THE SUPERIORITY OF THE MOTHER IN ISLAM
THE SUPERIORITY OF THE MOTHER IN ISLAM #1- From Abu Hurairah -radiallaahu anhu- who said: A man came to the Messenger of Allah -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- and said: 'O Messenger of Allah who from the people is the most deserving of my good companionship? The Messenger -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- replied: 'Your mother.' The man said: 'then who?' The Messenger -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- replied: 'Your mother.' The man said: 'then who?' The Messenger -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- replied: 'Your mother.' The man said: 'then who?' The Messenger -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: 'Your father.' [In another narration: '. . . . . the next closest relative then those closest after them.'] [Collected in 'Adab al-Mufrad' no.3, Tirmidhi and 'Irwaa al-Ghaleel' 829/2232, declared Hasan by Albaani.] In another narration: 'A man came to the Prophet of Allah -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- and said: 'What do you order me with?' The Messenger -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: 'Be good to your mother.' [Collected by 'Adab al-Mufrad' no. 6] [Collected by Bukhari in 'Kitaab al-Adab' in the second chapter: 'Who from the people is the most deserving of my good companionship?' and also collected by Muslim in 'Kitaab al-Birr wa Silat wal Adab'] Imam Nawawi said in his explanation of this hadeeth: 'The Scholars have said: the reason for the superiority of the mother is due to her becoming tired on your account, her compassion, her serving you, suffering hardship while being pregnant with you, then giving birth to you, then suckling you, then bringing you up, serving you, nursing you and other things.' [Taken from the 'Sharh Saheeh Muslim' 16/80] Ibn Hajr quotes Ibn Battaal in the explanation of this hadeeth: Ibn Battaal said: 'Malik was asked: my father requests me to do something but my mother prevents me from it.' Imam Malik answered: 'Obey your father and do not disobey your mother.' ['Fath ul Bari'10/402] #2- 'Asma bint Abu Bakr said: 'My mother came to me and she is a Mushrikah (Non-Muslim) at the time of the Messenger of Allah -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam-, so I asked the Messenger of Allah -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- about this and I said to him: 'My mother has come to me, and she is asking for me to be good to her, should I keep good relations with my mother? The Messenger of Allah -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: 'Keep good relations with her.' [Collected by Bukhari, Muslim and in the wording mentioned by Abu Dawud: 'Asma -radiallaahu anha- said: '... and she hates Islam.' 'Saheeh Targhib wa Tarhib' p.657 no. 2500] Ibn Uayainah said: Allah -Azza wa Jall- revealed: << Allah does not forbid you from dealing justly and kindly with those who did not fight against you on account of religion >> [al-Mumtahina: 8] regarding her. [Collected by Bukhari in 'Adab al-Mufrad' no. 25, declared Saheeh by Albaani in 'Saheeh Abu Dawud' (1468)] #3- It is narrated from Talha bin Muaaweeyah as-Sulamee -radiallaahu anhu- who said: I came to the Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- and said: 'O Messenger of Allah! Indeed I want to participate in Jihad in the path of Allah.' The Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: 'Is your mother alive?' I said: 'Yes.' The Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: 'Stay at her feet, for there is Paradise.' [Collected by Tabraani and Albaani declared it Saeeih li Ghayreehi in 'Saheeh Targhib wa Tarhib' 2/2484 p.649] In a similar narration from Muaaweeyah bin Jaahimah where the Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: 'Stick to your mother, since indeed Paradise is at her feet.' [Collected by Ibn Majah, Nisa'i and Albaani declared it Hasan Saheeh in 'Saheeh Targhib wa Tarhib' 2/2485] In a similar hadeeth the Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- asked: 'Do you have parents?' I said: 'Yes.' The Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: 'Stick to them, since indeed Paradise is under their feet.' [Collected by Tabrani and Albaani declared it Hasan Saheeh in 'Saheeh Targhib wa Tarhib' no. 2485] #4 - From Ibn Umar -radiallaahu anhu- who said: 'A man came to the Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- and said: 'Indeed I have committed a major sin, is there any repentance for me?' The Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: 'Do you have a mother?' He answered: 'No.' The Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: 'Do you have an aunt (mother's sister)?' He answered: 'Yes.' The Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: 'Then be good to her.' [Collected by Tirmidhi, and declared Saheeh by Albaani and in the wording collected by Ibn Hibban and Hakim: 'Do you have parents?' 'Saheeh Targhib wa Tarhib' p.658 no. 2504] #5- From al-Mughirah bin Shaybah -radiallaahu anhu- from the Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- who said: 'Indeed Allah has prohibited you from being disobedient to your mothers, and burying your daughters alive, to withhold from what Allah has allowed, claiming some
Why is Smiling a Donation?
Why is Smiling a Donation? (And smiling to your brother is donation). This is what the greatest Prophet (All Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him) said and this is what the latest researches are discovering, so let's read Researchers have studied about smiling influence on others. They have found that smiling contains strong information that can influence the human subconscious mind! They found that everyone has his particular smile that no one can share with him. Moreover, every smile contains special effect, too. They photographed these smiles and showed it slowly, hence, they noticed some specific movements. Likewise, a person can have more than one kind of smiles, regarding his mental status, what is he speaking about and the person he is speaking to... Some of the most important information of such researches, researches are talking about what you can give to others through the smile, because it is more than giving a material thing for the following reasons: When smiling you can transmit joy to others, which is a sort of donation and which can be the most important. Studies showed that sometimes man may need joy and gladness more than food and drink. Also, that joy can treat many diseases starting by heart problems. Through the smile you can transmit information to others very easily, because a word with a smile has more influence on the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging has shown that expression influence changes too much with a smile. The expression is the same , however, the influenced brain parts differ according to smile type accompanying this information or this expression. You can calm an atmosphere stain of a given situation with a soft smile. This cannot be done with money. Hence, smile is worthier and more important than money. So, the less you can give to others is smile donation. Smile and recovery: Many doctors have noticed smile influence on recovery. Therefore, some researches declare that the doctor's smile is a part of the treatment! Then, giving a smile to your friend, your wife or your neighbor, you are giving them a free remedy prescription without feeling, and this is a kind of donation. For these reasons and others, smile is considered as a sort of donation, giving and generosity. And now dear reader, do you realize why did the prophet of compassion (All Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him) say: (and smiling to your brother is donation)!! By: Abduldaem Al-Kaheel www.kaheel7.com/eng http://www.kaheel7.com/eng/index.php/legislative-miracles/193-why-is-smiling-a-donation- Source: · Smile -- And The World Can Hear You, Even If You Hide, www.sciencedaily.com, Jan. 16, 2008. Thank you -- https://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Islam prohibited women to be Unveiled....why?
Islam prohibited women to be Unveiledwhy?
Are there any harmful effects on women if they used to display parts of their
body? Let us read.
According to the latest figures, the incidence of melanoma, a potentially fatal
skin cancer, is increasing dramatically. It is currently the most common type
of cancer in young women between the ages of 25 and 29.
Researchers believe that sun exposure plays a significant role in the
development of melanoma. According to Dr. Diane Berson, an American
dermatologist says "intense sun exposure prior to age 20 may be more of a
significant risk factor for skin cancer than sun exposure past the age of 20.
Three or more blistering sunburns early in life, or three or more years of
working out of doors, (e.g. camp counselors or lifeguards), without protection,
can increase the risk of skin cancer by more than three times."
Another study held from 1973 to 2004 found that the rate of new melanoma cases
in younger women had jumped 50 percent since 1980, but did not increase for
younger men in that period.
"It's worrying," said Mark Purdue, a research fellow at the National Cancer
Institute, who led the analysis published in the Journal of Investigative
Dermatology. "What we are seeing in young adults right now could foretell a
much larger number of melanoma cases in older women." he said.
"One possible explanation is increases among young women of recreational sun
exposure or tanning bed use," Purdue said. "Both of these things have been
identified as risk factors."
Statistics say that 62,000 melanoma cases are diagnosed each year in the United
States, and more than 8,400 people die from the disease, according to the
American Cancer Society. Previous studies have shown that the rate of new
diagnoses has been increasing among adults overall.
Woman's dress in Islam
According to religion of Islam woman should only display her face and palms of
hands in front of foreigner men (indoor and outdoor) and more than that is
prohibited.
Allah Almighty tells prophet Mohamed peace be upon him to order women to do the
following: (And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at
forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts)
and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like
both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or
dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all
over Juyûbihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal
their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's
fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers or their
brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their
sisters in Islâm), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or
old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of
feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide
of their adornment. And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers,
that you may be successful.){ Sûrat An-Nûr - The Light -verse31}.
Also prophet Mohamed peace be upon him says in the right Hadith about some
indications for the imminence of day of resurrection that "there will be women
who are dressed and naked at the same time, who are reeling while walking and
their heads are like the top of the camel, those will not enter the heaven or
even smell its smell" [narrated by Abu- horraira]
Muslim women who are veiled believe that their body is valuable so it should
not be as a commodity that is exposed to everyone to evaluate.
Conclusion
The great religion of Islam doesn't approve any practice that may cause any
harm to both men and women , therefore Allah Almighty and His prophet Mohamed
peace be upon him order women to be veiled because woman's veil definitely
respects woman than exposing her parts in front of everyone.
Also, Allah Almighty didn't order women to be veiled and ordered men to do what
they want but He Almighty orders men also to respect women by not to look in
their parts because that is purer for them so that Allah Almighty tells the
prophet to inform men to:(Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from
looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal
sexual acts, etc.). That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what
they do.){ Sûrat An-Nûr - The Light -verse30}.
--
By: Abduldaem Al-Kaheel
www.kaheel7.com/eng
http://www.kaheel7.com/eng/index.php/legislative-miracles/646-islam-prohibited-women-to-be-unveiledwhy
References:
*
http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/guide/sun-exposure-skin-cancer
*
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2008/07/11/skin_cancer_on_rise_in_young_women/
* http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/article
Islam is not a Religion of Extremism
Islam is not a Religion of Extremism Allah says: "...Whosoever kills an innocent human being, it shall be as if he has killed all mankind, and whosoever saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind..." Qur'an 5:32 Islam... an extreme religion? "Islamic terrorists!" "Muslim fundamentalists!" "Extremists!" "Radical Islamists!" These are just some labels that have been wrongly applied to Muslims and certain Muslim groups in recent years. The media's portrayal of Islam often misleads those whose knowledge of the religion is limited, into making negative assumptions about this very peaceful and tolerant way of life. Peter Manning, a journalist of over 30 years, states in his book, "Us and Them": "My experience tells me there's a vast gulf between the realities of the daily lives of Arab and Muslim Australians and how they are represented in our [Australian] media. In more than 60 percent of cases [from the coverage of 2 major newspapers], the words 'violent', 'death', 'attack', 'kill', 'suicide' or 'gunmen' were in close proximity to the words 'Arab', 'Palestinian', 'Muslim' or 'Islam'. " Is it then, any wonder that most people associate Islam with terrorism? The problem of ignorance is highlighted by a survey which revealed that more than one in three Australians admit to knowing nothing about Islam and its followers. "Those with the least knowledge and personal contact with Muslims were the most likely to feel threatened by Islam," said Dr Dunn, who was commissioned by the Australia-Indonesia Institute to carry out the study. The prevalence of media bias and ignorance regarding Islam can be countered by understanding Islam through its proper teachings. That means referring to the Qur'an (which Muslims believe to be the word of God) and the authentic sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Through the proper understanding of these teachings, one will discover Islam to be completely against any form of extremism. How the Qur'an can be misunderstood When reading through the Qur'an or the sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him), one must understand the context in which the wording applies. The following verse of the Qur'an is a favourite amongst those seeking to mislead people about Islam: "And kill them wherever you find them, and expel them from where they expelled you, as persecuting people to sway them from God's Religion is worse than killing. But do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque, unless they fight you there. But if they do fight you, then slay them; This is the recompense of the disbelievers." Qur'an 2:191 On occasions, this verse has been dangerously trimmed down to the following: "And kill them wherever you find them..." Qur'an 2:191 The obvious question is, "Kill who?". To answer this question, one should read the verses before and after verse 2:191. "And fight in the way of Allah those who fight with you, and do not exceed the limits, surely Allah does not love those who exceed the limits." Qur'an 2:190 The above verse mentions fighting as a means of self defence (i.e. with those who fight you). The verse after 2:191 is: "But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." Qur'an 2:192 These verses were revealed at a time when the Muslims had been expelled from their homes on account of their faith. They endured more than ten years of persecution and eventually had to flee to a safe land. The above verses were referring to the Arab pagans of Mecca during the Prophet's time, who oppressed the Muslims and planned to attack them where the Muslims sought refuge. Hence, the above verse can only be applied in such circumstances. This example demonstrates that verses in the Qur'an should be understood in their proper context since verses were revealed in stages in relation to particular situations, over a period of 23 years. It is also important to note that the Qur'an was revealed in Arabic. Therefore, translations into different languages may be misleading and/or inaccurate. Permissible Warfare/Fighting There can be no doubt that Muslims (like anybody else) have a legitimate right to fight against aggression or when oppressed. Islam teaches that warfare is permitted in order to preserve the wellbeing of the community or to prevent oppression from spreading - this may be in the context of defensive or offensive warfare depending on the particular situation. Islam, just like any 'way of life' that wants to ensure its survival, has the right to defend itself when war is declared against it. In the Qur'an (22:39) we read: "To those against whom war is made, permission is given to fight, because they are wronged." However, when the enemy ceases its hostility, Muslims are commanded to cease fighting. "And if they incline to peace, then incline to it and trust in God; surely He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower." Qur'an 8:61 Abu Bakr (may God be pleased with him), Prophet Mohammad's closest friend and first
Science in Islam
Science in Islam "We (God) shall show them Our signs in the Universe and within themselves, until it becomes clear to them that this is the Truth." Quran 41:53 The Quran, the book of Islam, is the final book of revelation from God to humanity and the last in the line of revelations given to the Prophets. Although the Quran (revealed over 1400 years ago), is not primarily a book of science, it does contain scientific facts that have only been discovered recently through the advancement of technology and scientific knowledge. Islam encourages reflection and scientific research because understanding the nature of creation enables people to further appreciate their Creator and the extent of His power and wisdom. The Quran was revealed at a time when Science was primitive; there were no telescopes, microscopes or anything close to today's technology. People believed that the sun orbited the earth and the sky was held up by pillars at the corners of a flat earth. Against this backdrop the Quran was revealed, containing many scientific facts on topics ranging from astronomy to biology, geology to zoology. Some of the many scientific facts found in the Quran include: Fact #1 - Origin of Life "And We (God) made every living thing from water. Will they not believe?" Quran 21:30 Water is pointed out as the origin of all life. All living things are made of cells and we now know that cells are mostly made of water. This was discovered only after the invention of the microscope. In the deserts of Arabia, it would be inconceivable to think that someone would have guessed that all life came from water. Fact #2 - Human Embryonic Development God speaks about the stages of man's embryonic development: "We (God) created man from an extract of clay. Then We made him as a drop in a place of settlement, firmly fixed. Then We made the drop into an alaqah [leech, suspended thing, and blood clot], then We made the alaqah into a mudghah [chewed substance]..." Quran, 23:12-14 The Arabic word "alaqah" has three meanings: a leech, a suspended thing and a blood clot. "Mudghah" means a chewed substance. Embryology scientists have observed that the usage of these terms in describing the formation of the embryo is accurate and in conformity with our current scientific understanding of the development process. Little was known about the staging and classification of human embryos until the twentieth century, which means that the descriptions of the human embryo in the Quran cannot be based on scientific knowledge from the seventh century. Fact #3 - Expansion of the Universe At a time when the science of Astronomy was still primitive, the following verse in the Quran was revealed: "And the heaven We (God) constructed with strength, and indeed, We (God) are [its] expander." Quran 51:47 One of the intended meanings of the above verse is that God is expanding the universe (i.e. heavens). Other meanings are that God provides for, and has power over, the universe - which are also true. The fact that the universe is expanding (e.g. planets are moving further away from each other) was discovered in the last century. Physicist Stephen Hawking in his book 'A Brief History of Time' writes, "The discovery that the universe is expanding was one of the great intellectual revolutions of the twentieth century." The Quran alludes to the expansion of the universe even before the invention of the telescope! Fact #4 - Iron Sent Down Iron is not natural to earth, as it came to this planet from outer space. Scientists have found that billions of years ago, the earth was struck by meteorites which were carrying iron from distant stars which had exploded. "We sent down iron with its great inherent strength and its many benefits for humankind." Quran 57:25 God uses the words 'sent down'. The fact that iron was sent down to earth from outer space is something which could not be known by the primitive science of the seventh century. Fact #5 - Sky's Protection The sky plays a crucial role in protecting the earth and its inhabitants from the lethal rays of the sun, as well as the freezing cold of space. God asks us to consider the sky in the following verse: "We (God) made the sky a protective ceiling. And yet they are turning away from Our signs!" Quran 21:32 The Quran points to the sky's protection as a sign of God, protective properties which were discovered by scientific research conducted in the twentieth century. Fact #6 - Mountains God draws our attention to an important characteristic of mountains: "Did We not make the earth a resting place, and the mountains as stakes?" Quran 78:6-7 The Quran accurately describes the deep roots of mountains by using the word "stakes". Mount Everest, for example, has an approximate height of 9km above ground, while its root is deeper than 125km! The fact that mountains have deep 'stake'-like roots was not known until after the development of the theory of plate t
Why Islam? The Beauty and Benefits of Islam
Why Islam? The Beauty and Benefits of Islam Are all religions the same? How do I know which is correct? Why should I choose Islam? This pamphlet aims to discuss some of the beauties, benefits and unique aspects of Islam as compared to other beliefs and religions. 1. Close Relationship with the Creator At the core of Islam is the focus of an individual's personal relationship with God, their Creator. It encourages a believer to have sustained awareness of God which is a key to lasting happiness. Islam teaches that God is the source of peace. By focusing on this important relationship and following God's guidance, believers will be able to acquire inner peace and tranquillity. Seeking lasting happiness through other means, such as following one's desires or the accumulation of material possessions, will never fill the void we have. This need can only be filled with the awareness of God. True contentment is found in acknowledging and obeying the Creator: "Truly, in remembering God do hearts find rest." Quran 13:28 The primary reason for this close relationship is that Muslims have a direct connection with their Creator. There is no intermediary, such as praying to, or through, others, in worshipping God. 2. Positive Outlook on Life Islam gives a person a clear perspective on the events that happen in their life, both good and bad, as they are, in fact, tests from God. It encourages a person to understand events in the context of the overall purpose of life, which is to acknowledge God and obey Him. He created humans with intellect and free will to test them as to who will wilfully choose to follow His guidance. This life is an ultimate testing ground and although we cannot control everything that happens to us, we can control how we react. Islam encourages a person to focus on what is in their control, to be grateful to God for blessings, and to be patient during hardships. Patience or gratitude - this is the formula for a happy life. Islam encourages the believer to remain free from the extremes of worldly happiness that may cause one to forget God, and the extremes of sadness that may cause one to lose hope and blame God. By not being overly attached to the material world, a Muslim is empowered not only to better handle any calamities, but to be beneficial and generous to society. This leads to a more balanced and optimistic outlook on life. 3. Pure and Clear Concept of God Unlike other religions, Islam is not named after its founder or the community of its birth. Islam is an attributive title that signifies obedience to God, the Creator of the Universe. One of its main beauties is that it acknowledges the complete perfection, greatness and uniqueness of God with absolutely no compromises. This is reflected in Islam's pure teachings of the attributes of God. God is One and Unique: God has no partners, no equals and no rivals. God has no father, mother, sons, daughters or wives. God alone is worthy of all worship. God is the All-Powerful: God has full authority and power over all things. Obedience to God does not increase His Power, nor does disobedience decrease His power. God is the Most High: There is nothing above or comparable to God. The attributes of God do not resemble that of His creation. No part of God is present in anyone or anything. God is Perfect: God does not have any human limitations, such as resting on the seventh day after He created the universe. God always maintains attributes of perfection and does not do anything to compromise this perfection such as "becoming a man" as claimed by other religions. God does not do ungodly acts, so if God became man and took on human attributes, he would, necessarily, no longer be God. 4. Emphasises Both Evidence and Faith Islam is a religion in which faith is based on clear proof. It encourages people to use their God given intelligence to think and ponder over their life and the universe. Although this life is a test, God has provided sufficient signs and guidance to people who are open-minded and sincere to be able to acknowledge the truth. "We (God) have certainly sent down Signs that make things clear: and God guides whom He wills to the straight path."Quran 24:46 Unlike other religions, there are many clear proofs, signs and miracles that the book of Islam, The Quran, is from God. The Quran: Is free from any errors or contradictions, despite it being revealed over a period of 23 years. Is preserved, word-for-word, since it was revealed in its original Arabic language, unlike other scriptures which have been distorted, changed or lost. Contains a simple, pure and universal message that has a profound effect on all those who are sincerely searching for the truth. Contains a unique and inimitable style of language that is universally known as the pinnacle of Arabic eloquence and linguistic beauty - yet the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who was known to be illi
The Purpose Of Life & Muslim Spoken Word & The Daily Reminder
The Purpose Of Life & Muslim Spoken Word & The Daily Reminder http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdhk2y6zFg4 Thank you -- https://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Jesus: an Islamic view
Jesus: an Islamic view In this pamphlet, the author shows the nature of the Prophet Jesus as Islam provides. He shows that the Prophet Jesus is a human prophet and does not have any divine nature as Christian believe. Did you know that it is obligatory for Muslims to believe in Jesus, or that a record of Jesus' life and teachings is preserved in the Qur'an and sayings of Muhammad, as well as in little-known traditions handed down by Muslim communities over the centuries? Christians brought up in the West are often surprised to discover Muslims who are familiar with the life and teachings of Jesus through the teachings and scriptures of Islam, while they themselves are unlikely to have learned anything about the Prophet Muhammad at church. This is partly a matter of history: Islam incorporates the Judeo-Christian tradition and embraces Jesus in the same way that Christianity incorporates the Old Testament and embraces Moses (peace be upon them both). All three religions trace their roots to Abraham, and in fact the Qur'an and the Bible share and uphold many beliefs, practices and virtues in common -- belief in God, angels and the Day of Judgement, in the virtues of prayer, charity and fasting, and in the importance of truthfulness, patience, and love. Together, Christians and Muslims make up more than half the world's population, and rather than being ideological opposites as some people imagine, their faiths are in many ways the most alike of the wor ld's major religions. Early Muslims were granted protection in Christian Abyssinia This common ground is one of the reasons the Prophet Muhammad (PBH) advised the weak and poor among his early followers to seek refuge in Christian Abyssinia (present-day Ethiopia) to escape persecution by the idolatrous Arab tribes, before Islam became established in Arabia. Muslim historians' account of the event succinctly conveys the heart of the relationship between the two faiths. When the corrupt leaders of Makkah pursued the Muslims into Africa and asked the Negus to return them, the Abyssinian ruler summoned the small community of Muslims, then asked them: 'What is this religion which has caused you to become separate from your people, though you have not entered my religion or that of any other folk around us?' Their spokesman Ja'far, Muhammad's young cousin, replied, 'O King, we were a people steeped in ignorance, worshipping idols, eating unslaughtered meat, committing abominations, and the strong would devour the weak. That is how we were until God sent us a Messenger from out of our midst, one whose lineage was known to us, and whose truthfulness, trustworthiness and integrity were renowned. He called us to God - that we should testify to His Oneness, and worship Him and renounce what we and our ancestors had worshipped in the way of stones and idols; and he commanded us to speak truly, to fulfil our promises, to respect the ties of kinship and the rights of our neighbours, and to refrain from crimes and bloodshed. So we worship God alone, setting nothing beside Him, counting as forbidden what He has forbidden and as permissible what He has allowed. For these reasons have our people turned against us, and persecuted us to try to make us forsake our religion and revert from the worship o f God to the worship of idols. That is why we have come to your country, having chosen you above all others, We have been happy under your protection, and it is our hope, O King, that here with you we shall not suffer wrong.' His speech was translated by the royal interpreters, after which the Negus asked if they had with them any revelation their prophet had brought them. Ja'far then recited the following verses of the Qur'an, from the chapter entitled 'Mary': And make mention of Mary in the Scripture, when she withdrew from her people to a place towards the east, and secluded herself from them. We sent to her Our spirit (the angel Gabriel), and he appeared to her in the likeness of a perfect man. She said, 'I seek refuge in the Compassionate God from you; (do not come near me) if you fear the Lord.' He replied, 'I am none other than a messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a pure son.' She said, 'How can I have a son when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?' He said, 'Even so will it be; your Lord says, "This is an easy thing for Me. And We shall make him a sign for humanity and a mercy from Us. So it has been decreed."'(Qur'an 19: 16-21) Ja'far's recitation and the translation of these verses brought tears to the king's eyes. He responded, 'This has truly come from the same source as that which Jesus brought.' He granted the Muslims his protection. But the tribesmen of Makkah, furious that their plans and alliances had been frustrated, decided to rouse the king's ire against their monotheist cousins by playing up the differences between Christianity and Islam regarding Je
INTRODUCING ISLAM
INTRODUCING ISLAM I. ISLAM AND MUSLIMS The name of this religion is Islam, the root of which is Silm and Salam which means peace. Salam may also mean greeting one another with peace. One of the beautiful names of God is that He is the Peace. It means more than that: submission to the One God, and to live in peace with the Creator, within one's self, with other people and with the environment. Thus, Islam is a total system of living. A Muslim is supposed to live in peace and harmony with all these segments; hence, a Muslim is any person anywhere in the world whose obedience, allegiance, and loyalty are to God, the Lord of the Universe. II. MUSLIMS AND ARABS The followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims are not to be confused with Arabs. Muslims may be Arabs, Turks, Persians, Indians, Pakistanis, Malaysians, Indonesians, Europeans, Africans, Americans, Chinese, or other nationalities. An Arab could be a Muslim, a Christian, a Jew or an atheist. Any person who adopts the Arabic language is called an Arab. However, the language of the Qur'an (the Holy Book of Islam) is Arabic. Muslims all over the world try to learn Arabic so that they may be able to read the Qur'an and understand its meaning. They pray in the language of the Qur'an, namely Arabic. Supplications to God could be in any language. While there are one billion Muslims in the world there are about 200 million Arabs. Among them, approximately ten percent are not Muslims. Thus Arab Muslims constitute only about twenty percent of the Muslim population of the world. III. ALLAH THE ONE AND THE ONLY GOD Allah is the name of the One and Only God. Allah has ninety-nine beautiful names, such as: The Gracious, The Merciful, The Beneficent, The Creator, The All-Knowing, The All-Wise, The Lord of the Universe, The First, The Last, and others. He is the Creator of all human beings. He is the God for the Christians, the Jews, the Muslims, the Buddhists, the Hindus, the atheists, and others. Muslims worship God whose name is Allah. They put their trust in Him and they seek His help and His guidance. IV. MUHAMMAD Muhammad was chosen by God to deliver His Message of Peace, namely Islam. He was born in 570 C.E. (Common Era) in Makkah, Arabia. He was entrusted with the Message of Islam when he was at the age of forty years. The revelation that he received is called the Qur'an, while the message is called Islam. Muhammad is the very last Prophet of God to mankind. He is the final Messenger of God. His message was and is still to the Christians, the Jews and the rest of mankind. He was sent to those religious people to inform them about the true mission of Jesus, Moses, Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham. Muhammad is considered to be the summation and the culmination of all the prophets and messengers that came before him. He purified the previous messages from adulteration and completed the Message of God for all humanity. He was entrusted with the power of explaining, interpreting and living the teaching of the Qur'an. V. SOURCE OF ISLAM The legal sources of Islam are the Qur'an and the Hadith. The Qur'an is the exact word of God; its authenticity, originality and totality are intact. The Hadith is the report of the sayings, deeds and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet's sayings and deeds are called Sunnah. The Seerah is the writings of followers of Muhammad about the life of the Prophet. Hence, it is the life history of the Prophet Muhammad which provides examples of daily living for Muslims. VI. SOME ISLAMIC PRINCIPLES A. Oneness of God: He is One and the Only One. He is not two in one or three in one. This means that Islam rejects the idea of trinity or such a unity of God which implies more than one God in one. B. Oneness of mankind: People are created equal in front of the Law of God. There is no superiority for one race over another. God made us of different colors, nationalities, languages and beliefs so as to test who is going to be better than others. No one can claim that he is better than others. It is only God Who knows who is better. It depends on piety and righteousness. C. Oneness of Messengers and the Message: Muslims believe that God sent different messengers throughout the history of mankind. All came with the same message and the same teachings. It was the people who misunderstood and misinterpreted them. Muslims believe in Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ismail, Jacob, Moses, David, Jesus, and Muhammad. The Prophets of Christianity and Judaism are indeed the Prophets of Islam. D. Angels and the Day of Judgment: Muslims believe that there are unseen creatures such as angels created by God in the universe for special missions. Muslims believe that there is a Day of Judgment when all people of the world throughout the history of mankind till the last day of life on earth, are to be brought for accounting, reward and punishment. E. Innocence of Man at Birth: Muslim believe that people are born free
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world especially since sept. 11.
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world especially since sept. 11. An important article shows that every child is born on the "fitrah" (natural inclination) of "Islam", the spread of Islam after September eleventh and that it’s necessary to make an open communication between Muslims & Non-Muslims for presenting a right picture about Islam . Salam Alaykum: Your question about the increase in the "reversion to Islam" is a good one. You have given me the excuse to do something that I have wanted to do for a long time. I have wanted to write on the subject of "Reverts to Islam in Modern Times" and the message that it carries to all of us Muslims about Islam TODAY. BACK TO Islam? Reverts to Islam In Modern Times "Revert" As Opposed to "Convert" I like to use the word "revert" as opposed to the word "convert" as it more suits the occasion of a person returning back to his natural condition at birth. The baby is born in true surrender, submission, obedience and peace with his Creator. And this is the desirable position of the Muslim, to be in peace and submission to the Will of Allah (God in English). Instead of thinking in terms of "converting" people over to Islam, it is better understood that they are simply returning back to their natural state at birth. And this is from the teachings of our beloved prophet, Muhammad, peace be upon him. (Muslims should always say "Peace be upon him/them" when referring to any of the prophets). Like A Baby Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: "Every child is born on the "fitrah" (natural inclination) of "Islam" (surrender, submission and peace to the Creator on His Terms). And it is their parents who raise them up to be Jews, Christians or fire worshippers." Dr. Ted Campbell who is the professor of religion at the seminary school in Maryland and I were both sharing the speakers platform last year in Maryland University. At the closing of a very nice interfaith dialog there came a strange question for both of us. Noah, the moderator said: "This last question is for both speakers: "Why are each of you in your religion?" Dr. Campbell took his position in front of the microphone and then looked around the room as he thought about the question. I will never forget his words. He said: "I guess I would have to say that I am a Methodist because, well because, my parents raised me that way. As a Methodist." He was right. That is what we know as Muslims. However, as I mentioned in my answer to the same question: "And then some are brought back to their original state as a baby." They are "reverted" to Islam by the Mercy of Allah. Actual or Factual Numbers of American Muslims Many people are claiming that twice as many, or three times or four times, or even ten times as many people are coming into Islam as they did prior to the events of September 11. Who could possibly know the numbers? We are not even sure how many Muslims live here in America. I have heard the numbers range from around 3,000,000 all the way up to 11,000,000. I'm sure that only Allah Knows for sure how many Muslims there are in America. Rate of "Reversion" Actually, I can't give accurate statistics before or after the September events. I have heard from some "experts" that Islam was the fastest growing religion in the world prior to the September 11 events. I have no reason to doubt it either. In the many Masjids around the United States and in the many countries that I have been fortunate enough to visit I have found thousands who have entered into Islam. The Anglican Church of England expressed concern that if something does not change in the trend of new Muslims in England that the Muslims will out number the Anglicans by the year 2010. The number one name of the birth certificates for new born boys in England was not John, or Michael, or William. It is "Muhammad." In Mexico, Sweden, Denmark and Canada I have witnessed so many coming into Islam that I cannot count them all. Everywhere I go I meet new Muslims. Prisons, universities and even in the military I have personally seen thousands who came to Islam. This is all before the events of September 11. More Exposure to the Message What I feel comfortable saying is that more and more people are being to exposed to Islam all over the world. Whether or not the picture they are receiving is painted correctly or not is not as important a factor as is the fact that at long last many people on this planet are looking at Islam as something very real. Therefore, when they ask about Islam some of the information is stimulating feelings inside of the people. Naturally we are going to see those who are stimulated to be against Islam. At the same time you have to understand that there are a number of people who will take the position that you cannot always believe everything in the news media. These are the ones whom Allah guides to inquire and learn more. Allah is the Only Guide It is only
Why Muslims Believe that Islam is the truth ?????????????
Why Muslims Believe that Islam is the truth
Many Christians & Jews don't know that Muslims believe in their prophets and
holy books. Muslims believe that the Bible and the Torah were changed by people
for their personal benefits. This is why God sent Prophet Muhammad, peace be
upon him, not with a new religion, but to correct the people who had gone
astray, those who were worshipping idols and being misguided by their
forefathers.
Islam is the last message to the world and God wants the miracle of Islam to be
witnessed by the people from Prophet Muhammad's, peace be upon him, time till
the day of Judgment. The miracle is the Qu'ran, Muslims holy book.
Many Christians & Jews don't know that Muslims believe in their prophets and
holy books. Muslims believe that the Bible and the Torah were changed by people
for their personal benefits. This is why God sent Prophet Muhammad, peace be
upon him, not with a new religion, but to correct the people who had gone
astray, those who were worshipping idols and being misguided by their
forefathers.
Islam is the last message to the world and God wants the miracle of Islam to be
witnessed by the people from Prophet Muhammad's, peace be upon him, time till
the day of Judgment. The miracle is the Qu'ran, Muslims holy book.
Why is the Qur'an a miracle ?
1- The Qu'ran is an untouchable book : After 1400 years, from the begining of
Prophet Muhammad's, peace be upon him, message, the Qu'ran has not changed in
any way, even as a matter of one charachter. Prooving this is very easy, since
you can compare all the versions of the Qu'ran everywhere in the world and you
will find them all the same. God ensured that this book would be saved from any
changes attempted by human beings. God said in the Qur'an : " We have, without
doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)"
2- The Qu'ran contains many scientific facts that have been discovered recently
using computer systems and microscopes. Many scientists have attended
conferences dealing with this subject and have themselves accepted Islam. These
same scientists have said that it is not possible that Muhammad, peace be upon
him, an illiterate man, who lived 1400 years ago, could have discovered such
things on his own. God said in the Qur'an : "Soon will We show them Our Signs
in the (furthest) regions (of the earth), and in their own souls, until it
becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord
doth witness all things" ( Quran 41:53 )
3- The Qu'ran, which is in Arabic, was revealed to the people of the Arabian
Gulf who invented the Arabic language. Through Muhammad, peace be upon him,
Allah challenged the people who claimed that a human wrote it to emulate such a
book. No one from the time of the Prophet till now could write a book that
contained the many scientific facts, miracles and similar effects on people
that the Qu'ran did and still does today.
4- The Qu'ran had not one Arabic grammar mistake, which was recognized by the
disbelievers at the time of the Prophet, who were the founders of the Arabic
language.
These are a few examples of why Muslims believe in the Qur'an.
Here are some verses from God to Muslims encouraging them to invite the People
of the Book ( Jews and Christians to Islam ):
God said : {Say: "O People of the Book! Why reject ye the Signs of Allah, when
Allah is Himself witness to all ye do?} (Quran 3:98)
God tell Muslims to say : {..'We believe in that which had been revealed to us
and revealed to you, and our God and your God is One, and unto Him we
surrender} (Quran 29:46)
If you have any questions or would like to know more about the Qu'ran and Islam
please contact me at : webmas...@islamway.com andengl...@islamway.com
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http://en.islamway.net/article/8124
thank you
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THE MORAL SYSTEM IN ISLAM
THE MORAL SYSTEM IN ISLAM Islam has laid down universal fundamental rights for humanity that are to be observed and respected under all circumstances. In order to realise these rights in one's everyday social life, Islam provides both legal safeguards and a very effective moral system. In brief, whatever improves the well-being of an individual or a society is morally good, and whatever harms this well-being is morally bad. Islam attaches great importance to the love of God and fellow human beings, and discourages excessive formalism. We read in the Quran (what means): “It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allaah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveller, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives Zakaah; [those who] fulfil their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.” [Quran: 2:177] These verses give a beautiful description of the righteous and religiously committed individual. He should obey salutary regulations but fix his gaze on the love of God and the love of humanity. An individual's faith should be true and sincere and he must be prepared to show it in deeds of charity to other people and by living as a good citizen and supporter of social organisations. Finally, individual faith must remain firm and unshaken in all circumstances. This is the standard by which a particular mode of conduct can be classified as either good or bad. It also provides the nucleus around which an individual's and society’s moral code should revolve. Before laying down any moral injunctions, Islam seeks to implant firmly in man's heart the conviction that his dealings are with God, Who sees him at all times and in all places. While he may hide himself from others or deceive them, he cannot do so with God. Islam teaches that the objective of one's life is to live a life that is pleasing to God. To make such a goal possible, Islam has provided humankind with the highest possible standard of morality. This moral code, which is both straightforward and practical, provides the individual with innumerable ways to embark upon and then continue the path of moral evolution. By making Divine Revelation the primary source of knowledge, moral standards are made permanent and stable. However, this does not make them inflexible, for there is room for reasonable adjustment and adaptation when needed. The danger of moral relativism, now so widespread in many societies, is thereby avoided. Another benefit is the gradual internalisation of these moral standards, for one seeks to obey them voluntarily to please God, not because some government or people tell him to do so. An individual's belief in God, when added to his belief in the Day of Judgement, is a powerful motivating factor to live a highly moral life. Islam does not seek to minimise the importance of traditional and commonly accepted moral norms or give exaggerated importance to some and neglect others. The Islamic moral code incorporates all the commonly accepted moral virtues and then endows them with a sense of balance and proportion, by assigning each one a suitable place and function in the scheme of life. It widens the scope of man's individual and collective life by dealing with his domestic associations, civic conduct, and his activities in the political, economic, legal, educational and social realms. It covers his life from the home to the society, from the dining table to the battlefield and peace conferences. In short, from the cradle to the grave - for no sphere of life is exempt from the universal and comprehensive application of the moral principles of Islam. It makes morality reign supreme and ensures that the affairs of life are regulated by moral norms, and not dominated by selfish desires and petty interests. A major goal of Islam is to provide humankind with a practical and realistic system of life by which he can conduct his life. It calls upon humankind not only to practice virtue, but also to establish it and to eradicate all that is harmful. It seeks the supremacy of the conscience in all matters so that what is harmful cannot gain the upper hand either in an individual's life or in society. Those who respond to this call are known as Muslims, which literally means those who have submitted to God. The sole object of the resulting community of Muslims or Ummah is undertaking an organised effort to establish what is good and to fight and eradicate what is evil and harmful. Some of Islam's basic moral teachings are given below. They cover the broad spectrum of a Muslim's
THE POPULATION OF MUSLIMS
THE POPULATION OF MUSLIMS Islam today is a global religion. It is no longer confined to Muslim majority countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia or Indonesia. Small but significant communities exist across Europe, the Americas and Australasia. For some time Muslims have been an invisible presence in the western world but one decade into the 21st century Muslims are no longer curiosities. They are as much at home in London Paris or Chicago as they are in Istanbul, Damascus and Jakarta. In 2011 Muslims in the West also no longer exist in immigrant communities but are second, third and fourth generation citizens participating in professional and civic life. Islam is said to be the fastest growing religion in the United States. It is estimated that more than 1 million Americans have converted to Islam. In recent years due to an Islamic revival, believing and practicing Muslims have established a visible presence not only in Islamic societies but also in the West. What do the latest data and statistics tell us about the number of Muslims in the world. Where do they live? How many are born into the Muslim faith and how many choose to convert to Islam? The majority of the following statistics and data come from the Pew Research Centre. According to the Pew[1] Islam is growing about 2.9% per year. This is faster than the total world population which increases about 2.3% annually. The world’s Muslim population is expected to increase by about 35% in the next 20 years. In mid 2010 the Pew forum estimated that there were 1.57 billion Muslims in the world. This represents 22% of the world’s population. Islam is the second largest religion in the world, beaten only by Christianity which represents 33% of the world’s population with a little over 2 billion adherents. The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life stated that Islam is the fastest-growing religion in Europe. Driven by immigration and high birth rates, the number of Muslims on the continent has tripled in the last 30 years. Most demographers forecast a similar or even higher rate of growth in the coming decades. If current trends continue 79 countries will have a million or more Muslim inhabitants in 2030, up from 72 countries in 2011. The seven new countries are expected to be Belgium, Canada, Congo, Djibouti, Guinea Bissau, Netherlands and Togo. About 60% of the world’s Muslims will continue to live in the Asia-Pacific region, while about 20% will live in the Middle East and North Africa, as is the case in 2010. One of the biggest changes expected is that Pakistan will almost certainly surpass Indonesia as the country with the single largest Muslim population. [2] In 2011 statistics tell us that 74.1% of the world’s Muslims live in the 49 countries in which Muslims make up a majority of the population. More than a fifth of all Muslims (23.3%) live in non-Muslim-majority countries in the developing world. These minority Muslim populations are often quite large. India, for example, has the third-largest population of Muslims worldwide. China has more Muslims than Syria, while Russia is home to more Muslims than Jordan and Libya combined. [3] About 3% of the world’s Muslims live in more-developed regions, such as Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. [4] In the United States, the population projections show the number of Muslims more than doubling over the next two decades, rising from 2.6 million in 2010 to 6.2 million in 2030. The number of Muslims in Canada is expected to nearly triple in the next 20 years, from about 940,000 in 2010 to nearly 2.7 million in 2030. Muslims are expected to make up 6.6% of Canada’s total population in 2030, up from 2.8% today. Argentina is expected to have the third-largest Muslim population in the Americas, after the U.S. and Canada. Argentina, with about 1 million Muslims in 2010, is now in second place, behind the U.S. In Europe as a whole, the Muslim share of the population is expected to grow by nearly one-third over the next 20 years, rising from 6% of the region’s inhabitants in 2010 to 8% in 2030. In absolute numbers, Europe’s Muslim population is projected to grow from 44.1 million in 2010 to 58.2 million in 2030. Nearly three-in-ten people living in the Asia-Pacific region in 2030 (27.3%) will be Muslim, up from about a quarter in 2010 (24.8%) and roughly a fifth in 1990 (21.6%). Muslims make up only about 2% of the population in China, but because the country is so populous, its Muslim population is expected to be the 19th largest in the world in 2030. The growth rates of religions are usually due to conversions, higher birth and fertility rates and in many countries religions grow because of immigration. While the global Muslim population is expected to grow at a faster rate than the non-Muslim population, the Muslim population nevertheless is expected to grow at a slower pace in the next two de
