Madinah. Fasting prepares for hardships and sacrifice. These are two important things without which Jihad is not possible. Muslims learn in Ramadan how to struggle against the forces of evil in their own selves, in the society around them, and in the world at large. 7. Taqwa: To summarize all the moral and spiritual gifts of Ramadan, we can say that Ramadan gives us the great gift of Taqwa. Taqwa is the sum total of Islamic life. It is the highest of all virtues in the Islamic scheme of things. It means, God-consciousness, piety, fear and awe of Allah and it signifies submission to Allah and total commitment to all that is good and rejection of all that is evil and bad. http://www.islamonline.net/English/Ramadan/Heart_Softening/Reflections/12.shtml inline: image001.jpg
