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Sunday 29 June 2014

Moon-Sighting at Ramadan

There is a debate among the Muslim community on just how to calculate the beginning of the month of Ramadan (or indeed any month, but Ramadan takes on special importance).
 The traditional method, mentioned in the Qur'an and followed by the Prophet Muhammad, is to look to the sky and visibly sight the slight crescent moon (hilal) that marks the beginning of the month. If one sees the hilal at night, the next day is the first day of Ramadan and thus the first day of fasting.  At the end of the month, when the community sights the hilal again, the Festival of Fast-Breaking ('Eid al-Fitr) begins.
Questions and debates have arisen around the following questions:
What if people in one area sight the moon, but those in another area don't? Is it okay for them to start and end the fast on different days?
Should we follow the moon-sighting in Saudi Arabia (or any other area of the world), or should we in our local community sight it ourselves?
What if our location is overcast and cloudy, and the moon is not visible to us?
Why do we even bother looking for the moon, when we can astronomically calculate when the new moon is born, and thus when the crescent should be visible? That eliminates human error, right?

Over the years, various scholars and communities have answered this question in different ways. The prevailing opinion is that one should commit to a local moon-sighting, i.e. begin and end Ramadan based on the sighting of the moon in your local vicinity. Astronomical calculations can help us predict when the moon should be visible, but Muslims still tend to follow the traditional method of looking at the sky themselves and physically "sighting" the moon. Thus, the exact day of the beginning of Ramadan is not generally known until the night before the fast begins, when the moon is actually sighted and confirmed.
SOURCE: CLICK 
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Thursday 6 February 2014

Is it permissible to eat dishes cooked with alcohol? It is well-known that alcohol evaporates with heat?
Thank you so much for your Email and your question regarding Islam. It is wonderful to see people like yourself taking the time and interest to learn more about the correct teachings of Islam. This in itself is a sign of guidance from the Almighty Above. May He grant us the wisdom to know the right knowledge and the ability to put it into practice, Ameen.

Now as regards your question:

First of all, as in many questions these days, there is a comment or statement lying underneath the question in an effort to perhaps influence the answer. Let us ask the question as a question should be asked.

"Does alcohol totally evaporate while heating, cooking or flaming?"

The answer, according to the United States Federal Department of Agriculture is, "No. It does not all evaporate."

Some, but not ALL of the alcohol evaporates during cooking. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has published the following table of alcohol content in cooked foods.

Amount of Alcohol Retained During Cooking

Source: USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)
 
Process Used

Evaporation Retention
Alcohol added to boiling liquid, then removed from heat
 
85% 15%
Alcohol flamed
 
70% 30%
No heat, stored overnight 75% 25%

Many people believe that because alcohol is sensitive to heat, it is eliminated with cooking. However, not all the alcohol content of alcoholic drinks is removed with heat; it depends on the type and time of cooking.

For instance if you add beer or wine to boiling liquid, then immediately remove it from the heat, 85 per cent of the alcohol content will remain. If you light the alcohol, as in flambé dishes, 75 per cent will remain. Even after simmering the dish for one and a half hours, it will still have 20 per cent of the original alcohol content.

It is only if you simmer the mixture for two or more hours, (as you would with a wine-based beef casserole), that as much as five to 10 per cent of the original alcohol content still remains.

Now as regards the status of this in Islam according to the Quran and the accurate Hadiths (sayings and teachings of Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him); Any and all alcohol is totally Haram (forbidden).

The proof lies in the verses of the Quran where Allah tells us that:
"They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, "In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit." And they ask you what they should spend. Say, "The excess [beyond needs]." Thus Allah makes clear to you the verses [of revelation] that you might give thought." [Noble Quran 2:219]
And also:
"O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful." [Noble Quran 5:90]
And:
"And from the fruits of the palm trees and grapevines you take intoxicant and good provision. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who reason." [Noble Quran 16:67]
The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) made it clear many times, alcohol is definitely forbidden and cannot be consumed by Muslims. He also made it clear even small amounts were forbidden. He stated more or less:

"Whatever intoxicates in large amounts (wine, etc.) is Haram (forbidden) in small amounts."

The people before us played with the things which Allah has made Haram and Halal and for that reason Allah has punished them greatly. Let us not be deceived by the Shaytan and fall therefore, into the same trap.

May Allah save us and keep us strong in the face of temptation, Ameen.

Again, it is only Allah who has All Knowledge. May He forgive me my mistakes and guide us all to the right way, Ameen.

Sheikh Yusuf Estes
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Working in Banks - is it Haram?

Is having a Bank job forbidden in Islam?

Thank you so much for your Email and your question regarding Islam. It is wonderful to see people like yourself taking the time and interest to learn more about the correct teachings of Islam. This in itself is a sign of guidance from the Almighty Above. May He grant us the wisdom to know the right knowledge and the ability to put it into practice, Ameen.
Now as regards your question: "Is working in a bank job - Haram?"

Bismillah Al Hamdulillah was Salat was Salam ala Rasulillah. Allahu Alim.
To continue:

Yes, working in a standard bank under western banking rules and regulations is most likely Haram and might pose a problem for a Muslim seeking to fulfill Allah's Rights over Him, in that most banking jobs would be related in some way to making money through what is known as "usury" or "Riba" in Arabic. This is strictly forbidden in the Quran and according to Islamic Law it is something to be avoided at all costs.

The problem is for many of us living today, we can hardly avoid coming into contact with this type of banking. All of us have to put our money somewhere and certainly we would have to agree that keeping money in a sock or a money belt can at times be quite inconvenient, not to mention dangerous.

The situation of a person working in a bank and earning their living from it is also very bad for a Muslim and they should be looking for something better for them as soon as possible. It might mean taking a pay cut to some extent, yet that would be better in the eyes of Islam than to continue to earn money from Haram (forbidden) sources.

“Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charities. And Allah does not like every sinning disbeliever.” [Noble Quran 2:276]

We recommend you to contact your local imam or scholarly and then discuss in detail your situation and ask them to help you come to a better situation for the sake of Allah, insha’Allah.

Allah is the All-Knower and we ask Him to guide all of us to the good of this life and the good of the Next Life, Ameen.

Again, it is only Allah who has All Knowledge. May He forgive me my mistakes and guide us all to the right way, Ameen.

Jazak Allah Khayr and may Allah continue to guide you, Ameen. Wa As-Salam Alaykum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh,

Your Brother in Islam,
Sheikh Yusuf Estes
SOURCE: justaskislam

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Why Don't Muslims Celebrate Valentine's Day?

How can we explain to people why Muslims don't celebrate Valentine's day, especially when it is a day to express one’s love and affection?

1- In Islam, the festivals are clearly defined and well established, and no additions or subtractions may be accepted. They are an essential part of our worship and there is no room for personal opinion. They have been prescribed for us by Allah and His Messenger (Peace and blessings be upon him). Ibn Taymiyah may Allah have mercy on him said: "Festivals are part of the laws, clear way and religious ceremonies of which Allah Says (what means): 'To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way' [Noble Quran 5:48] and 'For every nation We have ordained religious ceremonies which they must follow.'" [Noble Quran 22:67] Like the Qiblah (the direction faced in prayer), prayer and fasting.
So there is no difference between joining them in their festival and joining them in their other rituals. Agreeing with the whole festival is agreeing with disbelief. Agreeing with some of their minor issues is the same as agreeing with them in some of the branches of disbelief.

Festivals are the most distinctive things by which religions are told apart, so whoever celebrates their festivals is agreeing with the most distinctive rituals of disbelief. Undoubtedly, going along with them in their festivals may, in some cases, lead to disbelief. Dabbling in these things, at the very least, is a sin. The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) referred to the fact that every nation has its own festivals when he (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Every nation has its own Eid and this is our Eid." [Al-Bukhari]

Because valentine's day goes back to Roman times, not Islamic times, this means that it is something which belongs exclusively to the Christians, not to Islam, and the Muslims have no share and no part in it. If every nation has its own festivals, as the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Every nation has its Eid" [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] - then this means that every nation should be distinguished by its festivals.

If the Christians have a festival and the Jews have a festival, which belongs exclusively to them, then no Muslim should join in with them, just as he does not share their religion or their direction of prayer.

2- Celebrating valentine's day means resembling or imitating the pagan Romans, then the Christian people of the book in their imitation of the Romans in something that was not part of their religion. If it is not allowed to imitate the Christians in things that really are part of their religion - but not part of our religion - then how about things which they have innovated in their religion in imitation of idol-worshippers?
Imitating non-Muslims in general -whether they are idol-worshippers or people of the book - is Haram (prohibited), whether that imitation is of their worship - which is the most serious form - or of their customs and behavior. This is indicated by the Quran, Sunnah and Ijma' (scholarly consensus):

(i) From the Quran: Allah Says (what means): "And be not as those who divided and differed among themselves after the clear proofs had come to them. It is they for whom there is an awful torment." [Noble Quran 3:105]

(ii) From the Sunnah: the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." [Abu Dawud]

Ibn Taymiyah may Allah have mercy on him said: "This Hadith (narration) at the very least indicates that it is Haram to imitate them, although the apparent meaning implies that the one who imitates them is non-Muslim, as Allah Says (what means): 'And if any amongst you takes them friends (and helpers), then surely, he is one of them' [Noble Quran 5:5]."

(iii) With regards to Ijma', Ibn Taymiyah may Allah have mercy upon him narrated that there was agreement that it is Haram to imitate non-Muslims in their festivals at the time of the Prophet’s companions may Allah be pleased with them and Ibn Al-Qayyim may Allah have mercy upon him narrated that there was scholarly consensus on this point.

3- The love referred to in this festival ever since the Christians revived it is romantic love outside the framework of marriage. The result of that is the spread of fornication and immorality. Hence, the Christian clergy opposed it at some stage and abolished it, and then it came back again.
Some people may wonder, and say: "You mean to deprive us of love, but in this day and age we express our feelings and emotions - what is so wrong with that?"

We say:

Firstly: It is a mistake to confuse what they call the day with what the real intentions are behind it. The love referred to on this day is romantic love, taking mistresses and lovers, boyfriends and girlfriends. It is known to be a day of promiscuity and sex for them, with no restraints or restrictions… They are not talking of pure love between a man and his wife or a woman and her husband, or at least they do not distinguish between the legitimate love in the relationship between husband and wife, and the forbidden love of mistresses and lovers. This festival for them is a means for everyone to express love.
Secondly: Expression of feelings and emotions is not a justification for the Muslim to allocate a day for celebration based on his own thoughts and ideas, and to call it a festival, or make it like a festival or Eid. So how about when it is one of the festivals of the non-Muslims?
In Islam, a husband loves his wife throughout the year, and he expresses that love towards her with gifts, in verse and in prose, in letters and in other ways, throughout the years - not just on one day of the year.

Thirdly: There is no religion which encourages its followers to love and care for one another more than Islam does. This applies at all times and in all circumstances, not just on one particular day. Indeed, Islam encourages us to express our emotions and love at all times, as the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If a man loves his brother, let him tell him that he loves him." [Abu Dawud]
And he (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "By the One in whose Hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you truly believe, and you will not truly believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you of something that, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread Salam (Islamic greeting) amongst yourselves." [Muslim]

Fourthly: Love in Islam is more general and more comprehensive; it is not restricted only to one kind of love, that between a man and a woman. There are many more kinds of love. There is the love of Allah, love of His Messenger (Peace and blessings be upon him) and his companions may Allah be pleased with them love for good and righteous people, love and support for the religion, love of martyrdom for the sake of Allah, etc. There are many kinds of love. It is a dangerous mistake to restrict this broad meaning to this one kind of love.
Fifthly: What these people think, that love before marriage is a good thing, is wrong, as has been proven in studies and by real-life experience.
So, how can we believe that valentine's day is of any benefit to Muslims? The truth is that it is a call for more permissiveness and immorality, and the forming of forbidden relationships.

The husband who sincerely loves his wife does not need this holiday to remind him of his love. He expresses his love for his wife at all times and on all occasions.


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Sunnah or Bid'ah - How Can We Tell?

How can we tell if a certain worship is innovated in Islam? what is the way to distinguish between a Sunnah and a Bid’ah?
When we come back to Tawhid and Ibadah, worshipping Allah by maintaining His unity in that worship, we do so in the way that the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) did.
We do not invent or introduce new ways of worship, as some people for example; they want to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him). So they say, "this is something good". They may even bring a verse from the Quran. They will say, "Allah said in the Quran, 'Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.'" [Noble Quran 33:56] They bring this verse out.

And you say, "Well, where does it say celebrate the Prophet’s (Peace and blessings be upon him) birthday there?" They say, "It’s there, it’s there, that’s what it means." It's their interpretation.

The point is that the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) didn't understand that verse that way. And that's why they never celebrated his birthday. And he himself didn’t understand that verse that way, and he didn't celebrate his birthday. And the early generations didn't celebrate his birthday, it wasn't until some 400 years after the time of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him), that his birthday began to be celebrated in Egypt, in the Fatimid Shiite rule. So, we say this is not legitimate.

Some people say, "Well, ok leave that aside. Just the idea of celebrating his birthday, what are we doing in the celebration? We are only remembering Rasulu Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him), we're asking Allah to bless him, we remember his Sirah, his life, and all this. These are all good things; you say this is not good in Islam?"

Yes, these things are good things, but to combine them on that day, every year, you have now created something new in the religion. This is Bid’ah.

You have to understand, Bid’ah, sometimes it involves something completely new, like the idea of the birthday celebration, because we don't really have any precedence for it at all in Islam. But Bid’ah may actually have precedence in the religion itself, like for example, raising your hands in Du’a after prayer. People say, "Well, what's wrong with that? Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) said, 'Allah is shy, that anyone would raise their hands in Du’a, that they would put their hands down, without fulfilling their wish.' Isn't that implying that we should raise our hands in Du’a? Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) raised his hands in the Du’a of Istisqa’, the prayer to seek rain. He raised his hands so high, that they could see his armpits." They say, "Here is the evidence."

But the point is, we do not find any narration indicating that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him), after every prayer, raised his hands in Du’a. People say, "This is picky, why are you going to get so picky? If it said, that you raise your hands, Allah is shy enough to give you. It said, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) raised his hands in Istisqa’, why can't we just do it after every prayer then, what's the problem here?"

We say, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) is not just what he did, but also what he didn't do. You have Sunnah Fi’liyyah, the Sunnah of actions which he did, and Sunnah Tarkiyyah, or Sunnah of actions which he didn't do. Which are things dealing with the religion, of course there are many things which he didn't do which he didn't like personally, we're not talking about those, we're talking about things connected with the religion. The things he didn't do, it is Sunnah not to do.

Because, if one opens this door, that as long as 'he said this, he said that' we can put it all together and come up with something which he didn't do, then the religion becomes innovated, you can now change the religion at will.

Because I can bring something to you, I say, "Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) said, 'Prayer in Jama’ah is worth twenty seven times prayer by yourself.' He also said, 'Whenever you enter the Masjid, you should pray two Rak’ahs (units of prayer) before sitting down.' Let us put the two together, we come into the Masjid, I now suggest to you, let us make Tahiyyatul-Masjid in Jama’ah."

If I suggest that, what do people say? They say, "No, you can't do that." I say, "Why not? Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) said, 'The prayer in Jama’ah is worth more than the prayer by yourself', he also said, 'Whenever you come in you should do these two Rak’ahs'. Why can’t we put we put them together and do it?" They will say, "Well the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) didn’t do it."

That’s why! Yes, he didn’t do it, so we cannot do it. He made Tahajjud in Jama’ah, this is also Sunnah, and he did it in Jama’ah. We can do it because he did it. But to do Tahiyyatul-Masjid in Jama’ah, or to do the Sunnah before Dthuhr or the Sunnah after Dthuhr in Jama’ah, you can't do it, because the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) didn't do it.

And that's emphasized by his well known statement, "I didn't leave anything which would bring you closer to Allah without instructing you to do it." That's the bottom line. If it's going to bring you closer to Allah, Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) told us to do it. If he didn't tell us to do it, it will not bring you closer to Allah no matter how good you think this is, how much reasoning you give behind it, it will not bring you closer to Allah. It will take you farther away from Allah.

This is the basic principle, based on the statement of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him), "Whoever introduces anything new in this religion of ours (not approved by Allah, and by the messenger of Allah), it is rejected." This is to protect the religion in its pristine purity from change, deviation, etc., like what happened to the other messages, which were of Islam, but became distorted in time, like that of Christianity, Judaism, etc.

Sheikh Bilal Philips
SOURCE: CLICK HERE
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Can We Celebrate The Prophet's Birthday?

Can We Celebrate The Prophet's Birthday?

What is the ruling on celebrating the Prophet's birthday?
The companion 'Abdullah Ibn 'Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Five matters result when five things happen: If people break their covenant with Allah, He will send an enemy against them; If they rule by other than the Law of Allah, poverty will spread among them; If they become deceptive in trade, Allah will deprive them of crops and they will be struck with famine; And if they withhold the payment of Zakah, they will be struck with drought." (Tabarani). In another narration he (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If they break the covenant of Allah and His Messenger, Allah will send an external enemy against them who will seize some of their possessions; If they do not rule by the Book of Allah, nor attempt to implement everything in it, Allah will spread enmity among them."

In a few days time, the newspapers, radio and television stations in most of the Muslim countries will broadcast the events of celebrating Al-Mawlid, which is the claimed birthday of the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him). These celebrations are usually held in huge canopies for the commemoration of this occasion on the twelfth of Rabi’ Al-Awwal of every year.

If we were to judge these celebrations according to Islamic criteria, we would discover that they should be classified as misguided innovations in the religion of Islam. It is forbidden for any Muslim to participate in these celebrations for the following reasons:

1) The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) never celebrated this during his lifetime, nor did his companions after his death. We must know that all goodness lies in following the way of the Salaf, or the first three generations of Muslims, and all evil lies in the innovations of those who came after them. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to follow the way of the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him). There are many evidences in this regard:
Allah says:

"[He] who has created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed ..." [Noble Quran 67:2]

Al Fudhayl Ibn 'Iyadh, may Allah have mercy on him, commented upon this verse by saying: ""the best in deed" means the most sincere and correct." Then he said: "If the deed was sincere in intention but incorrect in action, it will not be accepted (by Allah), and if it was correct in action but insincere in intention, then it will also be unacceptable. The correct deed is the one which coincides with the Sunnah of the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) and is performed purely for the sake of Allah. Then he recited the verse:

"...whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord, let him do righteous deeds and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone." [Noble Quran 18:110]

'A’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, narrated that the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"He who performs any deed which is not according to what we are upon (i.e., the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) and his companions) then it is rejected." [Sahih Muslim]

Al-'Irbadh Ibn Sariyah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"He who lives long enough will see many things which he will not recognize, therefore, hold on to my Sunnah and that of the rightly guided caliphs who succeed me; bite onto it (i.e., the Sunnah) with your molars. Stay away from innovations, because every innovation is misguidance." [Ahmad, Abu Dawud and Tirmidthi]

'Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

"Follow (the way of the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him)) and do not innovate, for you have been sufficed (in guidance)."

Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

"The Sunnah is like the rescue ship of Noah, whoever who gets on board will be saved and whoever is left behind is doomed. That which made the former part of the Muslim nation guided is the only thing that will make the latter part of it guided."

Shah Al-Karmani, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

"Whoever beautifies themselves externally by adhering to the Sunnah and internally by being mindful of Allah, and purifies themselves from earning unlawful provisions, their insight will rarely be wrong." History testifies to the fact that Al-Karmani’s insight was rarely wrong.

2) This event has no firm historical foundation with regard to the exact date on which it occurred. The books of history have narrated vast differences between the scholars of Islam regarding the birth-date of the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him). They cannot agree on whether it was on the second, eighth, tenth, twelfth, seventeenth or twenty-second of this month. Also, there is no evidence which makes any of these opinions more correct than others.
Moreover, it is an irony that those who celebrate Al-Mawlid are partial to astronomical calculations; they consider it the only acceptable method in determining, for example, the first day of Ramadan. Yet, if we were to use this method of calculation to determine the birth-date of the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him), then this would show that it definitely was not on the twelfth of Rabi’ Al-Awwal. This is because we know for certain due to accurate historical sources that the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) was born on a Monday. Therefore, according to astronomical calculations, he (Peace and blessings be upon him) was born on either the second, ninth, sixteenth or the twenty-third of Rabi’ Al-Awwal, which is not the twelfth as they claim.

The fact that there is such controversy regarding this date is irrefutable proof that neither the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) nor his companions, ever attached any importance to this event whatsoever when it came every year.

3) We know for sure that the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) died on the twelfth of Rabi’ Al-Awwal in the eleventh Hijri year. Therefore, surely this makes that day worthier of sadness than happiness?
4) Celebrating birthdays is a Christian tradition. The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "He who resembles a people is from them". It is the Christians who initiated the celebration of birthdays and this custom was adopted by the Muslims when their adherence to Islam became weak and resembling the disbelievers became widespread among them.
5) These festivals involve many prohibitions and some of them even lead to associating partners in the worship of Allah. In some of these festivals, poems such as the famous Al-Burdah poem are recited. Here are some of its verses which refer to the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him):
You are the most honorable of all creation
I have none but you to resort to when adversities befall me
From your generosity you have provided this world and the Hereafter
Your know what is in the preserved tablet and you know the divine decree

There are many other poems which include seeking refuge with Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him), seeking his aid and attributing knowledge of the unseen to him. This is despite the fact that Allah says that which translates as:

"Say: 'I [i.e., Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him)] hold not for myself [the power of] benefit or harm, except what Allah has willed. And if I knew the unseen, I could have acquired much wealth, and no harm would have touched me. I am not except a warner and a bringer of good tidings to a people who believe.’" [Noble Quran 7:188]

The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said, as narrated by 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him:

"Do not exaggerate in praising me like the Christians have praised 'Isa Ibn Maryam (Jesus son of Mary). I am but a slave, so call me the slave of Allah and His Messenger." [Bukhari & Muslim]

Moreover, some of these festivals include dancing, music and free-mixing between men and women. These are nothing but actions of those who take their religion as a form of amusement and distraction.

6) Every innovation removes a Sunnah - and the innovation of Al-Mawlid has eradicated much of the Sunnah. Those who celebrate Al-Mawlid think that by doing so, they have fulfilled their duty towards the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him). Therefore, you find many of them, after celebrating Al-Mawlid abandoning prayers, committing sins and prohibitions and abandoning their real obligations towards the Messenger (Peace and blessings be upon him).
O Muslims! The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) has rights upon his nation. These rights are a way for us to express our gratitude to him for the effort he exerted in conveying Allah's message to us. He was merciful and compassionate towards the believers, just as Allah described him to be. Through him, Allah unsealed and unlocked people’s hearts and opened the ears which were hitherto deaf to guidance. Allah says:

"Just as [other bounties] We have sent among you a messenger from yourselves reciting to you Our verses and purifying you and teaching you the Book and wisdom [i.e., the Sunnah] and teaching you that which you did not know." [Noble Quran 2:151]

Among the rights of the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) upon his nation are that they:

Believe in, honor and support him.

Accept what he came with to be true and not to doubt him in any matter whatsoever. He (Peace and blessings be upon him) was the most truthful and trustworthy person ever, even his enemies, the tribe of Quraysh, attested to this when one of them said to Heraclius, the Roman Ruler: "We have never experienced him to lie" to which Heraclius replied: "If he does not lie to people, then he would never lie about Allah."

Evidences for the truthfulness of the Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) are not restricted to the miracles that he came with, for everybody who claimed prophethood after him has been exposed as an unmistakable liar. "Uthman ibn 'Affan, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "Anybody who conceals evil, Allah will expose it on his face, and by slips of his tongue."

Sheikh Salim Morgan
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Saturday 5 October 2013

HAJJ

 The beginning of Hajj and the importance of the Kaaba.

It’s that time of the year, Muslims all over the world are getting restless. Their Home in the heart of the planet beckons them. It’s time to pay homage to the Beloved God in the House. It’s time to come Home. It’s time to come Home to the Holy Sanctuary of Kaaba. It’s time to leave all and follow Him. It’s time to abandon this illusory world and come to the House of God. It’s time for Hajj--the Pilgrimage. Those who can go will head to Mecca, those who can’t will join in the festivities of Homecoming wherever they may be by celebrating the Eid of Sacrifice.
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Sunday 5 May 2013

Problems and Solutions

Shakawa Wahulool
Problems and Solutions
English Translation
Book by Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
Con
Introduction
Sleeping and missing salaat al-fajr
Excessive laughter
Waswaas (insinuating thoughts from Shaytaan)
Staying up late
Short temperIntroduction

Praise be to Allaah, we praise Him and seek His help, and we seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own selves and from our evil deeds. Whomever Allaah guides, no one can mislead, and whomever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. 
I bear witness that there is no god except Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

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The Inner Secrets of Fasting

Indeed, the fast is only virtuous due to two significant concepts. Firstly, it is a secret and hidden action thus, no one from the creation is able to see it. Therefore showing off cannot enter into it. Secondly, it is a means of subjugating the enemies of Allah. 
This is because the road that the enemies (of Allah) embark upon (in order to misguide the Son of Adam) is that of desires..
 Know that in the fast is a special quality that is not found in anything else. And that is its close connection to Allah, such that He says: “The fast (Sawm) is for Me and I will reward it.” [al-Bukhari and Muslim]

«الصوم لي وأنا أجزي به» رواه البخاري ومسلم

This connection is enough to show the high status of fasting. Similarly, the Ka`bah is highly dignified due to its close connection to Him, as occurs in His statement, “And sanctify My House.” [al-Hajj 22:26]

{وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِيَ} الحج: 26

Transliteration: watahhir baytiya

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A woman should not travel except with a mahram, even if it is a short trip

I know that a woman is not permitted to travel without a mahram with her. I would like to know what is meant by (traveling) exactly. Where should we start measuring the distance, from the beginning (a place in the desert), or from where?


My father has a farm on Misr-Ismailia way, and he likes us to visit him every so often, this farm is about 75 minutes maximum from home. Is this considered traveling?
Considering that there are many new cities, schools, companies, and farms along the way. 

Answer: 
Praise be to Allaah. 
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Thursday 18 October 2012

15 Ways To Bring Hajj To You NOW!


When I watched the intro video of the ‘Hajj: from Ritual to Spiritual’ course it reminded me of my Hajj.  I never saw a course like this, focused on understanding Hajj. I only watched some ‘prep videos’ online, you know, the ones telling you what to pack and what to say when you’re there.

It was 2008. I had just become Muslim and soon after Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala chose me to perform the Journey of Journeys, what a blessing!

However, until the day of today I keep wondering..

Did I fully grasp the meaning of this great pillar of Islam? Did I do everything the way I was supposed to?  Is my Hajj accepted?
We often tell ourselves; ‘ If I knew then, what I know now I would have done things so differently!’

In the Qur’an we find everlasting lessons. There’s no time to the wisdom of the Qur’an. The Qur’an is not something we should struggle to fit into our lives; rather, it is the answer to how to get the most out of our lives. It is a guide to productivity.

Now, there’s something interesting going on with the ritual of Hajj..

There’s a whole Surah dedicated to Hajj in the Qur’an (Chapter Hajj, 22). Do you think this Surah is just teaching you how to perform Hajj? And did you think, it’s about Hajj and I already went, or I can’t go anytime soon, so what’s the point for me now?
Don’t you know of the amazing daily life lessons hidden in this beautiful Surah? It’s time to UNDERSTAND the Qur’an!

Believing in Allah, your salah, your zakat, fasting in Ramadhan…these things always return in your life. If it’s not daily, then it’s at least yearly.  But the ones who went on Hajj often think it’s end of the story; ‘I probably won’t go again..’ or ‘ I know I cannot go now anyway..’ so the Meaning of the Hajj disappears from their lives.

By acting upon the words of the Qur’an there will be benefit in every moment of yours. Plus the Qur’an is easy and effective for advising others too.
So, it’s time to bring the lessons from Hajj to YOUR life, right here and right now,  whether you already went, never went or are about to go!

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Wednesday 17 October 2012

Islam And Women

In Islam, men and women are different from each other and each has their respective roles. Honoring and respecting women in Islam is a sign of a good, wholesome character and an unadulterated nature. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said:
"The best of you are the best of you towards their wives." (Tirmidhi)
The woman is also the first person to whom a man must act righteously, maintain ties with, and treat well. When a man asked the Messenger of Islam, Muhammad to whom he should show the best companionship, he replied: "Your mother." He said, "Then who?" He said, "Your mother." He said, "Then who?" He said, "Your mother." He said, "Then who?" He said, "Your father." (Bukhari)
The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said:
"Women are the twin halves of men." (Abu Dawud)
  1. Women are equal to men in their humanity. They are not the source of sin nor are they the reason Adam was expelled from Jannah (Heavenly Gardens).
  2. Women are equal to men in their individuality. They neither lose their names nor the names of their family upon marriage. They do not fade away and blend into the identity of men.
  3. Women are equal to men in regards to reward and punishment in this life as well as the next.
  4. Women are equal to men in that Islam seeks to maintain and uphold their honor and chastity.
  5. Women are equal to men in that they have a right to inheritance, as do men.
  6. Women are equal to men in that they have full right to do as they please with their wealth.
  7. Women are equal to men in regards to the obligation of shouldering the responsibility of social reform.
  8. Women are equal to men in their right to receive an education and proper upbringing.
  9. Woman and man have an equal share of rights in matters pertaining to good rearing, proper teaching and caring. Islam assures that when applying these rights of women they would be put at a higher position.
  10. • Women have the right to provisions from her husband for all her needs and more. If she’s not married then she has the right to provisions from her brother(s). If she doesn’t have brothers then the closest of kin to her.
  11. • A woman has the right to keep all of her own money. She is not responsible for maintaining the family financially.
  12. • Women have the right to get sexual satisfaction from her husband.
  13. • A woman has the right to get custody of her children in case of divorce unless she is unable to raise them for a valid reason.
  14. • Women have the right to re-marry after divorce or after becoming a widow.

The Prophet of Allah said:
"Whoever has three daughters or three sisters, and fears Allah in their guardianship, will be together with me in Paradise like this." He indicated with his index and second fingers. (Ahmad & others )

For more information about Islam and women please click here 
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Friday 14 September 2012

Importance of Hajj

History of Hajj
Hajj started with Ibraheem (Peace be upon him) who left his legacy both in the Hanifiyah, the pristine religion of Islam and in Hajj. 
The legacy of Ibraheem (A) was his millah, way, of true submission to Allah. He was the first one who used the word "Islam". He named anyone holding to the same faith as him a Muslim meaning the one that surrenders and submits to the will of the Creator, Allah. We read in Surat al-Hajj,

"And strive in His cause as you ought to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline). He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the way of your father Abraham. It is He who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and you are witnesses for mankind! So establish regular Prayer, give regular Charity, and hold fast to Allah! He is your Protector, the best to protect and the Best to help!" (22:78)

His submission and total surrender to the Will of Allah is related to his establishment of Hajj. Even if Ibraheem (A) did not remain in Makkah to the end of his life, he laid the foundations of the Ka'bah in the middle of Makkah valley as well as the principles of Tawheed, genuine monotheism, in the heart of his son Ismaeel (A). The latter was also a prophet and a messenger of Allah, who kept the promise to preserve and guard Ka'bah as well as the Islamic faith. Later on, one of his descendents through Kedar - the second son of Ishmael as prophesied in Genesis 25:13 and a few other places - Muhammad (S), who was also a Hanif, rejected the idolatry and paganism brought to Makkah and called to the same faith as his forefathers Ibraheem (A) Ismaeel (A). He was chosen by Allah to be the last Messenger sent as Mercy to the world. He restored that legacy, Islam, and preserved the Ka'bah from the alien beliefs and practices. He reminded people of the religion of Ibraheem (S) and its tenets and called everyone to the religion of Ibraaheem (Peace be upon him).

The building of the Ka'bah was by Ibraaheem and his son Ismaeel (Peace be upon them). This house was named "Ka'bah" after its cubic shape. It is the center point for Muslims all over the world. When a Muslim wants to pray, he, or she, must face Qiblah - the direction towards Makkah. Hajj also cannot be performed except in Makkah and its vicinity. The al-Masjid al-Haraam, holy mosque, was the first mosque built in the world. It is today the most visited place on earth and that is why it is called al-Bayt al-'ateeq meaning the ancient house. One prayer in this mosque equals one hundred thousands prayers elsewhere as stated in a few authentic hadiths.

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Abu Bakr as-Siddiq

Abu Bakr the First Among Men to Enter Islam

Abu Bakr was always a very close Companion of the Holy Prophet, he knew him better than any other man. He knew how honest and upright the Prophet was. Such knowledge of the Prophet made Abu Bakr be the first man to follow the Message of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. He was indeed the first adult male to accept Islam.

The Holy Prophet told Abu Bakr what had happened at Mount Hira', he told him that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala had revealed to him and made him His Messenger. When Abu Bakr heard this from the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, he did not stop to think, he at once became a Muslim. He submitted to Islam with such determination that once the Holy Prophet himself remarked, "I called people to Islam, everybody thought over it, at least for a while, but this was not the case with Abu Bakr, the moment I put Islam before him, he accepted it without any hesitation." He was titled as-Siddiq by the Prophet because his faith was too strong to be shaken by anything.

In fact, Abu Bakr was more than a great believer, as soon as he became a Muslim, he immediately began to preach Islam to others. Among those who accepted Abu Bakr's invitation to Islam were 'Uthman, Az-Zubayr, Talhah, 'Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf, Sa'ad ibn Waqqas and others who later became the pillars of Islam.

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Story of Ibrahim (Abraham)The

Some of the People of the Book stated that his name was Abraham ibn Tarikh ibn Nahur ibn Sarough ibn Raghuh ibn Phaligh ibn Ahr ibn Shalih ibn Arfghshand ibn Sam ibn Noah.
They said that when Tarikh was seventy five years old, he had Abraham, Nahor and Haran. Haran had a son named Lot. They also said that Abraham was the middle child and that Haran died in the lifetime of his father in the land where he was born, the land of the Chaldeans (al-kaldanin), also known as Babylonia. At that time some people worshipped idols of stone and wood; others worshipped the planets, stars, sun and moon; still others worshipped their kings and rulers.
Abraham was born into that atmosphere, into a typical family of that ancient time. The head of the family was not even an ordinary idolater, but was one who totally rejected Allah and who used to make the idols with his own hands. Some traditions claimed that Abraham's father died before his birth and he was raised by an uncle whom Abraham called father. Other traditions said that his father was alive and was named Azr.
Into that family Abraham was born, destined to stand against his own family, against the entire system of his community. In brief, he stood against all kinds of polytheism.
He was endowed with spiritual understanding from an early age. Allah enlightened his heart and mind gave him wisdom from childhood. Allah the Almighty stated:
"Indeed We bestowed aforetime on Abraham his (portion of) guidance, and We were well acquainted with him (as to his Belief in the Oneness of Allah, etc.)."[Al-Qur'an 21:51]

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Thursday 13 September 2012

Some Wisdoms Behind the Hajj

Some Wisdoms Behind the Hajj: If you are planning to make the Hajj pilgrimage, this lecture is a must listen.
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Designated Times for the Isha' and Fajr Prayers in the UK and other similar Countries During the Summer Season,

All praise is due to Allah and may His peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muham

The beginning of summer engenders great confusion amongst many Muslims living in the UK, North America, Canada and some other European countries concerning the correct time for the commencement of the isha', maghrib and fajr prayers. Muslims frequently enquire about the best time to pray isha' since it starts very late. In this fatwa (ruling) I will explain the different opinions that scholars have adopted in dealing with this problem. Thereafter, I will discuss these opinions, their evidences and any respective criticisms made against them. Finally, I will explain the best practical opinion taking into consideration the diversity of Muslims residing in these countries, as well as the abnormality of the situation they face.

INTRODUCTION

Firstly, it is essential to state that isha' begins once twilight disappears. This is based on many prophetic traditions, such as the statement narrated in Sahih Muslim by 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr, of the Prophet, upon whom be peace, who said:

"[A]nd the time for maghrib continues until twilight disappears."

Secondly, both Muslim and non-Muslim astronomers disagree on the time twilight disappears in areas of extreme latitude such as Canada and many European countries. Some believe that twilight never completely disappears during a certain period of the summer, whilst others believe it does disappear, but extremely late. This disagreement is a result of different opinions concerning two main factors:

The linguistic interpretation of the disappearance of twilight.
The astronomical interpretation of the disappearance of twilight.
Linguistically, whilst the vast majority of scholars believe that it is the disappearance of the redness of twilight that truly signifies its disappearance, hanafi scholars believe that it is the disappearance of the whiteness.

Concerning the second issue, Muslim scholars differ on which astronomical interpretation should be adopted to determine the disappearance of twilight. The resolution of the 9th Muslim World League Conference held in 1406H (March 1996) holds that 17 degrees is the correct interpretation for the disappearance of twilight. If we adopt this opinion, which is the opinion of the majority of Muslim scholars as well as astronomers, then all countries located above 49 degrees latitude (for example, the UK which has a latitude of between 50 to 60 degrees) may well observe the phenomenon of persistent twilight until the break of dawn.

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Thursday 2 August 2012

Realities and Obligations in Ramadhan

During this Ramadhan do not let the sweetness of our deeds vansh into the night, leaving only emptiness. When one contemplates the texts on fasting, its wisdom and goals in Shari'ah, and looks at the reality of the Muslim communities, one realizes a wide gap between the reality and our obligations. Remember that Ramadhan is a bounty that Allah blessed His servants with, to strengthen their faith, and increase their piety (taqwa). Allah said:
    "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious." [Al-Qur'an 2:183]
This article is an attempt to present the essential causes of this gap, and to offer some remedies. The primary reason for the gap is ignorance about the goals of fasting and the wisdom behind it. Many Muslims ignore the purpose and wisdom of fasting. Fasting is done merely to conform to the social environmet without contemplation. If one is not aware of the divine wisdom of Shari'ah and its fruits in this world and in the hereafter, one will not apply it in the right way.
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Gifts to those who Fast

Gifts to those who Fast
Shaykh 'Aa'id Abdullah al-Qarni
At this stage I can not find a better gift or greater masterpiece than to present to those who fast gifts from the Prophet of guidance, peace be upon him. They are those practical ahadith that have been mentioned in connection with rewards and blessings. Behold! They are the ahadith that lead to the doors of happiness and the paths of goodness in this world and the Hereafter. O you who fast! Record these gems and implement them.
The Prophet, upon whom be peace, said:
    "Whoever says at daybreak: 'There is no God save Allah alone, He has no partner, to Him belongs the dominion and the praise and He has power over all things'; such a person will have the equivalent of a slave from the son of Isma'il; ten good deeds will be written for him, ten misdeeds will be erased, and he will be elevated ten levels. He will be protected from Satan until evening, and if he says it in the evening, he would have the same rewards until morning." [Recorded by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah - authentic]
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Ramadhan Fasting and Muslim Patients

Shahid Athar, M.D. FACP, FACE
Muslims worldwide observe total fasting (no food or water) between dawn to sunset in the month of Ramadhan. They do so not for losing weight or any medical benefit, but as it is ordained in Qur'an which says:
    "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those who came before you; that you will perhaps be God-fearing." [Al-Qur'an 2:183]
According to Islamic Law, children below the age of 12, sick patients, travellers, and women who are menstruating or nursing a baby are exempt from fasting. In addition to staying away from food or water for the whole day, they are asked to stay away from sex, smoking or misconduct during the period of fast. In addition, they are encouraged to do more acts of piety i.e. prayer, charity, or reading the Qur'an during this month.
Food is needed by the body to provide energy for immediate use by burning up carbohydrates, that is, sugar. Excess of carbohydrates which cannot be used is stored up as fat tissue in muscles, and as glycogen in liver for future use. Insulin, a hormone from the pancreas, lowers blood sugar and diverts it to other forms of energy storage, that is, glycogen. To be effective, insulin has to be bound to binding sites called receptor. Obese people lack receptor; therefore, they cannot utilize their insulin. This leads to insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.
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Advice to Muslims in Ramadhan

Shaykh Abdullah al-Jarullah
From Khulasatul-Kalam
Few Introductory and Complementary Notes by the Translator
    Ramadhan is an auspicious opportunity for believers to renew their commitment to their Creator and the Sovereign of the Day of Recompense. This commitment must be both outward and inward, so that a Muslim not only recites more Qur'an and offers more units of prayer, but that she or he does so with reflection, humility and attentiveness.
    Muslims must ensure they are not formalists who concentrate only on the outward. Achieving Allah's acceptance must be a believer's priority and is not easy - "Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous." [Al-Qur'an 5:27]
    Ramadhan is a wonderful opportunity for accounting of one's sins and making repentance. If one does not repent in Ramadhan, when will he or she do so?
    Muslims should strive to worship Allah as best as they can from the beginning of the month, for that increases chances of the end of the month being good as well.
    Muslims should consider what is it that they truly want to achieve in Ramadhan, whether they want to be from the winners or from the losers, and should make sure they do not perform acts of worship simply because it is the surrounding people's custom to do so.
    Muslims must be firmly aware that Ramadhan is only a means and not an end.
Advice to Muslims in Ramadhan
Brother Muslim, Sister Muslima:
    Fast Ramadhan with belief and truly seeking the reward of Allah the Most High so that He may forgive you your past sins.
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The Goals of Fasting

The acts of worship that the Muslims practice seek to achieve certain goals and benefits that Allah wants His slaves to acquire knowledge in them and to comprehend and achieve them. Among these acts of worship is fasting during the lunar month of Ramadhan, which has several goals that the Muslims must strive to achieve with his heart and by his actions. These goals are as follows:
    Achieving taqwa, that is, to become God-fearing. Allah said:
        "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those who came before you; that you will perhaps be God-fearing." [Al-Qur'an 2:183]
    Hence, fasting is a means to achieve taqwa. In fact, all acts of worship and tawhid are methods and means to achieve taqwa, as Allah has said:
        "O mankind, worship your Lord, Who created you and those before you, so that you may become God-fearing." [Al-Qur'an 2:21]
    Acquiring the rewards of Allah. Al-Bukhari and Muslim recorded that the Prophet, upon whom be peace, said:
        "Allah the Exalted said, 'All the deeds of the son of Adam are his, except for fasting, for it is Mine and I will reward for it.' "

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Wednesday 25 July 2012

Why Do Muslims Fast? (part 2 of 2)

The Libidinal Level
The sexual instinct and drives (libido) are harnessed on this level of fasting. In these times where the media continually plays on sexual desires to promote and sell products, the ability to control these powerful desires is a plus. Fasting physically reduces sexual desires and the fact that the fasting person has to avoid anything which could stimulate him psychologically helps to further lower the libido. Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said:


“O youths, whoever among you is able to marry let him do so, for it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts. He who is unable to marry should fast, because it is a shield.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

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