My Ummah "FOR THE BEST UMMAH"

Al-Wala' Wal-Bara' in Islam

2012-02-23T20:43:00.000+03:00

By: Dr. Muhammad Saeed Al-Qahtaani

Translated by: Omar Johnstone

Al-Wala' Wal-Bara' and the Declaration of Faith

Love is the source of wala' and hate is the source of bara'; it is by this that both the heart and the hand are moved to act. Wala' inspires intimacy, concern and help. Bara' provokes obstruction, enmity and rejection. Wala' and Bara' are both related to the declaration of faith and constitute essential elements in it. The evidence of this from the Qur'an and the Sunnah is considerable.

As for the Qur'an, consider the following ayat: "Let not the believers take disbelievers for their friends in preference to believers. Whoever does this has no connection with Allah unless you are guarding yourselves against them as a precaution. Allah bids you to beware (only) of Himself. And to Allah is the journeying." [3:28] And He says: "Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind), If you love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your wrong actions. Allah is Forgiving, Compassionate. Say, Obey Allah and the Messenger. And If they turn away, then surely Allah does not love the disbelievers." [3:31-32] Speaking of the aims of the enemies of Allah, He says: "They long for you to disbelieve even as they disbelieve, so that you may be the same (as them). so do not choose friends from among them until they go out in the way of Allah." [4:89]

And also: "O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends of one another. And whoever of you takes them for friends is (one) of them. Surely Allah does not guide wrongdoing people." [5:51]

And lastly: "O you who believe! Whoever of you becomes a rebel against his Deen, (know that in his place) Allah will bring a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble towards the believers, harsh towards the disbelievers, striving in the way of Allah, and not fearing the blame of any blamer." [5:54]

We will mention only a few of the many hadith and reports of the Companions on this subject. Imam Ahmad reports from Jarir ibn Abdullah that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, made him swear an oath to 'offer counsel to every Muslim and to steer clear of every disbeliever.' (1) Ibn Shayba reports that the Prophet said, "The strongest bond of faith is love for the sake of Allah and enmity for His sake." (2) Ibn Abbas reports that the Prophet said, "The strongest bond of faith is loyalty for the sake of Allah and opposition for His sake, love for the sake of Allah and enmity for His sake." (3)

Ibn Abbas is also reported to have said,

"Whoever loves for the sake of Allah, and hates for the sake of Allah, and whoever seals a friendship for His sake, or declares an enmity for His sake, will receive, because of this, the protection of Allah. No one may taste true faith except by this, even if his prayers and fasts are many. People have come to build their relationships around the concerns of the world, but it will not benefit them in any way." (4) Shaykh Sulaiman ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab explained the words of Ibn Abbas by saying that the meaning of 'to seal a friendship for the sake of Allah' indicates the obligation of establishing relationships of love and trust for His sake; this is friendship for the sake of Allah. It also indicates that simple affection is not enough here; indeed what is meant is a love based upon alliance. This entails assistance, honour, and respect. It means being with those whom you love both in word and deed.

As for 'enmity for the sake of Allah', it includes the obligation to declare enmity for His sake: opposition for the sake of Allah. it is to declare opposition in deed, to take up arms against His enemies, to shun them, and to stay far from them both in word and deed. This proves that simple opposition of the spirit is not enough, and that it must be a complete honouring of your commitment, for Allah says: "There is a good example for you in Ibrahim and those with him, when they told their people: 'Surely we disassociate ourselves from you and all that you worship beside Allah. We have done with you. And there has arisen between us and you enmity and hate for ever until you believe in Allah only'." [60:4] (5)

What Islam Says About Interest/Riba?

2012-02-21T08:19:00.001+03:00

Muslim Jurists are of the view that reward for capital should be linked with the outcome of the underlying project if financing facility is being extended and/or reward should be obtained through trade involving sale and purchase.
In Arabic term Riba is a synonym for the term interest used in conventional banking operations. Riba means charging predetermined additional amount on a loan extended based on length of credit period.

Certain quarters are of the view that Riba which is prohibited by revelations is the Usury (interest charged on consumption loans) and banking interest (interest charged on productive loans) is not covered by the term. This point was debated in detail during the Supreme Court (Pakistan) hearing and concluded that there was no difference between usury and interest as for prohibition is concerned.

Following are some further citations (definitions) extracted from literature to clarify the meanings of word Riba used in Holy Qura'n.

What Drives People to Convert to Islam

2012-02-17T20:01:00.000+03:00

The nature of religious faith is quite mysterious. As part of their religious faiths, people believe in a variety of deities. There are people who have religious faith in the unseen supreme transcendental power and then there are others who believe in some humans as Gods, animals (e.g. monkeys), fire, idols made of stone, and the list goes on.

A lot is associated with having a religious “faith”. Part of it has to do with beliefs passed on through generations. People’s identities therefore get tied to it. Many times, these beliefs and associated feelings are not completely demonstrable by reason or any rational arguments. There is nothing right or wrong with this but that’s just how the nature of religious faith has come to be.

Everyone thinks they are right in their faith and beliefs. Being with people and groups with similar faiths further strengthens people’s faiths and they see it as “right” even though logical reasoning and argument sometimes can’t explain it all. That’s human psychology.

ISLAM’S ARGUMENTS BASED ON INTELLECTUAL REASONING

Muslims believe however, that the Islamic religion is different in this context. One may argue that similar to other faiths there are aspects of it which are not completely demonstrable by reason but on the other hand, the Quranic text, which is Allah’s words addressing the humanity at large, uses intellectual reason, critical thinking, and the process of reflection as a means to not only reinforce the faith of the believers but also to call non-believers to ponder about the authenticity of Islam as the way of life for the humanity at large. Although no religious beliefs can be fully based on logic and reasoning, Islam and Quran provide more than enough examples and an opportunity to examine the truth and the soundness of its message through the lens of empirical evidence and knowledge.

Islam The Biggest Blessing

2012-02-17T19:32:00.000+03:00

Shaykh Saalih Al-Maghamisee Explaining The Biggest Blessing of Allah Almighty Upon Us.

Tawakkul

2012-02-16T06:25:00.000+03:00

Whoever relies on Allah (has Tawakkul), He is sufficient for him. (At-Talaaq 65:3)
by Ayub A. Hamid

Tawakkul is another attribute that results from a true Eeman in Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala and the hereafter and continual remembrance of both. It is an attitude that emanates from the conviction that:

Allah has put me in this world temporarily for a test and all of my good and bad circumstances are part of the test.

The test is about my performance in given circumstances, not about how good or bad my circumstances are. Regardless of what circumstances I encounter, the test is about how well I exhaust all my efforts in achieving the objective of the Deen Allaah has prescribed for me for His pleasure.

My success depends on the quality (in terms of relevance, wisdom, propriety, tactics, strategy and sincerity) and quantity I put in, not on the material results they appear to produce, regardless of what kind of good or bad circumstances I happen to encounter.

Whatever Allah has commanded us to do and the objectives He wants us to achieve are the best things for us in this world and in the hereafter. My duty is to continue steadfastly on the job Allah has assigned to me utilizing every tool humanly possible and doing my earnest best, without worrying about the results, but instead leaving the results totally to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.

The real success is attaining the pleasure of Allah, not the results in this world. Whether my efforts bear any visible result in this world or not, I must continue on my course steadfastly.

Whatever hardships, test, trials and sufferings I endure during my servitude to Him are all part of His plan for my ultimate success. Enduring them with contentment without a word of complaint or without being disheartened in any way is a part of my job as His slave that I am doing for His pleasure.

Shirku-Du'a - Calling on Other Than Allah

2012-02-16T06:06:00.000+03:00

By Br. Abdullah Mujahid

The purpose of Mankind, the sole reason behind our creation, is to worship Allah Alone:

"And I created not the Jinns and men except that they should worship Me (Alone)." [51: 56]

Worship has been defined by Ibn Taymiyyah as being: "a term which comprises everything that Allah (s.w.t) loves and approves of from the apparent and hidden sayings and deeds."

The main condition for such worship to be accepted however, is that they must be solely made for the Sake of Allah, and no one else. This is the essence of Tawheed, and the Kalima itself, which declares boldly that there is no deity worthy of worship except for Allah.

And Du'a (supplication) is undoubtedly a part of worship, as Ibn Abbas said, "the best forms of worship is the du'a" [Munthir and Ibn Haakim].

To Allah belongs certain rights, among these including to slaughter in His Name, to prostrate before no one but Him, and to direct Du'a to no one but Him. In this regard, the scholar Ibn Rajab said: "Know that it is an obligation to invoke Allah Alone in Du`a, and not His creation... Admitting (and showing) humility and meekness can only be revealed to Allah, Alone, for this is the essence of worship."

Ibnul Qayyim said: "And from the types of Shirk, requesting needs from the dead, and Istighaathah from them and direction (of the call) to them, and this is the original of the Shirk of Mankind. Since the dead has his deeds cut off from him, and he cannot cause upon himself any good nor bad, let alone whoever seeks help from him, or asked him to seek intercession from Allah on his behalf. "

Calling upon the dead represents a hollow attempt to seek help from a creature who can benefit the caller nothing. Allah Says: "If you call upon them, they hear not your call, and if (in case) they were to hear, they could not grant it (your request) to you. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping them" [35: 14]

Supplication and Its Manners, Times, Conditions and Mistakes

2012-02-16T05:43:00.000+03:00

By Abdulaziz Addweesh

In the name of Allah, The most Beneficent, The most Merciful.

Praise is to Allah whom we ask for help and forgiveness. We seek the protection of Allah from the evil of ourselves and the sins of our deeds. Whom Allah guides no one can misguide and whom Allah does not guide will never find a guide. And I testify that there is no God but Allah the One with no partner, and Mohammed is his Slave and Messenger, (SAW ) (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, meaning: may the peace and blessings of Allah be with him)

The subject of Supplication is very important. Every Muslim must know how to supplicate the way that Allah has directed us. I found it very important to write about this subject to guide our brothers in Islam to perform this kind of worship the correct way. I also ask Allah (SWT) (Subhanahu wa ta’ala, meaning: the Glorious and Most Exalted) to guide me to do good deeds and May Peace and Blessings be upon the Prophet, his Family, Companions and all of his followers to the Day of Judgment.

Proofs Of Supplication From Qur’an

All mighty Allah (SWT) said :

“And when My slaves ask you (O Mohammed) concerning Me then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by my knowledge) I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on me (without any mediator or intercessor) So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led to the right path.” (Qur'an 2:186)

The Prophet (SAW) was asked by some of his companions: “Is Allah near so we invoke him or is he far so we call him? so Allah revealed this verse, - Allah (SWT) is near He can hear the supplicant anytime anywhere and respond to him if the supplicant invokes Allah (SWT) with a sincere heart and avoid interdictions of supplication.

Allah (SWT) also said:

“Invoke your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) with humility and in secret, He likes not the aggressors.” (Qur'an 7:55)

Supplication is of two kinds. One is worship and the other is a request. So He commands to be invoked with humility which is insisting in request and continuously in worship and “secretly” not loud to avoid “Ryea” (showing off)

Allah (SWT) also said:

“And your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) said: “Invoke Me (i.e. believe in My Oneness) (and ask Me for anything) I will respond to your (invocation) Verily! Those who scorn My worship (i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not believe in My Oneness ) they will surely enter hell in humiliation!” (Qur'an 40:60)

Allah (SWT) said:

“Invoke Me, I will respond to you” , so from His mercy for His slaves He has promised to respond to their invocations but for those who do not invoke Him, He has promised punishment because invocation of Allah (SWT) is an act of worship and refusing to invoke Him ( disbelieving in Him or having doubt in His ability to answer the invocation) is refusal to worship Him.

Muhammad (saws): A Role Model for a New Millennium

2012-02-11T21:18:00.000+03:00

The human need for role models

Have you ever heard of Moses, Jesus, Confucius, Krishna or the Buddha? How about Gandhi, Mother Theresa or Martin Luther King? If you live in the West, there's a good chance that you know a bit about these people and their accomplishments. In man's eternal search for immortality and meaning, many leaders and heroes, both true and false, have made their appearance on the world stage. The respect and reverence shown to such figures among people of every nationality, in every age, points to a deep human need to believe in someone greater than oneself, in an attempt to transcend the confines of one's own limited existence. We see this theme recur in world myths, legends, hero stories, and in the idealisation of people who have been raised by their followers to superhuman or godly status.

Most educated people today are sceptics,

and view such stories as the charming remnants of a simpler age. And with globalisation and the steady stream of new religions and ideologies that people are exposed to, it may be hard to know what to believe. Some find it easier to ignore spiritual questions altogether, focusing instead on their relationships, careers and 'getting ahead'. Yet we know that excessive materialism stifles the mind and spirit; despite technological advances, the deep yearning to believe in a Higher Power, true leadership, and an ultimate purpose in life remains. In this day and age, who can be trusted as a guide in both spiritual and worldly matters?

Celebrating Valentine’s Day!!

2012-02-09T21:12:00.000+03:00

Praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.

Allaah has chosen for us Islam as our religion and He will not accept any other religion from anyone, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers [Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us that groups of his ummah would follow the enemies of Allaah in some of their rituals and customs, as it says in the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him), who narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you, span by span, cubit by cubit, until even if they were to enter a lizard’s hole, you would follow them.” We said, “O Messenger of Allaah, (do you mean) the Jews and Christians?” He said, “Who else?!”

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari in al-I’tisaam bi’l-Kitaab wa’l-Sunnah, Baab Qawl al-Nabi (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) La tattabi’unna Sanan man kaana qablakum, 8/151; and by Muslim in Kitaab al-‘Ilm, Baab Ittibaa’ Sanan al-Yahood wa’l-Nasaara, 4/2054)

What the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) spoke of has indeed come to pass and has become widespread in recent times, in many of the Muslim countries. Many of the Muslims follow the enemies of Allaah in many of their customs and ways of behaving, and imitate them in some of their rituals and in celebrating their holidays.

The matter has been made even worse by the opening up of mass communications between peoples, whereby the rituals and customs of the kuffaar are now transmitted with the glamorous adornment of sound and image from their countries into the Muslim countries, via satellite TV and the World Wide Web (Internet). Many Muslims have been deceived by their glamour.

In recent years, a new phenomenon has spread among the Muslim youth – males and females alike – which does not bode well. This is manifested in their imitation of the Christians in their celebration of the Valentine’s Day, which has led the scholars and daa’iyahs to explain the rulings of sharee’ah concerning that, out of sincerity towards Allaah, His Messenger, the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk, so that Muslims may have a clear understanding of this issue and so that they will not fall into that which will undermine the belief (‘aqeedah) with which Allaah has blessed them.

Why Do Muslims Believe that Islam is true ? Is there any factual basis ?

2012-02-09T07:31:00.000+03:00

There are many religions.

Why Do Muslims Believe that Islam is true ? Is there any factual basis ?

Praise be to Allah.

This is a reasonable enough question for one who has not entered Islam, but one who believes in and practices this religion already knows the blessings which are his because of this religion.

There are many reasons for this, which include the following:

(1) The Muslim worships One God, Who has no partner, and Who has the most beautiful names and the highest attributes. Thus the Muslim’s focus and aim is concentrated, focused on His Lord and Creator; he puts his trust in Him and asks Him for help, patience and support; he believes that Allaah is able to do all things, and has no need of a wife or son. Allaah created the heavens and earth; He is the One Who gives life and death; He is the Creator and Sustainer from Whom the slave seeks provision. He is the All-Hearing Who responds to the supplication of His slave, and from Whom the slave hopes for a response. He is the All-Merciful and All-Forgiving, to Whom the slave turns in repentance when he has committed a sin or fallen short in his worship of Allaah. He is the Omniscient and All-Seeing, who knows all intentions and what is hidden in people’s hearts. The slave feels ashamed to commit a sin by doing wrong to himself or to others, because his Lord is watching over him and sees all that he does. He knows that Allaah is All-Wise, the Seer of the Unseen, so he trusts that what Allaah decrees for him is good; he knows that Allaah will never be unjust to him, and that everything that Allaah decrees for him is good, even if he does not understand the wisdom behind it.

(2) The effects of Islaamic worship on the soul of the Muslim include the following:

Prayer keeps the slave in contact with his Lord; if he enters it in a spirit of humiliation and concentration, he will feel tranquil and secure, because he is seeking a "powerful support," which is Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted. For this reason, the Prophet of Islaam, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say: "Let us find relaxation and joy in prayer." If something distressed him, he would hasten to pray. Everyone who finds himself faced with disaster and tries prayer finds strength, patience and consolation, because he is reciting the words of his Lord, which cannot be compared to the effect of the words of a created being. If the words of some psychologists can offer a little comfort, what do you think of the words of the One Who created the psychologist?

Magic and Fortune-Telling!!

2012-02-07T21:59:00.000+03:00

By Abdullah K. Abdurrahman

For thousands of years people have been fascinated, awed and fearful at the unknown and mystical, being heedless of the dangers and harm that they inflict. As Muslims it is imperative to understand these evil-filled practices and to protect ourselves from them.

Magic

Having the power to do supernatural and seemingly impossible things is referred to as 'magic'. It can be categorized as either sorcery, which is magic that uses the power of evil spirits for evil purposes; or as illusionism, which is the skill of performing tricks in which you seem to make things appear, disappear or change, as if by magic.

Ruling

Both sorcery and illusionism are unlawful in Islam. Sorcery can only be performed with the aid of devils whose help is attained when the performer attributes them as partners to Allah in worship. Illusionism does not involve polytheism, but may none-the-less lead one astray. It is a sin because it implies an act of disobedience. Magic is a destructive act, and therefore Islam warns against it. Believers should avoid magic and magicians; take precautions to heed the danger they represent and attempt to expose their false allegations.

The following evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah has asserted this ruling.

Supplication Is A Cure

2012-02-07T21:48:00.000+03:00

Supplication is from the most beneficial types of healing, it is the enemy of illness and affliction - repressing it and treating it, preventing its occurrence, removing it or at least alleviating it. It is the weapon of the believer as is reported by al-Haakim in his 'Mustadrak' from the hadeeth of Alee bin Abee Taalib (RA) from the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam that he said, "Supplication is the weapon of the believer, the pillar of the religion, and the light of the heaven and earth." (Abu Ya`laa)

Supplication takes one of three positions against illness:

It is stronger than the illness and therefore represses it.

It is weaker than the illness and therefore the illness overcomes it and afflicts the servant, however it is still possible that it alleviate the illness.

That they be of equal strength and prevent each other from happening in the servant.

Al-Haakim reports from the hadeeth of Aa`ishah (RA) that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Caution is of no avail against the decree but supplication benefits those things that have occurred and have not yet occurred. For indeed while the tribulation is descending the supplication meets it and they remain struggling with one another until the Day of Judgement." (Haakim, at-Tabaraanee)

He also reports the hadeeth of ibn Umar from the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam that he said, "Supplication brings about benefit to those things that have occurred and those things that have not yet occurred. So devote yourselves to supplication O servants of Allaah!" (Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh)

He also reports the hadeeth of Thawbaan from the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam that he said, "Nothing but supplication averts the decree and nothing but righteousness increases the life-span. Indeed a person is deprived of provision due to performing sins." (Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh)

TIME IS LIFE

2012-02-06T21:48:00.000+03:00

By Shaykh Saalih Aal Taalib

Fellow Muslims! Fear your Lord Who knows all that is hidden, and Sufficient is He, concerning the sins of His servants, as Acquainting and Seeing. Allah says,

“O you who believe! Fear Allah (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. (Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always), and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims (with complete submission to Allah)).”

(Aal ‘Imraan 3:102)

In this world, man is between two dreaded things: his past life which he does not know what Allah is going to do with it, and the remaining part of his life which he does not know what Allah is going to decide on it.

The wise one then makes proper use of his life for his own benefits, fills his worldly life with righteous deeds in preparation for his hereafter and judiciously uses his free time before a time comes when he will be busy. By Him in Whose Hand is my life, there is nothing one can do after the death has come, and there is nothing after the life of this world but Paradise or Hell.

Dear Muslims! Man’s conditions in this world change between health and illness, free time and busy time, toil and rest, seriousness and indolence.

These days, the end of the academic year has created some free time. It is now common that people have their annual vacation in the summer; a situation that was unknown before but only created by the contemporary modernity that has turned man into a tool for the whole year, toiling tirelessly and frantically running after the materials of this world, far from spiritual nourishment like eemaan, which is the source of rest for the body, heart and the soul. The plague of vacations had become so widespread that it has become the sign of the summer all over the world.

In view of the reality of Islam, its universality, its comprehensiveness and its balanced rules and just laws, it has affirmed the soul and the body’s right to have their share of rest and relaxation. The Messenger of Allah said, “Surely, your body has a right upon you and your family has a right upon you. So give each their right.” (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

The soul might become tired because of a long work. And the hearts also are tired like bodies. ‘Alee said, “Give the hearts an hour of rest every now and then, for if the heart is coerced into work it becomes blind.”

Are You Making Dua & Receiving No Answer?

2012-02-05T23:09:00.000+03:00

Some people make a great deal of du’aa’ but receive no answer
Question:
What is the reason for the delay in response to du’aa’? Some people make du’aa’ but they do not get any response; they ask for a long time but do not see it having any effect, so you find the Shaytaan starting to whisper to such people and making them think badly of their Lord.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
The one to whom that happens should believe that there is a reason and great wisdom behind the delay in the response. Allaah, may He be glorified, is the Sovereign of all and none can put back His bounty or overturn His ruling or object to His giving or His withholding, if He gives by His bounty or withholds by His justice. We are His slaves and He does with us whatever He will.
“And your Lord creates whatsoever He wills and chooses, no choice have they (in any matter)”
[al-Qasas 28:68]
How can a slave fall short in honouring his master’s rights and then demand his rights in full?
It is His right to be obeyed and not disobeyed, to be remembered and not forgotten, to be thanked and not to be shown ingratitude. If you look at yourself and how you are carrying out your duties, you would think very little of yourself and you would feel humility and would realize there can be no salvation except by His forgiveness and mercy. So look at yourself as being a slave, for Allaah is the Creator and Controller.
Secondly:
Allaah has great wisdom and He does not give or withhold except for a reason. You may look at something and think that it is good but by His wisdom He does not decree it. A doctor may do things which appear to be painful but they are in the patient’s best interests. And for Allaah is the highest description. (cf. al-Nahl 16:60).
Thirdly:
Attainting the thing asked for may cause hardship to the one who is asking. It was narrated from one of the salaf that he used to ask Allaah to let him go out on a military campaign, but a voice called out to him: “If you go on a military campaign you will be taken prisoner, and if you are taken prisoner, you will become a Christian.” Sayd al-Khaatir, 1/109
Ibn al-Qayyim said: Whatever Allaah has decreed for His believing slave is a blessing even if that is in the form of withholding; it is a favour even if that is in the form of a trial, and the calamity decreed by him is fair even if it us painful. Madaarij al-Saalikeen, 4/215.

Why do we pray five times each day?

2012-02-05T22:50:00.000+03:00

I read in the Qur’aan that a man should pray three times: before sunrise, after sunset and in the middle of the day. So why do we pray five times? I hope that you will not give me the story that 50,000 prayers were enjoined then it was reduced to five. I want a convincing answer.

Praise be to Allaah.

1 – What is mentioned in the question about the number of prayers is mistaken.

It was 50 then it was altered to 5 prayers, a favour from the Lord of the Worlds to the Muslims.

2 – The rules of sharee’ah may be divided into two categories:

Those which may be understood on a rational basis; and those which are purely worship, the wisdom behind which is concealed from us and is not mentioned in either the Qur’aan or the Sunnah.

Examples of the first include: the prohibition on alcohol and gambling.

Allaah has told us the reason why they are forbidden, which is:

“Shaytaan (Satan) wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allaah and from As‑Salaah (the prayer). So, will you not then abstain?” [al-Maa'idah 5:91]

Singling out verses from some soorahs to recite them at times of hardship and difficulty

2012-02-05T22:25:00.000+03:00

Is the celebration of Mawlid an-Nabawi Khayr (good) or evil?

2012-02-05T22:11:00.000+03:00

A Dialogue between Shaikh al-Albanee and a proponent of Mawlid on the subject, Is the celebration of Mawlid a good deed (Khayr)?

Written by Salman Mohammed

***

Shaikh al-Albanee: Is the celebration of Mawlid an-Nabawi Khayr (good) or evil?

The opponent: Khayr.

Shaikh al-Albanee: So, were the Messenger of Allah sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam and his Sahabah unaware of this Khayr (good)?

The opponent: No.

Shaikh al-Albanee: I am not convinced with your saying, 'No' because it is impossible that this Khayr (i.e. the celebration Mawlid) if it is Khayr

- be concealed from the Prophet sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam and his Sahabah since we do not know Islam and Eeman except through Prophet Muhammad sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam. So, how do we know a Khayr (good deed) that he did not know of? This is impossible.

The opponent: Establishing Mawlid an-Nabawi is reviving his sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam memories and is a tribute to him sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam.

Shaikh al-Albanee: This is a philosophy that we know of, and have heard from many and read in their books, but when Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam invited the people (to the Deen of Allah), did he call them to Islam as a whole or he invited them to Tawheed?

The opponent:Tawheed.

Shaikh al-Albanee:First, he invited them to Tawheed, next prayer was made obligatory, then fasting, later the obligation of Hajj, and so on. So, you follow this Sunnah of the Sharee'ah, (and talk about the issue under discussion) step-by-step.

We have now agreed that it is impossible that there could be a Khayr with us which the Prophet sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam did not know of. (Because) we know all the Khayr through the Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam... and I believe that anyone, who doubts in this matter, is not a Muslim.

From the Ahadeeth of Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam that support this statement is, "There is nothing that will take you closer to Paradise but that I have enjoined it upon you, and there is nothing that will take you closer to Hell but that I have warned you of it." [Musnad ash-Shafa'ee and others]

So, if Mawlid was Khayr and something that could bring us closer to Allah, then Allah's Messenger sallAllaahu 'alayhi wasallam would have guided us to it. Right or wrong?

I don't want you to agree with me except if you are convinced of every word I say. You have complete freedom to say, "Please, I do not agree with this point." So, do you stop at some point from what I have just said, or are you with me completely?

The opponent: I am with you totally.

Shaikh al-Albanee: Jazak Allah Khair.

Alcohol According to Qur'an and Sunnah

2012-02-02T18:16:00.000+03:00

The Prohibition: Al-Tirmidhi #580, Narrated AbudDarda' ...don't drink wine for it is the key to every evil.

Abu Dawood, Narrated Umar ibn al-Khattab "When the prohibition of wine (was yet to be) declared, Umar said: O Allah, give us a satisfactory explanation about wine. So the following verse of Surat al-Baqarah revealed; "They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: In them is great sin...." Umar was then called and it was recited to him. He said: O Allah, give us a satisfactory explanation about wine.

Then the following verse of Surat an-Nisa' was revealed: "O ye who believe! approach not prayers with a mind befogged...."

Thereafter the herald of the Apostle of Allah would call when the (congregational) prayer was performed: Beware, one who is drunk should not come to prayer.

Umar was again called and it was recited to him. He said: O Allah, give us a satisfactory explanation about wine. This verse was revealed: "Will ye not then abstain?" Umar said: We abstained. The Noble Qur'an - al-Baqarah 2:219 They ask you (O Muhammad ) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: "In them is a great sin, and (some) benefit for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit." And they ask you what they ought to spend. Say: "That which is beyond your needs." Thus Allâh makes clear to you His Laws in order that you may give thought.

Selling and Buying: Al-Tirmidhi #2776 Narrated Anas ibn Malik "Allah's Messenger cursed ten people in connection with wine: the wine-presser, the one who has it pressed, the one who drinks it, the one who conveys it, the one to whom it is conveyed, the one who serves it, the one who sells it, the one who benefits from the price paid for it, the one who buys it, and the one for whom it is bought." Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it.

Dying when Addicted: Muslim #4963, Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar "Allah's Messenger said: Every intoxicant is Khamr and every intoxicant is forbidden. He who drinks wine in this world and dies while he is addicted to it, not having repented, will not be given a drink in the Hereafter."

The Evils of Gambling

2012-02-02T07:07:00.000+03:00

By a Student of Darul Uloom,

CONTENTS:

INTRODUCTION

THE DEFINITION OF GAMBLING

THE PROHIBITION OF GAMBLING

THE NOBLE SAHAABAH'S SPIRIT OF OBEDIENCE AFTER THE ORDER OF PROHIBITION

CROSSWORD PUZZLES

THE PRIZE WINNING TICKETS OF (CAR) SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS

HORSE RACING

LOTTERY

****

INTRODUCTION

Gambling has unfortunately become an acceptable practise in Muslim Society due to its wide scale promotion by the media. A large number of good Muslims are also caught in the web, not realising that they are gambling and that the earnings from the gambling are haraam.

The following is a translation of a scholarly article by the late Mufti Muhammad Shafi rahmatullahi alaihe which is being published to make Muslims aware of the different forms of transactions and other items which are classified in Shar'iah as gambling.

THE DEFINITION OF GAMBLING

Every transaction in which gain and loss is obscure is known as Qimaar' and 'Maisar' in the Shar'iah terminology, and as 'Juwa' in the Urdu language. For instance, if two people compete in a race with the following conditions, that if you surpass me, then I will give you a thousand pounds and if I surpass you then you will have to give me a thousand pounds. Or if someone says, 'If it rains today you will have to give me a thousand pounds and if it does not rain then I will give you a thousand pounds.'

Likewise if some packed boxes are being sold for a fixed price, for example four pounds per box and some of the boxes have contents with a value of five pounds with others containing a value of two pounds, then the purchase of these boxes will be Qimaar. Because of the obscurity of the gain and loss. There are numerous methods of gambling and in every age and region, gambling has been played in different forms and methods.

There was a certain procedure amongst the Arabs for gambling. There would be ten arrows, each with a special name, all having different shares allocated to them, for example, one share, two shares, three shares, etc. There would also be some without a share at all. They would then jumble the arrows and ask someone to pick an arrow for each person. Whichever arrow was picked out for a person, that would be his allocated share and thereafter would be considered the owner of it. On the other hand, whosoever happened to acquire a share-less arrow he would receive nothing at all. The custom, which went hand in hand with this, was that a camel would be slaughtered and distributed according to the shares entitled to them by the arrows. A person who was unlucky would not only be deprived of the camel meat but he would also have to pay for that camel. This kind of gambling has been labelled Maisar and Azlaam by the Qur'aan. Maisar is that particular camel which is slaughtered and distributed because of gambling and Azlaam are the arrows that are used to define the amount of the shares in gambling. Apart from this, gambling was prevalent in trade in different forms. They were known as Mulamasa and Munabaza, etc., the prohibition of which is present in the Ahaadith of the Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam.

Before the advent of Islam, gambling was not only customary but also taken to be a cause of pride, nobility and honour. For excessive show of pride, these people would distribute their share of the winnings amongst the poor.

(Tafseer-ul-Kabeer Lir-Razi vol 2 p231)

Smoking: A Social Poison!!

2012-02-02T06:34:00.000+03:00

By Muhammad al-Jibaly

Introduction

Discovery Of Tobacco

Tobacco was discovered by the Spanish sailors on the American shores at about 1500 CE (900 AH). Since its discovery, the epidemic of smoking has continued to spread all over the world. In our times, one seldom finds a house not afflicted by it.

As early as the Seventeenth Century, the European countries realized the dangers of smoking and fought against it Laws were ordained in England, Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, and other countries, prohibiting smoking and punishing violators.

Nowadays, the Western countries continue their attempts to protect their peoples from the harms of smoking. They employ media means, ordain laws and regulations, and apply other methods to discourage people from smoking. Because of that, the rate of smokers has declined to a certain degree in those countries.

Smoking Among Muslims

Smoking was introduced to the Muslim countries by the Europeans around 1000 AH. Its spread among the Muslims was similar to that in the West. The unfortunate fact, however, is that in the Muslim countries, no similar measures were exerted to protect the people from it. To the contrary, the media continues to advertise smoking and encourage people to do it. This caused the epidemic of smoking to continue to spread in those countries to such an extent that it has become hard to control.

Smoking has become the rule, and abstaining from it the exception. Often, people look with astonishment and disdain at a person whom when a cigarette is offered to him, declines to smoke explaining that he does not smoke.

Offering cigarettes to the guests has become among the first rules of hospitality. Anyone who does not offer them to his guests or insist on them to smoke would be violating the ethics of hospitality and generosity!

Furthermore, some of those who pretend to represent the Deen are among the worst addicts to smoking. When they are reproached or reminded of their vice, they respond by providing weak excuses to justify it in the name of Islam. They slyly remark that there is no clear text prohibiting smoking. Therefore, they conclude, smoking is not prohibited, but is only makruh (disliked). By this, they provide a poor excuse for the ignorant, and establish a very bad example for others.

Such statements have influenced many Muslims, causing them to fall into the snares of addiction to smoking. This is observed all over the world. A striking example is that All-American airlines now prohibit smoking, even on most international flights; on the other hand, for Muslim airlines, one travels in a near-suffocation state, even on short trips, because of the high number of smokers.

Thus, it becomes incumbent to write an article which provides evidence concerning the ruling of smoking in Islam. We hope that this will benefit our Muslim brothers and sisters; and we ask Allah to accept it from us as a sincere deed for His pleasure.

Definition

Smoking refers to the action of lighting a cigarette, a pipe, a cigar, a water pipe, or any other object made from tobacco or materials of similar effects. The object is then sucked on with the lips to extract smoke. This smoke is inhaled into the chest and then exhaled from the nose and mouth as a thick white smoke. "Smoking" is now used to refer to the action of producing this smoke in English, Arabic, and other languages.

The Creation is in Need of Allah

2012-01-31T08:29:00.000+03:00

By Dr. Saleh as-Saleh,

"Man always looks for what benefits him and what protects him from harm. However, to accomplish this, man must be able to realize what is harmful. He must then know whom he should need, trust, and love so that he can attain what is beneficial as well as to feel good about his choice. He also must know the proper and good approach that would make him achieve this goal. This latter condition requires that man:

Know about harm

What ways can be used to drive harm away?

Certainly, man can have no better guidance than that which comes from the One Who had perfected everything, and the One who Has no deficiency in Himself and in His Attributes. The One Who is Ever-Living and Who does not die. There can be no One better than the One Who Has no need for anything; the One Who is rich; the Giver; the One who, after all, controls man's soul. Man is so poor to Him. He is Allah, the True and only God. Man can bring harm to himself if he seeks other than Allah for help. Allah is the One Who can help man drive away any harm for it cannot occur without His Will and His Power.

1.Allah (swt) sent down His Books and chose His Messengers to guide man to:

2.Know His Lord as He (swt) had explained about Himself, and

3.Seek Him Alone while living in accordance with His plan

Knowing Allah's Names and Attributes liberates man from worshiping any form of creation because creation is weak and is in need of The Creator, Allah. The knowledge about Allah leads man to know that he is created to live according to Allah's way as revealed to the last Messenger Muhammad . This Revelation contains a complete code of life. Everything that is beneficial or harmful is established so that man can centre his life around this Revelation. If man commits wrong and knows that Allah is Oft-Forgiving he would turn to Him and to Him alone seeking His forgiveness:

"Know, therefore, that there is no God Who deserves to be worshiped except Allah; and ask forgiveness for your sins."

(Qur'an, 47:19)

What It Means to Follow the Way of the Companions

2012-01-31T08:21:00.000+03:00

By Jamaal ud-Deen Zarabozo

In numerous places in the Qur'an, Allah praises and shows His pleasure for the Companions of the Prophet (Saw) and also for those who follow in their footsteps. For example, Allah says,

"And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhaajirun and the Ansaar and also those who followed them exactly (in faith)! Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise) to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success". (at-Tawbah, 100)

Furthermore, the following verse of the Qur'an was first and foremost directed to the Companions of the Prophet (saw);

"You are the best of peoples ever raised for mankind, you enjoin good and forbid evil, and you believe in Allah" (al-'Imraan, 110)

In addition there are numerous hadith in which the Prophet (saw) told us about the special place and superiority of his Companions, and also of those who came after them. Imraan ibn Hussain narrated that the Prophet (saw) said,

"The best people are my generation, then the people who come after them, then the people who come after them" (al-Bukhaari, and Muslim).

In another very important hadith, the Prophet (Saw) said,

"The tribes of Israel broke up into seventy-two sects. My ummah shall break up into seventy-three sects. All of them will be in the Fire except for one: [That group] which follows what I and my Companions are following." (at-Tirmidhi)

The behaviour and actions of the Companions of the Prophet (ra) were witnessed by the Prophet (saw) himself and approved by him. This means that their behaviour was also approved by Allah as it is an accepted principle that the Prophet (Saw) is not allowed to approve of something which is essentially wrong.

The Meaning of " Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raaji'oon"

2012-01-31T08:08:00.000+03:00

Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi Raaji'oon

Yeah, sure we say this statement when someone dies.Also some of us may say this sentence when they lose something, suffer a setback or harm. But………..do you know what it means?

Sure, everyone know that it obviously means 'To Allah we belong and to Him is our return.'

But that's not what I am talking about.

I mean ….do you REALLY, TRULY understand these words and their implications in a Muslim's life?

It means …whatever we have is not really ours. It belongs to Allah

Take a look around you; everything you see, all that you have and all that there is….in you, on you, around you….belongs to Allah, alone.

It is Allah Who has given you all the property and goods you possess, and that He is the true Owner of them all.

So the cars that you own, the houses that you live in, the businesses you possess all truly belong to Allah

The kids that He blessed you with, the health that He gave you, the time that He has allowed you are all Allah's property.

Even the bodies we live in and the life that we have belongs to Allah alone.

"And to Allah belongs the inheritance of the heavens and the earth…." (Surah Aal-Imraan:180)

What Every Muslim Should Know about their Deen

2012-01-31T08:01:00.000+03:00

By Habib Ahmad

Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: "Seeking Knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim." (Related by Ibn 'Adiyy, Al-Bayhaqi & Al-Tabarani)

Though this Hadith is known and memorised by most Muslims, the essence, the amount, and the kind of knowledge referred to in this Hadith remains misunderstood by many.

If it is true that the knowledge incumbent upon every Muslim pertains to religious knowledge, or al-'Ilm al-Shar'i, how deeply does one have to pursue his quest of this knowledge to fulfil his duties and discharge the learning obligations placed upon him? In other words, what are the minimum teachings that every Muslim - male or female - is required to know about his Deen?

TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE IN ISLAM

Muslim scholars classify knowledge into two categories:

Obligatory Knowledge (fardh 'ayn)

This refers to knowledge of the fundamentals of Islamic beliefs which every Muslim must know Seeking this knowledge is an obligatory duty upon every Muslim. All obligatory knowledge deal exclusively with al-'Ilm al-Shari'i, that is, knowledge pertaining to Islamic faith, acts of worship, and the necessary transaction in the daily dealing of a Muslim.

Optional Knowledge (fardh kifayah)

This is not a duty required of every individual, but rather it falls upon the community as a whole. Hence, if a group of individuals in the community undertake to acquire this kind of knowledge, all other individuals will be exempted from this duty, and the whole community will be free from responsibility or negligence to acquire this kind of knowledge. Examples of such knowledge include studying Islamic law and other basic sciences, industries and professions which are vital for the welfare of the society.

The Reality of Belief in the Messengers

2012-01-30T03:53:00.000+03:00

Mankind’s need for the Messengers:

The Prophets are the Messengers of Allah to His slaves; they convey His commands, and give them glad tidings of the delights that Allah has promised them if they obey His commands, and they warn them of the abiding punishment if they go against His prohibitions. They tell them the stories of the past nations and the punishment and vengeance that befell them in this world because they disobeyed the commands of their Lord.

These divine commands and prohibitions cannot be known through independent thinking, hence Allah has prescribed laws and enjoined commands and prohibitions, to honor mankind and protect their interests, because people may follow their desires and thus transgress the limits and abuse people and deprive them of their rights. So by His wisdom Allah sent among them from time to time Messengers to remind them of the commands of Allah and to warn them against failing into sin, to preach to them and to tell them the stories of those who came before them. For when people hear wondrous stories it makes their minds alert, so they understand and increase in knowledge and understand correctly. For the more people hear, the more ideas they will have; the more ideas they have, the more they will think; the more they think, the more they will know; and the more they know, the more they will do. So there is no alternative to sending Messengers in order to explain the truth.

Messengership is essential to guide mankind to that which is best for them in this world and in the Hereafter. Man cannot follow what is best for him with regard to the Hereafter unless he follows the Message and he cannot be guided to what is best for him in this world unless he follows the Message. Man needs the shari’ah because he has two motives, to bring that which will benefit him and to ward off that which will harm him. This shari'ah is the light of Allah on this earth, and His justice among His slaves, and the refuge which whoever enters it will be safe.

Shari'ah does not mean distinguishing between what is beneficial and what is harmful on a physical basis, because even animals are able to do this. Donkeys and camels are able to differentiate between barley and dust. Rather the distinction is between deeds which will harm a person in this world and the Hereafter, and deeds which will benefit him in this world and in the Hereafter, such as faith, Tawheed, justice, righteousness, kindness, trustworthiness, chastity, courage, knowledge, patience, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, upholding the ties of kinship, honouring one’s parents, treating neighbours well, recognizing people’s rights, sincerely doing things for the sake of Allah, putting one's trust in Him, seeking His help, accepting His decree, submitting to His will, believing in Him and in His Messengers in all that they have told us, and other deeds which are of benefit to a person in this world and in the Hereafter. The opposite of that leads him to misery and doom in this world and in the Hereafter.

Were it not for the Messengers, our minds could not guide us to differentiate between the beneficial and the harmful in this life in a detailed manner. One of the greatest blessings that Allah has bestowed upon His slaves is that He sent Messengers to them and revealed books to them, and showed them the Straight Path. Were it not for that, they would have been like cattle, and even worse off. So whoever accepts the Message of Allah and adheres to it is one of the best of mankind, and whoever rejects it and ignores it is one of the worst of mankind, even worse off than dogs and pigs, and the vilest of the vile. The people of this world could not survive except by virtue of the Messengers’ teachings, traces of which are still extant amongst them. If these traces of the Messengers vanished from the earth and their teachings were wiped out, Allah would destroy the upper and lower realms and the Hour would begin.

The need of the people of the earth for the Messengers is not like their need for the sun, moon, wind and rain, or like a man’s need for his life, or like the eye’s need for light, or like the body’s need for food and drink. Rather it is greater than that, greater than his need for anything you could think of. The Messengers (alaihi as-salaam) are intermediaries between Allah and His creation, conveying His commands and prohibitions. They are ambassadors from Him to His slaves. The last and greatest of them, the noblest before his Lord, was Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam). Allah sent him as a mercy to the worlds, guidance for those who want to draw closer to Allah, proof which left no excuse for all people.

He enjoined the people to obey him, love him, respect him, support him, and acknowledge his rights. Allah took the covenant from all the Messengers and Prophets that they would believe in him and follow him, and He commanded them to take the same covenant from the believers who followed them. He sent him just before the Hour as a bringer of glad tidings and a warner, calling people to Allah by His leave and as a brightly shining lamp. He concluded the line of Messengers with him. Through him He guided people and dispelled misguidance, taught them and dispelled ignorance.

Cool or Fool? - Choosing the Right Friends

2012-01-23T09:19:00.000+03:00

Youth - Youth

"We relate to thee their story in truth: they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We advanced them in guidance: We gave strength to their hearts: Behold, they stood up and said: "Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and of the earth: never shall we call upon any god other than Him: if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity!" (Al-Kahf 18:13-14)

Your friends gather. Smoke curls in thick, humid air. Laughter and slurred words swirl together as bodies twirl and vibrate in time with pounding drums. Voices glide into eager ears, lacing minds with alluring words. Red, blue, green lights blink and flash--dotting open eyes with blinding colour. Hands wave, heads toss, bodies shake into oblivion. Glasses clink, cold orangey liquid drips and pools on greasy tables.

Fear grasps your heart. You walk on the edge of a knife; your friends clasp the handle and wave it like a sword. Your faith wanders onto the chopping block. Warning bells scream. You want to stop, you want to save your faith—but you slide along the edge of the knife. Your faith is sliced and diced. You wonder why you didn’t try. Your friends disperse.

Friends gather. Light flickers through shadow. Prayers flutter into the arms of a new day. Hands grip ancient texts, fingers follow curved winding letters, eyes strain to grasp meaning. Hands point towards Heaven, voices plead for hope, bodies bow in harmony in submission to the One. Peace descends.

Making use of Our Youth-Advice to the Youth

2012-01-23T09:12:00.000+03:00

My dear Slaves of Allah, if Allah gives us 60 years to live then it comes to around 22,000 days (60x365). All these days Allah gives us to prepare for one day of interview with Allah. That is on the Day of Judgement. On that day, Allah will ask us some questions and He wants some correct answers. Allah is so merciful that He already told us what the questions will be through Quran and Ahadith. His mercy is so great that He even told us the answers to these questions.

Now imagine, a student goes to write an exam. He opens his exam paper and finds the questions on one side. Then he finds that the answers to the questions are on the other side. Now after writting the exam, if this student still fails then what would we think of him? We would think that he is the dumbest person around. Well, tell you what, on the Day of Judgement, us people who knew the questions and answers will still fail! That is why, this is the time to wake up before we prove ourselves to be the dumbest of people.

Youth is the prime time of our lives. This is where people make important decisions like what to become in the future. Things you do in this time will most likely affect you throughout the rest of your life. That is why, it is important to bring Islam into your life during these days. Many people have the conception that when they get old then they will start practising Islam. Probably you and me also have this feeling.

But look at it this way:

If you want to become a famous hockey player then you would start playing right from the youth. As you grow up, you will become better and better. But if you think that you will start playing when you are an old man then the chances of becoming famous is virtually zero. That's the reality. When we become old, we won't have enough energy to even stand up and pray.

Because youth is the prime time of your life, that is why it is very precious to Allah. Allah has prepared a shade on the Day of Judgement for those people who used to worship Allah in their youth. On that Day, there will be no other shade except the shade from the throne of Allah. Imagine standing outside on a very hot day under the sun for hours after hours. You would definately want some shadow to rest under. But what about that Day when the sun will be much nearer to us and the heat will be much more extreme. Wouldn't you want some shade on that day? Ofcourse you would!

You and I are all weak in terms of keeping our duties to Allah and Allah is aware of that. Allah wants that we keep trying to do our best. If a baby falls down while walking he tries to get up again and walk. He doesn't keep sitting down. Then a day comes when he does start to walk. Similarly, we should keep trying our best and not give up. A day will come when, Inshallah, we will be strong enough to obey Allah in every situation. Let us make a small promise to Allah right now that we will start doing the things for which we were sent to this life. Otherwise, we will be like that dumb guy who will fail the test on the Day of Judgement.

May Allah make it easy for us. Ameen.

Credit to missionislam

Islam is Sacrifice

2012-01-20T08:54:00.000+03:00

Why Sacrifice?

by Khurram Murad

Islam: A Path of Struggle

First let us briefly look at an important question. Why must Islam be so emphatically linked with the idea of struggle? What has the one to do with the other? Cannot a person become a good Muslim without involving himself in a struggle that necessarily requires sacrifices? The answer is: No. And for very obvious reasons.

Islam is not merely the confession of a faith which is made once in a lifetime. The faith is of cosmic dimensions. It requires a radical reorientation of entire life and the world. The confession is not merely verbal; it is an act of witnessing which must transform life into a living and continuing testimony of faith. You enter Islam by saying shahadah (bearing witness). But you can live in Islam only by constantly doing shahadah (al-Baqarah 2:143, al_hajj 22:28). Doing shahadah will bring you in ceaseless confrontation with false gods inside you, and with those outside you. It will also require a ceaseless striving to reshape self and society so as to attest to your witnessing.

Being Muslim thus requires becoming Muslim. Becoming Muslim, after the seed of Iman has been sown in the heart, is a two-fold process: to summon one's own self and to summon mankind, to live under the sovereignty of One God alone. Both are inextricably linked together, both are to be taken up simultaneously.

Summoning mankind is not a passive call. It is an active, dynamic process, a movement. It must wage Jihad with all available resources so that all false claimants to absolute rule are dethroned, oppression and corruption are over powered, and justice is established among mankind. That is why the Prophet, blessings and peace be on him, in the very early days of Makkan life, declared:

There were such people before you that a man would be seized and a pit would be dug for him in which he would be thrown, then a saw would be brought and placed over his head and he would be cut into two, and his flesh would be combed away from his bones by iron combs - still nothing would turn him away from his religion. By God, he will complete this mission until a rider will travel from San'a to Hadramawt and will have no fear but of God, and no worry but about a wolf that might harm his cattle (Bukhari).

The path of Islam cannot therefore be anything other than the path of struggle, and therefore sacrifice. Is not Islam, one might say, a gift of God? It surely is. Without His help and His enabling hand we can take no steps on the straight path (al-Sirat al-Mustaqim), the path of Islam. Yet only through our sincere intention and devoted striving can we deserve to receive this most precious gift, to retain it, to grow in it, to derive full benefit from it. The gift, no doubt, is given in His infinite mercy and kindness, but it is not unconditional If given whether desired or not and earned or not, it would have become cheap, valueless. That is why the Qur'an says that Allah "guides unto Himself him who turns unto Him" (al-Shura 42:13). Turning towards God requires both will and effort; it also entails turning away from all false gods besides God. It is a total change of direction, inner and outer. Progress, then, depends on striving: "Those who strive hard in Our way - surely We shall guide them onto Our paths" (al-Ankabut 29:68).

Great Stories For You!

2012-01-20T08:45:00.000+03:00

Telling the Truth

Telling the truth is a very good habit. If you always speak the truth, you can save yourself from a lot of trouble! Here is a story of a man who did a lot of bad things, but his promise to tell the truth saved him.

Once a man came to the prophet Muhammad (S) and said, "Oh prophet of Allah, I have many bad habits. Which one of them should I give up first?" The prophet said, "Give up telling lies first and always speak the truth." The man promised to do so and went home.

At night the man was about to go out to steal. Before setting out, he thought for a moment about the promise he made with the prophet. "If tomorrow the prophet asks me where have I been, what shall I say? Shall I say that I went out stealing? No, I cannot say that. But nor can I lie. If I tell the truth, everyone will start hating me and call me a thief. I would be punished for stealing."

So the man decided not to steal that night, and gave up this bad habit.

Next day, he felt like drinking wine, when he was about to do so, he said to himself, "What shall I say to the prophet if he asks me what did I do during the day? I cannot tell a lie, and if I speak the truth people will hate me, because a Muslim is not allowed to drink wine." And so he gave up the idea of drinking wine.

In this way, whenever the man thought of doing something bad, he remembered his promise to tell the truth at all times. One by one, he gave up all his bad habits and became a good Muslim and a very good person.

If you always speak the truth, you can be a good person, a good Muslim whom Allah likes and favors. If Allah - our Creator - is pleased with us, He will reward us with HEAVEN, which is a place of happiness and joy.

MAKE A PROMISE: I SHALL ALWAYS SPEAK THE TRUTH.

Words and Actions Should Be the Same

There once was a boy who loved eating sweets. He always asked for sweets from his father. His father was a poor man. He could not always afford sweets for his son. But the little boy did not understand this, and demanded sweets all the time.

The boy's father thought hard about how to stop the child asking for so many sweets. There was a very holy man living nearby at that time. The boy's father had an idea. He decided to take the boy to the great man who might be able to persuade the child to stop asking for sweets all the time.

The boy and his father went along to the great man. The father said to him, "O great saint, could you ask my son to stop asking for sweets which I cannot afford?" The great man was in difficulty, because he liked sweets himself. How could he ask the boy to give up asking for sweets? The holy man told the father to bring his son back after one month.

During that month, the holy man gave up eating sweets, and when the boy and his father returned after a month, the holy man said to the boy "My dear child, will you stop asking for sweets which your father cannot afford to give you?"

From then on, the boy stopped asking for sweets.

The boy's father asked the saint, "Why did you not ask my son to give up asking for sweets when we came to you a month ago?" The saint replied, "How could I ask a boy to give up sweets when I loved sweets myself. In the last month I gave up eating sweets."

A person's example is much more powerful than just his words. When we ask someone to do something, we must do it ourselves also. We should not ask others to do what we do not do ourselves.

ALWAYS MAKE SURE THAT YOUR ACTIONS AND YOUR WORDS ARE THE SAME.

“Fear Allah Where ever You Are”

2012-01-18T09:28:00.000+03:00

Abû Dharr al-Ghifârî and Mu`âdh b, Jabal relate that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Fear Allah wherever you are. Follow up a bad deed with a good deed and it will blot it out. And deal with people in a good manner.” [ Sunan al-Tirmidhî ]

The importance of this hadith:

Ibn Rajab says: “This is powerful advice, bringing together the rights of Allah and the rights of His servants.”

The fear of Allah

The Arabic word for the “fear of Allah” is taqwâ . It comes from the root word meaning “to protect from something, to prevent”. Indeed, a person exhibits the fear of Allah by seeking to prevent Allah's punishment by carrying out what Allah has commanded of him and abstaining from what Allah has prohibited him.

Allah had called upon all people in every era to fear Him. Allah says: “And We had enjoined upon those who were given the Scripture before – as well as yourselves – to fear Allah.” [ Sûrah al-Nisâ' : 131]

It is Allah's right over His servants that they fear Him as He ought to be feared. Allah says: “O you who believe! Fear Allah as He ought to be feared and do not die except as believers.” [ Sûrah Âl `Imrân : 102]

Ibn Mas`ûd explained what it means to fear Allah as He ought to be feared by saying: “It means that He is to be obeyed not disobeyed, remembered not forgotten, and shown gratitude not ingratitude.”

The fear of Allah is the path to forgiveness, salvation, and the attainment of Allah's mercy. Allah says:

“Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who do good.” [ Sûrah al-Nahl : 128]

“And My mercy encompasses all things, and I shall decree it for those who fear Me.” [ Sûrah al-A`râf : 156]

“He is worthy of being feared and worthy of granting forgiveness.” [ Sûrah al-Muddaththir : 56]

“And whoever fears Allah – He will pardon him his sins and grant him a great reward.” [ Sûrah al-Talâq : 5]

Du'a (Supplication) to Read and Memorise

2012-01-18T08:55:00.000+03:00

The Team at My Ummah have found these beautiful du'as from The Qur'an for you to learn:
1. "Our lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily!, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. And accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful." (2:127,128)
2. "Our lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!" (2:201)
3. "Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience, and set firm our feet and make us victorious over the disbelieving people." (2:250)
4. "We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all)." (2:285)
5. "Our lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us; our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maula and give us victory over the disbelieving people." (2:286)
6. "Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower." (3:8)
7. "Our Lord! We have indeed believed, so forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire." (3:16)
8. "O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation." (3:38)
9. "Our Lord! We believe in what you have sent down, and we follow the Messenger [Isa (Jesus)]; so write us down among those who bear witness (to the truth)." (3:53)
10." Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and our transgressions (in keeping our duties to You), establish our feet firmly, and give us victory over the disbelieving folk." (3:147)
11. "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from You one who will protect, and raise for us from You one who will help." (4:75)
12. "Our Lord! We believe; so write us down among the witnesses." (5:83)
13. "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon usYour Mercy we shall certainly be of the losers." (7:23)
14. "Our Lord! Place us not with the people who are wrong-doers." (7:47)
15. "Our Lord! Judge between us and our people in truth, for You are the best of those who give judgment." (7:89)
16. "Our Lord! Pour out on us patience, and cause us to die as Muslims." (7:126)
17. "O my Lord! Forgive me and my brother, and admit us into Your Mercy, for You are the Most Merciful of those who show mercy." (7:151)
18. "Allah is sufficient for me. None has the right to be worshipped but He, in Him I put my trust and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne." (9:129)

For More Du'a Click Here

The Ruling on Music and Singing!!

2012-01-17T08:12:00.000+03:00

By Abu Bilaal Mustapha al-Kanadi

PREFACE

All praise is due to Almight God, Allah. We praise Him and seek His help and forgiveness. And we seek refuge in Allah from the evil of our own selves and from our wicked deeds. Whosoever has been guided by Allah, there is none to misguide him. And whoseover has been misguided by Allah, none can guide him. I bear witness that there is no other god except Allah, alone, without partner or associate. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. May Allah, the Exalted, bestow His peace and blessings on Prophet Muhammad, upon his good and pure family, as well as upon all of the noble companions and upon those who follow them in righteousness until the Day of Reckoning.

Verily, the most truthful speech is the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (Allah's blessings and peace be upon him); while the worst affairs are novelties, for every novelty is a blameworthy innovation. Every innovation (in matters of religion) is misguidance and every misguidance is in the Fire.

The legality of music and singing in the Islamic shari'ah (the divinely-revealed law) is an issue which is hotly debated among individuals and scholars in Islamic societies of our present day. Arriving at the correct view requires unbiased, scholarly research of the available literature which must be supported by authentic, decisive proof.

A considerable amount has been said and written both for and against this subject, and the proliferation of doubt and confusion necessitates another more critical, meticulous analysis and assessment of this whole matter, in order for one to come to a clear, decisive conclusion which leaves not the least bit of doubt in the mind of the reader.

In hope of acheiving such a difficult and lofty goal, I have applied a distinctive method which I trust, by Allah's leave, will succeed in achieving these treasured aims and objectives.

Firstly, I analysized and assessed the claims made by differing factions that certain Quraanic verses support or prohibit the legality of the issue at hand. Secondly, I stringently researched the area of pertinent hadeeth literature in order to shed light on the issue as well as to dispel a number of misconceptions about the authenticity of certain traditions. Thirdly, I presented a consensus of the Islamic scholars with special reference to the pious predecessors of the Islamic ummah; i.e. the noble companions, the taabi'een, the famous imams and other jurisprudents (fuqahaa). Fourthly, I attempted to explain the infinte wisdom which underlies the ruling of prohibition as ordained by the divinely-revealed shari'ah. Fifthly, I cited examples of exceptions to the general rule of prohibition, as either defined by the authentic sunnah or agreed upon by the scholars. Finally, I presented a synopsis of the shar'iah texts and a conclusion which clarifies the prohibited aspects of music, singing and their adjuncts.

I pray that Allah grants success in this endeavor, accepting it as a work done purely for His sake and bestowing upon us and our brethren in faith, sincerity and guidance to His straight path.

Abu Bilal Mustafa Al-Kanadi

Ramadaan 1406/May 1986

Makkah Al-Mukarramah

========

Islam - The Modern Alternative

2012-01-17T07:27:00.000+03:00

Some people think that to live an Islamic life is "restrictive". Islam however, was revealed as a balanced way of living.
Allah (The Most High) created all the humans with what is called 'A Fitrah' (a natural state/desire) [1]
Islam recognises that within this Fitrah there are motivations that influence a man's role on earth e.g. a desire for good food and drink, to have a home, a desire for love and sex, to protect and be protected and to be successful and strong. Without some form of control and limit, all of these legitimate motives could prove very dangerous.
So what constitutes the perfect control for the Fitrah? It must be a method that provides an organised yet practical demonstration of how to balance all these natural human desires. It cannot be something that goes against the Fitrah, by placing on it extra burdens. Likewise, it cannot be something that allows the human desires to run wild without any form of control.
Islam is the perfect control for the Fitrah. It provides a divine method that elevates man above animals and the rest of creation.
Limited Wisdom
Humans lack perfect knowledge as well as perfect wisdom. No matter how hard we try, we will never attain the perfect way of life by our own thinking and interpretation. This is the reason why Allaah being the Most Wise, sent us the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)[2] to show us this practical and organised way of life.
Allaah, being Perfect, in His Wisdom and Knowledge, perfected a complete way of life for us. He has set His limitations and rules, all of which are beneficial to mankind, and therefore, do not need changing:
"These are the limits (set) by Allaah, so do not approach them"
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:187)
"These are the limits set by Allaah, so do not transgress them"
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:229)
This is why Islam does not allow celibacy, because it is against the Fitrah, i.e., the desire for sex. Celibacy goes beyond the limits required by humans, and is something that cannot be fulfilled because humans are designed to procreate. As humans we are not expected to fast every single day for the rest of our lives (for most 30 days of the year provides an up-hill struggle). It is also from ignorance to say that 'I shall not sleep during the night, but rather I shall pray!' [3] Humans have not been created by Allah to live life in such a manner. There is a balance which must be observed.

Polishing The Hearts

2012-01-17T07:12:00.000+03:00

Imaam ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (d.751 H), rahimahullaah 1

From al-Istiqaamah magazine
---------

Allah - the Most High - said:

"O you who believe! Remember Allah and remember Him a lot." [Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:4I].

"Those men and women who remember Allah a lot." [Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:35].

"So when you have finished the rights of your Pilgrimage, then remember Allah as you remember your fore-father, or with more intense remembrance." [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:200].

These verses contain a command to remember Allah intensely and abundantly, since the worshipper is in dire need of [remembering Allah] and cannot do without it even for a twinkling of an eye. This is because every moment that a person does not spend in the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah will not be of any benefit to him. Rather, the harm entailed in being neglectful of the dhikr of Allah is far greater than any benefits that can be gained. One of the 'aarifeen (those who are knowledgeable about Allah) said:"If a person were to spend such and such number of years engaged [in the dhikr of Allah], then he turns away from it for just a moment, what he will lose is far greater than whatever he has already gained."

Al-Bayhaqee relates from 'Aaishah radiallaahu 'anhaa that the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "There is no time in which the son of Aadam does not remember AIIaah in it, except that it will be a source of regret for him on the Day of Judgement" 2

Mu'aadh ibn jabal radiallaahu 'anhu relates that the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The people of Paradise will not have any regrets except for those moments in which they were not engaged in the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah." 3

Mu'aadh ibn Jabal also relates that Allaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam was asked: What action is the most beloved to Allah? So he replied: "That you continue to keep your tongue moist with the dhikr of Allah, until you die." 4

POLISHING THE HEART

Abu Dardaa radiallaahu 'anhu said:"For everything there is a polish and the polish for the heart is the dhikr of Allah".

Al-Bayhaqee relates from Ibn 'Umar radiallaahu 'anhu that AlIaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "For everything there is a polish, and the polish for the hearts is the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah. There is nothing more potent in saving a person from the punishment of Allah than the dhikr of Allah." It was said: Not even Jihaad in the path of Allah. So he replied: "Not even if you were to continue striking with your sword until it breaks."5

There is no doubt that hearts becomes rusty just as copper and silver coins become rusty. The polish for [this rust] is the dhikr of AIlaah. This is because [dhikr] is like a polish [which polishes the heart] like a shiny mirror. When dhikr is left, the rust returns.

But when dhikr resumes, then the heart is [again] polished.

And hearts become rusty due to two things:-
(i) neglecting remembering Allah, and
(ii) committing sins.
The polish for these two things is:-
(i) seeking Allaah's forgiveness and
(ii) dhikr.

HAVE YOU STARTED PACKING YET?

2012-01-17T06:55:00.000+03:00

The Miracle of Honey as an Alternative Medicine

2012-01-14T08:17:00.000+03:00

Introduction
Honey is a sweet and viscous fluid produced by honeybees from the nectar of flowers. "The definition of honey stipulates a pure product that does not allow for the addition of any other substance. This includes, but is not limited to, water or other sweeteners," according to the United States National Honey Board 2003 and other nations' food regulations. Honey is significantly sweeter than table sugar and has attractive chemical properties for baking. Honey has a distinctive flavor which leads some people to prefer it over sugar and other sweeteners.
Liquid honey does not spoil. Because of its high sugar concentration, it kills most bacteria by crenation. Natural airborne yeasts cannot become active in it because the moisture content is too low. Natural, raw honey varies from 14% to 18% moisture content. As long as the moisture content remains under 18%, virtually no organism can successfully multiply to significant amounts in honey, though, importantly, enough bacteria survive to make honey dangerous for infants (especially Clostridium botulinum).
The study of pollens and spores in raw honey (melissopalynology) can determine floral sources of honey. Because bees carry an electrostatic charge, and can attract other particles, the same techniques of melissopalynology can be used in area environmental studies of radioactive particles, dust, or particulate pollution.
A main effect of bees collecting nectar to make honey is pollination, which is crucial for flowering plants.

Was Muhammad the author of the Quran?

2012-01-14T08:07:00.000+03:00

The Quran has no author, and no group or individual in Arabia has ever claimed to have written it, nor has any group or individual recited, taught, and explained the Quran before the Prophet Mohammad . Any historian, Muslim or non-Muslim would argue that the only possible source of the Quran could be the Prophet Mohammad , the man responsible for reciting, teaching, and explaining it to the people of Arabia. This has led some thinkers and Orientalists to conclude that the Prophet , must have written the Quran.

Those who believe that Prophet Muhammad , was the author of the Quran are absolutely wrong. However, merely saying that they are incorrect is not enough, without providing proofs. If we contemplate the nature of this glorious book (the Quran) and the capabilities of the Prophet , we will realize that these claims are illogical and groundless.

First, Prophet Muhammad , was unlettered. How can an illiterate person come up with such a rich, intellectual, and inspiring text that gained acceptance not only in Arabia, but also throughout the world Prophet Mohammad , never went to school! No one taught him. He had no teacher of any kind in any specific subject. How could he acquire the knowledge of Science, astronomy, oceanography, etc. that is contained in the Quran? (For example, the mention of ocean currents, stars, earth, moon, sun and their fixed paths in Chapter Ar-Rahmaan; and many other scientific statements that are found in the Quran, that cannot be stated in this short article)

The Position And the Role Of The Mother

2012-01-12T10:20:00.000+03:00

Introduction:

The Prophet - peace be upon him - for the occurrence of follow-up to his nation of the United earlier, Jews, Christians and Persians, not this - no doubt - of praise for doing this, but is of slander and intimidation, was narrated that Abu Sa'eed al - may Allah be pleased with him - that the Prophet - peace be upon him - said: {will certainly follow the ways of those before you, Shubra inch cubit, even if you have taken the hole of a lizard Sketmoh, we said: O Messenger of God Jews and Christians? He said it!?} , Bukhari (3269) and Muslim (2669).

Abu Hurayrah - may Allah be pleased with him - from the Prophet - peace be upon him - said: {The Hour will not even take my take centuries before Shubra inch cubit, it was said: O Messenger of God and the Roman riders? He said: Those are the people? } . Bukhaari (6888), taking the centuries: walking on their careers.

The ignorant of this nation, and the innovators and Znadegtha previous nations, the Jews and the Christians and Persians, in their beliefs and their own curriculum and their attitude and their organizations, which concerns us - now - that we should point out in these days is their followers and Mchabhtm in inventing "Gala mother" or "Holiday Family", the day coined by Christians honor - as they claim - to the mother, so he crashes a day Mazma departments and where people reach their mothers and sending them gifts and kind messages, and if things ended the day back to what it was of estrangement and disobedience.

The irony of Muslims ever needing to come to such similar Allaah has enjoined on them the righteousness of the mother and deprived them Akogaha and make the penalty that the highest grades.

- Definition of holiday:

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: "the name given to a yearly, back of the meeting on the face of the usual return: either a stick or a stick of year, week or month or so," " Mustaqeem "(1 / 441).

Ibn al-Abdeen - may God have mercy on him: - "Eid is so called; because Allaah repeatedly bestows blessings, ie, types of blessings that come back to the slaves every day, including: breaking the fast after refraining from eating, and Sadaqah al-Fitr, and the completion of Hajj Tour de visit, and the meat of sacrificial animals , and so on, and because usually the joy and pleasure, activity and joy. " "Ibn Abidin footnote" (2 / 165).

- How much rejoicing in Islam?

Raising muslim children in the modern world

2012-01-08T18:47:00.000+03:00

Children are seen as a blessing in Islam, and the arrival of a new born child is usually a cause for great joy and celebration. The duties of parents towards their offspring begin from the very first day that they are born. In the Quran, Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) states:

“O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones….” [Tahreem 66:6]

This passage contains a clear message which conveys the importance of encouraging ones family to adhere to the teachings of Islam.

The Prophet (pbuh) said, “A virtuous child is a flower from the flowers of Paradise.” He also said, “Among the good fortunes of a man is the virtuous child.”

In today’s world, many of us face a huge challenge whilst raising our children. Educating your children about Islam is an obligation on all parents but trying to do this while being surrounded by undesirable influences can prove to be very difficult. The exposure of children to the internet, television, and the media in general can have an adverse effect on them, and play a part in shaping their personality. This reinforces the importance of the role of parents in guiding their children.

What can we do to ensure that our children are protected from misguidance, and that the basic principles of Islam are deeply rooted in their lives?

1) Supplication

In a Hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah, the Prophet (pbuh) said, “In the court of Allah, there is no greater thing than Dua” (Ibn Majah)

Parents should make dua for their children and ask Allah (swt) to guide them and make them amongst the best of Muslims. We must remember that dua should not just be restricted to after the child is born, but also at the time at which parents come together for sexual intercourse.

Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (pbuh) said, "If anyone of you, when intending to have a sexual intercourse with his wife, says:

'Bismillah, Allahumma jannibna-sh-shaitan, wa jannibi-sh-shaitan ma razaqtana,' (With the name of Allah, O Allah, keep Shaitaan away from us and keep the Shaitaan away from that which you provide for us) and if the couple are destined to have a child (out of that very sexual relation), then Satan will never be able to harm that child." [Al-Bukhari]

2) Leading by example

Leading by example is not only a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (pbuh) but it also plays an important part in parenting. Our children are constantly watching our actions and learning from them, so if we fulfil our duties as good Muslims then they will naturally emulate this. In order for our children to have the best opportunity to be raised as righteous beings, they must have righteous parents as they are essentially a product of what we show and teach them.

The Rullings Of Janazah

2012-01-08T18:07:00.000+03:00

The Muslim burial – issues relataed to burial.
The Muslim burial

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly, it is obligatory to carry the deceased and follow the funeral. This is one of the rights that the dead Muslim has over the Muslims, which will bring great reward and virtue to the one who does it.
The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“Whoever attends the funeral from the house (of the deceased) [according to one report: whoever follows the funeral of a Muslim out of faith and the hope of reward] until the funeral prayer is offered will have one qeeraat, and whoever attends the funeral until the deceased is buried will have two qeeraats.” He was asked, “O Messenger of Allaah, what are the two qeeraats?” He said, “Like two huge mountains.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, al-Janaa’iz, 1240).
It is not permitted to follow funerals in manners that go against the sharee’ah. That includes:
Crying or weeping in a loud voice; following it with incense (bukhoor) etc.; reciting dhikr in a loud voice in front of the coffin as it is being carried, because that is bid’ah – Qays ibn ‘Abbaad said: “The companions of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to regard it as makrooh to raise the voice in front of the coffin” – and because it is an imitation of the Christians.

Secondly: the burial
Muslims should not be buried with kaafirs, nor kaafirs with Muslims. The Muslim should be buried in the Muslim graveyard.
The Sunnah is to put the deceased into the grave from the end, then he should be turned onto his right side in the grave, with his face facing towards the qiblah. The one who puts him into the lahd (niche in the grave) should say,
“Bismillaahi wa ‘ala sunnati Rasool-Allaahi or ‘ala millati Rasool-Allaahi (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) (In the name of Allaah and according to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah or according to the religion of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)).”
(narrated by al-Tirmidhi, al-Janaa’iz 967; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood, 836)
It is mustahabb for those who are at the grave to throw handfuls of earth, three handfuls scooped up in both hands, after the lahd has been sealed.
After the burial is complete, there are several things which are Sunnah:
To make the grave a little higher than the ground, approximately a handspan, and not to make it level with the ground, so that it may be distinguished as a grave and respected, and not subjected to disrespect. It should be made approximately a handspan higher than the ground, and there is nothing wrong with placing a marker such as a stone or something similar, so that others of his family may be buried near him later on.
Water should be sprinkled on the grave so that the soil will settle and not fly around.
No one should stand by the grave telling the deceased that he will be questioned soon etc., as is the custom among some people Rather people should stand at the grave and pray for the deceased to be made steadfast and for forgiveness for him. Those who are present should be told to do this, because of the hadeeth of ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said:
“When the deceased had been buried, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would stand by (the grave) and say: ‘Pray for forgiveness for your brother and ask for him to be made steadfast, for even now is he being questioned.’” (narrated by Abu Dawood, al-Janaa’iz, 2804; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood, 2758).

WE ARE NEAR TO JESUS (ISA) THAN THEM!!

2012-01-04T14:51:00.000+03:00

Muhammad Hassan
Summary of the lecture
The Prophets of Allah were all sent with one religion, they, the prophets, from the time of Adam till the seal of Prophets our beloved chosen prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, have been sent with the message of Islam. Hence, the only religion approved by Allah is Islam. The lecture mentioned the creed of Christians that Allah is third of three and Jesus is His son, on the other hand Islam that the Prophets have been sent with totally renounces this creed that Allah have labeled with infidelity. Monotheists are the nearest to Jesus the prophet of Allah because they believe that he’s the slave and Messenger of Allah, and His word sent to Mariam. Moreover they believe in all the prophets and never disbelieve in a single prophet, thus whoever believes in Jesus (peace be upon him) and disbelieves in Mohammad (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) then he disbelieved in Jesus before he had disbelieved in Prophet Mohammad.

The lecture

All Praise is due to Allah, We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our own evils and our own bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no God except Allah, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that our master and beloved Muhammad is His servant, His Messenger, the chosen one from among all creatures, and His beloved. He (Muhammad) fulfilled the trust, conveyed the Message, and advised the nation; so Allah drove away, by him, the grief. And he fought in the cause of Allah sincerely till the definite end came to him.

Therefore, we ask Allah to grant him, because of his favor toward us, the best grant He gave for a prophet and messenger because of his mission. And prayers, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions, his beloved ones, his followers and anyone followed his guidance and treaded his way till the Day of Judgment.

Dear virtuous fathers and beloved brothers, may Allah greet you all. May you be blessed along with your steps and achieve a place in Paradise. And may Allah reward you for this care; although, by Allah, I do not deserve it.

We seek refuge in Allah from the submissiveness of hypocrisy. Therefore, I ask Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, Who gathered me with you in this blessed gathering for obeying Him, to gather me with you in the hereafter with the master of the callers to Islam, the Chosen Prophet, in His Paradise and place of honor; indeed He is the owner of that and the One able to achieve it.

Jesus Will Return

2012-01-03T07:47:00.000+03:00

Jesus ('Isa) (Upon whom be peace), just as all the other prophets, is a chosen slave of Allah whom Allah assigned to summon people to the true path. However, there are some attributes of Jesus distinguishing him from other prophets, the most important one being that he was raised up to Allah and that he will come back to earth again.

Contrary to what most people believe, Jesus was not crucified and killed nor did he die for any other reason. The Quran tells us that they did not kill him and they did not crucify him and that Allah raised him up to Him. In none of the verses, is there an actual reference to his murder or that he was killed, apart from the verse (ayah) which denies that it happened. Furthermore, the Quran acquaints us with some events from the life of Jesus which have not yet happened. Thus, his second coming to earth is a prerequisite for these events to happen. There is no doubt that the Quran's revelations will surely happen.

Despite this, however, many people assume that Jesus passed away some thousands of years ago and that thus it is unlikely that he will return. This is a misconception arising from lack of knowledge about the Quran and the Sunnah. A careful scrutiny of the Quran will render an accurate understanding of the verses about Jesus possible.

Our Prophet also told us that Jesus will be sent back to earth and related that in that time, which is called "the end of time", there may be a period in which the earth will attain unprecedented peace, justice and welfare. The "end times" refers to the period of time close to the end of the world. According to Islam, in this time, there will be the terrible trials of the Dajjal (Anti-Christ), many earthquakes and the emergence of Yajuj and Majuj (Gog and Magog) after which the ways of the Quran will prevail and people will extensively adhere to the values it introduces.

A Reflection On Divine Love

2012-01-03T07:10:00.000+03:00

Many Muslims believe that the idea, "God loves everyone," is simply wrong and incongruous with Islamic teachings. Verses abound in the Qur'an decrying those God does not love: liars, hypocrites, oppressors, the arrogant, boastful braggarts, and those who love praise for that which they have not done, among others. Reading these verses, it is easy to begin to resent such people and to believe that God does not love everyone. However, if we look closely at these people, we see elements of ourselves in them.

What is true of any man is true of all men; the only difference is in the degree to which it is true. Prophets and sanctified saints are the only exceptions to this universal truth. Jesus, peace be upon him, states, as recorded in al-Muwatta' of Imam Malik (d. 179/795):

"Do not, like lords, look upon the faults of others. Rather, like servants, look after your own faults. In truth, humanity is comprised of only two types of people: the afflicted and the sound. So show mercy to the afflicted, and praise God for well-being."

It is never the sinner that one should hate, but only the sin; for the essence of all humanity is a soul created in submission to its Creator. Whether that soul acknowledges this on a conscious level or not is a matter of grace, and this understanding enables us to look at others with compassion. All people, everywhere and throughout time, suffer great tribulation at various points in their lives. At this very moment, hearts are breaking and lives are being shattered, women abused, children violated, and people dying while their loved ones are crying. Also at this very moment, other hearts are rejoicing, babies are being born, mothers are nurturing, smiles are given freely, charity is being distributed, and lovers are uniting. The airport is one of the great metaphors of our time: sad, happy, and indifferent faces are all to be seen there, as people part with loved ones, greet their beloveds, or simply wait to pick up or let off people they barely know. Sad, happy, and indifferent are the states that sum up our collective body of souls. In the next life, however, there is only bliss or wretchedness, joy or sorrow-no indifference.

THE GRAVE IS THE FIRST STEP TO THE HERE AFTER!!

2012-01-01T21:10:00.000+03:00

Praise and thanks be to Allah, blessings be to His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Allah say in the Holy Qur'an: “Allah keeps firm those who believe, with the firm word, in worldly life and in the Hereafter. And Allah sends astray the wrongdoers. And Allah does what He wills.” [Ibrahim 14:27]

{يُثَبِّتُ اللَّـهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِالْقَوْلِ الثَّابِتِ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ ۖوَيُضِلُّ اللَّـهُ الظَّالِمِينَ ۚوَيَفْعَلُ اللَّـهُ مَا يَشَاءُ}

Transliteration: Yuthabbitu Allāhu Al-Ladhīna 'Āmanū Bil-Qawli Ath-Thābiti Fī Al-Ĥayāati Ad-Dunyā Wa Fī Al-'Ākhirati Wa Yuđillu Allāhu Až-Žālimīna Wa Yaf`alu Allāhu Mā Yashā'u

Al-Bara' ibn 'Azib, May Allah be pleased with him, said: ''this verse is revealed to tell about torment in the grave''.

Abu Huraira, May Allah be pleased with him, said the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: ''do you know for whom this verse was revealed: “indeed, he will have a depressed life” [Taha 20:124]

{فَإِنَّ لَهُ مَعِيشَةً ضَنكًا}

Transliteration: Fa'inna Lahu Ma`īshatan Đankāan Wa Naĥshuruhu Yawma Al-Qiyāmati 'A`má

They answered that God and his Messenger Know better. He said: 'it is revealed to tell about the torment of the unbeliever in his grave. By God, ninety nine dragons are assigned for him, do you know what a dragon is! It consists of ninety nine snakes, each snake has seven heads that bite and snap him till the Day of Judgment''. [Approved by al-Albany]

«أتدرون فيما أنزلت هذه الآية {فَإِنَّ لَهُ مَعِيشَةً ضَنكًا وَنَحْشُرُهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَعْمَىٰ}؟! ، قال : أتدرون ما المعيشة الضنكة ؟ . قالوا : الله ورسوله أعلم ! قال : عذاب الكافر في قبره ! والذي نفسي بيده ؛ إنه يسلط عليه تسعة وتسعون تنينا – أتدرون ما التنين ؟ سبعون حية ، لكل حية سبع رؤوس – يلسعونه ويخدشونه إلى يوم القيامة»

Keeping A Jealous Eye On Honors!!

2012-01-01T20:52:00.000+03:00

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

All praise be to Allah alone, and peace and blessings of Allah be upon him after whom there is no other prophet.
Defeats of nations and setbacks of people are not due to weakness of its financial power or to its lack of military equipments, if a man figures it out on that way, he is then suffering from immature thinking and poor insight. Verily, nations are not developed –by the will of Allah- but by the guarantees of the solid morals of the demeanors of men. Rather, the messages of Allah have not been revealed but with morals and the completion of these morals, after bearing witness of the oneness of Allah and worshipping Him. “I have been sent to complement the best of morals”. [Authenticated by Al-Albani]
«إنما بعثت لأتمم صالح الأخلاق» صححه الألباني
An enemy stands helplessly before good morals and people of lustrous desires fall down by them.
When a society has a strict system of morals, a disciplined set of behaviors, if its people keep a jealous eye on the honor of the nation and of individuals therein, and if pleasing Allah is redeemed superior to its overwhelming lustrous desires, then its path is straightened in the way of truth, perseverance, elevation and reform.
* Morals, dear brothers, are not something that can be gained by reading and writing, neither by preaching or giving speeches. It is rather a rank; but ranks which cannot be obtained –after the success of Allah and His mercy- but by education and decorum, solidness and decisiveness, will power and determination.

Signs of the Day of Judgment!!

2012-01-01T20:43:00.000+03:00

50 Signs of the Day of Judgment From the Words of Allah and His Messenger [sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam]

The Signs are listed in roughly chronological order, although the order is not necessarily precise, especially for those in the future.

This is a brief summary of the signs; there are many books, articles, cassettes etc. which discuss these in greater detail. May Allah enable us to recognise and heed the Signs, and strengthen us in the times of tribulation.

{Are they waiting for anything except the Hour, to come to them suddenly? But its Signs have already come!} [Muhammad:18]

{فَهَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا السَّاعَةَ أَن تَأْتِيَهُم بَغْتَةً ۖ فَقَدْ جَاءَ أَشْرَاطُهَا} [محمد:١٨]

Transliteration: Fahal Yanžurūna 'Illā As-Sā`ata 'An Ta'tiyahum Baghtatan Faqad Jā'a 'Ashrāţuhā

PAST?
1. Splitting of the Moon.
2. Death of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.
3. A form of death which will kill thousands of Muslims. (Understood to refer to the plague of Amwas during the
caliphate of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab.)
4. A major fighting in Madinah (understood to refer to the battle of al-Harrah during the caliphate of Yazid, 63 AH).
5. The Muslim conquest of Jerusalem.
6. The Muslim conquest of Constantinople.
7. Two large groups of Muslims will fight in war.
8. A war between the Muslims and a reddish people with small eyes, wearing sandals made of hair (understood to refer to
the Mongol Tatar invasion of the Islamic lands.)
9. A peace agreement between the Muslims and non-Muslims from the yellow race (Chinese, Mongols, etc.)
10. Thirty impostors (dajjal) will appear, each thinking he is a prophet.

Quranic Supplications

2011-12-24T10:01:00.000+03:00

1-النَّارِ) [البقرة/201]
(رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ)]
"Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!" (2/201)

2- (رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ) [البقرة/250]
"Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience and make us victorious over the disbelieving people." (2/250)

3- (رَبَّنَا لاَ تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا رَبَّنَا وَلاَ تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا رَبَّنَا وَلاَ تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لاَ طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا أَنتَ مَوْلاَنَا فَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ) [البقرة/286]
Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. "Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us; our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maula (Patron, Supporter and Protector, etc.) and give us victory over the disbelieving people. " (2/286)

4- (رَبَّنَا لاَ تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ) [آل عمران/8]
"Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower." (3/8)

Be in this Life as if you were a Stranger or a Traveler on a Path!!

2011-12-23T12:30:00.000+03:00

By al-Hâfidh Ibn Rajab

Taken from Jâmi' al-U'lûm wal-Hikam [1]

Hadîth #40:

Ibn Umar (Radhiallahu 'Anhum) said: Allâh's Messenger (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) took me by my shoulder and said:

"Be in this life as if you were a stranger or a traveler on a path."

Ibn Umar used to say,

"If you reach the evening then do not expect to reach the morning, and if you reach the morning then do not expect to reach the evening. Take from your health before your sickness, and from your life before your death." - [Reported by al-Bukhârî]

This hadîth is the foundation for limiting one's hope in this life. So a believer must not take this life as a homeland or permanent residence, his heart being tranquil and resting assured within it. Rather, he must be in it as if he were on a journey, preparing himself to depart. The advice of the Prophets and their followers confirmed this.

Allâh said, narrating upon a believer at the time of Fir'awn that he said:

"O my people! Truly, this life of the world is nothing but a (quick passing) enjoyment, and verily, the hereafter that is the home that will remain forever." [Ghafir : 39]

Alî ibn Abi Tâlib used to say,

"Certainly this life has begun travelling away, and the hereafter has begun travelling forward, and each has its children. So be from the children of the hereafter, and don't be from the children of this life. For indeed today there is action with no account, and tomorrow there will be account with no action."

Umar ibn Abdul Azîz said in his khutbah,

Prayers while traveling

2011-12-23T10:49:00.000+03:00

Asalam Aleikum

My question is I pray five times but when I travel to certain destination I can only pray Fajr on time as when I leave from morning I come back at night so how do I have to pray at that situation

jazakallah

Sheikh Naif M. “DiscoverIslam Uk-London”

Answer

It is not permissible for a Muslim to delay his prayer until after the time for it has ended, unless he has an excuse. Among the excuses which are acceptable according to sharee’ah are: sleeping and forgetting. Doing worldly tasks is not an excuse for not praying or for delaying the prayer until the time for it has passed. Rather one of the attributes of the sincere believers is that they do not led trade or selling distract them from remembering Allaah and establishing regular prayer.

What does Islam say about terrorism?

2011-12-18T08:28:00.000+03:00

Unfortunately more and more often, Islam has been associated with terrorism and violence due to the actions of a few extreme individuals who’ve taken it upon themselves to do the most heinous crimes in the name of Islam.

Tragic events such as the attack on the twin towers in New York, the bombings of Bali, Madrid and London are assumed to be justified by Islam in the minds of some people. This idea has been fueled further by many media channels which defame Islam by portraying these bombers as ‘Islamists’ or ‘Jihadists’, as though they were sanctioned by Islam, or had any legitimate spokemenship on behalf of Muslims. The actions of a few fanatical individuals who happen to have Muslim names or ascribe themselves to the Muslim faith should not be a yardstick by which Islam is judged. For the same reason, that one would not do justice to Christianity if it where perceived as sanctioning the genocide of the Native Americans, the atrocities of world war II or the bombings of the IRA.

To understand Islam’s stance on terrorism, one must refer to its original sources, the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him,which are explicit in their prohibition of any form of injustice including that of wanton violence which seeks to instill fear, injury or death to civilians.

The Quran turns our attention to the high value of human life, whether it is Muslim or Non-Muslim and makes it absolutely forbidden to take an innocent life unjustly. The gravity of such a crime is equated, in the Quran, with the killing of all humanity.

Importance of Following the Sunnah

2011-12-08T14:33:00.000+03:00

The Qur'an is the last divine book, which was revealed from Allah as a declaration and guidance to mankind. It is an explanation of all things and means for men to be rightly guided. In many verses of the Qur'an, it is commanded to obey the prophet of Allah. This is quite a significant point because understanding the Qur'an fully can only be possible with following the Sunnah of the prophet.

The Sunnah is the explanation of the Qur'an. It is the creed of ahl-i Sunnah, which has been constituted with collecting true hadiths of the prophet Muhammad (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), and interpretation of these hadiths by great scholars in later times.

It's worth dwelling upon a point here. The Sunnah is not a concept that can be dealt with separately from the Qur'an. In the Qur'an, it has been mentioned that the prophet removes heavy burdens, makes rules, teaches the ummah (society) the open and hidden meanings of the Qur'an.

As a matter of fact, when we look at the practices of Sunnah, we see that the prophet of Allah gave His companions a lot of information about numerous subjects. This information was then interpreted by scholars of the time, continued to be practised in daily lives and has passed on to us generations to generations.

Allah has informed in the surah Al-e Imran that the Prophet had the characteristic of teaching the Qur'an and purifying mankind:

Certainly Allah conferred a benefit upon the believers when He raised among them a Messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His communications and purifying them, and teaching them the Book and the wisdom, although before that they were surely in manifest error. (Surah Al-e Imran, 164)

Following the Messenger is a Must

2011-12-08T14:06:00.000+03:00

The Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to take the ruling on different matters in their lives from the Qur’an, which they learned from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). In many instances, the verses of the Qur’an treated a subject in a general manner, without any specific condition and sometimes, the verses would come as an absolute ruling, without any precondition or limitation in terms of time, place, and so on.

As an example of what came in a general way in the Qur’an is Prayer. The Qur’an does not mention how many rak`ahs we should perform, or how to physically move during Prayer, or the time for Prayer. Similarly, the Qur’an does not mention the minimum amount of money to have before giving zakah or the conditions by which to pay it.

Many of our acts of worship cannot be performed without referring to the explanations related to the regulations, pillars, and conditions of nullification. Thus, it is necessary to return to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to know the rules in a comprehensive and clear manner.

Many times, the Companions faced incidents in which the Qur’an had no ruling, then there was a need to return to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to know the ruling for such matters. It was the Prophet who was ordered by Allah Almighty to teach humanity, and it was the Prophet who was the most knowledgeable of mankind about that which Allah expects from us.

Allah has told us about the duty of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) with respect to the Qur’an. Allah said:

[And We have sent down unto thee (also) the Reminder; that thou mayest explain clearly to men what is sent for them, and that they may give thought.] (An-Nahl 16:44)

Allah also made it clear to us that the duty of the Prophet (

The Importance of the Honored Sunnah to the Faithful

2011-12-08T14:02:00.000+03:00

"I have left among you two things; you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah." (Al-Hakim)

As our Lord has revealed in the verse "Today I have perfected your religion for you and completed My blessing upon you and I am pleased with Islam as a religion for you" (Surat al-Ma'ida, 3), Islam is the final divine religion. Prophet Muhammad (saas) is "the messenger of Allah and the Final Seal of the Prophets" (Surat al-Ahzab, 40). The faithful learn the kind of moral values they need to display in order to attain the approval, compassion and paradise of Allah; what they must avoid and what they must abide by; what is lawful and what is forbidden; in short, all the details regarding the kind of life that will be pleasing to Allah from the Qur'an. Another mercy and blessing of our Lord for believers is the Sunnah of our Prophet (saas).

Islam is your Birthright

2011-12-06T07:37:00.000+03:00

Mankind and the universe were not created by accident or chance, but according to the plan of the Creator, who is known as Allah (lit.: the one God) in Islam. The Qur'an states that it is the duty of all individuals to learn about Allah and to live according to His will. As we cannot accomplish this be ourselves, Allah has sent messengers and prophets to guide humanity All of these chosen individuals have brought the same message and have served as examples to their people of how Allah desires all human beings to live.
Through these selected people, we have been told why mankind was created, what will happen to us after death, and what Allah expects of us. But most importantly, we have been told that Allah is unique-He has no partners, no sons or daughters, and no competitors, as so many other man-made religious systems have postulated.
This message always remains the same, whereas the laws laid down for a particular might show some slight differences.

Muhammad, the last of Allah's prophets, was sent to present Allah's revelation in its final form and for the last time. This was necessary because the message delivered by the previous prophets and messengers had been corrupted or distorted by their followers. They had been mixed with philosophical speculations, superstitions, myths, and neglect. Therefore, Islam is not a new religion-it is a restatement of the original religion of Allah in its purest form and is designed to provide humanity with the uncorrupted message of Allah.

Islam is an Arabic word that denotes submission and obedience to Allah. It also means "peace," for it brings peace of mind as well as peace on the individual and the social levels.

THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

In Islam, the term "worship" covers any action that one does in accordance with the will of Allah. It can be mental, physical, spoken, or otherwise. All such actions will be rewarded. There are five acts of worship that are so fundamental that the Prophet grouped them together as the five pillars of Islam. Every Muslim is expected to fulfill these obligations. They are:

The Declaration of Monotheism:

Recognizing and acknowledging the monotheistic nature of Allah stands at the core of Islam. This consists of a public affirmation that "there is no god but Allah (God), and Muhammad is His Messenger." One cannot be a Muslim until he states this fact in the presence of Muslim witnesses.

Women In Islam: Beyond the Stereotypes

2011-12-06T07:22:00.000+03:00

What comes to your mind when you think of a Muslim woman? A mysterious, veiled victim of male oppression, awaiting Western liberation? A slogan-shouting terrorist? An uneducated foreigner with whom you have little or nothing in common? Unless your social circle includes Muslim friends and acquaintances, the chances are that your impressions of Muslim women have largely been formed by negative media stereotypes - images that usually have little to do with real life, and may have been designed to attract more viewers, sell more products, or gain support for someone's political agenda.

How much do you really know about Muslim women's lives or views, and why does it matter? Well, for one thing, Muslims account for 20-25% of the people on this planet, and Islam has become the second main religion in Europe. But did you know that the majority of European and American converts to Islam are women - not men? Would it surprise you to learn that many women in the Muslim world feel sorry for Western women and view them as being victimised? Have you ever stopped to consider why Muslim women who immigrate to the West usually maintain their identity and strive to pass it on to their children? A thinking person may well ask, if Islam is as oppressive to women as some journalists would have us believe, why aren't Muslim women running away in droves? What it is about Islam that attracts any followers outside its heartlands?

In this brochure we aim to look beyond sensationalistic or alarmist stories to take a glimpse at what Islam has to offer educated women in today's world, and understand why so many (men and) women of every race, colour, and social class have made Islam their choice. The truth, like real life, is beyond propaganda and stereotypes.

The Islamic view of women

First of all, women are portrayed positively in the Qur'an and the Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad). The Qur'an is the only book of world Scripture in which women are frequently referred to alongside men, and both are described as being friends and partners in faith. The following verses are just a few notable examples:

The believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of another; they promote the right and forbid the wrong, establish prayer, pay the poor-due, and they obey God and His messenger. As for these, God will have mercy on them. Surely God is Mighty, Wise. God has promised to believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the good pleasure of God: that is the supreme felicity. (Qur'an 9:71-72)

BEATIFUL NASHEED MASHA ALLAH!!

2011-12-03T18:46:00.000+03:00

Judge by Yourself

2011-12-03T18:41:00.000+03:00

By Yusuf Estes, Former Christian Preacher

Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib
Born 570 C.E. (Christian Era); died 633 C.E.

The following is based on books, manuscripts, texts and actual eyewitness accounts, too numerous to mention herein, preserved in original form throughout the centuries by both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Many people today are discussing Prophet Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention. Who was he exactly? What did he teach? Why was he loved so much by some and hated so much by others? Did he live up to his claims? Was he a holy man? Was he a prophet of God? What is the truth about this man? You be the judge.

Here are the facts as narrated by thousands of people, many of whom knew him personally.

§ He was born to a noble tribe to the lineage of the leaders of Makkah.

§ His name comes from the Arabic root "hamd " and literally means "praised one." People at his time and until this very moment, praise him many times per day, may Allah exalt his mention.

§ He never fell into the common practice of his tribesmen to worship statues, idols or man-made "gods."

§ He believed that God was truly One God, and as such, He was to be worshipped alone, without any other "gods" beside Him.

§ He held the Name of God in the highest of reverence and never took God's Name in vain or for any vain glorious purpose.

§ He despised false worship and all of the complexities and degradation to which it leads.

§ He adhered to the Commandments of Almighty God, just as prophets of old had done in the past.

§ He never committed adultery, and he forbade others from doing it.

§ He forbade usury and interest on money lending, as Jesus, may Allah exalt his mention, had done centuries before him.

§ He never gambled and did not allow it.

§ He never drank alcohol or strong drink; even though it was a very normal thing for people of his time and place.

§ He did not engage in gossip and used to turn away from hearing anything related to it.

§ He fasted for days at a time to be closer to Almighty God and away from the narrowness of worldly attractions.

§ He taught that Jesus, may Allah exalt his mention, was the immaculate conception and miracle birth of Mary, and that she was among the best creation of Almighty God.

§ He insisted even to the Jews of Medina, that Jesus, may Allah exalt his mention, was the Messiah, the Christ, the one predicted to come in their Torah (Old Testament).

§ He said Jesus, may Allah exalt his mention, did many miracles by the permission of Almighty God, curing the lepers, restoring sight to the blind and even bringing a dead man back to life.

§ He stated clearly that Jesus, may Allah exalt his mention, was not dead, rather Almighty God had raised him up.

§ He foretold that Jesus, may Allah exalt his mention, is going to return again in the Last Days to lead the true believers in a victory over the evil and unrighteous people, and he will destroy the Anti-Christ.

§ He commanded the payment of charity to the poor and he was the defender and protector of widows, orphans and the wayfarers.

§ He ordered people to unite with their families and honor the ties of kinship and he restored relationships between family members.

§ He required his followers to engage only in lawful marriage relationships with women, and forbade sex outside of Almighty God's Ordinance.

§ He insisted on giving women their proper rights, dowries, inheritance and property.

§ His patience and humble attitude were exemplary and all who knew him had to admit to these virtues.

The Supererogatory Prayers to be performed per Day and Night

2011-12-03T18:35:00.000+03:00

1- The arranged Sunnahs* He (PBUH) said: (in no way does a Muslim slave pray to Allah twelve rak’as (units of prayer) per day, except (that) Allah builds a house for him in paradise, or (that) a house is built for him in paradise). Narrated by Muslim.

- These are as follows: four rak’as before Athuhr (noon) prayer and two after it, two rak’as after Al-Maghreb (sunset) prayer, two rak’as after Al-Isha’ (evening) prayer and two rak’as before Al-Fajr (dawn) prayer.

- My beloved brother: don’t you yearn for a house in paradise? Preserve this Prophetic advice and pray twelve rak’as other than the obligatory prayers.

1-Ad-Duha (forenoon) prayer:
it is equal to [360] sadaqas (charitable deeds). Since, man’s body consists of [360] bones, therefore, each bone of them needs a sadaqa daily to be a sort of thanks (to Allah) for this blessing. Instead of all of this, two rak’as in the forenoon are sufficient. Its' two fruits: as reported in the authentic narrations of Muslim, who quoted Abu-Dhar as saying that the Prophet (PBUH) said: (every morning, there becomes a sadaqa for every joint in anyone of you. Every glorification is a sadaqa, commanding beneficence is a sadaqa, forbidding malfeasance is a sadaqa and instead of this, two rak’as performed in the forenoon are sufficient).

Abu-Huraira – may Allah be pleased with him – was quoted as saying: (my fellow (PBUH) enjoined me concerning fasting three days every month, the two rak’as of Ad-Duha and performing Al-Wetr prayer before I go to bed). Agreed upon.

Its time: it starts 15 minutes (quarter of an hour) after sunrise, until quarter of an hour before Athuhr (noon) prayer.
The best time to perform it: when the heat of the sun intensifies.
Its number: its minimum number is two rak’as.
Its maximum (number): eight rak’as and it has been said that there is no limit for its maximum.

2- The Sunnah of Al-Asr (afternoon) prayer:

He (PBUH) said: (may Allah have mercy on this who performs four rak’as before Al-Asr (afternoon) prayer). Narrated by Abu-Dawoud and At-Termithi.

3- The Sunnah of Al-Maghreb (sunset) prayer:

He (PBUH) said: (perform prayer before Al-Maghreb, in the third time he said: for this who wants). Narrated by Al-Bukhari.

4- The Sunnah of Al-Isha’ (evening) prayer:

He (PBUH) said: (between every two athans (calls to prayer) there is a prayer; between every two athans (calls to prayer) there is a prayer, between every two athans (calls to prayer) there is a prayer, in the third he said: for this who wants). Agreed upon.

- An-Nawawi said: the meaning of the two athans: the athan (call to prayer) and Al-Iqamah (the call to start performing prayer).

Why so Many Religions?

2011-12-01T13:21:00.000+03:00

If there is only one God, then why are there so many religions?
All religions originated with Allah and then people began to add or take away from the teachings so as to take control over each other.
This day, those who disbelieved have given up all hope of your religion, so fear them not, but fear Me. This day, I have perfected your religious Way of life for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you to surrender and submit to me in peace as your religious way of life...
[Noble Quran 5:3]
Allah does not force anyone to submit to Him. He has laid out a clear path and then made it known to them the two ways (Heaven or Hell). The person is always free to make his or her own choice.
There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in taghut (false gods and false worship) and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.
Allah is the Wali (Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Auliya (supporters and helpers) are Taghut [false gods and false worship.], they bring them out from light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will remain there forever.
[Noble Quran 2:256-257]
There is no compulsion in the way of "Islam." Whoever chooses to worship Allah without partners and is devoted to Him and is obeying His commands as much as possible has grasped the firm handhold that will never break. Whoever denies God and chooses some other way to worship or not to believe at all, for them there is an eternal punishment that is most horrible (Hell).
People began to separate into different groups due to their rejection of truth and denial of clear proofs becoming evident to them from their Lord.
And the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) differed not amongst themselves until after clear evidence came to them.
And they were not commanded anything more than this; to worship Allah, alone (without making partners with Him in worship) and establish regular devotional prayers and pay the charity due to the poor; and this is the correct Way (way of life and religion).

Will Everyone Be Treated Fairly?

2011-12-01T13:00:00.000+03:00

Yes, absolutely. Allah always treats everyone with justice and fairness.

But read these verses of the Quran carefully, especially about the "People of the Book" (Jews & Christians):

These are the Verses of Allah: We recite them to you (O Muhammad peace be upon him) in truth, and Allah wills no injustice to the 'Alamin (mankind and Jinns).

And to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And all matters go back (for decision) to Allah.

You [true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and commandments with him] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allah. And had the people of the Book (Jews and Christians) believed, it would have been better for them; among them are some who have faith, but most of them are Al-Fasiqun (disobedient to Allah - and rebellious against Allah's Command).

[Noble Quran 3:108-110]

How can you gain the Love of Allah the Almighty?

2011-11-30T09:12:00.000+03:00

All praise be to Allah the Almighty. Non has the right to be worshipped

except Allah alone, and peace be upon his Prophet Muhammad, his family,

wives, relatives and companions,,,

The most important thing in the daily life of any Muslim is following the

Sunnah (Way) of the Prophet – Peace be upon him – in all of his actions,

deeds, and sayings in order to organize his life according to the Prophetic

Sunnah, from the morning to the evening.

Thun -Noon Al Masri, said:

(One of the signs of loving Allah the Almighty is following the Sunnah

of His Prophet – Peace be upon him – in his morals, deeds, orders and

actions.

Allah the Almighty said:

{Say, [O Muhammad], “If you should

love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive

your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful} (Al-Imran: 31).

What Does Islam Say About The Day of Judgment?

2011-11-26T19:14:00.000+03:00

Like Christians, Muslims believe that the present life is only a trial preparation for the next realm of existence. This life is a test for each individual for the life after death. A day will come when the whole universe will be destroyed and the dead will be resurrected for judgment by God. This day will be the beginning of a life that will never end. This day is the Day of Judgment. On that day, all people will be rewarded by God according to their beliefs and deeds. Those who die while believing that “There is no true god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God” and are Muslim will be rewarded on that day and will be admitted to Paradise forever, as God has said:

And those who believe and do good deeds, they are dwellers of Paradise, they dwell therein forever. (Quran, 2:82)

But those who die while not believing that “There is no true god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God” or are not Muslim will lose Paradise forever and will be sent to Hellfire, as God has said:

And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will not be accepted from him and he will be one of the losers in the Hereafter. (Quran, 3:85)

And as He has said:

Those who have disbelieved and died in disbelief, the earth full of gold would not be accepted from any of them if it were offered as a ransom. They will have a painful punishment, and they will have no helpers. (Quran, 3:91)

One may ask, ‘I think Islam is a good religion, but if I were to convert to Islam, my family, friends, and other people would persecute me and make fun of me. So if I do not convert to Islam, will I enter Paradise and be saved from Hellfire?’

The answer is what God has said in the preceding verse, “And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will not be accepted from him and he will be one of the losers in the Hereafter.”

After having sent the Prophet Muhammad to call people to Islam, God does not accept adherence to any religion other than Islam. God is our Creator and Sustainer. He created for us whatever is in the earth. All the blessings and good things we have are from Him. So after all this, when someone rejects belief in God, His Prophet Muhammad , or His religion of Islam, it is just that he or she be punished in the Hereafter. Actually, the main purpose of our creation is to worship God alone and to obey Him, as God has said in the Holy Quran (51:56).

This life we live today is a very short life. The unbelievers on the Day of Judgment will think that the life they lived on earth was only a day or part of a day, as God has said:

He (God) will say, “How many years did you stay on the earth?” They will say: “We stayed a day or part of a day....” (Quran, 23:112-113)

And He has said:

Did you then think that We had created you in jest (without any purpose), and that you would not be returned to Us (in the Hereafter)? So, God is exalted, the True King. None has the right to be worshipped but Him... (Quran, 23:115-116)

The life in the Hereafter is a very real life. It is not only spiritual, but physical as well. We will live there with our souls and bodies.

In comparing this world with the Hereafter, the Prophet Muhammad said: {The value of this world compared to that of the Hereafter is like what your finger brings from the sea when you put it in and then take it out.}1 The meaning is that, the value of this world compared to that of the Hereafter is like a few drops of water compared to the sea.

Can Islam Still Work in Today's World?

2011-11-26T09:17:00.001+03:00

Can the Qur'an be given to a Non-Muslim?

2011-11-25T23:27:00.000+03:00

Explaining Islam to Non-Muslims

2011-11-22T22:09:00.000+03:00

How can we justify our belief system to them? Like the Hijab and the beard etcetera?

First of all, we don’t really have a good understanding of it ourselves. So we are dealing with it and what happens, any time you have a problem yourself, you are very defensive and self-conscious and defensive about it. For instance the beard. Do men in Islam grow beards? Are they suppose to? So I get a question, he comes to me and say, “sheik, do Muslims have to grow the beard?” I tell them, “No. Not the women,”. They don't have to grown the beard. Can a woman grow a beard? No. That's silly, isn't it? So we say, Okay; Do Muslim men have to grow the beard? No. As a matter of fact they can't. If a woman can’t grow her beard a man can't grow his either, can he? Can you? Go ahead, let's watch. Now you got the idea, didn't you? Allah is the one who grows your beard, yes or no? Yes. And it’s Allah who told you to follow Mohammad (Peace and blessings be upon him). And Mohammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) told you don't cut it off. Now there is the subject, isn’t it. It's not growing it, it's cutting it off. You don't grow it. He (Peace and blessings be upon him) said leave the beard. He didn't say grow it, he said leave it. Because if you leave it alone and it doesn’t grow, you’re not in trouble with Allah, are you? No. But if you cut it, then you disobey the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him). These people who shave everything off and leave one little tiny street down the side, like the stripes on a racing car, that’s a racing beard, or a little hanging down at the bottom, like a billy goat. You've seen this? You think it’s cool? I don’t know. I hope Allah doesn’t throw us in the fire for stuff like this, but it is not right to disobey the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him).

Giving Dawah Without Knowledge

2011-11-22T13:35:00.000+03:00

Many of us today suffer from the same problem - we do not possess enough of the proper knowledge of the subject. How can we know the proper procedure and methodology (Manhaj) of answering questions about Islam to non-Muslims?

Before we begin, I would first like to have you to consider some important issues about presenting Islam. It is a fact, we find ourselves in a strange position today with people who are not qualified to be teachers or leaders - are assuming the roles of teachers, preachers and teachers without the proper knowledge or experience.

Islam teaches us about practicing Amr Bil Ma’ruf Wan-Nahyi Anil-Munkar (calling to good and forbidding the evil). This is clear and generally applies to all Muslims. At the same time the actual job of teaching and preaching Islam is not for the unqualified and uneducated in these important fields.

YOU MUST SEE THIS VIDEOS REAL AMAZING SUBHANALLAH!!

2011-11-22T09:28:00.000+03:00

Read The Holy Quran You Got nothing To Lose. A Lecture by Khalid Yasin

Until You Visit The Grave-Lecture by Khalid Yasin

A Scientific and Material Speech to this who does not believe in Muhammad the Messenger of Allah

2011-11-21T22:42:00.000+03:00

Mocking Allah, His verses and His Messenger has become a normal thing nowadays and it comes in most cases from abroad, where atheists claim that Islam is a religion of underdevelopment, terrorism and ignorance. That's why the enemies of Islam continued to mock its teachings, claiming that they have become out of date and do not fit the times!

Glorified be Allah! Has freedom of expression become, from their point of view, their freedom to mock the greatest creature of Allah (PBUH)?

However, apparently, those have not found any scientific thing to criticize Islam for; thus, they tended to use these desperate cartoons. They failed to extract any scientific or linguistic mistake from the Noble Qur'an or the ahadith (speeches) of the greatest Messenger to convince their followers about it, except these cartoons, which reflect their bankruptcy.

We have the right to express our opinion about such things, but, we do not mock their prophets, Moses and Jesus, peace be upon them, as they are quit of them and their deeds and because we do not differentiate between these honored prophets, as they are all messengers from Allah (Exalted be He).

But, before doing so, let's listen to this saying of Allah (Exalted be He) about those people and the like of them:

"Surely the ones who hurt Allah and His Messenger, Allah has cursed them in the present (life) (Literally: the lowly (life), i.e., the life of this world) and the Hereafter, and He has prepared for them a degrading torment *** And the ones who hurt male believers and female believers, without that they have earned it, then they have readily burdened themselves calumny and evident vice" [Surat Al-Ahzab: 57-58].

Belief In The Prophets

2011-11-21T07:27:00.000+03:00

Belief in certain prophets who God chose to relay His message to humans is a required article of Islamic faith.

“The Prophet (Muhammad) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in God, His Angels, His Books, and His prophets. (They say,) ‘We make no distinction between one another of His prophets...’” (Quran 2:285)

God conveys His message and relates His will through human prophets. They form a link between the earthly beings and the heavens, in the sense that God has picked them to deliver His message to human beings. There are no other channels to receive divine communications. It is the system of communication between the Creator and the created. God does not send angels to every single individual, nor does He open the skies so people can climb up to receive the message. His way of communication is through human prophets who receive the message through angels.

To have faith in the prophets (or messengers) is to firmly believe that God chose morally upright men to bear His message and pass it to humanity. Blessed were those who followed them, and wretched were those who refused to obey. They faithfully delivered the message, without hiding, altering, or corrupting it. Rejecting a prophet is rejecting the One who sent him, and disobeying a prophet is disobeying the One who commanded to obey him.

God sent to every nation a prophet, mostly from amongst them, to call them to worship God alone and to shun false gods.

“And ask (O Muhammad) those of Our prophets whom We sent before you: ‘Did We ever appoint gods to be worshipped besides the Most Merciful (God)?’” (Quran 43:45)

Muslims believe in those prophets mentioned by name in Islamic sources, such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, David, Solomon, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, to name a few. A general belief is held in those not mentioned by name, as God says:

PURPOSE OF LIFE

2011-11-19T16:07:00.000+03:00

What Does Islam Say About Life's Purpose?
-------------------------------------------------------
Have you ever asked yourself these questions?
"What is the purpose of L I F E?"
"My life?"
"Your Life?"

People everywhere are asking the questions; "What is the purpose of life?" and "Why are we here?" You might be amazed to learn, that Islam is providing clear and concise answers for these questions.

Most of those who reflect or think about life in any detail will consider and ponder these questions. There are as many different answers to these questions as there are people asking the questions. Some would hold that the purpose of life was to acquire wealth. Yet suppose they were to acquire millions of dollars, what then would they claim is their purpose after doing so?

If the purpose of life is to become wealthy, there would be no purpose after becoming wealthy.

The fact is that when people approach their purpose here in this life from the aspect of only gaining wealth, after collecting the money they have dreamed of their lives loose purpose and then they live in restless tension suffering from a feeling of worthlessness.

How could wealth then be considered as the aim of life?

Could the acquisition of wealth guarantee happiness? Of course not.
When we hear of millionaires or members of their families committing suicide, how could we consider the purpose of life would be to gain great wealth?

The Life Of This World

2011-11-19T15:37:00.000+03:00

This is a Kinetic Typography of the story "Jesus and The Third Loaf"

Dawah Secrets That Work - 11 Tips!

2011-11-18T18:14:00.000+03:00

Can you give your insight on how to do Dawah the right way?

Tip #1 - Say, THANK YOU...

Start by saying "Thank you..", whenever they try to insult Islam with an abusive question like, "How come you Moslems hate Christians?"

Our belief is, the best way to handle the problems of presenting Islam and putting an end to the abusive attitudes of people from other religions, is to follow the way of Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) and stop following the ways of the enemies of Islam. This was his way and we try to follow it.

"Thank you for asking me about my religion!.." Imagine their faces when you come back with something very polite and simple. You continue, "You have an interesting question concerning Islam and I congratulate you for seeking correct knowledge about our faith".

Tip #2 - Now you make a statement that usually commits your listener to stay for the answers, "From your question, it seems you really would like to know the real truth about Islam and as a Muslim, it's my duty to share the message of worshipping God as One God, Alone and without any partners."

Tip #3 - Now say - Islam is not what some Muslims do -- Islam is what all Muslims are supposed to do."

Which Group is The Right Group?

2011-11-18T07:13:00.000+03:00

Seems like these days the Muslims now come in "All Flavors." There are so many different names of so many groups in the world today. But which are the "true Muslims?"

The groups carry names like: Sunnies, Salafies, Shi'ites, Ahmadiyah, Kadianis Sufis, Nation of Islam, Hanafi, Shafi, Wahabi, Moorish Science, Five Percenters, Aghakhanis, Ansar Allah, Modernists, Reformed Muslims - etc.

So many sects and groups - all claim to be the "saved sect of Islam", but which one is the real Islam? How do we know for sure?

NOTE: With all respect to those who ascribe themselves to various groups in Islam, this article is dedicated to solving serious issues effecting Muslims world wide. The conclusion is that anyone who can say, "I believe there is only one God, Allah and Muhammad is His messenger and servant" is in fact, a Muslim. It is only when they insist on adding an adjective to describe their particular "type" of Islam that the problems begin to surface. Please read on with this thought in mind - Allah says; ""It is He (Allah) who has named you MUSLIMS.." [Noble Quran 22:78]

Each of the "faith groups" mentioned have been labeled by different people as sects or deviant groups in degrees from border line to completely out of Islam.

Before we begin trying to gain an understanding of who is right or wrong on this issue it is quite advantageous to spend a moment in reviewing the meanings of the actual words which we will be using in our discussion.

We begin by looking to the meanings of key words from the Arabic language as this will assist us in making the right conclusions and avoid more confusion. The first of all the words to understand has to be "Islam" and then immediately following that, the word "Muslim." These words are not English and have to be understood in the Arabic. They do not translate into one word.

First word - "ISLAM." We should have been asking all along, "What does the term ISLAM actually mean, anyway?"

ISLAM comes from the root "slm" or "Salama". The word ISLAM in reference to the faith is understood in Arabic as the:

ISLAM means:

    * Surrender: Give up evil and lusts - give in to the Creator

    * Submission: Agree to the terms and conditions of being a servant of Almighty God

    * Obedience: Comply with His Commandments to the best of your ability

    * Sincerity: Do it all whether or not anyone else notices or cares.

    * Peace: Accept what Almighty God gives you in this life in serenity.

Is McDonald's Halal (Permissible)?

2011-11-18T06:53:00.000+03:00

As Muslims, we are very unique and blessed by Allah, in that we still have all the original information to base our understanding of how to live according to revelation from Above (Quran and Sunnah):

We have original recorded sources of our religion:
A) The Quran
B) Teachings of Muhammad

This is a very unique feature in Islam - not available in other ancient religions. And whenever we find answers in the Quran and teachings of Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him), (Hadith), we have no option but to accept fully and completely. As Allah says in His Book:

"But no, by your Lord (Allah), they can have no Iman (faith) until they make you (Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him)) the judge in matters wherein they dispute and then come away in total acceptance and compliance." [Noble Quran 4:65]

Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim

Thank you for your question concerning meat that we should or should not eat. This is a problem that many are faced with today, while living here in the West. Before the detailed questions arising from this topic, let us consider what has been preserved in the Quran for us as Muslims, for over 1,400 years:

Regarding food, we offer one of many places in Quran where Allah Speaks to us about this important subject:

The beginning of Chapter 5 (Surah Ma’idah)

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

1. O you who believe! Fulfill (your) obligations. Lawful to you (for food) are all the beasts of cattle except that which will be announced to you (herein), game (also) being unlawful when you assume Ihram for Hajj or 'Umrah (pilgrimage). Verily, Allah commands that which He wills.

Pictures - Halal or Haram?

2011-11-18T06:40:00.000+03:00

What is the ruling of pictures according to the Quran and Sunnah?

And the people of Moses made in his absence, out of their ornaments, the image of a calf (for worship). It had a sound (as if it was mooing). Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor guide them to the way? They took it for worship and they were Dthalimun (wrong-doers). [Noble Quran 7:148]

And indeed We bestowed aforetime on Ibrahim (Abraham) his (portion of) guidance, and We were Well-Acquainted with him (as to his Belief in the Oneness of Allah, etc.). [Noble Quran 21:51]

When he said to his father and his people: "What are these images, to which you are devoted?" [Noble Quran 21:52]

They said: "We found our fathers worshipping them." [Noble Quran 21:53]

He said: "Indeed you and your fathers have been in manifest error." [Noble Quran 21:54]

Narrated Said bin Abu Al-Hasan: While I was with Ibn 'Abbas a man came and said, "O father of 'Abbas! My sustenance is from my manual profession and I make these pictures." Ibn 'Abbas said, "I will tell you only what I heard from Allah's Apostle (Peace and blessings be upon him). I heard him saying, 'Whoever makes a picture will be punished by Allah till he puts life in it, and he will never be able to put life in it.' "Hearing this, that man heaved a sigh and his face turned pale. Ibn 'Abbas said to him, "What a pity! If you insist on making pictures I advise you to make pictures of trees and any other unanimated objects." [Bukhari 3:428]

7 Daily Spiritual Productive Habits to Develop

2011-11-16T12:28:00.000+03:00

You should aim to develop the following 7 Spiritually Productive activities into habits so that you can hopefully continue benefitting from them throughout your life. I consider these activities as the spiritual ‘bread and butter’ of any ProductiveMuslim. To develop them as habits is the essence of embarking on your journey towards the love of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) and constantly increasing in your eman, inshaAllah:

1) Pray the Sunnah Prayers before and/or after Prayer:

I know it’s easier to just pray the obligatory prayers and rush out of the mosque! However, when we realise the rewards we’re missing from not praying these Sunnah prayers we won’t leave them. Over the years I have learnt there’s only ONE way of getting yourself to pray these Sunnah prayers constantly: Get into the habit of praying them! They’ll soon become part and parcel of your Salah and your Salah will feel incomplete without performing these acts.

2) Remembrance of Allah after Salah:

Again, it’s easy to rush out after Salah due to our busy lives, though if we are honest, how long does it take to recite the supplications after Salah? (The Answer: 5-7 minutes!). If you’re not sure what I’m referring to, you may find the supplications atMakeDua.com. Nowadays you’ll find pocket notebooks/or phone applications with these supplications. Get into the habit of reciting them daily after each Salah to enrich your Salah experience.

Searching For Happiness?

2011-11-15T19:02:00.001+03:00

Happiness is a common goal that everyone strives to attain. Philosophers, intellectuals, doctors and artists alike have all strived in search of the causes of happiness and ways to escape anxiety.

The reality is, however, that the proposed solutions achieve only partial or superficial happiness. They are more or less like drugs which only provide temporary relief; when their effect wares off, anxieties return two fold.

The following words invite you to ultimate happiness and will lead you to true success. But before you begin reading, I hope that you take a moment to try to open your heart and mind - as the intelligent one is he who searches for the truth no matter where it lies.

An undeniable reality is that permanent happiness cannot be achieved except by believing in God - The Creator - and following His guidance. Since it is He who created mankind, He is the one who knows what pleases and benefits them, just as he knows what saddens and harms them. A number of psychologists have affirmed that only a religious person lives with true content and serenity. So if believing in God leads to ultimate happiness, then how can this be achieved?

There are numerous religions and a variety of creeds. However, their critical differences in core issues make it impossible for all of them to be correct. So which is the correct religion? What is the correct creed that God requires us to believe in and in the end pleases Him? And which one of these creeds guarantees us happiness in this life and in the hereafter?

Before answering these questions, a criterion must first be established to be used as a basis for correctly determining the true religion. I firmly believe that all sensible people will agree that a religion is not deemed correct simply due to the fact that one was raised in that religion, had parents that adhered to it, or lived in a society that practiced it. Rather a religion's accuracy and authenticity are based upon substantial evidence and firm intellectual proofs. Intellect, the distinguishing factor between mankind and animals, must be applied when studying the issue of religion, which is undeniably the most important and gravest of all matters.

A short journey into the world of religions and sifting through various creeds could prove to be a good method in arriving at the desired conclusion. In order to save you the time and effort, I say with full conviction and confidence that no matter how much you investigate this issue, you will only arrive at one reality: that the true and correct religion is Islam and that true happiness and content lies within it.

Before you hastily rebut this statement and stop reading, please realize that completing the rest would not harm you at all, and it may in fact benefit you. Also, remember that you have an intellect by which you can distinguish things and determine truth from falsehood.

Why Islam?

This is an important question, indicating that the questioner is mature and enlightened. In response I say:

Allah is Near to whoever supplicates Him and the necessary means for answering Du'aa [supplication].

2011-11-14T12:18:00.000+03:00

Allah Almighty says in the Qur'an:

"And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed Near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright" [Qur'an 2:186].
The above verse was revealed as an answer to a question addressed to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) by some of his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). They asked him: "Oh Messenger of Allah! Is our Lord near to us, so we can secretly talk to Him [munaja], or He is far, so we should call upon Him [loudly]?" Thereupon Allah Almighty revealed this verse: "And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge) "
This is because Allah is The Watcher, The Witness Who knows what is in the hearts [the secret] and that which is more hidden; He knows the treacherous (look) of the eyes and whatever the hearts conceals. Allah is Near to whoever supplicates him and immediately responds as He says "I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me".

50 Questions And Answers On Islamic Monotheism

2011-11-11T09:45:00.000+03:00

Bismillah Rahman Raheem

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH MOST GRACIOUS MOST MERCIFUL

Q1 Who is your Rubb? (the Lord,the Creator etc).

A. My Rubb is Allah Who has created me and all that exists. He nourishes me and all creatures by His Bounties.

Q.2. What is your religion?

A. My religion is Islam, which is submission and obedience to the Order oF Allah and His Messenger with love, hope and fear.

Q.3. How did you know Allah?

I know Him by His signs and creation like the day and night; the sun and the moon; the heaven and the earth, and all that is there in and between them.

Q.4. Where is Allah?

A. Allah is above the heavens raised over the Throne and separated from His creatures.

Q.5. Is Allah with us (in person)?

A. Allah is settled over His Mighty Throne, but He is with us by His Knowledge, hearing ,seeing and other attributes. As He said: "Fear not verily! I am with you both hearing and seeing (V,20. :46)

Q.6. Who are the friends of Allah?

A. Those people are the friends of Allah who are pious and righteous, fear Him much abstain from all kinds of sins and perform all kinds of goods, and holdfast to the Qur`an and Sunnah.

Q. 7. How do you worship Allah?

A. I worship Allah in a manner in which all my ibadah is dedicated to Him Alone. I do not ascribe anyone with Him in worship.

Q-8. Why did Allah send Messengers?

Will du’aa’ offered on the day of ‘Arafah by those who are not on Hajj be answered?.

2011-11-10T21:43:00.000+03:00

Is there any virtue in offering du’aa’ on the day of ‘Arafah for those who are not on Hajj?

Question:

Will du’aa’ offered on the day of ‘Arafah by those who are not on Hajj be answered?.

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no day on which Allaah ransoms more of His slaves from the Fire than the day of ‘Arafah. He draws close then He boasts about them before the angels and says, ‘What do these people want?’” Narrated by Muslim (1348).

Evidence Islam is Truth

2011-11-09T14:07:00.000+03:00

Modern science has discovered facts about the atmosphere mentioned in the Quran over 1400 years ago.
Evidence Islam is Truth > The Scientific Miracles of the Holy Quran
Category: Articles > The Holy Quran > The Scientific Miracles of the Holy Quran

“By the skModern science has discovered facts about the atmosphere mentioned in the Quran over 1400 years ago.
y wModern science has discovered facts about the atmosphere mentioned in the Quran over 1400 years ago.
hich returns.” (Quran 86:11)

“[He] who made for you the earth a bed [spread out] and the sky a ceiling…” (Quran 2:22)

In the first verse God swears by the sky[1] and its function of ‘returning’ without specifying what it ‘returns.’ In Islamic doctrine, a divine oath signifies the magnitude of importance of a special relation to the Creator, and manifests His majesty and the supreme Truth in a special way.
The second verse describes the Divine Act that made the sky a ‘ceiling’ for the dwellers of earth.

Let us see what modern atmospheric science has to say about the role and function of the sky.

The atmosphere is a word which denotes all the air surrounding the earth, from the ground all the way up to the edge from which space starts. The atmosphere is composed of several layers, each defined because of the various phenomena which occur within the layer.

What Islam Says?

2011-11-06T15:01:00.000+03:00

1-Islam asks for worshipping just one god "Allah" (the father in your religion) and believing in the prophet Mohammed and all the prophets before him as Jesus and Abraham. We believe that there aren't any sons to Allah or gods.

2- Islam doesn’t degrade other prophets, but respect them. It is a big sin to say something rude about one of them or their good relatives as Maria (Mary).

3- Islam says that the one whose doles are more than his sins will enter paradise and vice versa.

EID MUBARAK TO ALL MUSLIMS MAY ALLAH (S.W) BLESS YOU ALL

2011-11-06T00:07:00.000+03:00

It's An Immense Pleasure And Prestigious Pride
For Me To Pay My Best Wishes
To You And Yours Family

Sami Yusuf- My Ummah

2011-11-04T22:35:00.000+03:00

Sami Yusuf-My ummah

My ummah, my ummah

He will say

Rasulullah on that day

Even though we've strayed from him and his way

My brothers, my sisters, in Islam

Let's struggle, work, and pray

If we are to

Bring back the glory of his way

Eid Mubarak

2011-11-04T21:38:00.000+03:00

It’s the feeling I can’t explain

The way that it made me forget my pain

With every breath that I take

Never in my life have I ever been more awake

The way it made its presence known

Sent a chill down to my bone