Bismillah [IslamCity] "Convert a lemon into a sweet drink" - from Verestest (via MuslimYouthConnection)
Convert a lemon into a sweet drink Posted by: "veretest" [EMAIL PROTECTED] veretest Tue Nov 11, 2008 4:01 pm (PST) An intelligent and skillful person transforms losses into profits; whereas, the unskilled person aggravates his own predicament, often making two disasters out of one. Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam was compelled to leave Makkah, but rather than quit his mission, he continued it in Madeenah - the city that took its place in history with lightning speed. Imam Ahmad ibn Hambal RA was severely tortured and flogged, and yet he emerged triumphant from that ordeal, becoming the Imam of the Sunnah. Imam Ibnu Taymiyah was put into prison; he later came out an even more accomplished scholar than he was before. Imam As-Sarakhsi was held as a prisoner, kept at the bottom of an unused well; he managed therein to produce twenty volumes on Islamic jurisprudence. Ibn Atheer became crippled, after which he wrote Jami al-Usool and An-Nihayah, two of the most famous books in the Science of Hadith. Imam Ibn al-Jawzi RA was banished from Baghdad. Then, through his travels, he became proficient in the seven recitations of the Qur'an. Maalik ibn ar-Rayb was on his deathbed when he recited his most famous and beautiful poem, which is appreciated until this day. When Abi Dhu 'aib al-Hadhali's children died before him, he eulogized them with a poem that the world listened to and admired. Therefore, if you are afflicted with a misfortune, look on the bright side. If someone were to hand you a glass full of squeezed lemons, add to it a handful of sugar. And if someone gives you a snake as a gift, keep its precious skin and leave the rest. "It may be that you dislike a thing that is good for you..." (Qur'an 2: 216) Before its violent revolution, France imprisoned two brilliant poets: one an optimist, the other a pessimist. They both squeezed their heads through the bars of their cell windows. The optimist then stared at the stars and laughed, while the pessimist looked at the dirt of a neighbouring road and wept. Look at the other side of a tragedy circumstance of pure evil does not exist, and in all situations one can find goodness and profit and reward from Allah Taa'la. (Source: Unknown)
Bismillah [IslamCity] "Effect of Sadaqah" - from MAW
Bismillahir Rahmaan Nir Rahim Monday 4 Thul-Qa'dah 1429 / 3 November 2008 Effect of Sadaqah Abu Hurairah Radhi Allahu Anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said : "A person was walking through a barren land when he heard a voice from a cloud saying, 'Go and water the garden of so and so person.' Accordingly, the cloud moved in the direction and rained upon a rocky piece of land. All the water was gathered in a channel and began to flow along this pathway. The man followed the water until he came upon a man standing in his orchard and redirecting this water with his spade. The person asked the man (of the orchard) : "O slave of Allah, what is your name?" He told him his name and it was the very same name he had heard in the cloud. The man (of the orchard) asked : "O slave of Allah, why do ask my name?" He replied : "I heard a voice from the cloud whose water this is taking your name and saying, 'Go and water the orchard of this person.' Please tell me what do you with this orchard (that is so merritorious)? The man replied : "Now that you have asked I will tell you. From the total produce of the orchard a third I give in Sadaqah, a third I keep for myself and my family and a third I re-invest into the orchard." (Sahih Muslim) Lessons 1. Allah fulfils the needs of his obedient servants through unseen avenues. 2. Sadaqah (charity) to the poor and needy increases ones wealth. 3. Rain and all other bounties are in the control of Allah. 4. Spending on ones family with the correct intention is also an act of worship. 5. There is great merit in a person earning sustenance by his own efforts and hard work. -- Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Bismillah [IslamCity] "Good nutrition on a shoestring" - from Health24
ola oil Seasonal fruit Tea/coffee, with low-fat milk and sugar DAY 4 Breakfast and/or snack Maize porridge, with low-fat milk and sugar Brown bread, with peanut butter Tea/coffee, with low-fat milk and sugar Lunch and/or snack Brown/wholewheat bread, with soft margarine and jam Seasonal fruit Supper and/or snack Chicken giblets Sweet potato Green beans Pumpkin Sunflower or canola oil Seasonal fruit Tea/coffee, with low-fat milk and sugar DAY 5 Breakfast and/or snack Maize porridge, with low-fat milk and sugar Brown bread, with soft margarine and jam Tea/coffee, with low-fat milk and sugar Lunch and/or snack Brown/wholewheat bread, with soft margarine and pilchards Sliced tomato Seasonal fruit Low-fat milk Supper and/or snack Rice/maize rice Lentils Green beans Carrots Sunflower or canola oil Seasonal fruit Tea/coffee, with low-fat milk and sugar DAY 6 Breakfast and/or snack Maize porridge, with low-fat milk and sugar Brown bread, with peanut butter Tea/coffee, with low-fat milk and sugar Lunch and/or snack Brown/wholewheat bread, with soft margarine and jam Seasonal fruit Low-fat milk Supper and/or snack Samp & beans: 1:1: cooked Tomato and onion Spinach Pumpkin Sunflower or canola oil Tea/coffee, with low-fat milk and sugar Seasonal fruit DAY 7 Breakfast and/or snack Maize porridge, with low-fat milk and sugar Brown bread, with soft margarine and jam Tea/coffee, with low-fat milk and sugar Lunch and/or snack Brown/wholewheat bread, with soft margarine Egg Tomato Seasonal fruit Low-fat milk Supper and/or snack Chicken Potato Split peas Carrots Sunflower or canola oil Tea/coffee, with low-fat milk and sugar Seasonal fruit [This is an edit of an article by Carine van Rooyen as it appears in The Big Issue magazine, December 2007. This edition of The Big Issue is on sale now.] ============== Mohamed (Imtiaz) Bhikoo e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <><><>
Bismillah [IslamCity] "How to view Hardships ?" + "My Non-Muslim Mother" - from AlIslaahPublications
le to save herself if she dies in this state. Being touched by his words, the mother immediately recognized the beauty of Islam and testified to " LA ILAHA ILLAL LAAHU MUHAMMAD DUR RASULLULLAH." Source: Inspirations Volume 4 ** More articles on Reverting to Islam and Introduction to Islam: a.. Basics of becoming a Muslim b.. Kalimas and Shahaadah with audio c.. Islamic Concepts d.. A Quick Introduction to Islam e.. Answers to Seven Questions About Islam f.. Common questions asked by non-muslims g.. Islam ISAn Introduction to Islam and it's Principles ( complete book) h.. Introduction to Islam and Muslims i.. Reversion - According to Qur'an and Hadith j.. Videos of Revert Muslims k.. Audio accounts of people coming to Islam l.. Former Christian Priests and Missionaries who have Embraced Islam m.. Men who have reverted to Islam n.. Women who have reverted to Islam Courtesy: AL-ISLAAH PUBLICATIONS (www.everymuslim.net) == Mohamed (Imtiaz) Bhikoo e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Bismillah [IslamCity] "Email Chain Letters - ' Please Forward........' " + "The Chain Letter Challange" + "Chain Letters" - from AlIslaahPublications
Email Chain Letters - " Please Forward" By Yusuf Atiff Bin Abdel-Lateef Diab Bismillah, Alhumdulillah wa Salatu wa Salam 'alaa RasulAllaah wa ba'ad, There occurs today a very detestable practice among our muslims in particular. It is the indulgence and participation in email chain letters. For those of us not familiar with this activity, it is where someone sends an email letter with some sort of story pertaining, in most cases but not always, to something Islamic, and then they put a condition at the end of this story to distribute this email to a certain number of people. The condition usually is a severe warning against not forwarding the email to the certain number of people in which case some calamity or mishap will occur if it is not done. In other cases the condition proposes a special benefit for forwarding the email to the certain number of people. Ordinarily this is a form of shirk that I think most people would be aware of or at least should recognize. Believing that some act not from the Qur'aan or Sunnah, if done, can cause some harm and/or benefit is indeed shirk. In doing so we set up a rival to Allaah, for truly it is only Allaah who can benefit us or harm us, and only Allaah can remove such harm. As Allaah says in Surah Al-An'am ayah 17: "And if Allaah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is Able to do all things." One of the things we learn from this ayat is that any harm that afflicts us can only be removed by Allaah, so to specifically believe in bad omens, which includes bad luck and the belief that certain practices, not endorsed by Allaah or The Prophet sallAllahu 'Alayhi wa Salam, can affect the outcome of future events, is in essence the meaning of an omen. So to believe in these omens would be belief that other than Allaah can remove such harm from us, which is setting a rival with Allaah in this removal of harm, which is shirk! And Allaah says in Surah al-Ma'aidah ayah 72 : "Verily, whosoever sets up rivals in worship with Allaah, then Allaah has forbidden Al-Jannah for him, and the Fire will be his abode." Imam Ahmad reports, on the authority of Ibn `Amr radhi Allahu anhumma, that the Prophet sallAllahu 'alayi wa Salam said: "Whoever is turned back from his objective by a bad omen has committed Shirk." They asked: "And what is the expiation for that?" He sallAllahu 'alayhi wa salam replied: "It is to say: "Oh, Allah! There is no good except that which You bestow and there is no evil except that which You bestow and there is none has the right to be worshipped but You." In many circumstances these chain emails threatens the reader that "if" the email is not sent to the certain number of people then "such and such" will occur. As reported in the above hadith this is Shirk! As is reported on the authority of Ibn Mas'ood radhi Allahu 'anhu in a marfoo' form, that he said: "At-tiyarah (belief in omens) is Shirk, at-tiyrah (belief in omens) is Shirk. There is none among us who is not afflicted by it, but Allah, by true dependence on Him removes it from the heart." [1] So this hadeeth / athar is a rejection of belief in omens because such beliefs necessitates negation of belief in Allah's Qadr and because it causes the heart to become attached to other than Allah, which is Shirk. Also it is reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah radhi Allaahu anhu that the Messenger of Allah sallAllahu 'alayhi wa Salam said: "There is no `adwaa [2], no tiyarah (belief in omens) and no haamah[3] and no Safar [4]" (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim) Muslim, in his Saheeh, adds: ".and no naw` [5] and no ghoul [6]." Now what is even more disturbing is that these omens are presented and beautified in the form of "harmless" conditions and mere fun. No doubt a trick for shaytaan ar rajeem, wa iyaadhu billah. The most recent one of these shirk chain emails that I came across, put the condition that "if you love Allaah, then forward this letter to.."!!! This should indeed be a higher degree of disturbing for Ahl Sunnah as it entails speaking about an attribute of Allaah without knowledge, namely Allaah's love. How is it that one can put a condition to Allaah's love based on doing an act that has no precedence in The Book of Allaah or The Sunnah of His Messenger sallAllahu 'alayhi wa Salam?!?! This is indeed a form of ilhad (deviation) regarding the attribute of Allaah, and a form of shirk in this category of Tawheed (Asmaa wa Sifaat). The love of Allaah is attainable through many acts of ibaadah mentioned to us in the Quran and Sunnah, and thus to innovate in this noble venture is a disgusting type of bidah, pursued in most part by those of ahl kalam (The people of false rhetoric). Those people who chose not to be content with the established texts of Al-Islaam, but rather engage in exercising their intellect with regard to the deen. As we should know the Beautiful, Perfect and Loft
Bismillah [IslamCity] "Respect for the Words of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam" - from MAW
Bismillahir Rahmaan Nir Rahim 17 Shawwaal 1428 / 29 October 2007 Respect for the Words of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam Faqih Abu Ibraaheem Rahimahullah a Muslim scholar was greatly respected by An-Naasir and his son Al-Hakam, two of the rulers of Muslim Spain. Ibn Mafraj mentions an interesting incident regarding the Faqih: "I used to remain in the company of Faqih Abu Ibraaheem together with others to learn about Hadith and Fiqh from him. One day I was in his gathering of students in Masjid Abu Uthmaan, which was close to the palace of Qurtuba. The Masjid was close to his house and he performed Salaah there. The gathering was held between two salahs and was packed with students, when a messenger arrived from the Khalif Al-Hakam. He greeted and said : 'Faqih, come at once! The Ameerul Mu'mineen is waiting for you and calls you urgently regarding an important matter.' The Faqih replied : 'To hear is to obey the Ameerul Mu'mineen. But there is no haste. Return to him and say that you found me in the house of Allah Ta'ala and I have students around me to whom I am narrating the hadith of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. I am prevented from leaving this gathering until I have completed the lesson for the pleasure and obedience of Allah. This is presently more important than going to him. When the matter for which these sincere and dedicated students have gathered is completed I will present myself if Allah wills." The Faqih then continued with his lesson. The messenger left annoyed, but having conveyed the message he returned shortly thereafter and said : "I conveyed your message to the Ameerul Mu'mineen in the very same words you had uttered to me. He listened intently and says : 'May Allah reward you well for your sacrifice regarding the deen, the Ameerul Mu'mineen and the Muslim Ummah. May they benefit from you.' Once you are done you should proceed directly to him. I have been commanded to remain with you until you have completed your lesson and you should then accompany me." "Excellent," replied the Faqih, "but I am too weak to walk to the Door of Saddah and to mount a conveyance is too difficult for me due to my old age and weak body. The Door of Sanaa'ah is closer to the doors of the sacred palace. If the Ameerul Mu'mineen would allow this door to be opened so that I may enter through it, this would be easier for me. I would prefer if you would go back to him and convey this message of mine and see what he thinks. You should then return to me. I regard you as a good young man, so hasten towards this good action." The messenger left and returned after a while and said : "O Faqih, the Ameerul Mu'mineen has acceded to your request. He has ordered that that the Door of Sanaa'ah be opened for you. I have come to you from this door now. I have been instructed to remain with you and to remind you to hasten as soon as you have completed the lesson." The messenger sat down close-by until he had completed his lesson with complete ease and comfort, as was his habit. When the students had left, the Faqih first went to his house to tend to something and then proceeded to Khalif Al-Hakam. He entered through the Door of Sanaa'ah, fulfilled the request of Al-Hakam and returned though the door he had entered. The door was again locked after the Faqih had left. Ibn Mafraj explained : 'After we had left the gathering of the Faqih that night, we decided to pass by the door that the Faqih was to enter through so that we could see what the Khalif had prepared for him. We found the door open and surrounded by servants and people anxiously sweeping and laying down carpets in preparation for Faqih Abu Ibraaheem. This was amazing to us and for long thereafter did we discuss this incident.' " Lesson This was the respect of the Faqih for the blessed words of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. He did not allow any disruptions, even from the ruler of the time. It is also narrated about Imam Maalik Rahimahullah that he was bitten sixteen times by a scorpion one day while narrating hadith to his students. His facial complexion changed but he did not stop. Ibnul Mubarak, his student asked him why. He replied : "I endured the pain patiently out of respect for the hadith of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam." (Faidhul Qadeer)
Bismillah [IslamCity] "Fasting in Shawwal & Muharram" - from AlQuranic
ALQURANIC Mail [The Ultimate Guide AL QUR'AN] Assalam-u-Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu, == [6. Surah Al-An'am : Ayah 120] And abandon open and secret sin; surely they who earn sin shall be recompensed with what they earned. --- Fasting in Shawwal & Muharram [Sahih Muslim : Book 6 Kitab Al-Sawm, Number 2614] Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Radi Allah Anhu) reported Allah's Messenger (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) as saying: He who observed the fast of Ramadan and then followed it with six (fasts) of Shawwal. it would be as if he fasted perpetually. [Sahih Muslim : Book 6 Kitab Al-Sawm, Number 2611] Abu Haraira (Radi Allah Anhu) reported Allah's Messenger (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) as saying: The most excellent fast after Ramadan is God's month. al-Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is prayer during the night. [Sahih Muslim : Book 6 Kitab Al-Sawm, Number 2612] Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu) reported that He (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) was asked as to which prayer was most excellent after the prescribed prayer, and which fast was most excellent after the month of Ramadan. He said: Prayer offered in the middle of the night and the most excellent fast after (fasting) in the month of Ramadan is the fast in God's month al-Muharram. == My Lord! grant me that I should be grateful for Thy favor which Thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I should do good such as Thou art pleased with, and make me enter, by Thy mercy, into Thy servants, the good ones. == <><><><>
Bismillah [IslamCity] "The Wolves within ......." - from AlIslaahPublications
The Wolves within ... An old Grandfather, whose grandson came to him with anger at a schoolmate who had done him an injustice, said, "Let me tell you a story. I too, at times, have felt a great 'hate' for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times." He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way." "But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my soul." The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eye and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?" The Grandfather solemnly said, "The one I feed." *** The Meaning of Nafs by Muhammad 'Afifi al-'Akiti Ibn Kathir says: "The Mu'min are a people who have been prevented through the Qur'an from indulging in the pleasures of this world; it comes between them and what might destroy them. The Mu'min is like a prisoner in this world, who tries to free himself from its shackles and chains, placing his trust in nothing in it, until the day he meets his Creator. He knows full well that he is accountable for everything that he hears, sees and says, and for everything that he does with his body." (Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, vol. 9 pg. 276, Cairo 1352) There are two kinds of people, one are those whose Nafs have overcome them and led them to ruin because they yielded to them and obeyed their impulses. The other kinds are those who have overcome their Nafs and made them obey their commands. Nafs (pl. Anfus or Nufus) lexically means soul, the psyche, the ego, self, life, person, heart or mind. (Mu'jam, Kassis) Although some scholars have classified the Nafs up to 7 stages, there is agreement among Ulama' that in the Qur'an, Allah (s.w.t.) has described at least 3 main types of the Nafs. And these are in rank from the worse to better: Nafs al-Ammara Bissu' (the Nafs that urges evil), Nafs al-Lawwama (the Nafs that Blames) and Nafs al-Mutma`inna (the Nafs at Peace). A summary of these states of the Nafs are given by Imam Tabari in his Tafsir of Surah Yusuf verse 53: 1. Nafs al-Ammara Bissu' (The Soul which Commands): This is the Nafs that brings punishment itself. By its very nature it directs its owner towards every wrong action. No one can get rid of its evil without the help from Allah. As Allah refers to this Nafs in the story of the wife of al-Aziz (Zulaikha) and Prophet Yusuf (s): "The (human) soul is certainly prone to evil" (12:53). Allah also says: "And had it not been for the grace of Allah and His Mercy on you, not one of you would ever have been pure; but Allah purifies whomever He wishes, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing." (24:21) This Nafs resides in the world of the senses and is dominated by earthly desires (Shahwat) and passions.. Evil lies hidden in the Nafs and it is this that leads it on to do wrong. If Allah were to leave the servant alone with his self, the servant would be destroyed between its evil and the evil that it craves; but if Allah grants him success and help, then he will survive. We seek refuge in Allah the Almighty, both from the evil in ourselves and from the evil of our actions. 2. Nafs al-Lawwama (the Soul that Blames): Allah refers to this Nafs, "And I do call to witness the Nafs that blames" (75:2). This Nafs is conscious of its own imperfections. Hasan al-Basri said, "You always see the believer blaming himself and saying things like 'Did I want this? Why did I do that? Was this better than that?".. 3. Nafs al-Mutma`inna (the Soul at Peace): Allah refers to this Nafs, "O Self, in complete rest and satisfaction!" (89:27). This Nafs is tranquil as it rests on the certitude of Allah. Ibn Abbas (r) said, "It is the tranquil and believing soul". Al-Qatadah (r) said, "It is the soul of the believer, made calm by what Allah has promised. Its owner is at rest and content with his knowledge of Allah's Names and Attributes, and with what He has said about Himself and His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam ) , and with what He has said about what awaits the soul after death: about the departure of the soul, the life in the Barzakh, and the events of the Day of Qiyamah which will follow. So much so that a believer such as this can almost see them with his own eyes. So he submits to the will of Allah and surrenders to Him contentedly, never dissatisfied or complaining, and with his faith never wavering. He does not rejoice at his gains
Bismillah [IslamCity] "Ramadhaan is Over" - from MAW
Bismillahir Rahmaan Nir Rahim 3 Shawwaal 1428 / 15 October 2007 Ramadhaan is Over Early on the day of Eid, Muslims throughout the world perform a special Eid Salaah. This is a silent reminder that even on the day of celebration and happiness a Muslim can never forget Allah Azza Wajal. A Muslim does not remember Allah only on auspicious days or nights. Allah has to be in our hearts and minds perpetually, during times of sadness and happiness, during difficulty and ease. The Eid Salaah teaches us that the spirit and training during the month of Ramadhaan must not be wasted after the great month ends, by indulging in sin. Although the warmth and barakah of Ramadhaan has left us we should remain strong the steadfast against Shaitaan. The Quran gives the example of a foolish woman in Makkah who used to spin cotton during the day and then undo all her effort at night. "And be not like her who undoes the thread which she has spun after it has become strong." (Surah Nahal, Verse 92) If during Ramadhaan Salaah was performed punctually, why should Salaah be discarded after Ramadhaan is over? If in Ramadhaan the television was switched off , why should it be switched on after Eid? If sinful places were avoided during Ramadhaan why should they be frequented after Ramadhaan? If during Ramadhaan the Quran was in our hands and on our tongues why should the Quran be returned to the shelf after Ramadhaan? May Allah keep us steadfast and may He grant us death on Imaan. Aameen. Six Fasts in the Month of Shawwaal The Prophet, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said: "Whoever completes the fasts of Ramadhaan then adds to them the fast of six days in the month of Shawwaal, it will be like fasting for the whole year. (Sahih Muslim) This hadith describes the great reward of six extra fasts in the month of Shawwaal. These six fasts should preferably be kept immediately after the day of Eid. However, if they are kept later during the month it is hoped that the reward will still be achieved. Some scholars have given a beautiful explanation of this hadith. They mention that Allah says in the Quran : "He that does good shall have ten times as much to his credit." (Surah An'aam, Verse 160) Thus, the 30 fasts of Ramadhaan will be equivalent in reward to 300 and the 6 extra fasts will be equivalent to 60. The combined reward will now be 360, which equals the number of days in the Islamic year. Mohamed (Imtiaz) Bhikoo e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] cell 1:+27 84 290 0089 cell 2:+27 82 739 1010 fax 1: 086 512 7740 (SA only)
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Friday Nasiha - Issue #446: "Surah Al-Anam (The Cattle) - Ch 6: Vs 25-26" + "Sajdah" + "Pledge of Mutual Respect" - from YoungMuslims
Friday Nasiha - Issue #446 Ramadhaan 23, 1428, A.H. - October 5, 2007, C.E. - Living the Quran Surah Al-Anam (The Cattle) - Chapter 6: Verses 25-26 Natural Law of Heart Closure Of them there are some who (pretend to) listen to thee; but We have thrown veils on their hearts, so they understand it not, and deafness in their ears; if they saw every one of the Signs, they will not believe in them; in so much that when they come to thee; they (but) dispute with thee; the Unbelievers say: "These are nothing but tales of the ancients." Others they keep away from it, and themselves they keep away; but they only destroy their own souls, and they perceive it not. Here Allah has ascribed to Himself the cause of the defects produced in their faculties of understanding, hearing and seeing, for everything that takes place in the world under the Natural Law does, in fact, take place by the command of Allah because He is the Author of that Law. Therefore the resultant effects of the working of that Law, in fact, take place by the will and order of Allah. The obdurate disbelievers do not understand, do not hear and do not see the Truth, even though they seem to listen to the Message of the Messenger, because their obduracy, their prejudice and their unwillingness have, according to the law of Nature, dulled their faculties. The law is that if one is bent upon obduracy and does not adopt the attitude of a righteous person, all the doors of his heart automatically get locked against every kind of truth that goes against his lusts. When this natural process is described in the human language, it will be said, "The doors of the heart of such and such a person are locked." But God, without Whose Command and Leave nothing whatsoever can happen, will describe the same like this, "We have locked the doors of the heart of such and such a person." This is because a human being will describe the thing, as it seems to happen, whereas Allah states the true nature of the happening. The "Nothing New" Excuse This is the excuse that the foolish people put forward for rejecting the Message. They say, "There is nothing new in the Message towards which the Messenger is inviting us. This is the same old Message that we have been hearing before." According to these foolish people, in order to be true, a Message must also be new because according to them that which is old cannot be true. Whereas the fact is that the Message has always been one and the same and will ever remain so. The Messengers of Allah, who had been coming from the earliest times for the guidance of mankind, have always been communicating the same Message; likewise, the Holy Prophet was also presenting the same old Message. Of course, only those, who being devoid of Divine Light, cannot see the aforesaid eternal reality, might invent something new and by forging some theories present them as truth, saying, "We have a new Message, which has never been given by anyone before us." Double Bad They discourage people from following the truth, believing in Muhammad and obeying the Quran, (and they themselves keep away from him,) They thus combine both evil acts, for they neither benefit themselves, nor let others benefit from the Prophet. Ali bin Abi Talhah said that Ibn Abbas said that the Ayah, (And they prevent others from him) means, they hinder people from believing in Muhammad. Muhammad bin Al-Hanafiyyah said, "The disbelievers of Quraysh used to refrain from meeting Muhammad and they discouraged people from coming to him.'' Source: "Tafsir Ibn Katheer" - Ibn Katheer "Towards Understanding the Quran" - Sayyid Abul Ala Mawdudi Understanding the Prophet's Life Sajdah Not all the Prayers of the Prophet were long. In public he would pray for a shorter period of time and ask other imams to do the same. The Prophet used to make dua in Sajdah not just tasbeeh as we do in obligatory prayers. He used to cry in Sajdah. He would spend an extended amount of his time in Sajdah whenever he was praying on his own. Many times, however, Muslims would join him when they found him praying alone. Aisha, may God be pleased with her, mentions that: the Prophet one night stood up for Salah and he stayed in it for so long that I thought the Prophet had passed away or died. When I felt that way I stood up shook his toe and I felt the movement then I laid down again and I heard the Prophet saying in Sajdah "I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your wrath, and in Your pardon from Your punishment, and in You from You. I cannot enumerate Your praises as You praise Yourself." (Transliteration: Audhu bi ridaka min sakhatika, wa bi muafatika mi
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "Why Do Muslims Fast?" - from MAW
Bismillahir Rahmaan Nir Rahim Monday - 19 Ramadhaan 1428 / 1 October 2007 Why Do Muslims Fast? O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you, just as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may develop piety. (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 183) Fasting builds piety Fasting is a great method of developing piety (taqwa) because fasting helps to control the desires and this is the basis of taqwa. When one develops the habit of controlling the lawful desires of eating, drinking and sexual intercourse with one's spouse than it will be easy to stay away from the haraam desires. Control of the lawful desires weakens the inclination towards sin. By fasting man moves closer to the angelic nature as angels have no need for food and drink. Fasting teaches patience and contentment Fasting helps to build patience and endurance as one has to exercise self control in the heat of the day. One has to suppress one's thirst and hunger in order to develop the higher self. Fasting removes the animal instinct of impulsiveness and haste. Fasting teaches one to be content and satisfied with less. Fasting creates compassion A fasting person personally feels the suffering of the poor and hungry. He learns to sympathise with the less-fortunate and feels the need to assist them. Fasting is free from pride Fasting controls the desires in a manner different from all the other types of worship because it is a secret worship which only Allah knows. Salaah, Haj, recitation of Quran and other forms of worship have an external dimension and can lead to pride. Fasting, however, is a state of abstention as other people do not know whether a person is fasting or not. How to elevate the status of the fast? Imam Ghazali Rahimahullah, the great scholar and mystic, has mentioned three levels of fasting: 1. Fasting of the common people - Abstaining from food, drink and sexual intercourse only. This is the weakest form of fasting. 2. Fasting of the pious people - In addition to abstention from food and drink a person guards the eyes, ears, tongue, hands, feet and all the parts of the body from sin. 3. Fasting of the prophets and the close servants of Allah - In addition to guarding the limbs of the body from sin, the hearts and minds of such people are in a state of fast so that their thoughts are restricted to Allah. Evil intentions and worldly thoughts are prevented from entering their hearts. To attain perfection of the second level of fasting Imam Ghazali has given five advices : a. Lowering and protecting the gaze from evil and sinful sights. b. Protecting the tongue from vain talk, obscene language, lying, back-biting, carrying tales, etc. Keeping the tongue busy in remembering Allah and reciting the Quran. c. Protecting the ears from listening to evil. Words which are haraam to speak are also haraam to listen to. d. Protecting the remainder of the limbs of the body from evil. e. Eating less than one's normal meals. How can the fast be beneficial when the iftaar has such a variety of foods which are not even eaten at other times of the year? The fast needs to teach one to abstain from eating to one's fill. Points to ponder Overeating in Ramadhaan is tantamount to taking a higher dose of medicine when a small dose would have cured the illness. Sinning while fasting is like a person who refrains from some foods according to doctor's instructions but consumes poison. Just as the poison nullifies the effect of diet control, similarly does sin destroy the benefit of the fast.
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "Stomach of Ibn-e-Adam will only be filled with Dust" + "Spend (O man), and I shall on you" + "Rememberance of Allah (I'tikaf)" - from AlQuranic
[The Ultimate Guide ALQURAN] [24. Surah Sura An-Nur : Ayah 56] And keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and obey the Apostle, so that mercy may be shown to you. - Stomach of Ibn-e-Adam will only be filled with Dust [Sahih Muslim : Book 5, Book Name Kitab Al-Zakat, Number 2277] Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu) reported from the Messenger of Allah (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) as having said this: "The heart of an old person feels young for the love of two things: love for long life and wealth." [Sahih Muslim : Book 5, Book Name Kitab Al-Zakat, Number 2279] Anas (Radi Allah Anhu) reported Allah's Messenger (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) as saying: "The son of Adam grows old, but two (desires) in him remain young: desire for wealth and desire for life." [Sahih Muslim : Book 5, Book Name Kitab Al-Zakat, Number 2282] Anas (Radi Allah Anhu) reported Allah's Messenger (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) as saying: "If the son of Adam were to possess two valleys of riches. he would long for the third one. And the stomach of the son of Adam is not filled but with dust. And Allah returns to him who repents." [Sahih Muslim : Book 5, Book Name Kitab Al-Zakat, Number 2285] Ibn Abbas (Radi Allah Anhu) reported Allah's Messenger (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) as saying: "If there were for the son of Adam a valley full of riches, he would long to possess another one like it. and Ibn-e-Adam does not feel satiated but with dust. And Allah returns to him who returns (to Him)." [2. Surah Al-Baqarah : Ayah 43] And keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and bow down with those who bow down. - Spend (O man), and I shall on you [Sahih Bukhari : Volume 6, Book 60, Book Name 'Tafseer of the Prophet (sa-allahu-alleihi-wasallam)' Number 206] Narrated Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu): Allah's Apostle (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) said: "Allah said, 'Spend (O man), and I shall spend on you." He (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) also said: "Allah's Hand is full, and (its fullness) is not affected by the continuous spending night and day." He (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) also said: "Do you see what He has spent since He created the Heavens and the Earth? Nevertheless, what is in His Hand is not decreased, and His Throne was over the water; and in His Hand there is the balance (of justice) whereby He raises and lowers (people)." [65. Surah At-Talaq : Ayah 2-3] And whosoever keepeth his duty to Allah, Allah will appoint a way out for him. And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, Allah will be sufficient for him. - Rememberance of Allah (I'tikaf) [Sahih Muslim : Book 6, Book Name 'Kitab Al-Sawm' Number 2625] Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (Radi Allah Anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) spent in devotion (in i'tikaf) the middle ten nights of the month of Ramadan, and when twenty nights were over and it was the twenty-first night, he went back to his residence and those who were along with him also returned (to their respective residences). He spent one month in devotion. Then he addressed the people on the night he came back (to his residence) and commanded them as Allah desired (him to command) and then said: "I used to devote myself (observe i'tikaf) during these ten (nights). Then I started devoting myself in the last ten (nights). And he who desires to observe i'tikaf along with me should spend the night) at his place of i'tikaf. And I saw this night (Lailat-ul-Qadr) but I forgot it (the exact night) ; so seek it;In the last ten nights on odd numbers." [Sahih Muslim : Book 6, Book Name 'Kitab Al-Sawm' Number 2627] Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (Radi Allah Anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) observed i'tikaf (confined himself for devotion and prayer) in the first ten (days) of Ramadan; he then observed i'tikaf in the middle ten (days) in a Turkish tent with a mat hanging at its door. He (the Holy Prophet) took hold of that mat and placed it in the nook of the tent. He then put his head out an
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "Ramadhaan Focus (Part 5)" - from Al-IslaahPublications
Ramadhaan Focus (Part 5) 1. TODAY'S HADITH Sayyidina Jabir(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) would not sleep until he would read Alif laam Tanzeel-as-sajda and Tabarakallazi biyadihil mulk. (Bukhari, Tirmizi) Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: " The person who reads Tabarakallazi biyadihil mulk and Alif laam Tanzeel-as-sajda between Maghrib and Esha, the reward (for reading these two surahs) will be as though (the reader) had stood awake during (the night of laylatul qadr)." (Ibn Mardawayah, Ruhul-Ma'aani) 2. TODAYS FOCUS: Our Children in Ramadan Generally speaking, children are not required to fast in Ramadan until they reach the "age of maturity." However, scholars believe that parents should train them to fast a few days or so, until they become ready to fast when they reach that age. Similar to praying, the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) ordered parents to train their children to pray starting with the age of seven. The question remains, how does training to fast begin? Dr. Abala Khlaiwi from the faculty of Islamic Studies at Al-Azhar University was posed this question. The reply was that children should be trained to fast gradually. They differ in their realization of the environment around them, especially parents avoiding eating or drinking due to the fact that they are fasting. If children begin to realize that, becoming aware of the advent of Ramadan, and start to ask questions, parents should answer their questions and tell them about the holy month. For example, they ask them to fast an hour or two, saying that Allah will reward you for one hour. The parents explain to the child that Allah will reward them more for each hour they fast. Then they should be asked to fast for a day and so on, according to Dr. Khlaiwi. Simultaneously, youngsters should be asked to give or share their candy with orphan neighbors, because this teaches them how fortunate they are to have their parents around. It also teaches them that they live in an environment where they all should take care of each other's needs. Ultimately, it teaches them to be conscious of Allah, and the feeling of community. These values usually are imprinted in the minds and hearts of children and remain with them throughout their lives. Dr. Khlaiwi recalls when she was 6 years old, she fasted a whole day and felt so happy, so accomplished. She was proud of herself and her religion. Another important aspect of Ramadan and other Islamic rituals is that parents should involve their children and ask for their participation. Thus, children are to take part in the rituals parents are performing. When the father goes to the mosque, he should take his children with him and not leave them to waste their time watching TV and other fruitless activities. If the mother prays, she also should ask her little one to stand beside her so she gets to know the prayers. It's also recommended that parents take their children to break the fast with handicapped children, as well as orphans. Again, it teaches them to feel how fortunate they are and to be sympathetic and understanding to the needs of others, especially handicapped members of the community. Children should also be involved in making the Ramadan dishes so they taste the joy of Ramadan. Toward the end of the month, parents should take their children to spend Eid time with their relatives in their hometowns. (Source: islamonline) 3. Q & A Question: I intend to observe I'tikaaf during the last ten days(of Ramadhaan) but I do not have the strength to fast. Is, therefore, the observing of i'tikaaf without fasting correct or not? Answer: Fasting is a condition for the traditional(masnoon) Sunnah I'tikaaf of the last ten days, hence, I'tikaaf without fasting is supererogatory(nafl). It will then be nafl I'tkiaaf and not the masnoon sunnah I'tikaaf. (Mufti Abdur Rahman) 4. HEALTH Fasting and Peptic ulcer disease It is important to realise that Peptic ulcer disease with regard to fasting is best assessed by a medical practitioner(preferably a Muslim). The response to treatment in the individual patient differs, and medical practioners decision to permit which patient, with a present or past history of peptic ulceration to fast is based on a thorough history and clinical evaluation. Some clinical presentations of peptic ulceration which may be advised NOT to fast by medical practitioner are listed here-under.These recommendations apply to patients with present or past peptic ulcers confirmed on endoscopy. CONTRA-INDICATIONS: 1.. Active ulcer on endoscopy 2.. Intractable pain and backpain 3.. Present meleana(blood in stools) or haemetemesis(vomiting blood) 4.. Symptomatic patient with past history of perforation 5.. pyloric obstruction 6.. Symptomatic patient with previous ulcer surgery RELATIVE CONTRA-INDICATIONS: 1.. Past history with long remissions 2.. past histor
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "Ramadhaan - Q & A [Part 9]" - from AlIslaahPublications
Ramadhaan - Q & A [Part 9] TARAWEEH SALAAH WITHOUT FASTING Q: A man participated in the taraweeh but did not fast without any legal excuse. Will his taraweeh salaah be valid? A: His taraweeh salaah is valid and he will deserve recompense but he is a great sinner and defaulter for not fasting. [Mufti Abdur Rahim] IMMATURE HAFIZ Q: Should a minor point out the imaam's mistake in the taraweeh salaah, does it invalidate the salaah? A: When the minor boy is participating in salaah and then he prompts, the salaah is proper and will not be invalidated. [Mufti Abdur Rahim] TARAWEEH FROM THE 1ST OF RAMADHAAN Q: Is it necessary to start Taraweeh from the 1st of Ramadhaan? A: There are two Sunnahs in Taraweeh: 1. To perform 20 Rakaats every night of Ramadhaan. This applies to the first of Ramadhaan as well. 2. To recite the entire Qur'aan in Taraweeh at least once in the entire month. This recitation of the entire Qur'aan may commence and complete on any chosen date, provided that at least one entire recitation of the whole Qur'aan is made in Taraweeh Salaah. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai] TARAWEEH SECTION RECITED IN ESHA SALAAH Q: During Ramadan, if 1 juz (1/30) is being recited every night, can the first quarter of the juz be recited during the Fard of Isha, and the remaining ¾ juz divided into the 20 rakaats of Taraweeh? Please explain. A: It is sunnah to recite the entire Quraan in taraweeh. If quarter juz is recited in Esha salaah, the sunnah of reciting the entire Quraan in taraweeh will not be fulfilled. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai] MISSED ESHA SALAAH Q: I have missed my Fard Esha salaah in the Masjid. Taraweeh has commenced, What do I do? A: Perform the Fard salaah first. Only thereafter, you should join the Taraweeh salaah. The missed taraweeh rak'ahs must be performed after the Witr salaah. SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS WHILST FASTING Q: Are fasting persons allowed to undergo special investigations? A: a) Blood samples are allowed to be taken for investigation whilst fasting. b) Any investigation requiring invasion via the natural orifices into the Jawf-al-badan ie. abdomen, such as endoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, baruim investigations etc., including pap smears, internal gynaecological examinations are not allowed in the fasting state. Q: Can minor procedures be carried out under anaesthetic without breaking the fast? A: If these procedures, such as drainage of an abscess or setting of a fracture are carried under local anaesthetic, they are permissible. General anaesthesia with loss of consciousness will cause the fast to be broken and qadhaa fast will have to be observed. [Source: Fasting and the patient-IMA] I'TIKAAF WITHOUT FASTING Q: I intend to observe I'tikaaf during the last ten days(of Ramadhaan) but I do not have the strength to fast. Is, therefore, the observing of i'tikaaf without fasting correct or not? A: Fasting is a condition for the traditional(masnoon) Sunnah I'tikaaf of the last ten days, hence, I'tikaaf without fasting is supererogatory(nafl). It will then be nafl I'tkiaaf and not the masnoon sunnah I'tikaaf. [Mufti Abdur Rahman] TAMPONS AND FASTING Q: On account of some ailment a woman inserts a small pack of medicine or tampon in her private parts after breaking the fast and removes it the next day at the same time. Can she insert it during day in the state of fasting and remove it after breaking the fast? Will the fast be affected in both the conditions? A: The fast will not be affected if the medicine is inserted in the private parts before the beginning of the fast, but it will be invalidated if it is inserted during the state of fasting. [Mufti Abdur Rahim] Suppositories and Pessaries: These are not allowed while fasting. These can be used if inserted once or twice daily and should therefore be used before suhoor and/or after iftar. [IMA- Fasting and the Patient] SWALLOWING SALIVA Q: Does swallowing of saliva break the fast ? A: Saliva is the natural secretion of the mouth and if swallowed will not break the fast. However, the deliberate accumulation of saliva in the mouth and swallowing it (presumably to quench the thirst) is wrong and invalidates the fast. [Source: Fasting and the Patient- IMA] DENTAL EXTRACTION Q: Can Extraction of teeth or dental procedures be done while fasting ? A: These are allowed while one is fasting , but great care must be taken that no material is swallowed. If water, blood, food particles, released plaque, or filling matter is accidentally swallowed, then the fast will be broken. It is generally advised, in view of the above, that one should avoid these procedures while fasting. [Source: Fasting and the Patient- IMA] DEATH IN RAMADHAAN Q: Is there any significance about death in the holy month of Ramadhaan? Should a person consider such death to be of a good omen for the deceased? Are sins of such a person forgiven? A: We have not come across any reference of significance of dying in the month of Ramadhaan. However,
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Friday Nasiha - Issue #445: "Surah Al-Qadr (The Power) - Ch 97 : Vs 1-5" + "Purifying the Heart" + "Qiyas" - from YoungMuslims
Friday Nasiha - Issue #445 Ramadhaan 16, 1428, A.H. - September 28, 2007, C.E. - Living the Quran Surah Al-Qadr (The Power) - Ch 97 : Vs 1-5 Time to Cry! "We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power. And what will explain to thee what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand. Peace! This until the rise of Morn!" Half of Ramadhaan is gone. We powerless people will soon be looking for the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr), which we are advised to seek in these last ten nights of Ramadhaan. We can't afford not to be crying in front of Allah, the Merciful, All-Aware. Tears flow when we remember how much Allah has blessed us with and how much we disobey Him. We can never repay Allah for everything we have, yet we still blatantly commit sins both big and small: whether it's backbiting, hurting other human beings, not standing up for the truth, treating our family badly, lying, doing good deeds to show off, cheating, etc. Abdullah ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said he would rather shed two tears from the fear of Allah than give a thousand dinars in charity. And the most telling example of a man who few would think would cry because of Allah is Umar, may Allah be pleased with him. He was known for being strong, fearless, and uncompromising when it came to matters of faith. Yet, Abdullah ibn Isa said that Umar had two black streaks on his face because of constant weeping. He feared Allah so much that he once said, "If someone announced from the heavens that everybody will enter Paradise except one person, I would fear that person would be me." Umar was one of the strongest believers. Yet he cried and feared Allah. And Abu Bakr, he was simply known for his crying. These people loved to serve human beings in the day and spent time begging God to save humanity at night. May Allah be pleased with them. Let's be more contemplative and pray for an awareness of and forgiveness for our sins, as well as softness in our hearts. If Umar the brave and pious did it, we have even more need and urgency to do it. Human beings are in turmoil. Connecting with God with our hearts and begging for His Mercy for His Creation will bring us Closer to Him and human beings. Source: "Crying in Front of Allah-It's not impossible" - Abdul Malik Mujahid Understanding the Prophet's Life Purifying the Heart In a hadith narrated by Zayd bin Thabit and Ibn Masud, who were both among the scholars from the companions, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Three things purify the heart of a Muslim: the sincerity in working for the sake of Allah, taking up the task of advising the rulers, and not departing from the group of Muslims." In order to implement this principle on a personal note, I say that it is not my wish for any Muslim to be harmed because of me overtly or covertly. This applies to all Muslims, but more specifically to our companions and acquaintances. Neither do I want any of them to be blamed or condemned, as they are still worthy of honour and respect. Indeed, man does not escape being classified into one of three categories: a correct mujtahid, a wrong one, and a sinner. The first is rewarded and praised; the second is rewarded yet forgiven for his blunder. Regarding the third, I ask Allah to forgive him, us and the rest of the Muslims. Therefore, we shall turn a new leaf on those who had erred and not fulfilled this aforementioned principle. Yet I know of some who say "this man erred" and "this man did not do what he should have", or "the Shaykh was harmed because of this man." Those words that have harmed some brothers I do not condone, nor do I pardon those who utter them. You should also know that we are all joining to assist one another. It is obligatory upon us to aid each other, more so now than before. So, whosoever thinks that harming some brothers as a result of the hardship experienced in Damascus and Egypt is justified is mistaken. It is true that a believer to a believer is like the two hands - one cleans the other. And it is also true that some kinds of dirt can only be washed away by hard scrubbing, yet this treatment will be justified when the outcome appears to be the restoration of that brotherly love. Let no one think that the believer can be miserly in helping their brothers, and in aiding them. If some of our companions had neglected us before and they came to aid us now, their status will rise higher than before. You might also know - may Allah be pleased with you - that issues like this one oft
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "Stories regarding the Quraan" - from MAW
Bismillahir Rahmaan Nir Rahim Monday - 12 Ramadhaan 1428 / 24 September 2007 Stories regarding the Quraan How to recite the Quraan The Quraan should be recited with respect and sincere devotion. It is narrated that before reciting the Quran Ikrimah Ibn Abi Jahal Radhi Allahu Anhu used to say : "This is the word of my Lord!" He would then fall down unconscious. (Faidhul Qadeer) How much of Quraan do the pious recite History has preserved the biographies of our great Ulama so that we could derive motivation from their great feats. Imam Shaafi Rahimahullah used to complete a recitation of the entire Quraan every night. In Ramdhaan he used to complete one recitation of the entire Quraan during the day and one during the night. In this way he would complete sixty recitations of the Quraan. This was excluding the Quraan he would recite in Salaah. Abu Bakr Ibn Haddaad Rahimahullah mentions that he too would try to exert himself in reciting Quraan but the most he could manage was fifty nine completions of the Quraan. (Tabaqaat Ash-Shaafieeyaah Al-Kubraa) Urwa Ibn Zubair Rahimahullah used to recite a quarter of the Quraan every day while looking into the Quraan and he used to recite the same portion while standing in Salaah at night. He did this every single night except one night when his leg had to be amputated. But the night thereafter he resumed his normal habit. (Tahzeebul Kamaal) The effect of excessive Quraan recitation The Quraan will intercede for a person in the grave and will be heavy in the scales on the day of Qiyaamah. For some of the pious the noor of the Quraan shows itself in other ways as well. Naafi Ibn Abi Nuaim mentions that when ghusal had been given to the body of Abu Ja'far Yazeed Ibn al-Qa'qa Rahimahullah, the Qaari of Madina, after his demise, a page similar to a page of the Quraan could be seen between his neck and his chest. People who witnessed this had no doubt that this was due to noor of the Quraan. (Wafayaatul A'ayaan) What to do when completing the Quraan When Anas Ibn Maalik Radhi Allahu Anhu used to complete reciting the entire Quran he used to gather his family and children and make dua collectively for them. (Tabaraani)
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Friday Nasiha - Issue #444: "Surah Al-Maun (Small Kindness) - Ch 107: Vs 1-7" + Taraweeh - A Beautiful Sunnah" + "Zakah & Ramadhaan" - from YoungMuslims
Friday Nasiha - Issue #444 Ramadhaan 9, 1428, A.H. - September 21, 2007, C.E. - Living the Quran Surah Al-Maun (Small Kindness) - Chapter 107: Verses 1-7 Small Kindness "Have you seen him who denies Our religion? It is he who harshly repels the orphan and does not urge others to feed the needy. Woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayers; who put on a show of piety but refuse to give even the smallest help to others." This surah brings forth the fundamental truth intrinsic in the nature of the Islamic faith, the enormous benefit it offers to all humanity and the abundant blessings with which Allah favoured mankind when He sent them His last Message. "Have you seen him who denies Our religion? It is he who harshly repels the orphan and does not urge others to feed the needy." The surah starts with a question addressed to all who can "see", generating suspense and holding their attention in order to make them discover the target and subject of the surah. Ah! Who is this creature identified by the Qur'an as the one who denies the religion of Islam? Hence, the answer: "It is he who harshly repels the orphan and does not urge others to feed the needy." This definition of the disbelievers may sound surprising when compared with the traditional definition of faith but this is the core of the whole matter. Indeed the one who denies the faith is he who wickedly repels the orphan, humiliating him and hurting his feelings! And who does not care for the needy or their welfare. For if the truth of Islam has in any degree touched his Next, Allah offers a practical illustration of what is meant above: "Woe to those who pray, but are heedless of their prayers." These verses contain Allah's invocation against, or a threat of destruction to those who offer prayers but are careless about them. Who exactly are such? They are those "who put on a show of piety but refuse to give even the smallest help to others," those who perform prayers but do not aptly meet their requirements. They execute the mechanical aspects and pronounce the verbal formulae of prayers but their hearts are never alive to them, nor are they nourished by praying. The essence and purpose of prayer and its component parts (recitation, supplication and exaltation of Allah) are never present in their souls. Muslims are required to offer their prayers regularly, having in mind that their prayers are a manifestation of their servitude to Allah alone. Thus, prayer leaves no result in those who are neglectful and inattentive to it. Consequently they refuse to be kind or helpful to their fellow beings and deny the slightest charity to any of the servants of Allah. >From all these, we gather the purpose behind what Allah demands of His >servants when He instructs them to believe in, and worship Him. He seeks no >benefit thereof for Himself, as He is All-Affluent, but all He cares for is >their own welfare and prosperity, purification of their hearts and happiness >in their lives. Allah wishes human life to be elevated, happy, based on pure >motives and characterized by mutual compassion, brotherhood and purity of >hearts and behaviour. Source: "In The Shade Of The Quran" - Sayyid Qutb Understanding the Prophet's Life Taraweeh - A Beautiful Sunnah Basis The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was the first to establish the Sunnah of congregational prayer of taraweeh in the Masjid. In the books of Bukhari and Muslim, Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) has been reported as saying: "The Messenger of Allah observed Taraweeh prayer in the Masjid one night and people prayed with him. He repeated the following night and the number of participants grew. The companions congregated the third and fourth night, but the Messenger did not show up. In the morning he told them, "I saw what you did last night, but nothing prevented me from joining you except my fear that it might be made mandatory on you in Ramadhaan."" This hadith is a clear indication that the Taraweeh in congregation was not an innovation of Umar, the second Khalifah, despite his saying to the contrary. For it was the Messenger of Allah himself who started Taraweeh by praying in congregation and then stopped only when he feared that it would become mandatory. After his death, the prospect of Taraweeh becoming mandatory (Fard) was impossible, since there was to be no further revelation to change any law or rule by abrogation. The Numbers Game As for the number of raka'ats in Taraweeh and Witr, the worthy ancestor, Salaf as-Saalih disagreed on the amount of Raka'ats. These numbers are mentioned for raka'ats: 39, 29, 23, 19, 13,
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "Makkah's Zamzam Mafia Is Active Once Again" + "Call of Makkah 'Is Irresistible'" + "Space for Hire in Grand Mosque?" + "Ramadhan Flasher Escapes Beating" + "Can't Get an Ex
The Middle East's Leading English Language Daily - Monday, 24, September, 2007 (12, Ramadhaan, 1428) Makkah's Zamzam Mafia Is Active Once Again Badea Abu Al-Naja, Arab News MAKKAH, 24 September 2007 - Citizens and visitors in Makkah this year hoped for a hassle-free filling system at the Zamzam refill station near Kuday roundabout. However, they have been shocked to find a gang of overstayers monopolizing the water distribution. The Zamzam mafia sells holy water, which is available free of charge, at SR16 per gallon. Arab News toured the area to see the illegal activities of the Zamzam mafia - mainly illegal Africans and South Asian nationals, especially Burmese. The Zamzam mafia is effectively managing a monopoly of Zamzam taps and prevents pilgrims and visitors from filling their cans with water. If any of the gang members manning the taps leaves, then another member of the gang takes his place. One wonders why there are no policemen at the location to stamp out this problem. People are unable to obtain even a drop of water unless they pay the gang members small fees. The mafia also physically pushes people away and is known to beat people who "invade their turf." The absence of police or officials at the location offers the overstayers a perfect opportunity to make a fast buck. Arab News also discovered that some overstayers and foreign residents adulterate Zamzam water with ordinary water and sell it to pilgrims as pure Zamzam. The absence of authority has allowed the Zamzam station to become dirty with spilt water everywhere - something that poses a serious health hazard. Arab News also learned that the various gangs that make up the Zamzam mafia fix prices and have an agreement not to step into each other's turf. They also buy hundreds of empty cans to sell to pilgrims. I approached one of the members - a Burmese man, and told him that I wanted to fill 500 Zamzam cans. "Do you have the empty cans? If you want, you can buy them from me at the rate of SR10 per can, which I'll fill for you for SR8 per gallon," he said. I haggled with him for a reduced rate but he refused saying that his price was final. I went to another man and he offered to fill it for SR7 per can. If one person could fill an average of 500 gallons per day at the price of SR8 per gallon, then they would make around SR4,000 a day. Ali Hassan, a Saudi citizen, feels frustrated by the Zamzam mafia. "Last year the place was divided into two sections. One section was for individuals and the other section was for mosques and charity organizations," he said. "The refilling process at the place was controlled by a private company. Each individual had the right to fill five gallons at one time. We used to pay SR1 per gallon. Now the whole place is under the total control of these unscrupulous overstayers," he said. Majed Samir, a Saudi citizen, arrived at the place in the afternoon to fill two gallons of Zamzam water. He said that he tried to fill it himself but was not allowed by the Zamzam mafia. In the end he had no choice but to pay them SR16 per gallon. "I agreed to pay under the condition that they would carry them to my car and they agreed. Shortly after that, the Passport Department raided the place and the mafia members ran away. After the Passport Department left, another foreigner came to me and told me that the man who offered to fill the cans for me was arrested," he said. "This second man offered to fill my cans if I paid him SR7 per can. While he was filling my gallons I saw the first man walk in. I realized then that these people even con each other. I decided to leave and not to create a big scene because it wasn't any use in the absence of the police," he added. Nizar Suwaileh said that what was happening inside the Zamzam station was a joke. He wondered how foreigners had managed to take control and why the police were not addressing the issue. "The government built this place to help people get Zamzam water without any hassle. Instead we're insulted and pushed around by these people," he added. Ayed Al-Luqmani, head of the Passport Department in Makkah, said that the department is conducting daily raids to arrest overstayers and has managed to arrest several violators. Monday, 24, September, 2007 (12, Ramadhan, 1428) Call of Makkah 'Is Irresistible' Zain Al-Alawi, Arab News MAKKAH, 24 September 2007 - It is a dream for Muslims the world over to pray at the Grand Mosque, to circumambulate the Kaaba, to kiss the Black Stone and to visit the Prophet's Mosque at least once in their lives. Every Muslim yearns for the elevating spiritual experience accompanying pra
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "Ramadhaan Focus (Parts 3 & 4)" - from Al-Islaah Publications
Ramadhaan Focus (Part 3) 1. TODAY'S HADITH Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: " The fast and the Quran, will both intercede on the day of judgement. The fast will say: O Allah ! This servant has refrained from eating and drinking and other desires; so accept my intercession for him. The Quran will submit : He did not sleep in the night ; so accept my intercession for him. Allah will accept both these intercessions." (Tibrani, Ahmad, Hakim) 2. TODAYS FOCUS: Iftaar Iftar means to conclude a fast after sunset by eating or drinking something. It is also a sunnah to make iftar soon after sunset, and it is makrooh to delay Iftar after sunset without a valid excuse. However, if someone is doubtful whether the sun has set or not, he should not make iftar until he is sure about it, because if it is proved at any time that he had made iftar even half a minute earlier than the sunset actually took place on his horizon, his fast will be rendered nullified and void. Similarly, if the weather is cloudy, it is advisable to delay iftar for a few minutes after the time of sunset. No particular meal is prescribed for iftar but it is advisable to make iftar using dates because the Holy Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) generally used dates for iftar. It is also sunnah to recite the following du'a (prayer) while making iftar: "O' Allah, for you I have fasted, and in you I have believed and in You I have placed my trust and with Your provision I make my Iftar." and after having and drinking water, it is advisable to say, "Thirst has gone; veins have become wet and the reward (of the fast) has, Allah willing, been established." It is described by Hazrat Sahal bin Sa'ad(radhiyallahu anhu) that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said that: "Those who are prompt in breaking fast, will ever remain on goodness." (Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Maja) Hazrat Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu) reported that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said that: "Allah is very pleased with the man, who is prompt in breaking fast." (Tirmizi) It means that fast should be broken after sunset without waiting for the appearance of stars. Hazrat Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu) reported that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said that: "Whatever is prayed for at the time of breaking fast is granted and never refused." (Tirmizi) Hazrat Salman bin Aamir(radhiyallahu anhu) reported that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said : "Break your fast with dates. There is divine blessing in it. If the date is not available, break your fast with water, as it is pure". (Abu Dawud, Tirmizi) Hazrat Zayd bin Khalid(radhiyallahu anhu) reported Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said that: "He who helps a fasting one to break his fast will get the reward of one who fasts; and one who gives arms to a Mujahid fighter will get the reward of one who himself is a mujahid; and the reward of the fasting one or of the mujahid will not be diminished on that account." (Bayhaqi) Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu anhu) in a lengthy hadith, narrates that Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) said: "The fasting person experiences two (occasions of) delights: At the time of Iftaar and at the time when he will meet his Rabb." (Bukhari) 3. Q & A Question: Whilst fasting is it necessary to avoid the inhalation of talcum powder and spray emanating from an aerosol eg a deodorant? What I mean is when applying these things they always do get into your mouth and nose (although not a substantial amount). It's impossible to avoid it unless you cover your face. So, do these things break the fast? Answer: In principle, anything going down the throat while fasting nullifies the fast. If the talcum powder or aerosol does not go down the throat, it will not nullify the fast. (Mufti Ebrahim Desai) 4. HEALTH Diabetes Mellitus and Fasting: A medical perspective Diabetics who wish to fast may be classified into three groups according to their mode of treatment. 1.. Diet alone: No problems will be anticipated during a fast. Fasting will be of benefit to these patients provided that the total caloric intake is restricted. 2.. Diet pus oral medication(hypoglycaemic agents): Generally no problems will be experienced if these patients have their therapy modified. The principle of such modification is based upon the fact that the fasting patient consumes the greater part of his caloric intake at iftar and that the morning dose taken at suhoor needs to be reduced in view of the anticipated fast. Thus a patient on a once daily regimen should take the therapy at iftaar while the patient on a twice daily regimen should take the greater dose at at iftaar. For example, a patient on glibenclamide(eg. Daonil) 10mg for the morning and 5 mg for the evening, should take 10mg at iftaar and 5mg at suhoor. 3.. Insulin dependent:
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Suggested Program for the Muslim during Ramadaan (26869) Question: Firstly, let me congratulate you on the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadaan; I hope that Allaah will accept fasting and prayers from us and from you. I hope that I can make the most of this opportunity to do as much worship and earn as much reward as possible. I hope that you could give me a program that is suitable for me and my family so that we can make the most of this month in goodness and obedience. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. May Allaah accept all our righteous words and deeds, and help us to be sincere in secret and in public. There follows a suggested program for the Muslim during this blessed month: The Muslim's day in Ramadaan: The Muslim starts his day with suhoor before Fajr prayer. It is better to delay suhoor until the latest possible time of the night. Then after that the Muslim gets ready for Fajr prayer before the adhaan. So he does wudoo' at home and goes out to the mosque before the adhaan. When he enters the mosque, he prays two rak'ahs (tahiyyat al-masjid - greeting the mosque). Then he sits and keeps busy making du'aa', or reading Qur'aan, or reciting dhikr, until the muezzin gives the call to prayer. He repeats what the muezzin says, and says the du'aa' narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to be said after the adhaan ends. Then after that he prays two rak'ahs (the regular Sunnah of Fajr), then he occupies himself with du'aa' and reading Qur'aan until the iqaamah for prayer is given. He is in a state of prayer so long as he is waiting for the prayer. After offering the prayer in congregation, he recites the dhikrs that are prescribed following the salaam at the end of the prayer. After that if he wants to sit in the mosque until the sun has risen, reciting dhikr and reading Qur'aan, that is preferable, and that is what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to do after Fajr prayer. Then about one-quarter of an hour after the sun has risen, if he wants he can pray Duha prayer (a minimum of two rak'ahs), and that is good. Or if he wants he can delay it until the preferred time, which is when the day has grown hotter and the sun is higher in the sky - that is better. Then if he wants he may sleep to prepare himself for going to work, and he can intend by sleeping to strengthen himself for worship and earning a living, so that he will be rewarded for it in sha Allah. He should also follow the etiquette of sleep that is prescribed in sharee'ah, both actions and words. Then he goes to work, and when the time for Zuhr prayer comes, he goes to the mosque early, before the adhaan or immediately after it, and he should get ready to pray beforehand. So he prays four rak'ahs with two tasleems (the regular Sunnah before Zuhr), then he keeps busy reading Qur'aan until the iqaamah for prayer is given, and he prays with the congregation, then he prays two rak'ahs (the regular Sunnah after Zuhr). Then after the prayer he goes and finishes whatever of his work is left, until it is time to leave work. If there is a long time to go after finishing his work until the time for 'Asr prayer, then he can rest. But if there is not enough time and he fears that if he sleeps he will miss 'Asr prayer, then he should keep busy doing something suitable until the time for 'Asr comes, such as going to the market to buy some things that his family needs and the like, or going straight to the mosque when he has finished his work, and staying in the mosque until he has prayed 'Asr. Then after 'As, it depends on his circumstances. If he can stay in the mosque and keep busy reading Qur'aan, this is a great opportunity. But if he feels tired, then he should rest at this time so that he will be ready to pray taraaweeh at night. Before the adhaan for Maghrib, he should get ready to break his fast, and he should do something at this time that will benefit him, whether reading Qur'aan, making du'aa', or having a useful conversation with his wife and children. One of the best things that he can do at this time is to take part in offering iftaar to those who are fasting, whether by bringing food to them or helping to distribute it to them and organizing that. This brings a great joy which no one knows except those who have experienced it. After iftaar, he goes and prays in congregation in the mosque, and after the prayer he prays two rak'ahs (the regular Sunnah of Maghrib). Then he goes back home and eats whatever is available - without eating too much. Then he looks for a suitable way for himself and his family to spend this time, whether reading a book of stories, or a book on practical rulings, or a quiz, or permissible conversation, or any other useful idea that is of interest to the members of the family and will distracts them from the haraam things that appear in the media which regard this as their prime time, so you find
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "A Mother in Ramadhaan" - from MAW
Bismillahir Rahmaan Nir Rahim Monday - 5 Ramadhaan 1428 / 17 September 2007 A Mother in Ramadhaan Why a mother is so valuable in Ramadhaan Ramadhaan is the most important month of the Islamic year. It is in this month that the family worships Allah and practices Islam more fervently and with greater enthusiasm. The Muslim family spend precious moments of their time together during Iftaar and Suhoor. These two meals provide the fuel and blessing that grant a Muslim the physical and spiritual strength to observe the fast. The food Muslims consume plays a critical role in their worship. Allah mentions in the Quran : "Eat what is wholesome and do good deeds." In other words, wholesome and halaal food promotes good character and actions. The responsibility of ensuring that wholesome meals are provided for the family rests on the father and mother. The mother in particular has to ensure that the food that she prepares is wholesome and halaal. A few ideas on how a mother can create an Islamic home in Ramadhaan : a.. Encourage children to recite Quran regularly every day even if it be a little. This will discipline them and make them love the Quran. b.. Encourage them to fast for half a day or even an hour. This will build their confidence and make them feel part of the spirit of the fasting Muslim Ummah. c.. Let them perform Salaah together with you. d.. Teach them one new thing about Ramadhaan every day, eg. a dua, hadith, a benefit of fasting, the importance of taraweeh, etc. e.. Teach them to avoid junk food. Ramadhaan is, after all, a month of diet control! f.. Assign one of the children the responsibility for waking everyone up for Suhoor. (Off course, you will have to set your alarm clock just in case!) In Ramadhaan, especifically, there must be a constant reminder of an Islamic home! Children learn from a mother's personal example. A mother who is always there to supervise and discipline her children and who keeps busy with Salah, Qur'aan and Dua provides the most favourable Islamic atmosphere for piety and happiness in the home. A mother provides a special warmth and tenderness to the family during Ramadhaan. Ramadhaan without a mother can never be a true Ramadhaan. Ask anybody who has lost a mother within the last year how sad and empty that home now is. The Western and Islamic concept of women and livelihood The western world encourages the idea of both the spouses entering the world of work to increase the family income. As a result many young toddlers are entrusted to the care of maids, creches and day-care centers. The West has, through their mass media, drilled the point home that home-making is dull and children are a burden. This philosophy has proved to be short-sighted in many ways. While the family income and material possessions may increase the children grow up with little parental guidance. The wealth that is amassed during the early years when both parents work, later has to be used to solve drug problems, heart diseases, sleep difficulties and marriage problems caused by children who are morally bankrupt. Islam opposes the Western view. Islam recognizes the great responsibility of a woman in the family environment. A woman is the queen of her home. She plays a pivotal role in educating, guiding and motivating her husband and children. A mother is the perfect person who can create an environment in the home conducive to the teachings of Islam. Only women are uniquely qualified to be the queens of their homes. It is not by accident that pregnancy and nursing are purely feminine tasks. Allah has given women the special talents and psychological makeup needed to take care of the children. There is no substitute for a mother's love. No one can extract and bottle motherly compassion. Her patience and kindness, her willingness to sacrifice her own comforts, her natural affinity for children and her instinct of knowing the needs of her child are unique to her nature. It should be understood that Islam places the financial responsibility of earning and supporting the family upon the father. While a mother can choose to work and earn an income she needs to stay within the framework outlined by Islam in terms of her dressing, traveling, contact with strange men, fulfilling her responsility to her children and husband, etc. These guidelines set by Islam are in fact aimed at protecting and safeguarding her. For this reason she should seek employment in a protected environment and not seek employment outside this protected environment unless in extreme cases. A dua for our mothers May Allah grant our mothers the understanding of their critical role in every Muslim home. They are the spiritual pillars upon which the bricks of worship and obedience stand. If they fall or crumble the future of the Ummah is at stake. If they stand firm the Ummah will be able to produce the likes of Khalid Ibn Walid Radh
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "Ramadhaan - Q & A [Part 6 & 7]" - from Al-IslaahPublications
Ramadhaan - Q & A [Part 6] REMOVAL OF UN-WANTED HAIR Is it okay to remove hairs from underarms and bikini during fasting or should we do it after iftar? It is permissible to do so whilst fasting. INTERCOURSE Is it haram to have sex in whole Ramadaan or is it just during fasting time? It is only haraam whilst fasting. Intercourse is permissible during Ramadhaan, during th ehours one is not fasting. MARRIAGE Is marriage allowed during ramadhan? Performing Nikah during Ramadhaan is permissible. CONTACT LENSES Can you wear clear contact lenses during Ramadhaan, will it break the fast? Wearing contac lenses is not prohibited during fasting. LAIYLATUL QADR Lailatul Qadr is on odd night in the last 10 days. Please help clarify this as we have started fasting a day after most northern hemisphere countries? There is no specification of Laylatul Qadr. It could be in any one night of the entire year - Ramadaan - last ten days of Ramadaan - odd or even. Rasulullah (SAW) advised to search for Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadaan. The people of every area will calculate the even and odd days according to whenever they commenced fasting. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. TARAWEEH Is it necessary to start Taraweeh from the 1st of Ramadhaan? There are two Sunnats in Taraweeh: 1. To perform 20 Rakaats every night of Ramadhaan. This applies to the first of Ramadhaan as well. 2. To recite the entire Qur'aan in Taraweeh at least once in the entire month. This recitation of the entire Qur'aan may commence and complete on any chosen date, provided that at least one entire recitation of the whole Qur'aan is made in Taraweeh Salaat. DEATH IN RAMADHAAN Is there any significance about death in the holy month of Ramadhan? Should a person consider such death to be of a good omen for the deceased? Are sins of such a person forgiven? There is no reference of significance of dying in the month of Ramadhaan. However, Ramadhaan is a month of Allah's special mercy and it is hoped the deceased becomes a recepient of that special mercy by being forgiven by Allah. May Allah Ta'ala grant us an honourable death and forgive us as we are full of sins and shortcomings. We depend only upon His mercy upon us. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. MINOR HAFIZ A 12 year old boy is a hafiz, but he is not physically mature,Can this minor lead the taraweeh salaah or not? The ruling is that a minor cannot lead the congregation. TARAWEEH WITHOUT FASTING A man participated in the Taraweeh but did not fast without any legal excuse. Will his Taraweeh salaah be valid? His taraweeh salaah is valid and he will deserve recompense but he is a great sinner and defaulter for not fasting. Taken from islam.tc Prepared by Al-Islaah Publications ( www.everymuslim.net ) Ramadhaan - Q & A [Part 7] PAIN PATCH WHILST FASTING Is it permissible to wear a pain patch while fasting? A pain patch is used externally, hence, will not invalidate the fast. You may fast in the month of Ramadhaan while using the pain patch. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai] SERIOUS ILLNESS AND FASTING One of my friends has a problem with his kidneys he only has the one kidney, so this means he has to drink lots of water, which was advised for his condition by the doctors. Please could you tell me if he has to still keep his fasts during Ramadan? This depends on the seriousness of your friend's condition. If it is possible for him to fast without adversely affecting his health, then he should fast. However, if fasting will aggravate his condition and there is fear of his condition deteriorating, then he should not fast. He will compulsorily be obliged to make Qadhaa of the missed fasts. It will be advisable for him to wait until such a time of the year when the days are short, thus, facilitating easiness in keeping the Qadhaa. However, if this is also not possible and he has no hope of recovering his health, then he should pay the Fidya for every missed fast. I am trying to make up my qada fasts of ramadaan of the past years. I also suffer from Urinary bladder infection. I have to drink lot of water. Sometimes due to being busy or not remembering to drink I feel a bit burning on the urinary part. Normally I make the intention of fasting at night, sometimes when I wake up in the morning I feel that I wouldn't be able to fast because of my problem. So, then I change my mind and drink something. When I was fasting that time the sun was setting between 21:30-22:00 and the fajr was at 1:41am. I want to know whether this was a sin and whether I have to make a kaffaraa of this. Since you had a valid excuse for breaking your fast, you would not be sinful and Kaffaarah also would not apply. Mere Qadhaa will suffice. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Muhammad Kadwa] My father has diabetes, has not been fasting for many years. what
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Friday Nasiha - Issue #440: "Surah al-Tawbah (The Repentance) - Ch 9: Vs 53-54" + "Sense of Innocence" + "Hazards and Perils" - from YoungMuslims
Friday Nasiha - Issue #439 Shaban 11, 1428, A.H. - August 24, 2007, C.E. - Living the Quran Surah al-Tawbah (The Repentance) - Chapter 9: Verses 53-54 Fatal Rebellion Say: "Spend (for the Cause) willingly or unwillingly: not from you will it be accepted: for ye are indeed a people rebellious and wicked. The only reasons why their contributions are not accepted are: that they reject Allah and His Messenger; that they come to prayer without earnestness; and that they offer contributions unwillingly." The hypocrites, who secretly plotted against Islam, might sometimes (and they did) make a show of making some contribution to the Cause in order to keep their pretence. Their contributions were not acceptable, whether they seemed to give willingly or unwillingly, because rebellion and disobedience were in their hearts. Three reasons are specifically given for their rejection: 1.. They did not believe; 2.. Their prayers were not earnest, but for mere show; and 3.. In reality their hearts were not behind the contributions which they offered. Nothing is acceptable to Allah which does not proceed from a pure and sincere heart. But this does not absolve, rather only warns. The obligations of Islam, of whatever nature they be, must be performed, whatever the condition of the heart, and forgiveness sought for deficiencies. Source: "The Glorious Quran" - Abdullah Yusuf Ali "Tafsir Ishraq al-Ma'ani" - Sayyid Iqbal Zaheer, Vol 5, pp. 66, 67 == Understanding the Prophet's Life Sense of Innocence The Messenger loved children, with their innocence, gentleness, and ability to be present in the moment. Close to God, close to his own heart, he remained attentive to those who primarily understood the heart's language. He kissed them, carried them on his shoulders, and played with them, reaching toward their innocence, which is in its essence the expression of a permanent prayer to God. Children, like angels, wholly belong to God. They are signs. The Prophet's attitude was a constant reminder of this: thus if his ritual prayer to God was disturbed by a baby crying - the infant, in effect, praying to God by invoking his or her mother - the Messenger would then shorten his adult's prayer as if to respond to the child's prayer. The Messenger, moreover, drew from children his sense of play and innocence; from them he learned to look at people and the world around him with wonder. >From watching children experience beauty he also more fully developed his >sense of aesthetics: in front of beauty, he wept, he was moved, he sometimes >sobbed, and he was often filled with well-being by the poetic musicality of a >phrase or by the spiritual call of a verse offered by the Most Gracious, the >Infinitely Beautiful. Source: "In The Footsteps of The Prophet" - Tariq Ramadan, pp. 213,214 == Blindspot! Hazards and Perils Rejoice you must, in the mercy and blessing and generosity of Allah. Seek you must, for the treasures that await your search herein. But the Qur'an opens its doors only to those who knock with a sense of yearning, a sincerity of purpose and an exclusive attention that befit its importance and majesty. And only those are allowed to gather its treasures, while they walk through it, who are prepared to abandon themselves completely to its guidance and do their utmost to absorb it. It may quite possibly happen therefore that you may read the Qur'an endlessly, turn its pages laboriously, recite its words beautifully, study it most scholarly, and still fail to make an encounter with it that enriches and transforms your whole person. For, all those who read the Qur'an do not profit from it as they should. Some remain unblessed; some are even cursed. The journey has its own hazards, as it must, just as it has its own precious and limitless rewards. Many never turn to it, though the Book always lies near at hand, and many are turned away from its gates. Many read it often, but come back empty-handed; while many others who read it never really enter its world. Some do not find, but are lost. They fail to hear God even among His own words; instead, they hear their own voices or those other than God's. Still others, though they hear God, fail to find inside themselves the will, the resolve and the courage to respond and live by His call. Some lose even what they had and, instead of collecting priceless gems, they return with back-breaking loads of stones which will hurt them for ever and ever. What a tragic misfortune it would be if y
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "Ramadhaan Focus (PART 2)" - from Al-Islaah
Ramadhaan Focus (PART 2) 1. TODAY'S HADITH Hazrat Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that: " The wage for every man's deeds is increased (at least ) ten times; but for fasting; Allah's declaration is: "Fasting is an exception to this rule. Fasting is only for Me and I will apportion its reward. It is for Me that my creature gives up food and desires." (Bukhari, Muslim) 2. TODAYS FOCUS SUHOOR(Sehri) 'Suhoor' is the meal one takes in the last hours of the night before the commencement of a fast. It is a Sunnah to have 'Suhoor'. If someone has no appetite at that time, it is advisable for him to have something light. Even by having a few sips of water the sunnah of suhoor can be fulfilled. Although the 'Suhoor' can be had any time after midnight, but it is more advisable to have it in the last hour of the night immediately before the break of dawn. The 'Suhoor' can be continued up to the break of dawn. But in order to be on the safe side, it is advisable to refrain from eating or drinking a few minutes earlier than the break of dawn. Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri(radhiyallahu anhu) reported that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that: " Eating at Sehri is a blessing. If nothing else is available, drink some water. Allah and his angels send blessings to those who eat Sehri." (Ahmad) It is described by Hazrat Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu) that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that: "The best food for Sehri is date." (Abu Dawud) . In Tibrani, this statement is from Hazrat Saed bin Yazid(radhiyallahu anhu) in which there is also a prayer for divine blessing. Hazrat Abdullah bin Harith(radhiyallahu anhu) said that once he went to Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) when he was eating Sehri. When I met him, he said : "Allah has given His blessings, to Sehri, so you should never miss it". (Nasai) Hazrat Amr bin al Aas(radhiyallahu anhu) reported that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said : "The difference between our fasting and that of the people of the scriptures is that of Sehri." (Muslim) Hazrat Anas bin Malik(radhiyallahu anhu) reported that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said : "Do eat Sehri, in which there is blessing". (Bukhari, Muslim) Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) called Hazrat Arbaz bin Sarya(radhiyallahu anhu) to join him in eating Sehri(suhoor) with the words : "Arbaz, come to the auspicious food". (Abu Dawud) Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas(radhiyallahu anhu) says that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, "Have some sleep at noon, to facilitate waking up in the night and eat something at Sehri(suhoor), to gain strength for fasting". (Ibn Maaja) 3. Q & A Question: I am an Asthma patient. Is it permissible for me to use the inhaler during fasting? The inhaler contains salbutamol (liquid medication). If it is not permissible, what should I do when I get an asthma attack during fasting? Answer: Since the inhaler contains a medication (salbutamol), the use of it in the state of fasting will invalidate the fast. We advise you take medication at the time of Sehri to avoid an asthma attack. However, should you get the attack during fasting, if there is no adequate alternative which does not break the fast, you may use the inhaler and make-up for that fast later (make Qadhaa).(Mufti Ebrahim Desai) 4. HEALTH Asthma and Fasting: A medical perspective Asthma is not a contra-indication to fasting. Long acting preparations eg. Euphyllin retard, Volmax, Serevent should be used. An acute attack may necessitate termination of the fast.(Source: IMA) 5. EVENTS IN RAMADHAAN Amongst the wives of Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam), Sayyidina Khadija(radhiyallahu anha) departed from this world in the month of Ramadhaan. 6. RAMADHAAN IN GERMANY Together with believers in Muslim countries throughout the world, Muslims living in Germany have entered the month of Ramadan. Ramadan in Germany takes place in a totally different atmosphere than in countries with a Muslim majority. Public and social life continues with the same speed and the running of the day does not know any interruptions, like for the Iftar. A difference also lies in the length of the day in Germany, which is a challenge in the summer, but is quite short in the winter period. This year the sun rises roughly at 8 am and sets at 4 pm. Only those of the estimated 3.5 Million Muslims living in Germany, who live in one of the Islamic quarters of Berlin or the Ruhr area with a high percentage of Muslims living there might be reminded of the empty streets of Cairo or Istanbul during Iftar. Ali Ozkan, a Muslim from Berlin, was quoted by the Islamic Newspaper saying that it was a sign of this blessed month that the social life of Muslims becomes more noticeable than during the rest of the year. That food is offered everywhere and people eating and drinking can be s
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Friday Nasiha - Issue #443: "Surah al-Baqarah (The Cow) - Ch 2: Vs 165 (Partial)" + "Sunnah's to Follow in Ramadan" + "Unlawful Corporate Earnings" - from YoungMuslims
Friday Nasiha - Issue #443 Ramadan 2, 1428, A.H. - September 14, 2007, C.E. - Living the Quran Surah al-Baqarah (The Cow) - Chapter 2: Verse 165 (Partial) Ramadan - The Month of Love "those who have faith (i.e. are Muslims) are stronger in their love for Allah." Concept of Love The first thing that is needed is to actually conceptualize what love really is. We all know that love has many manifestations, degrees, and types. The way a child loves his or her parents is not the same as the way a woman may love her husband, and likewise, the way a person may love chocolate, per se, is not the same way a person would love his or her Lord (or at least we hope not). However, in all of these types of love there is a common and key theme, that of sacrifice and fulfillment. The more we love something, the more we are willing to sacrifice for it, and the more we will strive to fulfill the every command and wish of our beloved. Indeed, sacrifice and fulfillment are from amongst the essential components that make up love, along with longing and cherishing. And this is why we should see that love, along with hope and fear, is a pillar of our worship. Our worship will not be complete or acceptable until it encompasses the right amounts of love, hope, and fear. Association of Love with Ramadan It is an individual's love for his/her child and family that will make them wake up in the late hours of the night to prepare a nice meal for suhur (the pre-dawn meal). In the same vein, it is an individual's love for his community that will drive him to take time off of work to ensure his fellow Muslims have sufficient food for iftar (the meal at sunset). And it is our love for Allah, as Muslims, which drives us to sacrifice the two pinnacles of desire, food and marital relations, for no other reason than the pleasure of our very Creator. Our love for Allah (glorified and praised is He) does not stop here but, rather, merely just begins. One of the key pillars of loving Allah lies in following the Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, and an exemplary role model he is. Source: "Ramadhân: The Month of Love" - Abu 'Abdir-Rahman Mohammad Navaid Aziz Understanding the Prophet's Life Sunnah's to Follow in Ramadan 1. Waking up to have suhûr, even if it is something little. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "Eat suhûr for in suhûr there is blessing." [Narrated by al-Bukhârî and by Muslim] 2. Not delaying the iftâr. The Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said: "The people will remain upon goodness as long as they hasten in breaking their fasts" [Narrated by al-Bukhârî and by Muslim] 3. Supplicating throughout the day and night, especially during iftâr time. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the prayer of a traveller." [Narrated by al-Bayhaqi 3/345] 4. Spending the nights in prayer, as well as encouraging the family to do so. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadhân out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven." [Narrated by al-Bukhârî] 5. Being generous and feeding the people iftâr. The Messenger of Allah said: "Whoever gives iftâr to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without detracting from the reward of the person fasting." [Narrated by al-Bukhârî and by Muslim] 6. Staying away from all immoral acts, especially those of the tongue. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "Fasting is not abstaining from eating and drinking alone, but it is also abstaining from vain speech and foul language. If one of you is being cursed or annoyed, he should say: I am fasting, I am fasting." [Narrated by al-Bukhârî and by Muslim] 7. Performing 'umrah. The Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said: "Perform 'umrah when Ramadhân comes, for 'umrah in Ramadhân is equal to hajj (in reward)." [Narrated by al-Bukhârî] Source: "Ramadhân: The Month of Love" - Abu 'Abdir-Rahman Mohammad Navaid Aziz Blindspot! Unlawful Corporate Earnings Essentially Lawful In principle, trading in corporate shares is lawful. A person who purchases shares in a company is merely purchasing a part of a company. When that person sells his shares, he is selling a part of the company. The purpose of trade - whether it be in retail goods or in corporate shares - is to make a profit. This requires selling at a price higher than the purchase price, which
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Friday Nasiha - Issue #442: "Surah al-Baqarah (The Cow) - Ch 2: Vs 17-20" + "Sports in Islam" + "Hospitals in the Islamic Civilization" - from YoungMuslims
Friday Nasiha - Issue #442 Shaban 25, 1428, A.H. - September 7, 2007, C.E. - Living the Quran Surah al-Baqarah (The Cow) - Chapter 2: Verses 17-20 Hypocrites "Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness. So they could not see. Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return (to the path). Or (another similitude) is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky: in it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning: they press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunderclap, the while they are in terror of death. But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith! The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (helps) them, they walk therein, and when the darkness grows on them, they stand still. And if Allah willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing; for Allah hath power over all things." The first parable means that when a person, Muhammad (Allah's peace be upon him), spread the light of Truth that discriminated right from wrong and virtue from vice, those who used their faculties properly began to distinguish between these things. But the hypocrites, who were blinded by self-interest, could not see the right path even with the help of this light. Allah deprives of the sight only he who is not a seeker of truth; who chooses error for himself instead of guidance, and who shuts his eyes to the truth. When the hypocrites themselves turned away from the light of truth and chose to wander only in the darkness of falsehood, Allah also let them go astray. And thus they become "Deaf" to hearing the Truth, "dumb" to speaking the Truth and "blind" to seeing the Truth. In the second parable, by thrusting their fingers into their ears, the hypcorites delude themselves for a while that they have escaped destruction. But they cannot, in fact, save themselves because Allah, with all His powers, is encircling them on all sides. The first parable depicts those hypocrites who in their inmost hearts did not believe in Islam at all, but had become 'Muslims' for the sake of self-interest or expediency. The second parable gives a description of those hypocrites who were suffering from doubt, suspicion and lack of faith. Though they were not wholly unbelievers, they practiced Islam only to the extent, which may not involve them in trouble. In this parable rainfall stands for Islam which came as a blessing to humanity; pitch darkness, thunder and lightning stand for the impending obstacles, the threatening dangers and the glaring difficulties which were being experienced on account of the strong resistance from the opponents of Islam. When the situation eased a little, they began to move onward on the path of Islam, but when the clouds of difficulties began to appear, or when they were given such commands as were against their self-interest or their superstitious beliefs and prejudices, they again stood still in sheer perplexity. Finally, it is important that we realize that Allah could, if He so willed, totally deprive these hypocrites also, of the power to see the Truth just as He deprived the hypocrites described in the first parable. But Allah does not do so because it is His will to give them respite to see the Truth and hear the Truth to the extent they want to see and hear it. That is why He left them with only as much power as they made use of in seeing and hearing the Truth. Source: "Towards Understanding the Quran" - Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi == Understanding the Prophet's Life Sports in Islam Features of sports in Islam are many. In fact, many Islamic obligations include physical activities in addition to spiritual activities and ways of straightening behaviour. Prayer, for example, is a spiritual purification as well as motions for the body. Hajj also involves physical effort in its various rituals. So do visiting fellow Muslims and the sick, and walking to mosques. All kinds of social activities in Islam can be considered to be a physical exercise of the body and a way to strengthen it, as long as these activities are done moderately. Among the sports that the Prophet, peace be upon him, played are the following: 1. Running. It was a form of training for traveling, jihad, seeking provision, etc. It was reported by Ahmad ibn Hanbal that the Prophet raced Aishah and she outran him. Then they had another race where he outran her, whereupon he said, "This time makes up for the other." 2. Horsemanship and horse racing. In Sahih Muslim it is reported that Allah's Messenger said, "Ride horses, for they are the le
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "Ramadhaan Focus (Part 1)" - from Al-IslaahPublications
Ramadhaan Focus (Part 1) 1. TODAY'S HADITH Hadhrat Abu Hurairah(radhiyallahu anhu) reported that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "If a man fasts but does not give up telling lies and doing wrong, Allah has no need that he should merely give up food and water." (Bukhari) 2. TODAYS FOCUS: WELCOMING RAMADHAAN & VIRTUES OF RAMADHAAN By Husain Aal Ash-Sheikh Brothers and sisters in Islaam! A great month has come to you carrying with it great blessings. It is a month in which good deeds are multiplied. Witnessing this month is a great blessing for which we should be grateful to Allaah. It is an opportunity to do good deeds so that one can achieve Paradise and safety from Hell. Allaah says, "O you who believe! Observing fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may be pious." (Al Baqarah: 183). The Messenger of Allah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, 'Fasting and reciting Qur'aan intercede for the slave on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: O Allah, I prevented him from eating and satiating his lawful lust, so let me intercede on his behalf; and the Qur'aan will say: I prevented him from sleeping during the night, so let me intercede for him.' (Ahmad & Tabaraani) Fellow Muslims! Ramadaan is a month of forgiveness and mercy. The Messenger of Allah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, 'When Ramadaan comes, the doors of Paradise will be opened and the doors of Hell will be closed, and the devils will be chained.' (Bukhari & Muslim). Therefore let the month of Ramadaan be an opportunity for self-examination in order to amend what is damaged. Let this month be a good starting point towards a bright future and a turning point toward better conditions, sayings and deeds. Brothers and sisters in faith! There are lessons in the changing of the times as there are reminders in the pages of history. Whenever a month of Ramadaan passes by us, the memories of the great Battle of Badr and its victory is rekindled in us. Yes, Ramadaan reminds us of the victories of Muslims like those battles of Yarmook and Al-Qaadisiyyah. We should then bear in mind that those distinguished Muslims who fought in those battles and won did not attain glory and victory nor achieve happiness and power except through their strict adherence to Islaam in all spheres of their lives. They dedicated all their acts of worship to Allaah alone and earned as a result glory and exaltation for this religion. Let the present Muslim nation - who live in different kinds of affliction be aware that there is no way out of the present predicaments except by making a sincere return to Allaah and make a real adherence to the path of His Messenger(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam). Those are the basics for reform, glory, success and victory for the last of this (Muslim) nation can never be in order except by what put the earlier Muslim nation in order. Brothers and sisters in faith! The month of Ramadaan is a month of generosity and kindness. Ibn Abbaas(radhiyallahu anhu) said, 'The Messenger of Allaah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) was the most generous person and he used to be even more generous in the month of Ramadaan when Jibreel(alaiyhis salaam) would meet him. And he used to meet him every night in Ramadaan until the end of the month while the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) would recite the Qur'aan for him and when Jibreel(alaiyhis salaam) met him he was more generous than a rain-bearing wind.' Dear Fellow Muslims, there are various ways of being generous. Let everyone, then, be generous in whatever way he can. Whoever is generous to the slaves of Allaah with favours and gifts, Allaah will also be generous to him. Among the most prominent types of generosity is to feed the hungry and attend to the needs of others. The Messenger(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) of Allaah said, 'Whoever provides food for a fasting Muslim to break his fast, he will have the same reward as that of the fasting Muslim without reducing anything of his own reward.' (At Tirmizi) Allaah says, "And they give (others) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be successful." (Al-Hashr: 9). Dear Muslims! There are in the world today poor Muslim people who have been exiled from their lands. They presently have a difficult life. They are killed, expelled and have their homes demolished. Do remember them and spend whatever you can to feed ,clothe and obtain medication for them. Allah says, "And whatever you spend of anything (in Allaah's cause), He will replace it. "And He is the Best of providers." (Saba': 39). Remember your oppressed brothers all over the world and pray for them. The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, 'There are three persons whose prayer will not be rejected .' and he mentioned among them '.a fasting Muslim when he breaks his fas
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Friday Nasiha - Issue #438: "Surah al-Mumtahana (The Tested Woman) - Ch 60: Vs 12" + "Monasticism" + "Key Concepts in Islamic Banking" - from YoungMuslims
Friday Nasiha - Issue #438 Rajab 26, 1428, A.H. - August 10, 2007, C.E. - Living the Quran Surah al-Mumtahana (The Tested Woman) - Chapter 60: Verse 12 Women's Individuality "O Prophet! When believing women come to thee to take the oath of allegiance to thee, that they will not associate in worship any other thing whatever with Allah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit adultery (or fornication), that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood, and that they will not disobey thee in any just matter; then do thou accept their allegiance, and pray to Allah for the forgiveness (of their sins): for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." The individuality of a woman is a principle of religion. In Islam, a woman is an independent entity, and thus a fully responsible human being. Islam addresses her directly and does not approach her through the agency of Muslim males. A woman would assume full capacity and liability once she has attained maturity and has received the message of Islam. Moreover no woman is said to have truly accepted the message of Islam unless she does so out of her independent will. Admission to faith is entirely a personal matter; indeed, faith cannot be adopted by proxy. Women, just like men, would come to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and pledge their own allegiance to Islam and the Prophet. Muslim women, on the strength of their unshakable personal faith, used to work for the propagation of Islam. Many of them helped to promote the cause of Islam within their respective family circles, through discussion and debate. Arwa bint Abdul Muttalib was one such lady who used to support the Prophet (peace be upon him) and to argue in his favour. She always urged her son to help the Prophet (peace be upon him) and to do whatever he asked him to do. Another such lady was Um Shuraik who used to move secretly among the ladies of Quraish to solicit and convert them to Islam. She had converted many before she was exposed. The people of Mecca warned her that she would have suffered but for her kin. (Al Isabah) If embracing Islam by a woman is an entirely personal matter in the Islamic tradition and cannot be done through proxy, so are all obligations and duties, which Islam enjoins on her. No one else can do them on her behalf. She performs her acts of worship purely on the basis of her own intention; and as such these are treated in Islam as her personal achievements. On the basis of her own action, a woman earns reward or punishment. No man is allowed to plead or intercede for a woman, nor is he held responsible for her actions and their consequences. The doctrine of ultimate accountability does not take the family as a unit for collective responsibility; rather, each individual male or female, is an autonomous unit of reckoning in front of God, and is held directly responsible for his or her actions or his or her share in joint acts. Source: "On the Position of Women in Islam and in Islamic Society" - Hassan al-Turabi == Understanding the Prophet's Life Monasticism "All of Creation are Allah's dependents - and the best of them in the sight of Allah are those who provide the greatest benefit to his dependents." [Mu`jam al-Tabarânî al-Kabîr (9891)] The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized that we can attain Allah's love by helping other people in their worldly needs. Since Islam calls upon its adherents to be actively engaged in making a contribution to the world and to human welfare, we find that it categorically prohibits monasticism. We must understand that monasticism is the idea that it is an act of devotion to renounce the world altogether and focus purely on spiritual concerns and the goal of the Hereafter. Three of the Companions once asked the Prophet's wife to describe to them the Prophet's worship. When she did so, they found it to be less than they aspired to. They said: "How can we compare our state to that of the Prophet (peace be upon him)? His sins, past and future have been forgiven." Then one among them said: "I will pray throughout the night, every night." Another among them said: "I will fast every day without break." The third among them said: "As for me, I will renounce women and never marry." Later, the Prophet (peace be upon him) came to them and said: "Are you the ones who said those things? Whereas, by Allah, I am the most God-fearing and devout among you; yet I fast at times and at other times leave off the fast, I observe prayer and sleep as well; and I marry women. Whoever desires something other than my way is not of me." [Sahîh al
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "The Beauty of the Quran can NEVER be Challenged" + "Abdullah Ibn Abbaas Radhi Allahu Anhuma - The Great Mufassir" + "Muslim Rulers who fear Allah Azza Wajal" + "A Great Sch
Bismillahir Rahmaan Nir Rahim Monday - 27 Shabaan 1428 / 10 September 2007 The Beauty of the Quran can NEVER be Challenged Abdullah Ibn al-Muqaffa was from Khurasaan in Persia. He was born in Iraq and was a Fire-worshipper. He later accepted Islam at the hands of Isa Ibn Ali. He was an author and poet of repute. His eloquence in Arabic has been noted by many scholars. He is recognized as a scholar in the science of Arabic grammar and rhetoric. He has written a number of books regarding the Arabic language. He has also translated works of Aristotle into Arabic. His words and poetry are quoted by a number of the famous mufasireen of the Quran like Imam Qurtubi, Allamah Aaloosi, Zamakhshari Rahimahumullah and others. He is famous for his translation of Kalilah Wa Dimnah from Persian into Arabic. Kalilah Wa Dimnah was then translated from Arabic into Spanish, Latin, Hebrew, French, English, etc and had an enormous impact on European literature. It is a book about fables where animals have been given human qualities with the aim of teaching a moral lesson. Stories of this type have reached English literature with the likes of 'The hare and the tortoise, 'The fox and the crow' and 'The lion and the mouse.' A famous saying of Ibn al-Muqaffa that shows his mastery in the Arabic language is quoted below : قول بلا عمل كثريد بلا دسم وسحاب بلا مطر وقوس بلا وتر “Words without action are like gravy without fat, Or a cloud without rain, Or a bow without a string." (Tafseer Qurtubi) This same Ibn al-Muqaffa, the most eloquent scholar of his time, decided to challenge the Quran by compiling some beautiful verses in Arabic. He did compile something but while walking one day he heard a young boy reciting this verse of the Quran: And it was said: "O earth! Swallow up your water and O sky! Withhold (your rain)!" And the water was made to subside. And the Decree (of Allah) was fulfilled. The Ark rested on Mount Judi and it was said: "Away with those who do wrong!" (Surah Hud Verse 44) He returned and erased what he had compiled saying : “I testify that this (Book) can never be challenged. It is not the words of man.” (Tafseer Aaloosi) Allaahu Akbar!. The Quran is a book that is beyond the capability of any man to produce even one verse which is the like of it. Lesson Many similar incidents have been recorded in history where masters in the Arabic language were left speechless when they heared the Quran being recited. The Arabs, during the time of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, were experts in Arabic poetry but they too were forced to acknowledge the superiority of the Quran. Any person who is well versed in Arabic will appreciate the eloquence and beauty of the above verse of the Quraan. In fact, every verse of the Quran is exceptionally beautiful. Every verse of the Quran is filled with wisdom and guidance for mankind. It is indeed a loss to man himself when he ignores the message of the Quraan. Successful are those who recite it, understand it and practice upon its golden teachings. == Monday - 13 Shabaan 1428 / 27 August 2007 Abdullah Ibn Abbaas Radhi Allahu Anhuma - The Great Mufassir An incident mentioned in Uyoonul Akhbaar of Ibn Qutaibah and Al-ma'rifah wa at-taarikh of Fasawi shows the great scholarly status of Abdullah Ibn Abbaas Radhi Allahu Anhuma. Once the king of Rome sent a letter to Muawiyah Radhi Allahu Anhu asking him certain questions. Muawiyah asked Abdullah Ibn Abbaas to respond. The answers of Ibn Abbaas showed his thorough knowledge of the Quran and the religion of Islam. The questions and answers are as follows: Which are the five phrases most loved by Allah? First, Laa ilaahaa illallaah (No action is accepted by Allah except if accompanied by the belief in Laa ilaaha illallaah) Second, Subhaanallah (The salutation of the creation to Allah) Third, Alhamdulillah (The phrase of appreciation) Fourth, Allahu Akbar (The starting phrase of Salaah, Ruku and Sajda) Fifth, Laa howla wa laa quwwata illa billaah (There is no power and might except in Allah. The king of Rome should understand the reason for this well.) Which man and which woman were the most esteemed servant of Allah? Adam was the most esteemed male servant of Allah because Allah created him with His own Hands and taught him the names of things. The most esteemed female servant of Allah was Maryam, the daughter of Imraan, because she guarded her chastity. What four things had a soul but were never in the womb of a mother? Adam, Hawwa, the staff of Musa which turned into a serpent and the ram which was to be sacrificed in place of the prophet Ismail. Which grave moved around with its inmate? The fish that swallowed the prophet Yunus. Which portion of earth was struck by the sun only once? The portion of sea which split open for the Bani Israa’eel to pass through. What is the
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Friday Nasiha - Issue #437: "Surah al-Anfal (The Spoils of War) - Ch 8: Vs 24 (Partial)" + "Listening Skills" + "Atheists are Polytheists!" - from YoungMuslims
Friday Nasiha - Issue #437 Rajab 19, 1428, A.H. - August 3, 2007, C.E. - Living the Quran Surah al-Anfal (The Spoils of War) - Chapter 8: Verse 24 (Partial) Living Through Quran "O you who believe, respond to Allah and His messenger as they call you to that which gives you life" The Quran came to change the beliefs, behavior and outlook of all who are astray. It came to guide them to the true happiness and the way of life that one should follow in this life. Al-Suddi, an early commentator on the Quran, stated that this verse means that Islam gave the Companions true life after they were truly dead in disbelief. The difference between faith and disbelief is truly comparable to the difference between life and death. Knowing the Quran, that source of life to which Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) is calling every human, as opposed to not knowing it is also comparable to the difference between life and death. The effect of the Quran can clearly be seen in the first generation of Muslims. These were the people who were given life by the Quran. They were taken from darkness into light. The example they set is the example that all later generations who believe in the Quran must aspire to. The Change in the Arabs Brought about Through the Quran Perhaps one of the best descriptions of the change that took place among the Muslims can be seen in the famous statement of the Companion Jafar ibn Abu Taalib who was asked by the Negus of Abyssinia about the mission of the Messenger. He told him: "O king, we were an ignorant people, worshipping idols, eating carrion and indulging in sexual pleasures. We teased our neighbors, a brother oppressed his brother, and the strong devoured the weak. At this time a man rose among us, who had already been known to be truthful, noble and honest. This man called us to Islam. And he taught us to give up worshipping stones, to speak the truth, to refrain from bloodshed, and not to defraud the orphans of their property. He taught us to provide comfort to our neighbors and not to bring a slander against chaste women. He enjoined upon us to offer prayers, observe fasts and give alms. We followed him, gave up polytheism and idolatry and refrained from all evil deeds." That generation, in turn, took the message to the rest of the world. They were clearly a people who were taken from darkness into light and to the straight path of Allah. When asked by the Emperor of Persia what brought the Muslims to their lands, two different Companions answered in similar terms: "Allah has sent us to take whoever wishes from the servitude of mankind to the servitude of Allah and from the tightness of this world to its expanse and from the injustice of the ways of life [in this world] to the justice of Islam." Why Doesn't the Quran Have the Same Effect Today? The reason why the Quran does not have the same effect today has nothing to do with the essential nature of the Quran- as it will always be the true guidance that is ever available to take mankind from darkness into light. The source of the problem is in the way that many of today's believers approach the Quran. The possible reasons for this kind of situation could be many. In general, though, four, which were mentioned in the introductory chapter, stand out glaringly: (1) Some Muslims emphasize secondary aspects of the Quran while ignoring its more important primary aspects; (2) Too many Muslims do not recognize and understand the primary goals of the Quran; therefore they read it but do not get out of it what it desires (3) In addition, some Muslims do not approach the Quran in the proper manner, missing the essential link between what it teaches and how it is to affect mankind; and (4) Even when the above obstacles or problems are overcome, still some Muslims do not interpret the Quran in the proper manner and, hence, although they read it they do not get its correct teachings from it. Source: "How to Approach and Understand the Quran" - Jamal ad din Zarabozo == Understanding the Prophet's Life Listening Skills Psychology teaches us that, though you are not necessary going to convince others or change their minds by listening to them, you are going to endear them to you and make them more sympathetic. One of the most notable qualities of great and influential people is their ability to listen to others and to show them proper regard. A delegation of Mecca 's polytheists once came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) to object to him. They spoke at length until they had nothing more to say. Only then did the Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke up and ask: "Are you done?" When they told him
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Friday Nasiha - Issue #436: "Surah al-Fussilat (Revelation Well-Expounded) - Ch 41: Vs 34-35 " + "Water leftover after people have drunk from the pot" + "Islam In Nigeria" -
Friday Nasiha - Issue #436 Rajab 12, 1428, A.H. - July 27, 2007, C.E. - Living the Quran Surah al-Fussilat (Revelation Well-Expounded) - Chapter 41: Verses 34-35 Reconciliation through coexistence "Nor can Goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate! And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune." When the Caliph Umar b. al-Khattab entered Jerusalem to receive the keys to the city, he was invited to pray inside the church, but he declined. He refused to do so, though he was in a position of strength and could do as he pleased. He refused, though he did not in any way disdain praying in the church. He said, showing great foresight and sensitivity: "I fear that if I pray inside, the Muslims of future times will wish to pray in the same spot and will cause discomfort for the church's congregation." Umar, instead, prayed outside the church and spoke a guarantee to the Christians for their lives and security. Too many people see the idea of coexistence as merely a strategy to resort to in times of weakness. This is not true at all. What we see if we observe the world is that coexistence really comes into full flower and sets its roots deep when there is strength. The societies, which have the power to promote coexistence and peace, are the same ones who have the power to instigate and successfully conduct a war. By contrast, those who are weak can neither conduct war nor bring about peace. It is, indeed, at times of weakness and instability that we find the noble idea of coexistence to be most imperiled. Though Richard the Lionhearted had once killed 2,700 Muslim prisoners of war on a single occasion and hung their bodies around the walls of the city of Acre, breaking the agreement he had made with the Muslims, we see that Saladin, when he retook Jerusalem, guaranteed the lives of everyone, Jews and Christians alike, though he was more than capable of exacting revenge. He instead entered into the Treaty of Ramla with Richard on the 2nd of September, 1192, whereby the city would stay in Muslim hands but would remain open to Christian pilgrimages. This is one of the hallmarks of coexistence in medieval history. Muslim history, which is full of periods of strength and victory, is at the same time a testament to coexistence in action. It is a history of peace treaties, agreements, and covenants with others. The success of coexistence depends upon the airing of rational voices willing to engage in fruitful dialogue, through which desired results can be achieved with ease. By contrast, the failure of coexistence is ensured when irrational and foolish voices take over, of people who care nothing but for the gratification of their own interests. Such people rely upon the discourse of strength and coercion in their understanding of the world and in their decision-making. Such are people who see conflict as the key to dealing with others. They cannot look at things from the vantage point of our shared humanity, our universal values, and the common needs and interests that all people have. Kind treatment, genuine concern and friendship, treating others well in words and in deeds - these are the ways to bring an end to hatred and reconcile people as mentioned in the verse. Coexistence preserves human life. It opens the doors to dialogue. It is the atmosphere in which the Message of Islam prospers, where it can present itself with the reason, evidence, and logic that so enriches the Quran. Source: "Coexistence is Strength" - Salman al-Oadah == Understanding the Prophet's Life Water leftover after people have drunk from the pot According to the shariah, such water is considered pure regardless of whether the one who drank from the pot was a Muslim, an unbeliever, a person in post-sex impurity or a menstruating woman. Although Allah says in the Qur'an, "Verily, the idol worshippers are impure" (at-Taubah) this is a reference not to their physical state, but to their false beliefs and creed. They may come into contact with dirt or impurities, but this does not mean that their possessions or bodies are impure. In fact, they used to mix with the Muslims. Their emmissaries and delegations used to visit the Messenger of Allah and enter his mosque. The Prophet, upon whom be peace, did not order that the objects they touched be cleansed. As for mensturating women, 'Aishah said, "I used to drink (from a container) while I was menstruating. I would then pass it to the Messe
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Friday Nasiha - Issue #434: "Surah al-Maidah (The Table) - Ch 5: Vs 100 (Partial)" + "The Teacher" & "Validating Faith" - from YoungMuslims
Friday Nasiha - Issue #434 Jumada al Thani 28, 1428, A.H. - July 13, 2007, C.E. --- Living the Quran Surah al-Maidah (The Table) - Chapter 5: Verses 100 (Partial) Good and Evil "The evil and the good are not equal, even though the abundance of the evil things might make you pleased with them." This verse outlines for us a standard of evaluation quite distinct from the standards used by the superficial people of our world today. For such people, for instance, a hundred dollars are worth more than five dollars, since a hundred is more than a five. But, according to this verse, if those hundred dollars have been earned through corrupt means, entailing the disobedience of God (such as by stealing, usurping the wealth of orphans or the weak, selling Haram or forbidden things, or through Riba or interest), the entire amount becomes unclean. On the other hand, if a person earns five dollars while obeying God, then this amount is clean and honourable; and anything which is unclean, whatever its quantity, cannot be worth more than that which is clean. A drop of perfume is more valuable than a heap of filth; a just ruler is more worthy of obedience and allegiance than a thousand evil, corrupt, and tyrannical leaders of the nations; a young boy or girl who spends his or her youth remembering Allah, helping others physically and spiritually, studying hard, calling others for the establishment of good, peace, and justice in the world, and helping others stay away from evil, is far more productive and dignified than hundreds of superficial youth surrounded by and subservient to their own desires, devoid of any higher purpose in life, driven by the latest fad and fashion, and who are consumers of whatever the media wants them to know, see, and buy! Surely they can't be equal! Yusuf Ali (rahimahullah) writes: "People often judge by quantity rather than quality. They are dazzled by numbers: their hearts are captured by what they see everywhere around them. But the people of understanding and depth judge by a different standard. They know that good and bad things are not to be lumped together, and carefully choose the best, which may be scarcest, and avoid the bad, though evil may meet them at every step," such as through ads, media, peer pressure, cultural practices, etc. It is interesting to note the following incidence, related by Imam al-Shafi'ee (rahimahullah), in this connection: When 'Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz (a renowned righteous and just Caliph from Umayyad dynasty) cancelled all the tyrannous taxes and returned the wealth and property that had been misappropriated by the rulers before him, one of his governors wrote to him and complained that by annulling taxes and returning the wealth to their owners, 'Umar had emptied the state treasury. Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz (rahimahullah) wrote back to him this verse. Source: "Tafseer Ishraq Al-Ma'ani" - Syed Iqbal Zaheer, and "Towards Understanding the Quran" - Abul A'la Mawdudi = Understanding the Prophet's Life The Teacher Masjid al-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque) was not only a place of worship, but also the first Islamic university. In the Masjid, there was an elevated platform known as the Suffah. Sometimes, people who had no place to live stayed on the Suffah, but more often, it was occupied by people who loved the Prophet, peace be upon him, so much that they did not want to part with the Masjid. These people came to be known as the Ashab al-Suffah. The Ashab al-Suffah spent their days and nights praying, reciting Quran and studying Islam. They sat in groups and performed Dhikr (remembering Allah), or they studied Fiqh. Once, the Prophet saw two meetings of Ashab al-Suffah taking place. In one assembly, people were making Dhikr. In the other, they were studying the religion of Islam. The Prophet said, "Allah likes both of these assemblies. Both are blessed." Then he said, "I have been sent as a Teacher" and he joined the assembly where the Sahabah were engaged in learning about the Deen. = Blindspot! Validating Faith The need to challenge, re-evaluate and consciously adopt a faith applies to all people, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Even those born into Muslim families must go through the process and accept their faith rationally. They, too, must make a personal choice and consciously adopt Islam, not just inherit it without much thought. This is vitally important because if one's intellect is not honestly and sincerely convinced of it, one's belief in Islam is invalid. To be acceptable to Allah, both heart and mind must witness the truth of
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "O Muslims! In Islam lies your honour" & "Harry Potter - Questions Muslims should be asking" - from MAW
Bismillahir Rahmaan Nir Rahim Monday - 20 Shabaan 1428 / 3 September 2007 O Muslims! In Islam lies your honour Umar Radhi Allahu Anhu was on his way to Syria. While walking he came to a shallow stream. Now, Umar Radhi Allahu Anhu was dressed in a shawl, a pair of leather socks and a turban. He jumped off his camel, removed his leather socks and placed them on his shoulder. He proceeded to wade through the water by leading his camel by its reins. Abu Ubaydah Radhi Allahu Anhu had come out to meet him. When he saw this he remarked : "O Ameerul Mu'mineen, how can you do this! You have placed your leather socks on your shoulder and you want to wade through the water leading your camel by its reins? It will displease me if the inhabitants of the city see you like this." Umar Radhi Allahu Anhu rebuked him saying : " If anybody other then you had to make such a statement, I would have given him such a punishment that would have been a lesson of the rest of the Umah. We were the most disgraced of nations and Allah granted us honour in Islam. When we seek honour in any manner besides that in which Allah has honoured us, Allah will disgrace us." (Haakim) Allah mentions in the Quran : "One who desires honour then to Allah belongs all respect." (Surah Faatir, verse10). In other words a person seeking honour and respect should fulfil Allah's commands. Allah also mentions in the Quran : "We revealed to you a Book (the Quran) in which is your remembrance." (Surah Ambiyaa, Verse 10) Ibn Abbaas interprets this as : "We revealed to you a Book in which is your honour." (Tafseer Ibn Kathir) History has repeatedly proved that this Ummah was honoured when they held firmly onto the laws of Islam. These laws of Islam are the dividing line between honour and disgrace, between progress and failure. We can never be respected without following the religion of Islam and we can never be disgraced when we follow Islam. Today Muslims are unfortunately searching for respect by knocking on the door of the West. If we could only realize that the western lifestyle is not only evil and sinful in itself but its effects and outcomes are similarly devastating. How can systems, institutions and practices that oppose Allahs laws ever result in human progression? May Allah save the Muslims from the decadent Western culture and instill in us the love for Islam. Aameen! == Monday - 22 Rajab 1428 / 6 August 2007 Harry Potter - Questions Muslims should be asking Is not Harry Potter indicative of a larger deterioration of the moral fabric in man? Why does entertainment and fun draw millions of people and why does worship and spirituality lead to boredom? Do the Harry Potter books not glorify magic and sorcery? Is the evil of sorcery and magic not being sugar-coated? Why are the non-magical people in the books despised and portrayed as boring and narrow-minded? Does the Quran and Sunnah not regard the practicing of sorcery as kufr? Does not Harry and his classmates cast spells, learn to tell the future, communicate with ghosts, study astrology and crystal gazing? Will you as a Muslim parent allow your child to engage in such actions? Is it acceptable to fight "evil magic" with "good magic", as Harry does? Are not both evil? Don't the main characters in the story unapologetically lie, steal, bully, break rules and disrespect their elders, like the professors at Hogwarts? Does this not teach children that unruly behaviour is acceptable? Has not mankind sunk to the lowest ebb when baseless fantasy controls society, considering that the release of every new edition is anxiously awaited by millions of children (and even adults!)? Can such extreme devotion and fanaticism to a book glorifying the occult be justified? Are not young minds impressionable? Would it not be a better world if reading material for the young mind promotes morally sound content? Should we turn a blind eye to the content of the Harry Potter books and allow them to continue controlling our children, our homes and our pockets? ==
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Friday Nasiha - Issue #431: "Al-Araf (The Heights) - Chapter 7: Verses 106-108", "Relieving Distress of Others" & "Integralization" - from YoungMuslims
Friday Nasiha - Issue #431 Jumada al tHAANI 7, 1428, A.H. - June 22, 2007, C.E. --- Living the Quran Al-Araf (The Heights) - Chapter 7: Verses 106-108 Miraculous Signs "(Fir'aun) said: "If indeed thou hast come with a Sign, show it forth, if thou tellest the truth." Then (Musa) threw his rod, and behold! it was a serpent, plain (for all to see)! And he drew out his hand, and behold! it was white to all beholders!" Moses was granted these two miraculous signs in order to provide testimony to his being a Messenger of God, the creator and sovereign of the universe. Whenever the Prophets introduced themselves as God's Message-bearers, people asked them to produce some miraculous sign, to perform something supernatural. In response to those demands the Prophets produced what the Quran terms as 'signs', and which are called 'miracles' by theologians. Those who tend to play down the supernatural character of such signs or miracles, and who try to explain them in terms of natural laws of causation, in fact attempt to build a mid-way house between believing and disbelieving in the statements of the Quran. Such an approach can hardly be considered reasonable. What it does demonstrate, however, is how such people can be pulled in two opposite directions. On the one hand, they are not inclined to believe in a Book which abounds in narrations of a supernatural kind. On the other hand, being born followers of their ancestral religion, they are not inclined to reject the Book which carries supernatural narrations. With regard to miracles, there are two basic questions that people should ask themselves. Did God, after creating the universe and establishing a system of natural causations therein, suspend Himself such that it is no longer possible for Him to interfere in the workings of the universe? Or does He still hold the reins to His realm in His owns Hands so that His command is enforced every moment, and He does retain the power to alter the shape of things and the normal course of events - either partially or fully, - as and when He wills? It is impossible for those who respond in the affirmative to the first question to accept the idea of miracles. For clearly miracles do not fit in with their concept of God and the universe. Honesty demands that instead of indulging in far-fetched explanations of Quranic statements on miracles, such people should clearly declare that they do not believe in the Quran. For quite obviously the Quran is explicit, even quite definite in affirming the former concept of God. As for those who, being convinced by Quranic arguments, respond in the affirmative to the second question regarding God and the universe, for them there is no difficulty in accepting miracles. Source: "Towards Understanding The Quran" - Sayyid Abul Ala Mawdudi Understanding the Prophet's Life Relieving Distress of Others One of the greatest things that will relieve a person's distress on the Day of Resurrection is his efforts in this world to relieve the distress of those who are in distress, and to help those who are in need, and to make things easy for those who are in difficulty, and to overlook the mistakes of those who err. In Muslim it is narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Whoever relieves a believer of distress in this world, Allah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection. Whoever makes things easy for those who are in difficulty, Allah will make things easy for him in this world and in the next. Whoever conceals (the faults of) a Muslim in this world, Allah will conceal him (his faults) in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah will help the slave so long as the slave helps his brother." [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 1/71, hadith no. 204.] Bukhari narrated from Abdullah ibn Umar that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The Muslim is the brother of his fellow-Muslim; he should not mistreat him or let him down. Whoever meets the needs of his brother, Allah will meet his needs, and whoever relieves a Muslim of some distress, Allah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection. Whoever conceals (the faults of) a Muslim, Allah will conceal him (his faults) in this world and the next." [Bukhari: Kitaab al-Mazaalim, Baab laa Yazlim al-Muslim al-Muslim, Fath al-Baari, 5/97.] Source: "The Day of Resurrrection in the Light of the Qur'an and Sunnah" - Umar Al Ashqar Blindspot! Integralization Islamophobia is, by and large, an occurrence visited upon Muslims by non-Muslims. Wh
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "Minarets 'don't fit' with cow bells, horns" - from NZHerald
The New Zealand Herald: Minarets 'don't fit' with cow bells, horns 5:00AM Monday May 28, 2007 By Catherine Field A view of the minaret of the mosque at the Islamic Cultural Foundation in Geneva. Photo / Reuters PARIS - Think Alpine horns, cowbells, snow-capped mountains and no minarets, that's how Swiss right-wingers want their country's landscape to look. And they want it codified by referendum. It is a proposal that is stirring fierce debate about the country's reputation for tolerance as well as concern about potential Muslim backlash abroad, similar to the outrage triggered by cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in Denmark. PARIS - Think Alpine horns, cowbells, snow-capped mountains and no minarets, that's how Swiss right-wingers want their country's landscape to look. And they want it codified by referendum. It is a proposal that is stirring fierce debate about the country's reputation for tolerance as well as concern about potential Muslim backlash abroad, similar to the outrage triggered by cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in Denmark. Those behind the initiative include 35 politicians in the country's biggest political party, the Swiss Peoples Party (SVP), which has two ministers in the coalition Government and 55 of the 200 seats in the National Council, the larger of the two chambers in the Swiss Parliament. They argue that minarets, slender towers topped with a crescent that are attached to mosques, are a symbol of "Islamist circles" seeking to widen their influence in Switzerland and, supposedly, impose Islamic law. The minaret, they say, poses a risk to community relations. They say they do not oppose mosques or Muslims' rights to worship. Instead, they argue, minarets fall under article 72 of the Swiss constitution, which allows the authorities to take measures to maintain peace among different faiths. "The minaret has nothing to do with religion," says SVP legislator Ulrich Schluer, who is president of the referendum campaign committee. "It's not mentioned in the Koran or other important Islamic texts. It just symbolises a place where Islamic law is established." In order to force the referendum, the campaign has to muster 100,000 signatures by November 2008. The Swiss have a long history of referendums, some of them touching on constitutional issues but others dealing with relatively minor issues. This move, though, has touched a painful nerve. While Switzerland is proud of its long tradition as a place of tolerance and a refuge for the persecuted, it is also a deeply conservative country where many fear the national identity is at threat from immigration, for foreigners now account for more than a fifth of the population of 7.5 million. And, as in other European countries, 9/11 has bred religious tensions. Representatives of the Muslim community are stunned by the referendum idea. "As an organisation that is helping Muslims to integrate and become model citizens, we are shocked by this initiative," says Adel Mejri, president of the League of Swiss Muslims. Mejri said the initiative was absurd, because Swiss Muslims did not even consider minarets to be a priority. Only two out of more than 140 mosques in Switzerland have a minaret, one in Geneva, the other in Zurich, and neither is used to make the traditional loudspeaker call to prayer. In two cantons, Solothurn and Bern, plans to build a minaret were opposed, but because of construction regulations. Mejri noted a report last September by the Federal Commission against Racism, which found Swiss Muslims faced widespread discrimination. This, he contended, could be worsened by the minarets affair. "We can find solutions through dialogue, but the aggressive, or dare I say 'Islamophobic', way in which this is being treated could have unforeseen consequences. This kind of initiative threatens peace and hurts Muslims," he told the agency swissinfo. Opponents of the referendum scheme brand it a propaganda stunt with an eye on parliamentary elections in October, while others fear that, like the Prophet Mohammed cartoons, it could balloon into a source of hatred of Switzerland and the Swiss in Muslim countries. Critics include Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey, who said it "endangers the safety of Swiss interests and Swiss men and women". The country's Protestant and Roman Catholic churches have rallied behind Muslims, saying the constitutional right to religious freedom permits the building of minarets. Fondue pot * Switzerland has 310,000 Muslims, only 12 per cent of whom are Swiss citizens. * Many of them are immigrants from the Balkans and Turkey. * Foreigners now account for more than a fifth of the population of 7.5 million. * Only two out of more than 140 mosques in Switzerland have a minaret.
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "What You Eat", "O My Servants ..... " & "Accurate Qibla Direction Without a Compass" - from Al-Islaah
What You Eat The slave of Hadhrat Abu Bakr(rahiyallahu anhu) used to work and bring something for his master to eat. Hadhrat Abu Bakr(rahiyallahu anhu) used to enquire about the source before consuming it. If it was acceptable, he would consume it, otherwise not. One day, as usual, the slave brought something and Hadhrat Abu Bakr(rahiyallahu anhu) ate it without enquiring about it. The slave asked in surprise:"Today you are ate without enquiring?" Hadhrat Abu Bakr(rahiyallahu anhu) said, " I am very hungry, hence I forgot. Where did you acquire this from ?" The slave replied, "I was a soothsayer during the times of ignorance and someone benefited from my services. He promised to compensate me. Today, by coincidence I passed by his place where he was having a walimah and he gave me some of that food." Hadhrat Abu Bakr(rahiyallahu anhu)'s complexion changed and he was deeply perturbed that haraam food had entered his stomach, whereas Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) mentioned that Jannah becomes haraam on that body which was nourished with haraam sustenance. He placed his finger on his tongue again and again, till he spewed everything out. He continued this until, he was satisfied that there was nothing left in his stomach. (narrated by Hadhrat Zaid bin Arqam (rahiyallahu anhu) *** So eat of the sustenance which Allah has provided for you lawful and good; and be grateful for the favors of Allah if it is He whom you serve. (Qur'an 16:114) On the authority of Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: The Messenger (peace be upon him)of Allah said: "Allah the Almighty is good and accepts only that which is good. Allah has commanded the Faithful to do that which He commanded the Messengers, and the Almighty has said: "O ye Messengers! Eat of the good things, and do right." (Quran 23:51). And Allah the Almighty has said: "O ye who believe! Eat of the good things wherewith We have provid ed you." (2:172). Then he mentioned [the case of] a man who, having journeyed far, is disheveled and dusty and who spreads out his hands to the sky [saying]: O Lord! O Lord!-while his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothing unlawful, and he is nourished unlawfully, so how can he be answered!" (Muslim) Allahummak fi-nie bi-halaal-lika a'n haraa-mika wa-agh-ni-nie bi-fadh-lika amman siwaak O Allah, Provide me with lawful livelihood adequate to my needs instead of an ill-gotten one and grant me freedom from needing anything besides Thyself. Courtesy: AL-ISLAAH PUBLICATIONS = "O My Servants . " In a hadith-e-Qudsi: On the authority of Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) relates that Allah said: "O My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another. O My servants, all of you are astray except for those I have guided, so seek guidance of Me and I shall guide you, O My servants, all of you are hungry except for those I have fed, so seek food of Me and I shall feed you. O My servants, all of you are naked except for those I have clothed, so seek clothing of Me and I shall clothe you. O My servants, you sin by night and by day, and I forgive all sins, so seek forgiveness of Me and I shall forgive you. O My servants, you will not attain harming Me so as to harm Me, and will not attain benefitting Me so as to benefit Me. O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as pious as the most pious heart of any one man of you, that would not increase My kingdom in anything. O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as wicked as the most wicked heart of any one man of you, that would not decrease My kingdom in anything. O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to rise up in one place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, any more that a needle decreases the sea if put into it. O My servants, it is but your deeds that I reckon up for you and then recompense you for, so let him who finds good, praise Allah and let him who finds other that blame no one but himself." ( related by Muslim,Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah) Courtesy: AL-ISLAAH PUBLICATIONS = Accurate Qibla Direction Without a Compass by Khalid Shaukat The Most Accurate Method It is not advisable to determine the Qibla specially for a Masjid using an ordinary compass. The following method which uses the sun is more reliable and accurate. It has been observed for centurie
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] "How Shaitaan misleads" - from MAW
Bismillahir Rahmaan Nir Rahim 4 Jamad-al Ula 1428 21 May 2007 How Shaitaan misleads >From amongst the nations of the past there was a very pious monk by the name >of Barseesa. He had devoted himself to the worship of Allah Ta’ala for seventy >years during which he had completely kept himself aloof from sin. Iblees, >seeing this, gathered together his most wretched Shayaateen and recruited the >most deceitful one of them to mislead Barseesa. This Shaitaan dressed up in >the clothing of a pious person and appeared before Barseesa as he was busy in >worship in his monastery. He first called out to Barseesa but Barseesa ignored >him. Barseesa used to raise his head from worship once every ten days and he >used to fast for ten, twenty and even more days at a time. Shaitaan then went >into the monastery and engaged himself in prayer with astounding devotion. >Barseesa began noticing his extreme sacrifice in worship and asked him what he >wanted there. Shaitaan replied that he wanted to worship together with >Barseesa and learn from him. Barseesa continued in his worship and so did >Shaitaan. Barseesa continued to notice how Shaitaan exerted himself in >worship. Shaitaan again requested Barseesa to allow him to join him in his >worship. Barseesa agreed and soon both of them would be in prayer and fasting >for many days at a time. Soon Shitaan won over the confidence of Barseesa and >taught him a few words which could cure the sick and insane. Shaitaan now went >back to Iblees and said that he had succeeded in overpowering the pious monk. Shiataan now went to another man and began strangling him. Dressed as a common person he came to the man’s family and advised them to go to Barseesa who had a cure for the man’s insanity. When the man was brought to Barseesa, he recited the words taught to him by Shaitaan and the man was ‘cured’. Shitaan soon began inflicting other people with the same ‘illness’ and directed them to Barseesa who would ‘cure’ them. Then he did the same to a young girl from the family of the king of the time. The girl had three brothers. Disguised as a physician, Shaitaan instructed them to take her and leave her in the monastery of Barseesa but they refused saying that he, being a pious person, would refuse to allow her to stay with him. Shaitaan proposed a second plan if Barseesa refused. He advised that they build a monastery close to his monastery and leave her in it. They agreed. Barseesa, as they predicted, refused to keep the girl. So, they built another monastery close to his and left her therein. One day Barseesa completed his prayers and he noticed the young girl and was taken aback by her beauty. Shaitaan began strangling her and Barseesa immediately left his worship and began to recite the words of ‘cure’ for her. She was ‘cured’ and Barseesa returned to his devotions. But, Shaitaan again strangled her and made her expose her body to Barseesa. Now, Shaitaan came to Barseesa and began whispering to him : “Fulfill your desires with the young girl! You will never find another girl like her! You can repent again thereafter!” He continued influencing Barseesa to such an extent that Barseesa finally left his worship and fulfilled his desires with the girl. She became pregnant with his child. Shaitaan again came to Barseesa and said : “Your evil action will be exposed. The only choice you have is to kill her. When her brothers return and ask about her say that the Shaitaan that inflicted her with her insanity has taken her away.” Barseesa accepted the idea, killed the young girl and buried her corpse during the darkness of night. Shaitaan then came to the brothers in a dream and told them that Barseesa had fulfilled his desires with the young girl and killed her. They did not believe it but came to Barseesa and asked him. Barseesa insisted that the Shaitaan had taken her. Shaitaan again appeared to the brothers in a dream and directed them to the place where their sister had been buried. When they dug open the grave they found their sister and realized that Barseesa had deceived them. They led him to the king and Barseesa confessed to his evil deed. The command was given for Barseesa to be killed. As Barseesa was about to be killed Shaitaan appeared before him and asked : “Do you know who I am?” “No’, replied Barseesa. “I am the person who taught you the words of ‘cure’. Do you not fear Allah? Are you not ashamed? You were the most pious of men. You exposed your evil and have destroyed the reputation of all pious men. If you die in this condition pious men after you will have no future.” “What can I do?”, asked Barseesa. Shaitaan replied : “There is one thing you can do. If you do it now I will save you by taking you away from here immediately.” “What?”, asked Barseesa. “Prostrate before me just once,” replied Shaitaan. Barseesa agreed and prostrated himself before Shaitaan. Shaitaan retorted : “This is what I wanted all alon
