Deen-ul-Majeed

Ahadith

2009-07-05T22:38:00.001+05:30

Giving in charity as much as one can afford

Narrated by Asma bint Abu Bakr(Radhiallaho anha):
Allah's Messenger (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam) said "Do not shut
your money bag; otherwise Allah too will withhold His blessings from you. Spend (in Allah's cause) as much as you can afford. "

Sahih Al Bukhari Vol 2 Number 515

A pagan giving charity and then embraces Islam

Narrated by Hakim bin Hizam(Radhiallaho anho):
I said to Allah's Messenger (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam), "Before
embracing Islam I used to do good deeds like giving in charity,
slave-manumitting, and the keeping of good relations with kith and
kin. Shall I be rewarded for those deeds?" The Prophet replied, "You
became Muslim with all those good deeds (without losing their
reward)."

Sahih Al Bukhari Vol 2 Number 517

Compound your Fast

2008-09-16T15:39:00.000+05:30

Compound your Fast by providing food for 1 fasting person each day, so you get the reward for 60 days though you fasted only 30 days.

Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: He who gives food to a fasting person for iftaar, he will receive as him & nothing will be reduced from the fasting persons reward.

Recorded by Imam Ahmad and Tirmidhi.

So in this noble month we can earn the reward from Allah (سبحان وتعال) enormously. If we can't contribute directly then we can forward the money thru our friends.

This Month is Bonus Month for us brothers...

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

They ask you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) what they should spend. Say: Whatever you spend of good must be for parents and kindred and orphans and Al Masâkin (the poor) and the wayfarers, and whatever you do of good deeds, truly, Allâh knows it well.

(Al-Baqarah 2:215) ..

Electronic Games

2007-12-30T20:53:00.000+05:30

Question:
What is the ruling on playing or allowing one’s children to play the many electronic games that are widely available, such as those produced by companies like Sony and Nintendo, etc.?

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah and peace be upon the Messenger of Allaah.

The one who looks at these games will see that they are based on mental skills and individual reactions or decisions. These games are of various types, with many aspects. Some of them take the form of illusionary battles which train a person in what to do in similar circumstances [in real life]; some are based on being alert so as to save oneself from danger; fighting enemies and destroying targets; planning; having adventures; finding the way out of a labyrinth; escaping from wild beasts; racing cars, planes, etc.; overcoming obstacles; searching for treasure. Some games increase knowledge and enhance one’s interests, such as games that involve taking things apart and putting them back together, jigsaw puzzles, building things, colouring, and shading and lighting.

The shar'i ruling:

Islam does not forbid leisure or having fun in permissible ways. The basic rule concerning these games is that they are permissible so long as they do not get in the way of obligatory duties such as establishing prayer [i.e., praying properly and on time] and honouring one’s parents, and so long as they do not include anything that is haraam. There are, however, many haraam elements in these games, such as the following:

Games which depict wars between the people of this world (“good guys”) and people from the sky (“bad guys”), with all its implications of accusations against Allaah, may He be glorified, or the noble angels.
Games which involve sanctifying the cross or passing over or by it to gain strength, to bring one back to life or the give the player extra “lives” and so on. Also, games which are used for designing birthday cards as in Christian culture are also forbidden.
Games which approve of witchcraft/magic, and which glorify witches/magicians/sorcerers, etc.
Games which are based on hatred of Islam and Muslims, like the game in which a player gets 100 points if he hits Makkah, 50 points if he hits Baghdaad, and so on.
Games that glorify the kuffaar and show pride in belonging to them, like games in which if a player chooses an army belonging to a kaafir state he becomes strong, and if he chooses an army belonging to an Arab state he becomes weak. Also, games which teach a child to admire kaafir sports clubs and the names of kaafir players.
Games that include depictions of nudity, and some games that allow the winner to see a pornographic picture; games that corrupt morals, such as games where the idea is to run away with a girlfriend from the bad guys or a dragon.
Games based on ideas of gambling.
Music and other things that are known to be forbidden in Islam.
Physical harm, such as damage to the eyes and nervous system; harmful effects of game sounds on the ears. Modern studies have shown that these games may be addictive and harmful to the nervous system, as well as causing stress and nervous tension in children.
Making children get used to violence and criminality, and teaching them to take killing and murder lightly, as in the famous “Doom” game.
Corrupting children’s sense of reality by teaching them about a world of illusions and impossible things, such as coming back from the dead, supernatural powers that do not really exist, images of space aliens, and so on.

We have gone into details about some of the ideological dangers and things that are prohibited by Islam because many fathers and mothers do not pay attention to these things, and they bring these games for their children and let them play with them.

We should also point out that it is not permissible to compete for prizes in playing these electronic games, even if the game itself is permissible, because they are not a means of jihaad, and they do not help you develop strength for jihaad.

(al-Musaabaqaat wa Ahkaamuhaa fi’l-Sharee’ah al-Islaamiyyah by Dr, Sa’d al-Shathri).

Ten Useless Matters

2007-12-20T18:16:00.000+05:30

by - Imam Ibn ul Qayyim al Jawziyyah

There are ten useless matters:

Knowledge that is not acted on
The deed that has neither sincerity nor is based on following the righteous examples of others
Money that is hoarded, as the owner neither enjoys it during this life nor obtains any reward for it in the Hereafter
The heart that is empty of love and longing for Allah, and of seeking closeness to Him
A body that does not obey and serve Allah
Loving Allah without following His orders or seeking His pleasure
Time that is not spent in expiating sins or seizing opportunities to do good
A mind that thinks about useless matters
Serving those who do not bring you close to Allah, nor benefit you in your life
Hoping and fearing whoever is under the authority of Allah and in His hand; while he cannot bring any benefit or harm to himself, nor death, nor life; nor can he resurrect himself.

However the greater of these matters are wasting the heart and wasting time. Wasting the heart is done by preferring this worldly life over the Hereafter, and wasting time is done by having incessant hope. Destruction occurs by following one’s desires and having incessant hope, while all goodness is found in following the right path and preparing oneself to meet Allah.

How strange it is that when a servant of Allah has a [worldly] problem, he seeks help of Allah, but he never asks Allah to cure his heart before it dies of ignorance, neglect, fulfilling one’s desires and being involved in innovations. Indeed, when the heart dies, he will never feel the significance or impact of his sins.

They said, “Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us.
You are the All-Knowing, the All-Wise." (Surat al-Baqara: 32)

What Can You Do In Ten Minutes?

2007-12-19T23:33:00.000+05:30

By - Abdul Malik Al-Qasim

The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said, "The best actions are continuous ones even if little..." [Muslim] After I looked at my own state and the state of those who waste their time, I wanted to encourage our souls to obey and worship Allah `azza wa jall by compiling a list of some well-known actions that Allah `azza wa jall has honored us with and prepared a great reward for those who do them. This list is also a reminder of better utilizing our time and seizing the opportunity of every hour and making use of it. My goal in compiling the list is not to point out the actions as much as to show the necessity of organizing and planning and preserving one's time by investing it in something good.

First of all, let us talk about time, with which many are heedless and wasteful, and which importance only few recognize.

Time is like wealth, it requires our attention and care in both spending and managing. While it is possible to gather and store wealth, and even add to it, time, however, is in no way like that. For every minute that passes can never come back even if you were to spend all the wealth of this world.

So since time is preordained to be a specific period that can not be brought forward or delayed and since the value of it depends on what it is spent on, it is obligatory upon every human being to preserve time, be it little or long. One should use it in the best possible way and not be heedless about it.

In order to preserve one's time, one must reflect on how and where to spend it. The best way to spend time is in obeying Allah ta`ala. One will never regret time spent in such acts of obedience. The only regret would be that if one were not to take yet more provisions in terms of good actions. So set your goal, O brother or sister, make your intention sincere, beginning with a desire to preserve your time and beware of wasting any minute of it.

My noble brother and sister,

I selected the time span of ten minutes (for performing particular righteous actions listed in this book) due to ease of application, so that one starts with them until he or she engages in good all the time, by Allah's grace. In these actions there is conformity with the saying of the Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, "The most beloved action to Allah is the most continuous, even if little." [Muslim]

Imam an-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, said in relation to this hadeeth, "In it (the above hadeeth) is an exhortation to perform deeds regularly and continuously, and [an explanation] that a small deed done regularly is better than a great one that is interrupted. It is because by continuously doing a little of such actions as, [one’s] obedience, remembrance, awareness of Allah, sincerity and dedication to the Creator, subhanahu wa ta`ala, the outcome accumulates and it is multiplied exceeding what is greater but interrupted."

The Messenger, sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam, spoke the truth. My dear brother or sister, I will give you an example of the blessing of utilizing ten minutes in righteousness. Glorifying Allah subanahu wa ta`ala by saying "Subhan Allah" a hundred times daily means that one will do so 36,500 times in a year. So take account of your soul, my brother or sister. You can only glorify Allah this much in a year if you are regular in performing tasbeeh and if you make good use of your time.

Similarly, if one reads the Qur'an for ten minutes regularly, one can finish reading it in full every two months. Is this how you do it? Ask yourself, do you complete recitation of the full Qur'an outside of Ramadan? And do not limit, my dear brother or sister, these special ten minutes, devoted to obedience, to be performed only once a day. Perhaps you will find the time after the morning prayer, or after the sunrise, or after the noon prayer, or before sleep.

Likewise, if one manages to memorize only a single verse from the Book of Allah, `azza wa jall, every day, he or she will complete memorization the complete Qur'an in only eight years.

Most of the actions mentioned are performed with the tongue, so one is able to gain rewards at all times and in all situations. So whoever wants to strive in obedience to Allah, doors of good are open and one can make one's days and indeed all of one's life like the ten minutes. Abu Bakra, radhiallahu anhu, related that a person said: "O Messenger of Allah, which people are the best?" He said, "Whose life is long and his actions good." He said, "And what people are the worst?" He said, "Whose life is long and his actions bad." [Muslim]

This is an opportunity for you, dear brother or sister. Ten minutes in which one can taste the sweetness of regularity of performing righteous actions and which can be a step towards managing one's time, until all of one's life becomes beneficial. Ten minutes that are in agreement with the saying of Allah `azza wa jall, "And I have not created the Jinn or humans except to worship Me." [adh-Dhaariyaat (51):56]

Ibn ul-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "In conclusion, the servant, when he turns away from Allah and becomes preoccupied with sins (in this world), he loses days of his true life (in the hereafter). He will see the consequence of losing them the Day he says, "He will say, 'Oh, I wish I had sent ahead [some good] for my life [i.e. true, everlasting life in the Hereafter].'" [al-Fajr (89):24]”

Some actions that can be done in ten minutes:

The forenoon prayer

Recitation of the Quran

Salawat on the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam

Praying Salat al-Janazah

Remembrance of Allah, `azza wa jall

Saying Subhan Allah, alhamdulillah and Laa ilaha ill Allah

Teaching children

Supplication

Taking account of oneself

Reading

Removal of others’ difficulties and fulfillment of their needs

Preserving ties of kinship

Listening to da`wah tapes

Visiting believers for Allah’s sake

Remembering Allah after the obligatory prayers

Making peace between people

Advising

Phoning relatives

Writing one’s will

Giving charity

Reading traditions of the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam

Contemplating

Mailing da`wah information

Feeding the poor

Praying Salat al-Istikharah

Taking care of orphans

Serving one’s family

Seeking knowledge

Ordering good

Making sajdah

Spreading Islamic knowledge

Calling to Allah

Giving Sadaqa jariyyah (charity that carries perpetual award)

Guiding and nurturing one’s children

Repeating after the mu’adhdhin

Performing the night prayer

Source : http://www.islaam.com

There Will Come Seven Hard Years

2007-12-18T21:48:00.000+05:30

by Shaykh Muhammad Al-`Abdah

When an opportunity arises whereby the Call to Allah becomes an active process, wherein Callers may forge links with the people and guide them, why isn't such an opportunity exercised by those best capable of succeeding?

The story of Allah's Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) showed an out-standing far-sightedness when he wisely utilised the present period of prosperity to prepare for the coming period of austerity. He did not deceive himself or the people in thinking or promising that things were improving constantly with-out any setbacks.

Muslims believe that Allah does test the believers with infertile years of grimness so that they might emerge from such a period with more clarity and purity. The Muslims might also emerge with a better comprehension and an awareness that might make them more able to use every opportunity under every circumstance to take assured steps forward. We know what our enemies mischievously plot against us day and night, as well as those who actually harm and oppress Muslims. So when Allah takes those persons away, Muslims ought to take such an opportunity and multiply their efforts and solidify their positions.

The peace-treaty of al-Hudaybiyah was a golden opportunity which the Messenger of Allah best used. He agreed to Quraysh's conditions and the Muslims were subsequently able to deliver the Message of their Lord amongst the tribes unhindered. In a short period of time, the number of Muslims multiplied so that while the number of the companions who witnessed al-Hudaybiyah was 1,400, this total rose magnificently to 10,000 who witnessed the conquest of Makkah two years later. It was that victorious treaty of al-Hudaybiyah which Allah described in: 'Verily, [O Muhammad] We have laid open before you a manifest victory.' [Surah al-Fath 1] Indeed, it was a victory through the opportunity it gave for the Muslims to proclaim Da`wah leading to the people embracing Islam in droves.

Truly, the invitation to Islam in a calm atmosphere of freedom of speech and discussion, through the establishment of proof and evidence coupled with fine speech will undoubtedly have a great effect amongst people. This will occur as truth vis-a-vis falsehood has a distinctively innate strength. If the Da`wah was pleasantly carried out and the Caller possessed the relevant knowledge, was aware of Islam's general goals and was alert to his surroundings, the results will be pleasing by the will of Allah.

The constant wasting of opportunities through our simplicity of thinking will inevitably end in dismay and displeasure. Particularly if we believe that a period of calm will eternally last, and that things are heading in the direction of our choice. Occasionally, it is observed that our efforts and energies are dissipated in very pale and insignificant actions, and so the days and years pass by without the establishment of a satisfactory process to which our future generations can add and contribute to.

The Believer Follows -Imam Ibn Taymiyyah

2007-12-17T19:03:00.000+05:30

The believer, who is (by definition) a follower of the Messengers, orders people to follow the orders of the messengers so that religion may be for Allah alone, [and he does] not [act] for his personal benefit.

When he orders someone in this way he (in fact) loves him and helps him, and is happy to see others doing the same.

When he does good to people, he does so only seeking the Face of Allah, the Most High, and knows that Allah bestowed favors upon him by making him a doer of good, and not a doer of evil. He therefore intends his every deed for Allah, because it is done by the grace of Allah.

This is mentioned in the Opening of the Book (al-Fatiha), about which we mentioned that the need of all of the creation for it is greater than their other needs.

This is why reciting it in every prayer, to the exception of any other soorah, was made obligatory upon them. Its like has not been revealed neither in the Tawrah, nor the Injeel, nor the Zaboor, nor the Qur'an. And in it is (the verse), "It is You we worship and You we ask for help." [al-Fatiha (1):5]

So the believer intends his deed for Allah, because he worships Him Alone. And he sees that his deeds are done by His grace, because he seeks help from Him Alone. So he does not seek from anyone who behaves well towards him either reward or thanks, because what he did for him, he did for Allah's sake. As the righteous said: "We feed you only for the countenance [i.e. approval] of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude." [al-Insaan (76):9] So the believer does not consider what he did a favor, nor causes harm to him (by reminding him of what he did for him), for he knows that Allah is the Bestower of favors upon him, when He uses him in goodness. [He knows] that this is a favor from Allah to both him and that other person.

So the believer must thank Allah, when He eases him towards ease, and the other must also thank Allah, when He facilitates for him that someone brings to him what benefits him, from provision, or knowledge, or help, or something similar.

Superior Days For Righteous Deeds

2007-12-16T13:12:00.000+05:30

Verily, the praise belongs to Allah, the Most High, and may the Blessings of Allah and Peace be upon His Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions, all of them. It is narrated from Ibn Abbaas (RAA) that the Prophet (PBUH) of said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds done in them are more beloved to Allah than these days, ie the ten days (of Zul-Hijjah). They said: O Messenger of Allah, not even Jihaad in the path of Allah? He said: Not even Jihaad in the Path of Allah, the Most High, except if a man goes out (for Jihaad) with his self and his wealth, then he doesn't return with anything from that."
(Al-Bukhaaree, Abu Daawood and others. The exact wording is that of Abu Daawood)

It is narrated from Ibn Umar that the Prophet Muhammad (Blessings of Allah and Peace be upon him) said:

"There aren't any days greater, nor any days in which deeds done in them are more beloved to Allah, the Most High, than these ten days (of Zul-Hijjah). So, increase in them the saying of Tahleel (La Ilaaha illa Allah), and Takbeer (Allah Akbar) and Tahmeed (al-Hamdu li-llah)" [Musnad Imaam Ahmad]

The Types of Deeds in These Ten Days:

First: The performance of Haj and Umrah, and these are the best of deeds that may be done. And what indicates their superiority are a number of Ahaadith, one of which is the saying of the Prophet (PBUH).

Performance of Umrah is an expiation of the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah, and the reward of the Haj which is accepted by Allah, the Most High, is nothing but Paradise. (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

Second: Fasting during these days - as many of them as may be easy (for one to fast); especially the Day of Arafah. There is no doubt that the act of fasting is one of the best deeds, and it is from what Allah, the Most High, has chosen for himself, as in the Hadith Qudsee: Fasting is for Me, and it is I who give reward for it. Verily, someone gives up his sexual passion, his food and his drink for My sake..." (Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim, Maalik, at-Tirmidhee, Nasaa'ee and Ibn Maajah)

Also, from Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree who said that the Messenger of Allah said: No servant (of Allah, the Most High) fasts one day in the Path of Allah, except that Allah, the Most High, removes his face from the Fire because of it (the distance of travelling) seventy years. (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

From Abu Qatadah that the Prophet said: Fasting the Day of Arafah will be credited with Allah by forgiving one's sins of the previous year and the following year. (Muslim)

Third: At-Takbeer (Allah Akbar) and adh-Dhikr (the remembrance of Allah through different words of praise and glorification) in these (ten) days, Allah said "And mention the name of Allah on the appointed days"(12:28).

This has been explained (by some) to mean the ten days (of Zul-Hijjah), and the scholars consider it desirable to increase adh-Dhikr in these days, based upon the hadith of Ibn Umar narrated by Ahmad, which contains the words:

... so increase in these days the Tahleel and Takbeer and Tahmeed...

It is reported about Ibn Umar and Abu Hurairah that: the two of them used to go out to the market place during the ten days (of Zul-Hijjah) saying: Allahu Akbar, causing the people also to say it. (Al-Bukhaaree)

Ishaaq narrates from the scholars of the Taabi'een that in these ten days they used to say:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Laa Ilaaha illa 'llah Wa 'llahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Wa li'llahi al-hamd.

It is a beloved act to raise the voice when saying the Takbeer in the markets, the houses, the streets, the Masjids and other places, because of the saying of Allah, the Most High, in Surah al-Hajj, verse 37: "... that you may magnify Allah for His Guidance to you"

The saying of Takbeer in congregation, ie everyone pronouncing the Takbeer with one voice, is not permissible since this has not been transmitted (to us) from the early generations of the Sahabah and those who followed their ways. Verily, the Sunnah is for everyone to say the Takbeer individually. And this is (generally) applicable to Dhikr and supplications, except if the person doesn't know what to say. In that case he may repeat after someone else until he learns (the words to be said). It is also permissible to make Dhikr with all the different wording of Takbeer and Tahmeed and Tasbeeh, and the rest of the Islamic legislated supplications (from the Qur'an and Sunnah).

Fourth: At-Tawbah (repentance) and abstaining from disobedience and all types of sins, since forgiveneand mercyare the results of deeds. Disobedience is the cause of being far away (from Allah, the Most High) and repulsion, while obedience is the cause of being near (to Allah, Most High) and His love. In the hadith of Abu Hurairah he said that the Prophet said: Verily Allah has a sense of Ghaira, and Allah's sense of ghaira is provoked when a person does that which Allah has prohibited. (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

Fifth: Doing plenty of voluntary (nafl) righteous deeds of worship like Prayer, Charity, Jihaad, reading the Qur'an, Commanding what is Good and Forbidding what is Evil, and other such deeds.

Verily, these are amongst the deeds that are multiplied in these days. It is during these days that even deeds that are less preferred, are superior and more beloved to Allah than superior deeds done at other times. (These deeds are superior) even to al-Jihaad - which is one of the most superior of all deeds - except in the case of one whose horse is killed and his blood is spilled (loss of life in Jihaad).

Sixth: It is legislated in these days to make at-Takbeer al-Mutlaq at all times of night and day until the time of the Eid Prayer. Also, at-Takbeer al-Muqayyad is legislated, and it is done after the (five) obligatory prayers that are performed in congregation. This begins from Dawn (Fajr) on the Day of Arafah (the 9th of Zul-Hijjah) for those not performing Haj, and from Noon (Zhur) on the Day of Sacrifice (10th of Zul-Hijjah) for those performing Haj (pilgrims); and it continues until Asr prayer on the last day of the days of Tash-reeq (13th of Zul-Hijjah).

Seventh: The slaughtering of a sacrificial animal (Adhiyah) is also legislated for the Day of Sacrifice (10th) and the Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th and 13th). This is the Sunnah of our father Ibraaheem - when Allah, the Most High, redeemed Ibraaheem's son by the great sacrifice (of an animal in his place). It is authentically reported that The Prophet Muhammad slaughtered (sacrificed) two horned rams, black and white in colour, and said Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and placed his foot on their sides (while slaughtering them). (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

Eighth: Offering animal as Udhyia It has been narrated from Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet said: If you see the Hilal (new moon) of Zul-Hijjah, and any one of you wants to make a sacrifice, then he should not cut (anything) from his hair and his nails. (Muslim and others) . And in one narration, he said: .Then he should not cut (anything) from his hair, nor from his nails, until he performs the sacrifice. Perhaps this is because of the similarity with the one who is bringing a sacrificial animal for slaughter (in Haj). As Allah, the Most High, said: And do not shave your heads until the Hady (sacrifice) reaches the place of sacrifice...

The apparent meaning of this prohibition is that it is particularly for the one whom the sacrifice is for, and does not include the wife or children, unless there is an individual sacrifice for one of them. There is no harm in washing the head, or scratching it, even if hairs may fall out.

Ninth: It is incumbent for the Muslim (who is not performing Haj) to make every effort to perform the Eid Prayer wherever it is performed, and to be present for the Khutbah and benefit.

He must know the wisdom behind the legislation of this Eid (celebration). It is a day of thankfulness and performing deeds of righteousness. So, he must not make it a day of wildness, pride and vanity. He should not make it a season for disobedience and increase in the forbidden things like music and singing, uncontrolled amusement, intoxicants and the like - those things which could cause the cancellation of the good deeds done in these days (of Zul-Hijjah).

Tenth: After what has been mentioned, it is fitting that every Muslim, male and female, take advantage of these days by obeying Allah, the Most High, remembering Him, thanking Him, fulfilling all the obligatory duties, and staying far away from the prohibited things. He must take full advantage of this season, and the open display of Allah's gifts, to attain the pleasure of his Lord.

Surely, Allah, the Most High, is the One Who grants success, and He is the Guide to the Straight Path. And may the blessings of Allah, the Most High, and peace be upon Muhammad and his family and companions!

Ghaira: A sense of honour and prestige, and the anger caused by its being violated.
At-Takbeer al-Mutlaq: the Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) which is unrestricted to specific times or any specific form.
At-Takbeer al-Muqayyad: The Takbeer which is done at a particular time and in a specific manner.

Shaykh Abdullah Ibn Abdur-Rahman al-Jibreen

10 Signs of Scrupulous Piety (al-Wara`) - Imam as-Samarqandi

2007-12-12T19:37:00.000+05:30

The sign of scrupulous piety (al-wara`) is considering ten things mandatory upon oneself:

Guarding the tongue from backbiting due to the saying of the Most High: “Do not backbite one another.” [49:12]
Shunning suspicion due to the saying of the Most High: “Avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin.” [49:12] And also due to the saying of the Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, “Avoid suspicion, for airing suspicion is the most lying form of speech.” [Musnad Ahmad]
Shunning mockery due to the saying of the Most High: “Let not a people ridicule another people; perhaps they may be better than them.” [49:11]
Lowering gaze from forbidden things due to the saying of the Most High: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze.” [24:30]
Truthfulness of the tongue due to the saying of the Most High: “And when you speak, be just.” [6:152]
Recognizing the blessings of Allah the Most High upon oneself in order to avoid conceitedness due to the saying of the Most High: “Rather, Allah has conferred favor upon you that He has guided you to the faith, if you should be truthful.” [49:17]
Spending one’s wealth on good rather than bad things, due to the saying of the most High: “And those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly.” [25:67] Meaning, they do not spend on sinfulness and do not prevent obedience, “but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate.” [25:67]
Not seeking haughtiness and pride for oneself, due to the saying of the Most High: “That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption.” [28:83]
Maintaining with care the five prayers on time, with proper bowing and prostration, due to the saying of the Most High: “Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle [`asr] prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient.”
Steadfastness upon the way of Sunnah and Jama`ah, due to the saying of the Most High: “And, this is My Path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This has He instructed you that you may become righteous.” [6:153]

[2:238]

The High Levels Of Those Who Strive to Meet Their Brothers' Needs

2007-12-10T22:54:00.000+05:30

One of the greatest things that will relieve a person's distress on the Day of Resurrection is his efforts in this world to relieve the distress of those who are in distress, and to help those who are in need, and to make things easy for those who are in difficulty, and to overlook the mistakes of those who err. In Muslim it is narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Whoever relieves a believer of distress in this world, Allah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection. Whoever makes things easy for those who are in difficulty, Allah will make things easy for him in this world and in the next. Whoever conceals (the faults of) a Muslim in this world, Allah will conceal him (his faults) in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah will help the slave so long as the slave helps his brother." [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 1/71, hadith no. 204.]

Bukhari narrated from 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said:

"The Muslim is the brother of his fellow-Muslim; he should not mistreat him or let him down. Whoever meets the needs of his brother, Allah will meet his needs, and whoever relieves a Muslim of some distress, Allah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection. Whoever conceals (the faults of) a Muslim, Allah will conceal him (his faults) in this world and the next." [Bukhari: Kitaab al-Mazaalim, Baab laa Yazlim al-Muslim al-Muslim, Fath al-Baari, 5/97.]

"Whoever helps his brother in secret, Allah will help him in this world and the next." [Silsilat al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah, 3/218, hadith no. 1217.]

Faculties of Islam: The orphans

2007-12-04T07:28:00.000+05:30

Allah Almighty urges the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him to take care of the orphan:

“Therefore, treat not the orphan with oppression”

(The Noble Qur’an 93:9(.

It is not only ordained to take care of the orphan but also to treat him/her kindly and affectionately. This attitude is very lucrative before Allah Almighty for the person will gain the mercy and the reward from the Lord of the world. This is considered as the path of the righteousness in the Noble Qur'an.

“It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allâh, etc.) that you turn your faces towards east and (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality of) the one who believes in Allâh, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to the kinsfolk, to the orphans, and to Al-Masâkin (the poor), and to the wayfarer, and to those who ask, and to set slaves free, performs As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and gives the Zakât, and who fulfill their covenant when they make it, and who are As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.) in extreme poverty and ailment (disease) and at the time of fighting (during the battles). Such are the people of the truth and they are AlMuttaqûn (pious)”
(The Noble Qur’an 2:177).

Abdullah Ibn Sailam (r.a)

2007-11-28T06:35:00.000+05:30

Al-Husayn ibn Sailam was a Jewish rabbi in Yathrib who was widely respected and honoured by the people of the city even by those who were not Jewish. He was known for his piety and goodness, his upright conduct and his truthfulness.

Al-Husayn lived a peaceful and gentle life but he was serious, purposeful and organized in the way he spent his time. For a fixed period each day, he would worship, teach and preach in the temple. Then he would spend some time in his orchard, looking after date palms, pruning and pollinating. Thereafter, to increase his understanding and knowledge of his religion, he would devote himself to the study of the Torah.

In this study, it is said. he was particularly struck by some verses of the Torah which dealt with the coming of a Prophet who would complete the message of previous Prophets. Al-Husayn therefore took an immediate and keen interest when he heard reports of the appearance of a Prophet in Makkah. He said:

"When I heard of the appearance of the Messenger of God, peace be on him, I began to make enquiries about his name, his genealogy, his characteristics, his time and place and I began to compare this information with what is contained m our books. From these enquiries, I became convinced about the authenticity of his prophethood and I affirmed the truth of his mission. However, I concealed my conclusions from the Jews. I held my tongue...

Then came the day when the Prophet, peace be on him, left Makkah and headed for Yathrib. When he reached Yathrib and stopped at Quba, a man came rushing into the city, calling out to people and announcing the arrival of the Prophet. At that moment, I was at the top of a palm tree doing some work. My aunt, Khalidah bint al-Harith, was sitting under the tree. On hearing the news, I shouted:

'Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! (God is Great! God is Great!' When my aunt heard my takbir, she remonstrated with me: 'May God frustrate you...By God, if you had heard that Moses was coming you would not have been more enthusiastic.'

'Auntie, he is really, by God, the 'brother' of Moses and follows his religion. He was sent with the same mission as Moses.' She was silent for a while and then said: 'Is he the Prophet about whom you spoke to us who would be sent to confirm the truth preached by previous (Prophets) and complete the message of his Lord?' 'Yes,' I replied.

Without any delay or hesitation, I went out to meet the Prophet. I saw crowds of people at his door. I moved about in the crowds until I reached close to him. The first words I heard him say were:

'O people! Spread peace...Share food...Pray during the night while people (normally) sleep... and you will enter Paradise in peace...'

I looked at him closely. I scrutinized him and was convinced that his face was not that of an imposter. I went closer to him and made the declaration of faith that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

The Prophet turned to me and asked: 'What is your name?' 'Al-Husayn ibn Sailam,' I replied.

'Instead, it is (now) Abdullah ibn Sallam,' he said (giving me a new name). 'Yes,' I agreed. 'Abdullah ibn Sailam (it shall be). By Him who has sent you with the Truth, I do not wish to have another name after this day.'

I returned home and introduced Islam to my wife, my children and the rest of my household. They all accepted Islam including my aunt KhaIidah who was then an old lady. However, I advised them then to conceal our acceptance of Islam from the Jews until I gave them permission. They agreed.

Subsequently, I went back to the Prophet, peace be on him, and said: 'O Messenger of God! The Jews are a people (inclined to) slander and falsehood. I want you to invite their most prominent men to meet you. (During the meeting however), you should keep me concealed from them in one of your rooms. Ask them then about my status among them before they find out of my acceptance of Islam. Then invite them to Islam. If they were to know that I have become a Muslim, they would denounce me and accuse me of everything base and slander me.'

The Prophet kept me in one of his rooms and invited the prominent Jewish personalities to visit him. He introduced Islam to them and urged them to have faith in God...They began to dispute and argue with him about the Truth. When he realized that they were not inclined to accept Islam, he put the question to them:

'What is the status of Al-Husayn ibn Sailam among you?'

'He is our sayyid (leader) and the son of our sayyid. He is our rabbi and our alim (scholar), the son of our rabbi and alim.'

'If you come to know that he has accepted Islam, would you accept Islam also?' asked the Prophet.

'God forbid! He would not accept Islam. May God protect him from accepting Islam,' they said (horrified).

At this point I came out in full view of them and announced: 'O assembly of Jews! Be conscious of God and accept what Muhammad has brought. By God, you certainly know that he is the Messenger of God and you can find prophecies about him and mention of his name and characteristics in your Torah. I for my part declare that he is the Messenger of God. I have faith in him and believe that he is true. I know him.'

'You are a liar,' they shouted. 'By God, you are evil and ignorant, the son of an evil and ignorant person.' And they continued to heap every conceivable abuse on

me..."

Abdullah ibn Sailam approached Islam with a soul thirsty for knowledge. He was passionately devoted to the Quran and spent much time reciting and studying its beautiful and sublime verses. He was deeply attached to the noble Prophet and was constantly in his company.

Much of his time he spent in the masjid, engaged in worship, in learning and in teaching. He was known for his sweet, moving and effective way of teaching study circles of Sahabah who assembled regularly in the Prophet's mosque.

Abdullah ibn Sallam was known among the Sahabah as a man from ahl-al-Jannah "- the people of Paradise. This was because of his determination on the advice of the Prophet to hold steadfastly to the "most trustworthy handhold" that is belief in and total submission to God.

Allah Knows the best.

What Allâh say about parents?

2007-11-26T23:48:00.000+05:30

Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem

And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your Parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour. (Al-Isra 17:23)

Worship Allâh and join none with Him in worship, and do good to Parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masâkin (the poor), the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allâh does not like such as are proud and boastful; (An-Nisa 4:36)

And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his Parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your Parents, unto Me is the final destination. (Luqman 31:14)

And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his Parents. His mother bears him with hardship and she brings him forth with hardship, and the bearing of him, and the weaning of him is thirty (30) months, till when he attains full strength and reaches forty years, he says: "My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my Parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my off-spring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly, I am one of the Muslims (submitting to Your Will)." (Al-Ahqaf 46:15)

"My Lord! Forgive me, and my Parents, and him who enters my home as a believer, and all the believing men and women. And to the Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers, and disbelievers, etc.) grant You no increase but destruction!" (Nuh 71:28)

"Our Lord! Forgive me and my Parents, and (all) the believers on the Day when the reckoning will be established." (Al-Qur’an 14:41)

May Allâh's Blessings be upon you and may Allâh gives you the energy to do more of that which pleases Him the most. Aameen.

Ruling on playing chess

2007-11-19T11:08:00.000+05:30

“When chess distracts us from what we are obliged to do both inwardly and outwardly, it is haraam according to the consensus of the scholars – such as when it distracts from an obligatory duty such as prayer or anything that is necessary in the interests of oneself or one’s family, or enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, or upholding ties of kinship or honouring one’s parents, or any obligations connected to positions of authority or leadership, etc. In this case it is haraam according to the consensus of the scholars. Similarly, if it involves anything that is haraam such as telling lies, swearing false oaths, cheating, wrongdoing or helping in wrongdoing, or other forbidden things, then it is haraam according to the consensus of the Muslims.” (Adapted from Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 32/218, 240).

But if it does not distract us from our obligations or involve anything that is haraam, then there is a difference of scholarly opinion concerning the ruling. The majority of scholars (Abu Haneefah, Maalik, Ahmad and some of the companions of al-Shaafa’i) said that it is also haraam, basing that view on the evidence of the Book of Allaah and the opinions of the Sahaabah.

The evidence of the Qur’aan is the words (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansaab [stone altars set up for sacrifices to idols etc], and Al-Azlaam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytaan’s (Satan’s) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful.

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 5:90-91]

Al-Qurtubi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “This aayah indicates that it is haraam to play dice or chess, whether that involves gambling or not, because when Allaah forbade alcohol He explained the reason for that, 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 every kind of game in which a little leads to a lot and stirs up enmity and hatred between those who are devoted to it and prevents them from remembering Allaah and praying, is like drinking alcohol, which implies that it must be haraam like alcohol.” (al-Jaami’ li Ahkaam al-Qur’aan, 6/291).

With regard to the views of the Sahaabah:

It was narrated that ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib (may Allaah be pleased with him) passed by some people who were playing chess. He said, “What are these images, to which you are devoted? [cf. al-Anbiya’ 21:52]” Imaam Ahmad said: “The soundest comment on chess what that which was said by ‘Ali (may Allaah be pleased with him).”

‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) was asked about chess and he said, “It is worse than dice.”

“Dice” refers to what is used nowadays for playing backgammon, which is played on a special table. It was narrated in the ahaadeeth that it is haraam.

Abu Dawood (4938) narrated from Abu Moosa al-Ash’ari that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever plays dice has disobeyed Allaah and His Messenger.” (Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 4129)

Muslim (2260) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever plays dice is like one who has dipped his hand in the flesh and blood of a pig.” Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “This hadeeth is quoted as evidence by al-Shaafa’i and the majority of scholars to prove that playing dice is haraam. The phrase ‘dipped his hand in the flesh and blood of a pig’ refers to eating it, and this simile is used to show that this is haraam because it is haraam to eat that.”

What some of the scholars have said about the prohibition of chess:

Ibn Qudaamah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “Chess is like dice in that it is forbidden.” (al-Mughni, 14/155),

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “The evil consequences of chess are greater than the evil consequences of dice. Everything that points to the prohibition of dice points to the prohibition of chess even more so… This is the view of Maalik and his companions, of Abu Haneefah and his companions, of Ahmad and his companions, and the view of the majority of the Taabi’een… It is not known that any of the Sahaabah permitted it or played it. Allaah protected them from that. Everything that is attributed to any of them and says that he played it – such as Abu Hurayrah – is a fabrication and lie against the Sahaabah and is rejected by anyone who knows how the Sahaabah really were and by anyone who has sufficient knowledge to examine the reports critically. How could the best generation and the best of mankind after the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) permit playing something that prevents people from remembering Allaah and from praying, and is worse in this regard than alcohol when the player gets immersed in it, as we see in real life? How could the Lawgiver forbid dice but permit chess, which is many times worse?…” (al-Furoosiyah, 303, 305, 311).

Al-Dhahabi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “With regard to chess, most of the scholars say that it is haraam to play it, whether that is for money or not. If it is played for money then it is indisputably gambling. Even if it is not played for money it is still gambling and haraam, according to most of the scholars… al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about playing chess, is it forbidden or permissible? He (may Allaah have mercy on him) replied that if it makes a person miss praying on time or he plays for money, then it is haraam, otherwise it is makrooh according to al-Shaafa’i and haraam according to others…” (al-Kabaa’ir, 89-90).

For more information see Tahreem al-Nard wa’l-Shatranj wa’l-Malaahi by al-Aajurri, ed. By Muhammad Sa’eed Idrees.

And Allaah knows best. We ask Allaah to help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him, and to help us to obey Him.

May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad.

Source : www.islamqa.com

Barakah - so close to the Prophet (pbuh) throughout his life from birth till death

2007-09-29T03:32:00.001+05:30

Barakah

We do not know precisely how the young Abyssinian girl ended up for sale in Makkah. We do not know her 'roots', who her mother was, or her father or her ancestors. There were many like her, boys and girls, Arabs and non-Arabs, who were captured and brought to the slave market of the city to be sold.

A terrible fate awaited some who ended up in the hands of cruel masters or mistresses who exploited their labor to the full and treated them with the utmost harsh ness.

A few in that inhuman environment were rather more fortunate. They were taken into the homes of more gentle and caring people.

Barakah, the young Abyssinian girl, was one of the more fortunate ones. She was saved by the generous and kind Abdullah, the son of Abd al-Muttalib. 'She became the only servant in his household and when he was married, to the lady Aminah, she looked after her affairs as well.

Two weeks after the couple were married, according to Barakah, Abdullah's father came to their house and instructed his son to go with a trading caravan that was leaving for Syria. Aminah was deeply distressed and cried:

"How strange! How strange! How can my husband go on a trading journey to Syria while I am yet a bride and the traces of henna are still on my hands."

Abdullah's departure was heartbreaking. In her anguish, Aminah fainted. Soon after he left, Barakah said: "When I saw Aminah unconscious, I shouted in distress and pain: 'O my lady!' Aminah opened her eyes and looked at me with tears streaming down her face. Suppressing a groan she said: "Take me to bed, Barakah."

"Aminah stayed bedridden for a long time. She spoke to no one. Neither did she look at anyone who visited her except Abd al-Muttalib, that noble and gentle old man. "Two months after the departure of Abdullah, Aminah called me at dawn one morning and, her face beaming with joy, she said to me:

"O Barakah! I have seen a strange dream." "Something good, my lady," I said.

"I saw lights coming from my abdomen lighting up the

mountains, the hills and the valleys around Makkah." "Do you feel pregnant, my lady?"

"Yes, Barakah," she replied. "But I do not feel any discomfort as other women feel." "You shall give birth to a blessed child who will bring goodness," I said.

So long as Abdullah was away, Aminah remained sad and melancholic. Barakah stayed at her side trying to comfort her and make her cheerful by talking to her and relating stories. Aminah however became even more distressed when Abd al-Muttalib came and told her she had to leave her home and go to the mountains as other Makkans had done because of an impending attack on the city by the ruler of Yemen, someone called Abrahah. Aminah told him that she was too grief-striken and weak to leave for the mountains but insisted that Abrahah could never enter Makkah and destroy the Kabah because it was protected by the Lord. Abd al-Muttalib became very agitated but there was no sign of fear on Aminah's face. Her confidence that the Kabah would not be harmed was well-founded. Abrahah's army with an elephant in the vanguard was destroyed before it could enter Makkah.

Day and night, Barakah stayed beside Aminah. She said: "I slept at the foot of her bed and heard her groans at night as she called for her absent husband. Her moans would awaken me and I would try to comfort her and give her courage."

The first part of the caravan from Syria returned and was joyously welcomed by the trading families of Makkah. Barakah went secretly to the house of Abd al-Muttalib to find out about Abdullah but had no news of him. She went back to Aminah but did not tell her what she had seen or heard in order not to distress her. The entire caravan eventually returned but not with Abdullah.

Later, Barakah was at Abd al-Muttalib's house when news came from Yathrib that Abdullah had died. She said: "I screamed when I heard the news. I don't know what I did after that except that I ran to Aminah's house shouting, lamenting for the absent one who would never return, lamenting for the beloved one for whom we waited so long, lamenting for the most beautiful youth of Makkah, for Abdullah, the pride of the Quraysh.

"When Aminah heard the painful news, she fainted and I stayed by her bedside while she was in a state between life and death. There was no one else but me in Aminah's house. I nursed her and looked after her during the day and through the long nights until she gave birth to her child, "Muhammad", on a night in which the heavens were resplendent with the light of God."

When Muhammad was born, Barakah was the first to hold him in her arms. His grandfather came and took him to the Kabah and with all Makkah, celebrated his birth. Barakah stayed with Aminah while Muhammad was sent to the badiyah with the lady Halimah who looked after him in the bracing atmosphere of the open desert. At the end of five years, he was brought back to Makkah and Aminah received him with tenderness and love and Barakah welcomed him "with joy, longing and admiration".

When Muhammad was six years old, his mother decided to visit the grave of her husband, Abdullah, in Yathrib. Both Barakah and Abd al-Muttalib tried to dissuade her. Aminah however was determined. So one morning they set off- Aminah, Muhammad and Barakah huddled together in a small hawdaj mounted on a large camel, part of a huge caravan that was going to Syria. In order to shield the tender child from any pain and worry, Aminah did not tell Muhammad that she was going to visit the grave of his father.

The caravan went at a brisk pace. Barakah tried to console Aminah for her son's sake and much of the time the boy Muhammad slept with his arms around Barakah's neck.

The caravan took ten days to reach Yathrib. The boy Muhammad was left with his maternal uncles of the Banu Najjar while Aminah went to visit the grave of Abdullah. Each day for a few weeks she stayed at the grave. She was consumed by grief.

On the way back to Makkah, Aminah became seriously ill with fever. Halfway between Yathrib and Makkah, at a place called al-Abwa, they stopped. Aminah's health deteriorated rapidly. One pitch dark night, she was running a high temperature. The fever had got to her head and she called out to Barakah in a choking voice.

Barakah related: "She whispered in my ear: 'O Barakah, I shall depart from this world shortly. I commend my son Muhammad to your care. He lost his father while he was in my abdomen. Here he is now, losing his mother under his very eyes. Be a mother to him, Barakah. And don't ever leave him.'

"My heart was shattered and I began to sob and wail. The child was distressed by my wailing and began to weep. He threw himself into his mother's arms and held tightly onto her neck. She gave one last moan and then was forever silent."

Barakah wept. She wept bitterly. With her own hands she dug a grave in the sand and buried Aminah, moistening the grave with whatever tears were left in her heart. Barakah returned with the orphan child to Makkah and placed him in the care of his grandfather. She stayed at his house to look after him. When Abd al-Muttalib died two years later, she went with the child to the house of his uncle Abu Talib and continued to look after his needs until he was grown up and married the lady Khadijah.

Barakah then stayed with Muhammad and Khadijah in a house belonging to Khadijah. "I never left him and he never left me," she said. One day Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, called out to her and said: "Ya Ummah!" (He always called her "Mother".) "Now I am a married man, and you are still unmarried. What do you think if someone should come now and ask to marry you?" Barakah looked at Muhammad and said: "I shall never leave you. Does a mother abandon her son?" Muhammad smiled and kissed her head. He looked at his wife Khadijah and said to her: "This is Barakah. This is my mother after my own mother. She is the rest of my family."

Barakah looked at the lady Khadijah who said to her: "Barakah, you have sacrificed your youth for the sake of Muhammad. Now he wants to pay back some of his obligations to you. For my sake and his, agree to be married before old age overtakes you."

"Whom shall I marry, my lady?" asked Barakah. "There is here now Ubayd ibn Zayd from the Khazraj tribe of Yathrib. He has come to us seeking your hand in marriage. For my sake, don't refuse."

Barakah agreed. She married Ubayd ibn Zayd and went with him to Yathrib. There she gave birth to a son whom she called Ayman and from that time onwards people called her "Umm Ayman" the mother of Ayman.

Her marriage however did not last very long. Her husband died and she returned once more to Makkah to live with her "son" Muhammad in the house of the lady Khadijah. Living in the same household at the time were Ali ibn Abi Talib, Hind (Khadijah's daughter by her first husband), and Zayd ibn Harithah.

Zayd was an Arab from the tribe of Kalb who was captured as a boy and brought to Makkah to be sold in the slave market. He was bought by Khadijah's nephew and put in her service. In Khadijah's household, Zayd became attached to Muhammad and devoted himself to his service. Their relationship was like that of a son to a father. Indeed when Zayd's father came to Makkah in search of him, Zayd was given the choice by Muhammad of either going with his father or staying with him. Zayd's reply to his father was:

"I shall never leave this man. He has treated me nobly, as a father would treat his son. Not a single day have I felt that I am a slave. He has looked after me well. He is kind and loving towards me and strives for my enjoyment and happiness. He is the most noble of men and the greatest person in creation. How can I leave him and go with you?...I shall never leave him."

Later, in public Muhammad proclaimed the freedom of Zayd. However, Zayd continued to live with him as part of his household and devoted himself to his service.

When Muhammad was blessed with prophethood, Barakah and Zayd were among the first to believe in the message he proclaimed. They bore with the early Muslims the persecution which the Quraysh meted out to them.

Barakah and Zayd performed invaluable services to the mission of the Prophet. They acted as part of an intelligence service exposing themselves to the persecution and punishment of the Quraysh and risking their lives to gain information on the plans and conspiracies of the mushrikin.

One night the mushrikun blocked off the roads leading to the House of al-Arqam where the Prophet gathered his companions regularly to instruct them in the teachings of Islam. Barakah had some urgent information from Khadijah which had to be conveyed to the Prophet. She risked her life trying to reach the House of al-Arqam. When she arrived and conveyed the message to the Prophet, he smiled and said to her:

"You are blessed, Umm Ayman. Surely you have a place in Paradise." When Umm Ayman left, the Prophet looked at his companions and asked: "Should one of you desire to marry a woman from the people of Paradise, let him marry Umm Ayman."

Ali the companions remained silent and did not utter a word. Umm Ayman was neither beautiful nor attractive. She was by now about fifty years old and looked rather frail. Zayd ibn al-Harithah however came forward and said:

"Messenger of Allah, I shall marry Umm Ayman. By Allah, she is better than women who have grace and beauty."

Zayd and Umm Ayman were married and were blessed with a son whom they named Usamah. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, loved Usamah as his own son. Often he played with him, kissed him and fed him with his own hands. The Muslims would say: "He is the beloved son of the beloved." From an early age Usamah distinguished himself in the service of lslam, and was later given weighty responsibilities by the Prophet.

When the Prophet migrated to Yathrib, henceforth to be known as al-Madinah, he left Umm Ayman behind in Makkah to look after certain special affairs in his household. Eventually she migrated to Madinah on her own. She made the long and difficult journey through the desert and mountainous terrain on foot. The heat was killing and sandstorms obscured the way but she persisted, borne along by her deep love and attachment for Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace. When she reached Madinah, her feet were sore and swollen and her face was covered with sand and dust.

"Ya Umm Ayman! Ya Ummi! (O Umm Ayman! O my mother!) Indeed for you is a place in Paradise!" exclaimed the Prophet when he saw her. He wiped her face and eyes, massaged her feet and rubbed her shoulders with his kind and gentle hands.

At Madinah, Umm Ayman played her full part in the affairs of the Muslims. At Uhud she distributed water to the thirsty and tended the wounded. She accompanied the Prophet on some expeditions, to Khaybar and Hunayn for example.

Her son Ayman, a devoted companion of the Prophet was martyred at Hunayn in the eighth year after the Hijrah. Barakah's husband, Zayd, was killed at the Battle of Mutah in Syria after a lifetime of distinguished service to the Prophet and Islam. Barakah at this time was about seventy years old and spent much of her time at home. The Prophet, accompanied by Abu Bakr and Umar often visited her and asked: "Ya Ummi! Are you well?" and she would reply: "I am well, O Messenger of Allah so long as Islam is."

After the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, had died, Barakah would often be found with tears in her eyes. She was once asked, "Why are you crying?" and she replied: "By Allah, I knew that the Messenger of Allah would die but I cry now because the revelation from on high has come to an end for us."

Barakah was unique in that she was the only one who was so close to the Prophet throughout his life from birth till death. Her life was one of selfless service in the Prophet's household. She remained deeply devoted to the person of the noble, gentle and caring Prophet. Above all, her devotion to the religion of Islam was strong and unshakable. She died during the caliphate of Uthman. Her roots were unknown but her place in Paradise was assured.

Source : www.sahaba.ne t

Remembrance of Allah

2007-09-27T00:22:00.000+05:30

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle said," Whoever says: "La ilaha illal-lah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahu-l-mulk wa lahu-l-hamd wa huwa 'ala kulli shai'in qadir," one hundred times will get the same reward as given for manumitting ten slaves; and one hundred good deeds will be written in his accounts, and one hundred sins will be deducted from his accounts, and it (his saying) will be a shield for him from Satan on that day till night, and nobody will be able to do a better deed except the one who does more than he."

Bukhari :: Book 8 :: Volume 75 :: Hadith 412

Mistakes to Avoid during Ramadhaan

2007-09-24T13:25:00.000+05:30

Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Mistakes to Avoid during Ramadhaan

By Shaykh Salman Al-Oadah

Muslims make a number of mistakes during this auspicious month. These mistakes vary from country to country and from culture to culture, and there are many reasons why they happen. Sometimes they can be attributed to local customs and traditions. Sometimes they occur because of a misapplication of Islamic Law. At other times, the reason for the mistake is the desire to express happiness and joy during this blessed month. At other times, simple ignorance is to blame. Whatever the reason, the outcome is the same: a violation of Islamic teachings in a matter of worship. This is serious, since matters of worship in Islam are established and defined by the sacred texts.

The Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Whoever introduces something new into this matter of ours will have it rejected." [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (2550) and Saheeh Muslim (1718)]

Some of the mistakes people make in Ramadhaan are serious enough to be violations of Islamic Law. Some mistakes are innovations. Other mistakes are less serious, causing the person who errs to act in a way that is undesirable. These mistakes can relate to the fast itself or to other customs and practices associated with it.

We will now turn our attention to some of these mistakes:

Neglecting Congregational Prayer

Many people increase their worship in Ramadhaan and frequent the mosques more that usual. However, some people fall short during this month of their observance of congregational prayer and neglect the mosque. This is a mistake, for there is a hadeeth that reads: "Whoever hears the call to prayer but does not hearken to it, then he has no prayer." [Sunan al-Tirmidhi (217)]

'Alî b. Abî Tâlib said: "There is no prayer for the neighbour of the masjid except in the mosque." [Musannaf 'Abd al-Razzaaq (1915) and Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah (3469)]

No doubt, neglect congregational prayer is something serious. It is even more serious to neglect prayer altogether. A hadeeth reads: "The covenant between us and them is prayer. Whoever abandons it has disbelieved." [Sunan al-Tirmidhî (2621)]

The Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Whoever abandons the 'Asr prayer, his deeds are lost." [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (528)]

There are numerous other hadeeth that stress the importance of prayer. May Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala protect us from neglecting our prayers.

A Muslim should safeguard his worship and be steadfast in prayer. Ramadhaan should be an opportunity for us to change for the better and habituate ourselves to doing good deeds.

Backbiting & Rumour-Mongering

Speaking badly about other people is a way to seriously compromise one's fasting. The Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam defined backbiting in the following way:

He said: "Do you know what backbiting is?"

They said: "Allaah and His Messenger know best."

He said: "It is to mention about your brother something that he would dislike having mentioned about him." [Saheeh Muslim (2589)]

Someone enquired: "O Messenger of Allaah! How do you see it if what I said about him is true?"

He replied: "If what you said about him is true, then you have backbitten him. If what you said about him is false, then you have slandered him." [Saheeh Muslim (2589)]

Another evil is to spread what people say about each other in order to bring about problems. This rumour-mongering also includes divulging secrets and exposing people's faults.

Hudhayfah heard about a man who was spreading rumours and he said: "I heard Allaah's Messenger say: 'A rumour-monger will not enter Paradise." [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (6056) and Saheeh Muslim (105)]

Vulgar Speech and Bad Manners

Aboo Hurayrah relates that the Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Whoever does not abandon false speech and acting falsely, then Allaah has no need of his abandoning food and drink." [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (1903)]

The Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Fasting is a shield, so the one who fasts should avoid obscene speech and ignorant behavior. If someone abuses him or starts to fight with him, he should reply by saying: 'I am fasting. I am fasting'." [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (1795)]

Ibn Hajar writes in Fath al-Baari (4/105)]:

The hadeeth means that the fasting person should not respond to the one who abuses him with the same kind of behavior. He should restrain himself by saying: "I am fasting."

Laziness and Listlessness

Some people take the Ramadhaan fast as an excuse for laziness. In this, they behave in stark contrast to the ways of our Pious Predecessors, who had no qualms with working hard in Ramadhaan and even rallying to the defense of the faith. They definitely did not become lax in their regular, daily worship. Indeed, they would increase their religious observances in this month.

Some people justify their laziness with the weak hadeeth that reads: "The sleep of the fasting person is worship." If, for the sake of argument, we assume that the hadeeth is authentic, it does not justify laziness. It certainly does not pardon the practice of those who sleep all day in Ramadhaan and then spend the nights in feasting and merriment. The hadeeth refers to the normal sleeping habits of the person, like the person's usual daily nap. This normal sleep helps invigorate the person for further acts of worship.

It is necessary for a person to capitalize on the opportunity for blessings that the month of Ramadhaan has to offer. A Muslim should strive to the utmost to earn Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala's reward during this month, keeping in mind that there is no guarantee of his living to see another Ramadhaan.

Excessive Eating and Drinking

Some people spend their nights in Ramadhaan filling their stomachs with all types of food and drink, sometimes indulging in delicacies that they do not ever eat outside of Ramadhaan. This practice, without doubt, contradicts the very essence of Ramadhaan and the wisdom behind our fasting.

It is related from al-Miqdâm b. Ma'di Yakrib that the Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The human being does not fill up any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for a person to eat just enough to keep his back straight. If he must eat more, then he can fill a third with food, a third with drink, and leave a third for air." [Sunan al-Tirmidhî (2380)]

How can a person learn to subdue his base impulses and desires through fasting, when he makes up for it all by indulging his every whim at night, eating even more during Ramadhaan than he does during the rest of the year? In some places, people have a custom of storing food and reserving it for Ramadhaan, so that they consume in Ramadhaan the quantity of food that would usually take them months to eat.

We all know that the purpose of fasting is to rein in our passions and break our desires in order to grow in piety. If we allow our hunger to build in strength from dawn to dinner time only to then indulge our hunger with greater gusto, this merely magnifies the pleasure of eating. It strengthens our passions more than if we had been left to our normal eating patterns.

Getting Angry

Some people seem to think that their bad tempers are excused because they are fasting. They allow their anger its full spectrum of expression, saying the most horrible things and doing the most preposterous deeds.

A fasting person needs to adorn his fast with magnanimity and good manners. He should remind himself that the Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The strong person is not the one who can wrestle someone else down. The strong person is the one who can control himself when he is angry." [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (5763) and Saheeh Muslim (2609)]

Abandoning Fasting Without an Excuse

Abandoning a Ramadhaan fast without a valid excuse is a major sin. A person who falls into this sin must repent sincerely and earnestly to his Lord. He must also make up the days that he missed later. He must also provide a meal for a poor person for each day that he missed if he is financially able to do so.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of the religion of Islam. A person who openly abandons the Ramadhaan fast should be rebuked for doing so and not left to be a bad example for others.

Women Putting on Perfume to Go to the Masjid

Some women put on attractive perfumes to when they go to the mosque at night in Ramadhaan. This is a mistake.

The Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Any woman who dons perfume should refrain from attending the 'Ishaa' congregation with us." [Saheeh Muslim (444)]

The Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam also said: "Any woman who puts on perfume and then walks by people so they can get a whiff of her perfume is a wanton woman." [Sunan al-Tirmidhi (2786) and Sunan al-Nasaa'i (5126)]

Staying Up Late

This is a mistake if it leads to bed consequences. Some people stay up late at night and then sleep through the Fajr prayer. Some even sleep through the Zuhr and 'Asr prayers. If they force themselves to get up during the day, they can suffer extreme fatigue on account of it. If they are employees, their performance at work suffers.

Such people need to keep cognizant of the blessings of this month that they lose out on because of these consequences.

What are the situations in which a promise may be broken?

2007-09-23T17:25:00.000+05:30

Question:

We know that breaking promises is one of the attributes of the hypocrites, but if a Muslim is unable to keep his promise for some reason that is beyond his control, is he regarded as doing something haraam and as having one of the attributes of the hypocrites, or is he excused?.

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

Undoubtedly keeping promises and keeping one’s word are attributes of the believers, and breaking promises is one of the attributes of the hypocrites, as was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are four (characteristics), whoever has them is a hypocrite, and whoever has one of the four has a characteristic of hypocrisy unless he gives it up: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise he breaks it; what he makes a pledge he betrays it; and when he disputes he resorts to foul language.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2327; Muslim, 58.

The believer who makes promises to people and breaks his promise may have an excuse or he may not. If he has an excuse then there is no sin on him, but if he does not have an excuse then he is a sinner.

There is no text – as far as we know – that makes any exception regarding the prohibition of breaking promises, but it may be that promises are broken in situations where the believer is excused. For example:

A – Forgetting

Allaah has forgiven us for forgetfulness whereby obligatory actions are omitted or haraam actions are committed. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error”

[al-Baqarah 2:286]

And Allaah has said: “Yes.” – Narrated by Muslim, 125, from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah. According to another version, He said: “I will do that.” Narrated by Muslim, 126, from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas.

Whoever makes a promise to someone then forgets the promise or forgets to do it at the time stated, there is no sin on him.

B – Being forced to break one’s promise.

Being forced is one of the impediments that make it permissible for a Muslim to break his promise, such as one who is detained or is prevented from fulfilling his promise, or who is threatened with a painful punishment.

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has forgiven my ummah for their mistakes, what they forget and what they are forced to do.”

Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 2045, and this hadeeth has many corroborating reports; classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1836.

C – A promise to do something haraam or not to do something obligatory.

Whoever promises someone that he will do something haraam for him, or that he will not do something that is obligatory, it is not permissible for him to fulfil that promise.

This may be supported by the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah – which is also known as the hadeeth of Bareerah – which is narrated in al-Saheehayn. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) had promised Bareerah’s former masters [?} that the wala’ of Bareerah [the right to inherit from her when she died – which is the right of the one who sets a slave free – Translator] would belong to them even though ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) was the one who was going to set Bareerah free. But she did not keep this promise because they had gone against the sharee’ah and they knew that the right of wala’ belonged to the one who set the slave free, so how could ‘Aa’ishah set her free and then the wala’ of Bareerah belong to them?

Al-Shaafa’i said:

When news of that reached them, the one who had stipulated a condition that was contrary to the ruling of Allaah and His Messenger was a sinner, and there are hudood punishments and discipline for the sinner. One of the ways in which the sinners are disciplined is that their conditions are rendered null and void so as to deter them and others from doing likewise. This is one of the best forms of discipline.

Ikhtilaaf al-Hadeeth, p. 165.

D – If something unforeseen happens to the one who made the promise, such as sickness, the death of a relative or breakdown of his means of transportation, etc.

There are many excuses, which all come under the heading of the verse (interpretation of the meaning):

“Allaah burdens not a person beyond his scope”

[al-Baqarah 2:286]

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

I am the Slave

2007-09-23T00:03:00.001+05:30

Question: What is the ruling on Islamic nasheeds that are free of music?

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

The clear saheeh texts indicate in a number of ways that it is permissible to recite poetry and listen to it. It was narrated in saheeh reports that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his noble Companions (may Allaah be pleased with them) listened to verse, recited it (as nasheed) and asked others to recite it, both when they were travelling and when they stayed at home, in their gatherings and whilst they were working, individually, as in the case of Hassaan ibn Thaabit, ‘Aamir ibn al-Akwa’ and Anjashah (may Allaah be pleased with them), and in unison, as in the hadeeth of Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) which describes the digging of the ditch (al-khanda). Anas said:

When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw how exhausted and hungry we were, he said (in verse):

“O Allaah, there is no life except the life of the Hereafter, so forgive the Ansaar and the Muhaajireen.”

And they said in response:

“We are the ones who have pledged allegiance to Muhammad, to make jihaad for as long as we live.”

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3/1043)

And in gatherings too: Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated with a hasan isnaad that Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abd al-Rahmaan said: “The Companions of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not speak in devious tones or in a soft manner. They used to recite verses in their gatherings, denouncing the affairs of their jaahiliyyah, but if it was the matter of their religion, they would become very serious and cautious (8/711).

This evidence indicates that nasheeds are permissible, whether recited individually or in unison. The word nasheed in Arabic means raising the voice when reciting verse and making the voice sound beautiful and gentle.

There are conditions to which attention must be paid with regard to this matter:

Not using forbidden musical instruments in nasheed.

Not doing it too much or making it the focus of the Muslim’s mind, occupying all his time, or neglecting obligatory duties because of it.

Nasheed should not be recited by women, or include haraam or obscene speech.

They should not resemble the tunes of the people of immorality and promiscuity.

They should be free of vocal effects that produce sounds like those of musical instruments.

They should not have moving tunes which make the listener feel “high” as happens to those who listen to songs. This is the case with many of the nasheeds which appear nowadays, so that the listeners no longer pay any attention to the good meaning of the words, because they are so entranced by the tunes. And Allaah is the Source of strength.

Source: www.islam-qa.com
Question No 11563

Hilal (Sighting New Moon)

2007-09-19T05:39:00.000+05:30

Islam Question and Answer

Why are the Muslims not united in their fasting?

Question:

Why are the Muslims not united in their fasting even though there is only one new moon for Ramadaan? In the past there was the excuse of there being no media or means of communication.

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

The most likely reason for the differences in the start of the fast from one country to another is the difference in sighting the new moon. Such differences are well known and it makes sense that there are such differences.

Based on this, it is not possible to expect all the Muslims to start fasting at the same time, because this would mean that some of them were starting to fast before the new moon had been sighted and even before it had appeared.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about those who call for the ummah to be united in fasting and for the moon sighting to be based on its sighting in Makkah. He said:

This is impossible from an astronomical point of view, because the sighting of the new moon, as Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said, differs, according to the scientists who are well-versed in this field. Because it differs, then each country should have its own ruling, according to the reports and according to science.

The evidence from reports is the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month”

[al-Baqarah 2:185]

If it so happens that people in a remote region of the world do not see the new moon whereas the people of Makkah do see it, then how can the words of this verse apply to those who have not seen the new moon? The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Fast when you see it and stop fasting when you see it.” (Agreed upon). So if the people of Makkah, for example, see it, then how can we expect the people of Pakistan and countries further east to start fasting, when we know that that the new moon has not yet appeared in their region, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) connected the start of fasting to the sighting of the moon?

The scientific evidence is the correct analogy which we cannot contradict. We know that dawn appears in eastern regions of the earth before it appears in western regions, so if dawn has appeared in eastern regions, do we have to stop eating even though it is still night where we are? The answer is no. If the sun has set in eastern regions but it is still day where we are, is it permissible for us to break our fast? The answer is no. And the new moon is exactly like the sun, except that the timing of the new moon is monthly and the timing of the sun is daily. The One Who said (interpretation of the meaning):

“and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your Sawm (fast) till the nightfall”

[al-Baqarah 2:187] is also the One Who said (interpretation of the meaning):

“So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month”

[al-Baqarah 2:185]

So the evidence of both the texts and science indicates that we should establish a separate ruling for each place when it comes to starting and ending the fast, and this should be connected to the physical sign which Allaah has described in His Book and which His Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) established in his Sunnah, namely the sighting of the moon and the sighting of the sun or dawn.

End quote from Fataawa Arkaan al-Islam, p. 451.

And he said, explaining this analogy and supporting the argument of those who say that there should be different moon sightings:

They say that the monthly timings should be like the daily sightings. Just as different countries vary in the start and end of the fast each day, so too they must differ in the start and end of the month-long fast. The difference in daily timings is well known according to Muslim consensus; those who are in the east start fasting before those who are in the west, and they also break the fast first.

If we accept the differences in sighting with regard to daily timings, then we should also accept it with regard to the month.

No one can say that the verse “and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your Sawm (fast) till the nightfall” and the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) “When the night has come from here and the day has departed from here and the sun has set, then the faster may break his fast” are general in meaning and apply to all the Muslims in every region.

The same applies to the verse “So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month” and the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) “When you see it fast and when you see it stop fasting.”

As you see, this opinion is very strong, and the analogy is sound, the analogy between the monthly timing and the daily timing.

End quote from Fataawa Ramadaan, compiled by Ashraf ‘Abd al-Maqsood, p. 104

The Council of Senior Scholars issued an important statement on this topic, the text of which is as follows:

Firstly: The difference in moon sighting is something which is well known, and there is no difference among the scholars concerning this. Rather the difference of scholarly opinion has to do with whether the difference in moon sighting matters or not.

Secondly: The issue of whether the difference in moon sighting matters or not is a theoretical matter in which there is room for ijtihaad. Even people of great knowledge and piety differed concerning this matter. This is a type of difference which is acceptable, where the one who makes ijtihaad and gets it right will have two rewards, one for his ijtihaad and the other for getting it right, and the one who gets it wrong will be rewarded for his ijtihaad.

The scholars differed concerning this matter and there are two points of view. One is that the difference in moon sighting matters and the other is that it does not matter. Each group quotes evidence from the Qur’aan and Sunnah, and sometimes they quote the same text, such as when they both quote the verse (interpretation of the meaning):

“They ask you (O Muhammad) about the new moons. Say: These are signs to mark fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage”

[al-Baqarah 2:189]

and the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Fast when you see it and stop fasting when you see it.”

That is because of different understandings of the texts, and different ways in which each group derives evidence from them.

Based on the considerations that the Council has seen and examined, and based on the fact that the difference of opinion on this matter does not have any effect that may lead to undesirable consequences, since this religion appeared fourteen centuries ago and we do not know of any period during which the ummah was united in moon sighting, the members of the Council of Senior Scholars think that matters should be left as they are and that this subject should not be stirred up. Each Islamic state should have the right to choose whichever opinion it wishes, based on the suggestions of its own scholars, because each view has its evidence and proofs.

Thirdly: The Council has studied the issue of proving the new moon by means of calculation, and what has been narrated in the Qur’aan and Sunnah, and they have studied the comments of the scholars on this matter. They have decided unanimously that astronomical calculations carry no weight in determining the new moon with regard to Islamic matters, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Fast when you see it and stop fasting when you see it.” And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do not fast until you see it, and do not stop fasting until you see it.” And because of other evidence to that effect.

End quote, from Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/102.

Source: www.islam-qa.com
Question No 50487

70 Matters related to Fasting

2007-09-18T00:11:00.000+05:30

Praise be to Allaah, we praise Him and seek His help and forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own selves and from our evil deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides cannot be misled, and whomsoever He leaves astray cannot be guided. I bear witness that there is no god except Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Allaah has blessed His slaves with certain seasons of goodness, in which hasanaat (rewards for good deeds) are multiplied, sayi’aat (bad deeds) are forgiven, people’s status is raised, the hearts of the believers turn to their Master, those who purify themselves attain success and those who corrupt themselves fail. Allaah has created His slaves to worship Him, as He says:

“And I (Allaah) created not the jinns and humans
except that they should worship Me (Alone).”
[al-Dhaariyaat 51:56]

One of the greatest acts of worship is fasting, which Allaah has made obligatory on His slaves, as He says:

“… Observing al-sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for
you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you
may become al-muttaqoon (the pious).”
[al-Baqarah 2:183]

Allaah encourages His slaves to fast:

“… And that you fast, it is better for you, if only you know.”
[al-Baqarah 2:184]

He guides them to give thanks to Him for having made fasting obligatory on them:

“… that you should magnify Allaah for having guided
you so that you may be grateful to Him.”
[al-Baqarah 2:185]

He has made fasting dear to them, and has made it easy so that people do not find it too hard to give up their habits and what they are used to. Allaah says:

“… for a fixed number of days…”
[al-Baqarah 2:184]

He has mercy on them and keeps them away from difficulties and harm, as He says :

“… but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the

same number (should be made up) from other

days…”
[al-Baqarah 2:184]

No wonder then, that in this month the hearts of the believers turn to their Most Merciful Lord, fearing their Lord above them, and hoping to attain His reward and the great victory (Paradise).

As the status of this act of worship is so high, it is essential to learn the ahkaam (rulings) that have to do with the month of fasting so that the Muslim will know what is obligatory, in order to do it, what is haraam, in order to avoid it, and what is permissible, so that he need not subject himself to hardship by depriving himself of it.

This book is a summary of the rulings, etiquette and Sunnah of fasting. May Allaah make it of benefit to myself and my Muslim brothers. Praise be to Allaah, Lord of the Worlds.

pdf download: click here

- Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Explanation of the First Verse in Soorah al-Hujuraat

2007-09-16T11:19:00.000+05:30

O Believers, do not be hasty and forward in Allaah and His Messenger’s presence but instead fear Allaah; for verily, Allaah is Hearer and Knower. [Soorah al-Hujurat (49):1]

This Soorah opens with Allaah’s command to the Believers not to interrupt the Prophet’s ( sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) conversations or obstinately contradict him. Instead, they are advised to fear Allaah by being patient and to obey the Prophet ( sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) by following him in all their affairs. Respect for the Prophet ( sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) and what he had to say is portrayed as an expression of the fear of Allaah because the Prophet ( sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) did not speak of his own accord. He was guided by Allaah, the Most High; therefore, his statements and actions should be looked at as divine guidance from Allaah. The Prophet Muhammad ( sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) was the means by which Allaah chose to convey His last message to mankind. This vital point was emphasized and immortalized by Allaah in the following verse, "And, he (the Prophet) does not speak from his desires; verily, what he says is revelation from(God)" [Soorah an-Najm (53):3] We are required to revere the Qur'aan and quietly listen to its message based on Allaah's statement "When the Qur’aan isbeing recited, listen to it attentively and be quiet." [Soorah al-A'raaf (7):204]We are also required to revere the Prophet ( sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) and listen attentively to his pronouncements. Ibn 'Abbaas, the greatest Qur'anic commentator among the Sahaba, added another dimension to the meaning of this verse and similar verses by interpreting it to mean that the Believers should not say anything which goes against the Qur'aan and Sunnah [Quoted by lbn Katheer in Tafseer al-Qur'aan, al-'AdHeem, vol. 4, p. 315]. Figuratively speaking, one is in Allaah’s presence when he or she reads the Qur'aan, and likewise when the Hadeeths which describe the Prophet's Sunnah [the sayings and actions of the Prophet ( sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) intended as law for all Muslims] are studied, one also enters into the presence of the Prophet ( sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam). Hence "Allaah and His Prophet's presence" can be said to refer today to the Qur’aan and Sunnah. Forwardness and haste in Allaah’s and His Prophet's presence could then be interpreted to mean the making of snap judgements based on superficial reading or making unauthorized and unfounded interpretations of the Qur'aan and the Sunnah. Giving one’s personal opinions or cultural habits precedence over the divine commands of the Qur'aan and Sunnah also represents another aspect of forwardness in Allaah's and His Prophet's presence. Great care has to be taken when explaining the principles of Islaam in order that no statements contrary to those of Allaah and His Apostle are inadvertently made which may consequently lead people astray. If at any time ideas in opposition to the Qur'aan and the Sunnah are held and clear proofs of their inaccuracy are later presented, a true Believer is required to immediately give up his or her mistaken concepts and submit to the authentic commands of Allaah and His Messenger. If one does otherwise, claiming his ideas and practices were that of his forefathers, he would be, in fact, no better than the pagans of Makkah who replied to the Prophet's call to one God by saying "Verily, we found our forefathers on this pathand we Intend to follow their steps." [Soorah az-Zukhruf (13):22]He would also be guilty of the crime of "believing in a part of the Book and disbelieving in a part' [Soorah al-Baqarah (2):85]; a crime for which Allaah cursed the Jews. Instead, one should "Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger" [Soorah Aal-'Imraan (3):32] without the least hesitation otherwise one's lslaam, which itself means submission to Allaah and His Apostle, would be in question.

Allaah then closes the verse with a reminder to fear Him at all times, for it is only the consciousness of Allaah, a longing for His pleasure and a fear of His displeasure, which can create a real and lasting improvement of human habits. The verse is then sealed with two of Allaah's qualities both of which produce a state of real God consciousness in all who comprehend their implications. Allaah is the Hearer of all statements, plans or plots and He is the Knower of the secret intentions behind all deeds. His knowledge knows no bounds of time and space. Hence, any disrespect to Allaah and his Prophet ( sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam), His Qur'aan, and the Sunnah is known to Allaah; and those who dare to commit such acts will be held to account for them.

Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips

Source: http://www.bilalphilips.com

National Geographic - Inside Mecca

2007-09-14T10:49:00.001+05:30

While followers of Islam are scattered around the globe, they share a single spiritual center?Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslim faithful throughout the world face Mecca during their five daily prayer sessions, and each year two million Muslims visit the holy city during the hajj, a sacred pilgrimage that represents the religious experience of a lifetime.

All adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable are expected to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. The hajj is an enormous melting pot that gathers believers from over 70 countries and reveals the many faces of modern Islam.

"All races, all nationalities, all people in one place, concentrated, all in one direction worshipping the one God. This has to be very powerful," Daisy Khan told National Geographic Television. Khan, a Muslim, serves as the executive director of the Asma Society, an Islamic cultural and educational non-profit organization based in New York and New Jersey.

During the five-day hajj, believers seek to become closer to God, ask pardon for their sins, and renew their spiritual commitment.

The events of the hajj have long remained veiled from non-Muslims, who are forbidden even to enter the holy city of Mecca. But a team of Muslim filmmakers gained access to Islam's holiest place at the peak of the pilgrimage to document the holy event for National Geographic Television.

Inside Mecca presents the most capturing and three-dimensional documentation of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and beautiful portrail of the universal principles of Islam during the days of the Hajj. Its like a virtual hajj experience.

Glory be to Allah!

Islamic Sites Ratings

2007-09-13T06:28:00.000+05:30

Introduction
Written by Bilal Philips
Thursday, 13 April 2007

The World Wide Web (www) has put knowledge of all fields of human study at our fingertips. That it is a boon to mankind cannot be doubted. But at the same time it has its pitfalls. The major one being that anyone with a website or blog or even without that (read Wiki) can put up whatever they like on any subject onto the www.

Thus, the internet while being a source of sound authentic knowledge on any field is at the same time also a source of misinformation and hence needs to be utilized with caution, for there are many ‘quack’ sites on almost all topics under discussion on the net.

The field of Islamic studies is no exception to this phenomenon. In fact the problem here is compounded by the many deviant misinterpretations of Islam that have found a way to reach a world wide audience on a scale never seen before. This has made the internet a minefield for the knowledge seeker who has to walk through it at times while searching for authentic knowledge.

Sites on the net may be confusing and sometimes dangerous for those not strongly grounded in the basics of the religion. Concern on this issue led me to direct some of my student-researchers to compile a list of sound Islamic sites along with short reviews and ratings on a scale of 1-10. Concurrently a list of deviant sites and anti-Islamic sites has also been prepared so that surfers may know that they are to be avoided or studied only by persons at an advanced level of knowledge.

As in all human endeavors there will be some shortcomings in this work, not to mention the fact that sites appear and disappear daily while others may undergo drastic changes. Also, it is my desire to expand on this effort so that it becomes a true resource centre for knowledge of Islamic sites, good and bad. Therefore I ask viewers to give their constructive feedback, comments, corrections etc. on this work. Also we would like you to submit sites which we have missed for review along with your own reviews. However, we ask that you please indicate under which heading you include the site (Recommended/ Deviant/ Anti-Islamic). Reviews will be put up after due scrutiny by my researchers. Direct all correspondence on this issue to: projectsbilalphilipscom@yahoo.com. Please write ‘Reviews’ in the subject line before anything else you may wish to include in the subject line.

In closing, please note that while the researchers consider the sites in the recommended list to be mostly sound Islamically to the best of their knowledge, it does not mean an automatic approval of all the contents or views posted on that site. Also the external links provided on those sites are not included as part of the review. So surfer discretion is definitely advised.

The following criteria have been used in rating the sites:

1. Authenticity of material and closeness to the Qur'aan, Sunnah & understanding of the Salaf us Saalih.

2. Quality of the material in terms of language, referencing to the sources and in the case of Ahadeeth, referencing to books of Ahadeeth verification.

3. Quantity of material put up on the site

4. Presence of downloadable multimedia content (free downloads get a higher rating)
• Audio content.
• Video content
• any other type like Flash presentations, PowerPoint etc

5. Presence of streaming multimedia content (lower rating than downloadable multimedia)

6. Presence of downloadable complete E books (free downloads get a higher rating)

7. Presence of downloadable Islaamic software (free downloads get a higher rating)

8. Frequency of site updates

9. If site has a general name like Islaam.com or islamweb.com then it has been reviewed with the expectation that it would cover many aspects of Islaam and would have a good quantity of varied content matter. The rating reflects the extent to which the site meets these expectations along with the aforementioned criteria.

10. If the site has a name which specifies one or more aspects of Islaam e.g. understandquran.com or a clearly stated aim then it has been reviewed to see how well the specified aspect/ aspects or stated aim are covered along with the aforementioned criteria and the absence of other topics is not reflected in the rating.

Authenticity of material and sticking close to the Qur'aan, Sunnah & understanding of the Salaf us Saalih

1. Quality of the material in terms of language, referencing to the sources, and in case of Ahadeeth referencing to books of Ahadeeth verification,.

2. Quantity of material put up on the site

3. Presence of multimedia content
• Audio content.
• Video content
• any other type like Flash presentations, PowerPoint etc

11. Whether site allows free download of above material (free downloads get a higher rating)

12. Presence/absence of downloadable complete E books (free downloads get a higher rating)

13. Presence/absence of Islaamic software (free downloads get a higher rating)

14. Whether site is regularly updated or not.

15. If site has a general name like Islaam.com or islamweb.com then it is reviewed with the expectation that it would cover many aspects of Islaam (the more aspects covered the higher the rating.

16. If the site has a name which specifies one or more aspects of Islaam Site is reviewed to see how well those aspects are covered and the absence of other matter is not considered a drawback.

Recommended Sites

1. Sunnah Online
http://www.sunnahonline.com/main.htm

Rating: 9.5

This site almost made it to a rating of 10. It has almost everything you could ask for in an Islaamic site viz. articles, e books, audio lectures, Qur’aanic Recitations, and even two online Magazines!! The site has a no-frills, plain, businesslike look. The main categories are easy to navigate to but for the subcategories no links are provided. You have to scroll down the page of the main category to find the sub categories.

The site also hosts two online magazines (albeit old issues). It only loses out on the look of the site which the webmaster would do well to change keeping in pace with current trends.

Best Feature: Feature packed site with audios, Qur'aan recitations (even some recitation by Shaikh Albanee!) issues of two online magazines and E books.

What it lacks/ What could be added: It would be better if under each main category a list of sub categories (with links) is provided to facilitate navigation. Also such a good site should have an attractive look and the latest forms of multimedia content so as to catch the attention of casual visitors.

2. Islam QA.com
http://www.islam-qa.com or http://63.175.194.25/

Rating: 9.5

Need to look up a Fatwa? Go to Islam QA to find answers to various issues.
The site says: The responses are handled by Sheikh Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid, using only authentic, scholarly sources based on the Quran and sunnah, and other reliable contemporary scholarly opinions. References are provided where appropriate in the responses.

And that's an accurate synopsis. A lot of effort has been put in by the site maintainers with the questions neatly sorted into categories and sub categories. It also has a site search facility. It contains in excess of 7000 Q&A!! Amazingly the site is available in 7 languages & the English translation is of high quality. What make this site truly worth visiting are the diligently provided references to almost all the Ahadeeth and opinions of the earlier and contemporary scholars. The site accepts questions on line once a month.

It also contains downloadable E-books authored by Shaikh Saalih al Munajjid.

Best feature: The huge compilation of Fataawa with an arrangement and search facility that makes it easy to find what you want.

What it lacks/ What could be added: Voice Fataawa. Also the site owners should add a facility for downloading the fataawa base in an easy format. (See what fatwa-online.com has done as an e.g.) Otherwise as per the apparent aim and name of the site it fulfils the job perfectly.

3. Understand Islaam:
http://www.understand-islam.net/

Rating: 9

This is the website of Dr. Saleh as Saleh. It contains safe, sound, authentic Islaamic info. There are plenty of audio downloads and a medium sized book collection. A Study Program is also available complete with online tests.

Best feature: The study program and a lot of translated works of Shaikh Uthaymeen from one of his own students.

What it lacks/ What could be added: Books and lectures from more Scholars.

4. Islaam.com
http://www.islaam.com/

Rating; 9

This site is a treasure house of information on Islaam. It has an impressively large list of authors, and a good amount of lectures, although the number of speakers is relatively smaller. The site is fast and easy to navigate and gives you the option of navigating by category, topic, speaker or author. The articles put up on the site are surely a result of careful selection from a wide range of sources and includes authors from the past and present.

Best feature: The excellent selection of a wide range of articles

What it lacks/ What could be added: Very few E books available. And the ones available are almost all by the same author. The webmaster would do well to strengthen this section and also add some multimedia content.

5. Fatwa Online.com
http://www.fatwa-online.com/

Rating: 9

Here's another good Fataawa site. It has an off-the-beaten-track design (though not very attractive), good lectures, fataawa and an innovative form of E books (Compiled HTML help files). Using this they compiled the entire translation of Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan (v 1.36) into 822 Kb which is very convenient to take on a floppy or mail it to someone etc. However they have removed it from their site and replaced it with version 2.2 which includes the Arabic text and footnotes (19.3 Mb). Also they compile their entire fatwa base in the same format at intervals and put it up for download, something I appreciate very much.

Best Feature: The CHtml fataawa base, CHtml books, information boxes which come up on particular terms with mouse rollover (no need to click) and audio biographies of various contemporary Mashaayikh.

What it lacks/ What could be added: Audio fataawa. Also the webmaster should increase the quantity of E books and introduce English audio lectures dealing with specific Islaamic topics other than biographies.

6. Islam Way.com (English)
http://english.islamway.com/

Rating: 9

For sheer variety of content format Islamway.com beats all other sites that we know of hands down. (Islamweb comes a close second) It has articles, E books, lectures & flash animations. It has the translation of the Holy Qur’aan in PDF with audio embedded in it!!! (the download didn’t work for me but maybe that's because I have a dial up connection) Not enough? It has the recitation of the entire Qur'aan in Arabic along with the English Translation (Saheeh International) ayah by ayah. All the aforementioned are for free download.

In short Islamway.com has good quality and quantity content for Muslims & non Muslims.

Best Feature: the Downloadable audio translation of the Qur'aan and the PDF version with audio.

What it lacks/ What could be added: Advanced level articles and books on Aqeedah etc. for those already in Islaam. For e.g. under the category Fundamental Beliefs, the only articles posted are:

• Allah is Beautiful & Loves Beauty
• Shahada

7. Islam Web.net
http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/MainPage/indexe.php

Rating: 9

For an accurate and honest description about this site and its aims I recommend going to their 'About Us' page. The site is exactly what it claims to be.

The site developers have done a really good job in giving the site a modern, polished look and layout. It is easy to surf, has good articles, books, audios and dawah material. The variety of content format is beaten only by Islamway.com (among the sites that I know of).

It also shares with Islamway.com the problem of not having any advanced study material.

Best Feature: Sleekly designed site with all forms of content.

What it lacks/ What could be added: Advanced level articles and books on Aqeedah etc. for those already in Islaam.

8. Islam House.com
http://www.islamhouse.com

Rating: 9

This site is worth its name. It is a veritable store house of E books and lectures. It has relatively low article content, but the quantity of books and lectures (in multiple languages) makes up for it. The site itself is not among the easily navigable ones and takes a bit of getting adjusted to. It also features Qur’aan translation in many languages although some of the links were not working at the time of the review. We have notified the webmaster and hopefully the links will be restored.

Best Feature: A solid collection of lectures by many speakers & Qur’aan translation in many languages.

What it lacks/ What could be added: Articles, and a more easier organization of the navigational links would be appreciated.

9. 877-Why-Islam.org
http://www.whyislam.org/

Rating: 9

This is one well planned and laid out Da'wah site. What is striking is that the organizers, ICNA have gone to great lengths to provide all possible opportunities for non Muslims to interact, discuss and ask questions. A flash advertisement right on the home page proclaims, "Call 877, Ask a Question, Visit a Local Mosque, Correspond via E Mail." So the organization has provided a toll free number, an email, a page on the site for posting questions and a forum for discussion. What more could one ask for? Plus it has some good Da'wah material in the form of articles. There is also a facility for ordering free literature. All in all, a great Da'wah effort.

Best Feature: The multiple facilities given for Non Muslims to interact, discuss and ask questions on Islaam.

What it lacks/ What could be added: There is no audio or video content here. In current times there are many people who would rather listen to an audio lecture or see a video than read an article. Besides there is a wealth of such work available from da'ees around the world.

10. Muslim Heritage.com
http://www.muslimheritage.com/

Rating: 9

Here is a site which has filled a requirement on the net about an aspect of Islaam which has either been left out totally or touched on briefly by other sites. What's more the webmaster has managed to present the material in a very user-friendly and interesting format.

From the site:

Welcome to the new MuslimHeritage.com website, a community and non-profit initiative aimed at providing an educational forum to present and discuss the contribution of Muslim Heritage to present day Science, Technology and Civilisation.

We are currently working on developing a new version of the website and we value your feedback and constructive suggestions. The new version will contain many more exciting interactive features including 3D time-lines, interactive maps and streaming videos.

Hope they put up the new version soon.

Best Feature: The interactive tour map of Muslim Personalities, Major Cities, Institutions, Discoveries etc.

What it lacks/ What could be added: What is needed here has already been noted and put on the pipeline by the webmaster as noted above.

11. Audio Islam.com
http://www.audioislam.com

Rating: 9

This site is what it name proclaims, a place to get audios on Islaam. It has a lot of beneficial lectures.

Best Feature: A good collection of audio lectures

What it lacks/ What could be added: No other content apart from audio, but that is in keeping with the name of the site

12. Aswat al-Islam.net
http://www.aswatalislam.net

Rating: 8

Although in terms of quantity of audio and video content Aswat al-Islam is to the best of our knowledge unrivalled it loses marks on account of having the authentic and inauthentic bundled up together. Surfer discretion is advised for some of the speakers on the site.
Best Feature: The large collection of audios and videos.
What it lacks/ What could be added: A filtering system to weed out the inauthentic stuff.

13. Call to Islam.com
www.calltoislam.com

Rating: 8

When initially reviewed this site had a rating of 7. But it has grown handsomely to reach a rating of 8.5. With the passage of time and addition of more content this site could very well reach the top. Go here for good articles, audio, e- books and live Pal Talk classes.

Best Feature: A modern, well laid out, easy to navigate site with a good collection of lectures

What it lacks/ What could be added: The e books section could be strengthened and other forms of multimedia content added.

14. Madinah Arabic.com
http://www.madinaharabic.com/Index.htm

Rating 8

Spruce up your Arabic! As the site says: This site has been designed to teach the Arabic language based on one of the most popular courses being used today - the Madinah Book Series by Dr V Abdur Rahim which is used by Madinah University to teach English speaking students the Arabic language.

The site is easy to navigate, the courses free and well planned and there is an online bookshop for buying books and CDs for learning Arabic. A students’ Forum has also been provided.

Best Feature: You guessed it! But no prizes for that one

What it lacks/ What could be added: Sound files for the Arabic alphabets, a feature which is provided for he sentences later on but not for the alphabets themselves. Plus the site could develop some interactive multimedia for teaching Arabic.

15. As Sahwah.com
http://www.as-sahwah.com

Rating: 8

We remember this site earlier proclaiming that it had over 1000 articles. Now that line has been removed but the fact remains that this is the site the largest collection of articles that we have come across and it has many authors on its roll. It also has a good number of audios. However books are conspicuous by their absence on this site.
Its forum has some interesting learning groups running including one on Study of Sharh al-'Aqida al-Tahawiyya

Best Feature: The site’s solid base of articles and its study groups

What it lacks/ What could be added: Content other than articles and audios.

16. Darulehsaan.com
http://www.darulehsaan.com/

Rating: 7

Here’s a gem on the net for those interested in seeking serious knowledge. There are audios and notes on topics such as Bulugh Al Muram, a study group on Sunan Tirmidhee conducted by brother Abu Khaliyl. The site gives a full rundown of everything that’s going on for the knowledge seeker on their Pal talk sessions with details on each class.
There are Arabic Texts of all the major Ahadeeth collections in downloadable Word format) plus software combining many Ahadeeth collections. The site boasts of the first Punjabi Audio translation of the Qur’aan Although the site is low in content of the type usually expected, it makes up for it through its classes.

Best feature: Its knowledge disseminating classes and the authenticity of material presented..

What it lacks/ What could be added: Transcripts of past classes and translation of urdu class transcript into English.

17. Islam Basics.com
http://www.islambasics.com/

Rating: 8

This site would be best described as an E Library. It has lots (really lots) of downloadable books and all for free. Most are in multiple formats. What's more, this site allows you to do an online search throughout all the books listed at the same time.

Best Feature: The largest number of downloadable E books in a single site (among the sites that I know of).

What it lacks/ What could be added: As the site state clearly that their intention in setting up this site is only to put up E books, nothing can be said here for the site. But we would like to advise visitors to the site to support he site by posting their comments on and reviews of the bookd to help newcomers select from this big collection of books

18. - 20. Islam Yesterday, Today & Always.com
18. http://www.islamtomorrow.com/

19. http://www.islamalways.com/

20. http://www.islamyesterday.com/

Rating: 8

These are three interlinked and interrelated sites. The driving force behind them seems to the famous Da'ee Yusuf Estes and so the main focus of the sites is obviously Da'wah. And to this end these sites have very good content. Besides, the articles here speak in a very down to earth manner without any high philosophizing thus carrying appeal for many people. Refer these sites to Non Muslims thinking about Islaam as there is a lot of material which will give truth seekers food for thought. And also recommend to new Muslims studying at a very basic level or to Da'ees who wish to add more tools to their Da'wah bag.

Best Feature: Excellent Da'wah Sites

What it lacks/ What could be added: Perhaps the home page of islamtomorrow.com needs to be given a less cluttered and more polished appearance in keeping with the times.

21. Islam World.net
http://www.islamworld.net/

Rating: 8

This is not a website in the true sense but rather a links page and an excellent one at that. That the site owner has spent a lot of time in researching the net for good material is evident from the huge no of links put up here. Also the links lead to content which are among the best on the net. Plus all the links are neatly categorized. Some of the links are dead due to the fact the sites to which the page links no longer exist.

Best feature: Excellent collection of links.

What it lacks/ What could be added: As a link page it doesn't lack anything besides the possibility of frequent updating and removal of dead links.

22. Al Sunnah.com
http://www.al-sunnah.com

Rating: 8

This is quite similar to islamworld.net in that it is basically a collection of links to good content available elsewhere on the net. This site nicely complements islamworld.net because it has some additional features.

Best feature: Excellent collection of links.

What it lacks/ What could be added: As a link page it doesn't lack anything besides the possibility of frequent updating and removal of dead links.

23. Sultan.org
http://www.sultan.org

Rating: 8

This is yet another links page which is also the result of a lot of patient hard work on the part of the webmaster.

Best feature: Excellent collection of links.

What it lacks/ What could be added: As a link page it doesn't lack anything besides the possibility of frequent updating and removal of dead links.

24. MSA of USC
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/

Rating: 8

The site describes itself as a 'Compendium of Muslim Texts' and it's a fitting description.

The site is neatly divided into categories and sections and each section is full of relevant information. It has an online Hadeeth and Qur'aan search that was highly valued at the time it was introduced and several other sites linked to it. With the advent of programs enabling installation of Hadeeth books with search programs on PCs this feature has lost some of its former glory.

Another thing to look out for in this website is the excellent brief introductions that have been written for each category. Just read the introduction on the first page describing Islaam to see what I am talking about.

Best Feature: Good collection of texts for a serious study of Islaam. In fact this site gives content of a depth which few other sites do. Important terms are html linked throughout the site to articles or glossary items wherever relevant so that a beginner starting at any page on the site can easily get more information.

What it lacks/ What could be added: It lacks and needs to add audios & multimedia and also increase its store of E books.

25. Sword of Allah.com
http://www.swordofallah.com/

Rating: 8

As the site notes in its FAQ:

What is this site about?
This site contains the entire contents of a book written on the life of the Companion of the Prophet (SAWS), Khalid bin Al-Waleed, who was titled the 'Sword of Allah' by the Prophet (SAWS). It was written by Lieutenant-General A.I. Akram of the Pakistan Army in October 1969.

What makes this book different from other biographies on Khalid bin Al-Waleed?
Firstly, it is based on early, authentic Islamic historical sources such as Waqidi and Tabari. Secondly, it is written by an army officer, who has described the battles in detail from a military point of view. Thirdly, it is the only complete and detailed biography of Khalid bin Al-Waleed in the English language. Unusually, it was even translated from English into Arabic and is sold in bookshops throughout the Arab world.

The site maintainers make it clear that the book has some errors and the author held some erroneous views but they have corrected those in the FAQ and have even added an article about the Sahabah to give the correct concept

They have even scanned the maps of the battlefields of Khalid Ibn Waleed from the book and put them on the site. A future PDF download of the entire book is also promised.

Best Feature: The only complete and detailed biography of Khalid bin Al-Waleed in the English language is within easy reach of Muslims all over the world.

What it lacks/ What could be added: The downloadable form of the book. Also there is no other content but that is in keeping with the stated aim of the site.

26. Islaam.net
http://www.islaam.net/main/

Rating: 8

This is a very good site having a fine collection of article & lectures. Although recommended basically for Muslims intending to learn more about their deen it does contain some comparative religion material. The layout of the site is clean and easy to navigate.

Best feature: An excellent collection of Qur'aanic recitations by various recitors. Be sure to check out the CD quality (128 Kbps) recitation by Muhammad al Minshawi. It's worth downloading.

What it lacks/ What could be added: Downloadable E books.

27. Understandquran.com
http://www.understandquran.com27. Understandquran.com

Rating: 8

‘Understand the Quran Easy Way’ is the slogan of this website. The site has an easy to use interface and a highly motivating preface is sure to propel you further into the site.

The aim of the site as stated on the home page is:

Welcome to the site dedicated to help us all learn and understand the Holy Quran using easy, efficient, and effective techniques

To achieve this, the maintainers have put in a lot of good effort which is really useful for English, Urdu and Hindi speaking Muslims. The materials available on the site include:

a. A simplified course 'Understand Qur'aan – the Easy Way '
b. Word-for-word translations
c. Audio translation files for a few last Soorahs of Qur'aan
d. Word-for-word translations of daily recitations
e. Dictionaries of Qur'aan in four different languages
f. Simplified 2-page set of Tajweed rules for beginners
g. A useful reference list (80% words of the Qur'aan)

The last is a list of words about which the author says: “The words given in this booklet account for 82.6% (64282) of the total words (approx.77800) of the Holy Qur'an.”

This list and the course are really useful. Do try them out.

Best Feature: The concept and techniques of understanding the Qur'aan in an easy way.

What it lacks/ What could be added: It is my du'aa that some Muslim software developers lend their skills to this project to make a good software program which would bring together all the techniques of this site in an attractive multimedia format.

28. - 31. The Faith Network
28. http://imaan.net/
29. http://www.seerah.net/
30. http://alhidaayah.net
31. http://imaan.net/fiveonfriday/

Rating: 8

The Faith network group of sites is an excellent offering especially considering the fact that it seems to be a single individual's effort.
• Imaan.net contains an excellent collection of articles .
• Seerah.net reproduces AlHaramain's site ProphetMuhammed.Org since the site has gone offline. Seerah.net includes stories of some other prophets and also of the Sahaba and the Salaf.
• alhidaayah.net makes it easy for Muslims across the globe to gain access to some of the best books that have come online but lie scattered over the net. Also a quick scan through the list of book on the site show that the compiler has done a really good job of collecting and presenting books and pamphlets that are among the best that are available on line.
• fiveonfriday is an interesting concept wherein 5 interesting tidbits of Islaam are posted every Friday in the form of a quiz The webmaster has not been able to keep up to this schedule and apparently stopped way back in Nov. 2003. But there are a few archives so it's worth a visit.

Best Feature: The collection of E books on alhidaayah.net

What it lacks/ What could be added: Site has low audio content and no content of other multimedia. The webmaster has promised to put up some more audios soon and we pray that Allaah makes it easy.

The Sabr Foundation.
http://www.sabr.com/

The Sabr Foundation has put up the following group of websites.

And each one deserves a review in its own right because they all have good and relevant content.

32. Islam 101.com
http://islam101.com/

Rating: 8

Islam 101 aims to be an educational site on Islam, its way of life, civilization and culture and succeeds to a large extent.

It touches on many aspects of Islaam from Islamic Theology to Human Relations to Comparative Religion and even goes on to provide 'Islamic perspectives on contemporary issues. Disciplines such as Archeology, Health, Human Rights, History, Islamic Art, Islam and Science, Sociology and Islam and Women are included.'

However there are only articles here, whereas supplementing these topics with relevant books and audio/video lectures would have increased the benefit

What bring up the merit of this site are the online courses and multiple choice tests with instant scoring results. The course and tests are good for new Muslims, non Muslims willing to really understand Islaam and as a refresher in basics for Muslims. The only drawback is that the results do not indicate which answers were wrong (yes I tried the course!)

Best Feature: Topics not usually dealt with by other sites and the online course + tests.

What it lacks/ What could be added: E books and multimedia content.

33. Muhammad.net
http://muhammad.net/

Rating: 8

Muhammad.net has just what it suggests i.e. information about Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), his life and message. The target audience seems basically to be non-Muslims esp. Christians, although deeper in the site there is some material for those already in Islaam like Ahmed von Denfer's Uloom al Qur'aan. It’s a good place for new comers to start their search for knowledge about Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Once their appetite is whetted, those who want in depth knowledge should proceed to other sources like the biography The Sealed nectar written by Shaikh Safi ur Rahman Mubarakpuri available on line on several sites.

The site also has some good general material on Islaam and the Qur'aan and some audio files of Qur'aanic recitation.

Best Feature: A full site dedicated to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

What it lacks/ What could be added: Detailed works on the biography of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

34. The Gospel of Barnabas
http://barnabas.net/

Rating: 8

The introduction on the website says it all:

The Gospel of Barnabas was accepted as a Canonical Gospel in the Churches of Alexandria till 325 C.E. In 325 C.E., the Nicene Council was held, where it was ordered that all original Gospels in Hebrew script should be destroyed. An Edict was issued that any one in possession of these Gospels will be put to death. The article, How the Gospel Survived, gives a brief narrative on the text's survival.

An Islamic perspective and commentary are added to each chapter of the Gospel. The commentary highlights any differences or commonalities which exist between the Gospel and the primary Islamic texts, especially the Holy Quran.

Another feature I liked is that they have provided the entire Gospel in a downloadable Word format. So it can become a handy tool for da'ees to print and give to truth seeking Christians

Best Feature: The Gospel of Barnabas itself and its downloadable Word version.

What it lacks/ What could be added: The content is in keeping with the name of the site especially as the site belongs to a group of sites where each site is dedicated to a specific topic.

35. Crusades.org
http://crusades.org/

Rating: 8

An excellent site on the Crusades from an Islaamic and historical perspective.

Best Feature: The history of the Crusades and Salahuddin's service to Islaam

What it lacks/ What could be added: The content is in keeping with the name of the site especially as the site belongs to a group of sites where each site is dedicated to a specific topic.

36. Islamic Knowledge.com
http://www.islamic-knowledge.com/

Rating: 8

The site describes itself as a 'Research tool to facilitate the task of muslims and non-muslims seeking knowledge about Islam, muslims, the Quran and the Sunnah.' and it fits the bill well.

It has lots of links to useful sites and articles on the net. Also it lays down some good guide lines for screening new sites to determine whether they are worth visiting or not. It has some original content on it like the audio file of the du'aas in Hisn ul Muslim.

Best Feature: It facilitates the task of newbie Muslim surfers and has an audio version of the du'aas in Hisn ul Muslim for download.

What it lacks/ What could be added: As a research tool the site needs to put up more original content along with the praiseworthy work of linking to other sites.

37. About Tajweed.com
http://www.abouttajweed.com/

Rating: 8

For those non Arabs wanting to learn or improve their Tajweed here's a very good resource. It explains in systematic detail the rules and application of The Tajweed rules for Hafs 'An 'Aasim, the recitation which is the most widely used one. There is also a facility for clearing doubts by sending emails and all the past queries are posted on the site so that others can benefit from them.

Best Feature: An entire site dedicated to this very important science

What it lacks/ What could be added: The site presents only text material. Adding audio lessons and interactive content in Flash etc would definitely benefit users.

38. King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur'an
http://www.qurancomplex.com/default.asp?l=eng

Rating: 8

This has become a useful site, because of good quality translations of the Qur'aan in many languages, good quality recitations in the voice of four recitors, live feed and the option to download in MP3 and Real media format. It also has a small searchable fatwa database. The webmaster has combined all these in an easily navigable website thereby increasing its attraction.

Best Feature: The recitations available for download and the translations.

What it lacks/ What needs to be added: Downloadable versions of the translations in languages other than English as these good translations are currently unavailable for download anywhere in cyberspace. Also some material on the history of compilation, miracles, authenticity of the Qur'aan would be apt.

39. Al Minbar.com
http://www.alminbar.com/

Rating: 8

This site represents the efforts of Shaikh Wajdi Hamzah Al Ghazzawi to make good quality authentic Khutbahs easily accessible to the Khuttab all around the world. For others the Khutbahs available on this site make for good reading material as articles. The research put up into preparing these khutbahs and the easy site navigation makes the site valuable.

Best Feature: A huge database of khutbahs
What it lacks/ What could be added: It would help if the editors would add references and authentication notes to all of the Ahadeeth mentioned in the Khutbahs. At present even references for all Ahadeeth are not provided. Also there is no other content but that is in keeping with the apparent aim of the site

40. International Committee for the Support of the Final Prophet (ICSFP)
http://www.icsfp.com/EN/

Rating 8

The aim of this is presented as: ‘not merely to defend the Prophet (peace be upon him) but, more importantly, to present to humanity his message, his character, and evidences for the truthfulness of his Prophethood.

… a website dedicated to the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him), highlighting many aspects of his biography, for the benefit of the general public.’

This committee is also active in trying to stop acts offensive to Islam and the Prophet. All in all a commendable effort and website.

Best feature: The aim of the site

What it lacks/ What could be added: A more attractive site design would help to attract he attention of non-Muslims also.

41. Islamtoday.com
http://islamtoday.com/

Rating: 7

A site run under the general supervision of Shaykh Salman al Oadah, it has many ebooks by him for download. Plus a Fatwa Section with archives and a facility to submit questions. Also of interest are th Hadeeth Showcase and Qur’aan showcase

Best Feature: The Fatwa section as very few sites are able to accept questions nowadays and the Showcases.

42. Investigating Islam
http://www.islamic.org.uk/

Rating: 7

Here's a good Da'wah site made with the western Christian in mind. It is a good site to refer to Christians who interested in comparative studies. It's available in multiple languages & also has a Qur'aan search option and audios of the same

Best Feature: Da'wah site oriented to the Western mind.

What it lacks/ What could be added: Audio/ video Da'wah lectures would be a welcome addition.

43. Sahaba.net
http://www.sahaba.net

Rating: 7

As is evident from its name, this site is dedicated to the Sahaba (radiAllaahu anhum). This site has a very modern look and an innovative design which the site maintainers have created using Flash. They have used their skills with Flash to create a flash e-book on the Sahaba which greatly enhances the cosmetic value of this site and also increases surfer interest. It is heartening to note that Muslims are not only keeping pace with modern media but are also using it for the propagation of Islaam.

The software for the Flash E book is also on sale for those interested in using it for their own sites etc.

Best Feature: A site dedicated to the Sahaba and the excellent use of Flash to create a website and E book with a unique look. Also the site invites user participation by submitting stories and a forum.

What it lacks/ What could be added: Fits its name well but has a possibility of adding some classical and in depth works on the status of Sahaaba and importance of following their methodology etc.

44. Tafsir.com
http://www.tafsir.com

Rating: 7

Need to look up something in Tafseer Ibn Katheer? Go to tafsir.com. The whole book has been put up here. But there is a problem with the site navigation. You can only view it piecemeal and really small pieces at that. At times clicking a link produces nothing more than a title. At others it gives a small paragraph. Admittedly the paragraphs are complete sections on a particular ayah; however it causes a lot of frustration to dial-up users (I am one of them) when they have to open up an entire new page to view small bits of info. Also the site does not lend itself to mirroring by programs like HTTRACK or Offline Downloader which would enable one to download the entire site on the hard disk and use it offline.

Best Feature: The book itself.

What it lacks/ What could be added: User friendliness, Possibility of mirroring and going by the name of the site, it should have material on Usool at Tafseer and also include tafseer by other scholars.

45. Quran And Sunnah Society
http://www.qss.org/

Rating: 7

Surf to this site for safe, sound authentic Islaamic info. The site mentions that some sections are ‘Currently Under Development’ and also hopes to put up new online e-books & publications. Till then the quantity of material is not satisfying but the quality is very satisfying. Some Arabic lectures are also available here.

Best feature: As far as I know this was the first site to put up the entire book on Salaah of Shaikh Albanee on-line and its still there. Other sites too have followed suit.

What it lacks/ What could be added: Quantity. And it is hoped that they do so soon because they seem have a knack for selecting good stuff.

46. Muttaqun.com
http://www.muttaqun.com

Rating: 7

This is a very good site for getting a quick overview of Islaam. Muslims just starting to read up on their deen will find the format attractive as the articles are arranged according to very specific topics i.e. beard, rings, sneezing etc. The site is very easy to navigate but dial up connection users will find the pages comparatively slow in opening due to the applets which make each page transition different.

Best feature: The topic wise arrangement of the articles and the 'Action Items for the Muttaqun'

What it lacks/ What could be added: No downloadable E books, no lectures. Also it needs more in-depth material on many topics.

47. Shariah Way
http://www.shariahway.com/

Rating: 7

The main agenda of the site is to serve New Muslims but has content relevant to all Muslims. This site is high on article content and maintained regularly with a regular mailing list. Each aspect of Islam has been covered. There are a few downloadable books but nothing that other sites don’t already have. An interesting feature is an Islamic quiz where you can test yourself on some of the basics of Islam. There are links to audio and Holy Quran radio, but nothing uploaded on the site
Best feature: High on article content and authentic literature and an excellent site for new Muslims; not to forget the quiz!

What it lacks/ what could be added: Site is not very user friendly and some of the colours can hurt the eyes. Improving the presentation of the site will attract more visitors and thus benefit more people.

48. Ahya.org
http://www.ahya.org

Rating: 7

This site has some really good articles which alone are worth the visit. Besides it has some good E books and one of them is their own publication
It has also has a sizeable collection of lectures. At the time of reviewing, the site had 31 lectures of Dr. Zakir Naik; mostly audio but video lectures are also available. Unfortunately not all are available for downloading

Best Feature: A solid 31 Lectures of Dr. Zakir Naik and the articles.

What it lacks/ What could be added: It has only 4 E books and lectures of only two speakers.

49. Islamic Virtual School
http://islamicschool.net/

Rating: 7

This site is based on an excellent concept which needs to be taken further. It has Arabic multimedia teaching aids in the form of games which are fun and beneficial at the same time. The learning aids can be used online or downloaded. It also offers some physical products in its store in co-operation with astrolabe which seem promising although of course each product would have to be evaluated on its own merit

Muslim programmers worldwide need to put their skills to meeting this modern need of the community so that children can spend more 'fun' time learning Arabic and their deen on computers which occupy a large portion of their time anyway.

This site has taken a big step in this direction but a lot remains to be done.

Best Feature: Multimedia Islaamic learning aids

What it lacks/ What could be added: More such and better learning aids not only from this site but Muslim programmers and creative artists worldwide.

50. The Muslim Woman.com
http://www.themuslimwoman.com

Rating: 7

This site goes a long way in fulfilling a prime need for Internet using Muslims i.e. a good site dedicated primarily to the Muslim Woman. What is more gratifying is that this site does not lose sight of the basic Islaamic teachings while presenting material focusing on the Muslim Woman. Also it has none of the feminist ideas that seem to be gaining ground among many Muslim women nowadays.

There is also a special section for kids, which is also important as one of the main roles of the woman in Islaam is to raise children on sound Islaamic values so that they can be efficient units of this Ummah.

To be sure this site does not fulfill all the requirements of the task it has undertaken (going by its name) but it does go a long way towards filling this gap in cyberspace and if the site maintainers work on it can become even better bi izniLlaah

Best Feature: A good site dedicated for the Muslim Woman.

What it lacks/ What could be added: To fulfill the responsibilities of its name the site needs addition of content on many other issues. Also the kids section needs to be improved quality wise.

51. Islam Guide.com
http://www.islam-guide.com/

Rating: 7

This site consists of just a single book in the form of a website. However, it is worth visiting this site because it is an excellent book for Da’wah purposes or even for Muslims to strengthen their Faith by seeing the scientific proofs of the veracity of the Qur’aan. What adds luster to this site is that they allow you to download the entire book in PDF format for reading, printing and free distribution. A ‘Must Download’ for any Da’ee.
The site is also available in a few other languages.

Best Feature: The book itself

What it lacks/ What could be added: Although the apparent aim of the site maintainers (presenting the book on the net) is admirably accomplished it seems a waste to keep a website with such a good name for just this purpose. They would do well to add more such Dawah and comparative material.

52. Salafi Manhaj.com
http://www.salafimanhaj.com

Rating: 7

Here’s a site which holds the promise of jumping to higher ratings as time passes.
It already has a sizeable quantity of good material in the form of E books, fataawa and audio. But some of the sections are still devoid of content In our initial review we had noted with enthusiasm a project on Tafseer Ibn Kathir. But now it is no longer on the site.

Best feature: Their E books and a well designed modern looking site.

Compared to other site in the top range the quantity & variety is low but projects seem underway to rectify this.

53. Ansar.org
http://www.ansar.org/english/index.htm

Rating: 7

This site is concerned basically with refuting the false teachings and propaganda of the Shia. A commendable effort and one with scope for future expansion

Best Feature: A site dedicated to refutation of Shia distortions.

What it lacks/ What could be added: Addition of early scholars’ refutations of the Shia and also a section dedicated to correct Aqeedah regarding the Sahaabah

54. Salim Morgan's site:
http://www.java-man.com/index.html

Rating: 7

This site has some good material not easily found elsewhere, namely the translation of some classical Arabic books into English. Unlike some other translations of Arabic books into English these are of good quality and make for smooth reading. See also (hear actually) an interesting audio of 'some truly bizarre carrying-on which some people call "worship".'

Best Feature: The English translations of some classical Arabic books and lecture notes on some interesting topics

What it lacks/ What needs to be added: This is only a bare bones site so there is a lot of flesh that could be added. Also the site seems to have been neglected for a long time.

55. Luton Muslims.co.uk
http://www.lutonmuslims.co.uk

Rating: 8

Run by Muslims in the Luton area of UK, lutonmuslims.co.uk has a lot of good content, and some good Halaqaat going on.. Its selection of articles encompasses many aspects of a Muslim’s life from the fundamentals to purity of oneself. Some of these articles are not on any other site which is a plus. The site also draws attention to the Muslims being help captive mainly in UK without charge or trial and is active in trying to ease their plight. It also invites other Muslims to participate even if only by writing a letter to the detainees. The events page mainly deals with events in the local area of Luton and London..
Best feature: The Campaign for Justice, well written articles and the notes from lessons conducted in their Halaqaat.
What it lacks/ What could be added: The audios of the Halaqaat would benefit other than Luton residents if uploaded on the site

56. Quraan.com
http://www.quraan.com/

Rating: 6

As the name indicates this site is primarily a site containing resources for the study of the Noble Qur'aan. It includes the complete translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & T. Hilali.
Towards justifying its name it also has a Qur'aan research tool for registered users (free sign up) where in you can create your own bookmarks for ayah groupings under titles you choose, access the Arabic text. It has some additional good books about other topics

Best Feature: MyQuraan Bookmarks for registered users which is a free service

What it lacks/ What could be added: Going by its name it should have some Qur’aan software and audios to download which it doesn’t. The site maintainers would do well to add some material on the history of compilation of the Qur'aan, introduction to Usool at tafseer, proofs of authenticity etc.

57. Ibraheem’s Creed.net
http://www.ibraheemscreed.net/

Rating: 6.5

This is the website hosting the lectures of Shaikh Salem al Amry. It contains an excellent explanation of Kitaab at Tawheed of Imaam Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab. Besides this it also has other lectures. All lectures are in MP3 format and free to download. Make the best use of your MP3 players by downloading and listening to these lectures. Article content is low and E books are absent from this site.

Best Feature: The series of lectures

What it lacks/ What could be added: Material from other scholars, E books, articles.

58. Al Manhaj.com
http://www.al-manhaj.com

Rating: 6

Note: At the time of revising the reviews this site is no longer available. We hope it makes a comeback though.

This is a good site which can become better with the addition of more material. The quality of the existing content, however, makes this site worth visiting. Do visit this site a it contains some good E books and articles not found elsewhere.

Best Feature: Well selected content

What it lacks/ What could be added: Quantity. Many of the sections have Zero content.

59. Clearpath.com
http://www.theclearpath.com

Rating: 6

This is a site which aims to present a proper perspective of Islaam and the methodology Muslims should follow. For this it has some very good articles but the small number leaves much to be desired. It also contains a few books but has absolutely no audio content. Site navigation is easy and fast.

Best Feature: Nothing outstanding but they have a good start to building a top class site.

What it lacks/ What could be added: Quantity

60. Islamic Web.com
http://islamicweb.com/

Rating: 6

This is one of the many sites on the net with everything in it good but such that it does not rise above the average. It has books, articles and a few audio and video lectures. All in all it is a good initial effort which needs to be improved on.

Best Feature: Nothing outstanding.

What it lacks/ What could be added: More and better quality content would boost the ratings of this site.

61. IRF.net
http://www.irf.net/irf/main.htm

Rating: 6

This is the website of the famous Indian Da'ee Dr.Zakir Naik. Those who haven't heard about him are missing out a lot on the Dawah scene and should rush to this site immediately. Although the site itself does not host any of his Audio or Video Lectures it links to a site that has them. Download and enjoy seeing Dr. Zakir convincingly prove with innumerable quotations from the Bible, Vedas & other religions that Tawheed is clearly mentioned in the earlier scriptures, that too all from memory!!! (The man must be having a chip installed somewhere in his head). Also his spontaneous and convincing replies to sticky Dawah questions raised by non Muslims during the QA session which invariably follows each of his lectures and debates are a treat to watch.

The site has his books and some transcribed lectures/debates. It also has an online Dawah Training course.

Best Feature: Online Dawah Training course & the Da'wah efforts of Dr. Zakir Naik.

What it lacks/ What could be added: Content wise it does not have much to offer, because the intent of the site seems to be to inform people about the activities of Dr. Zakir and the IRF. Also it could do with some regular updates. The last one seems to have been in 2004.

62. Jaafar Idris.com
http://www.jaafaridris.com/

Rating: 6

This site presents material of Shaikh Jaafar Idris. It’s a worth a visit to learn from the writings and lectures of this man.
There used to be a site earlier named ViewIslam.com which had the writings of Shaikh Jaafar Idris. But that seems to be down now.

Best Feature: The works of Shaikh Jaafar Idri

What it lacks/ What could be added: Quantity

63. Islamchannel.tv
http://www.islamchannel.co.uk
or
http://www.islamchannel.tv

Rating: 6

Visit this site to learn more about a praiseworthy effort on the part of Islam channel TV. The site describes the reason behind and the aim of the channel as:
Despite constituting one fifth of the world’s population, Muslims and Islam are currently misrepresented in the global media. This has led to a large demand amongst Muslims for television that reflects their needs and programmes that are founded upon Islamic values.
Islam Channel aspires to be an alternative channel; it will advance unbiased and accurate images of Islam and Muslims and endeavour to bring about cultural understanding and awareness for a peaceful and harmonious co-existence amongst communities.

Although I can't comment on the quality of the actual programs of Islam Channel (I can't access the channel and don't have a broadband connection to view online) what I do feel is that there is a crying need for more such channels in the face of the current deluge of biased, misleading & negative misinformation on the international media scene. This effort needs to be supported by all Muslims, and not limited to only the few channels that are currently available world wide.

Besides the above information the site also tries to provide some good material for internet users. It has provided articles (mostly borrowed from other sites) and links to lectures from aswatalislam.net (see review for that site). As such there is no original content here.

It provides an online Fataawa facility wherein people can post questions on Islaamic issues. However the full list of scholars who will answer the questions is not available and there is no archive of past fataawa.

Best Feature: The effort to maintain an 'Islamic-focused satellite channel' and the facility to view the channels programs live on-line.

What it lacks/ What could be added: The website would do well to put up some original content and an archive of past fataawa. Also it would be useful if they could add some downloadable video files of past good programs beamed on the channel.

64. Remember Allaah.net
http://www.rememberallah.net/

Rating : 6

Here’s a nice colorful site with a clean design. It has a good collection of articles and many of them are original and hence refreshing. However the site has a long way to go before it achieves its claim of being ‘The biggest site for Quran, Hadeeth and Atkar’. The site has potential for further growth especially in areas other than articles.

Best Feature: The collection of articles

What it lacks/ What could be added: Mostly this site is need of audio lectures and some serious writing on its main theme i.e. dhikr

65. Make Dua.com
http://www.makedua.com/

Rating 6

A commendable effort by a group of volunteers. As they say: Fortification of the Muslim (Hisnul Muslim) is perhaps the most popular du'a book currently in print. This site is an electronic rendition of the "little du'a book".

That’s what he site is. As this book is available as a Word and PDF download elsewhere on the net, this site would not have been of much use. However it has a alphabetical index by which you can search topics and jump straight to the required du'aa.

Best Feature: The book itself

What it lacks/ What could be added: The site could be developed into a resource centre on Du’aa in general with articles on the etiquettes of du’aas, times when they are accepted etc.

66. The Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah Association of Australia
http://www.iisca.org/

Rating: 6

Here's a community site for Australian Muslims with good articles and audios. Apart from the articles, this site is relevant mostly for Australian Muslims.

Best feature: A site catering to the Australian Muslim Community.

What it lacks/ What could be added: E books, Multimedia content

Sites based on the Da'wah efforts of Shabbir Ally

67. http://islaminfo.com/new/

68. http://www.quranspeaks.com/main/

69. http://www.shabirally.com/

Rating: 6

These are three partner sites and are centered around the Da'wah efforts of Shabbir Ally..

Best Feature: The Da'wah efforts of Shabbir Ally

What it lacks/ What could be added: Although the sites have a clean layout, the pages are understated which is a drawback on a Da'wah oriented site. Also more content would build on the usefulness of this site.

70. E Muslim.com
http://www.emuslim.com/

Rating: 6

Closely resembling www.understandquran.com is emuslim.com. Here too the main focus is on getting a better understanding the Qur'aan by means of the shortlist of words, dictionaries in various languages etc. It has some other articles too.

Best Feature: 80 % words of the Qur'aan and word to word dictionaries

What it lacks/ What could be added: A good effort here which can be bettered by material on other aspects of the Qur'aan and Islaam.

71. Examine the Truth.com
http://www.examinethetruth.com

Rating: 6

Refutations of Christian missionaries attacking Islaam and debates with Christians are the core of this site. Although the site is more relevant to those who stay in the area of the webmaster, it is nevertheless interesting enough for others to visit too.

Best Feature: Refutations of Christian attacks on Islaam.

What it lacks/ What could be added: Da'wah material of other scholars from around the globe.

72. Al Islam.com
http://al-islam.com/eng/

Rating: 6

Head here for the website of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da‘wah and Guidance, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. All in all it is a good start but it needs a lot more stuff to push it up the charts as till the time of reviewing it had only articles and some Qur'aanic recitations. It also has a good section devoted to Ahkam of Tajweed.

Best Feature: A good section on Ahkam ut Tajweed.

What it lacks/ What could be added: Content other than articles.

73. Talk Islam.com
http://talkislam.com

Rating: 5

This site is best visited for its Islaamic quotes. If you wish to send Islamic SMS one liners then this is the site for you. It’s full of meaningful verses from the Qur’aan, poignant ahadeeth and quotes from the salaf and classical scholars. It also features a good online list of Muslim baby names with meanings along with names in Persian and Turkish
There is onsite shopping with a vast range of items from Books to toys and Bukhoor (incense)

Best feature: That would have to be the Islamic quote and names sections

What it lacks/ What could be added: Many of the quotes are unknown. Besides there is a lot that could be added Islaamically speaking and going by the name of the site but the site apparently is not aiming for any of those.

74. Islamic garden.com
http://www.islamicgarden.com/
Rating: 5

A simple little website that covers the basics in Islam with a wide range of topics from Hijra to women’s issues. Each topic has a short introduction and the site owner has added a book to buy that will explain that topic in more detail. There are some good reviews of books on learning Arabic.
There is a good section on depression which is prevalent in our societies today. There is also a section that teaches you how to build an Islamic Web-Site and another on Inspirational true stories
Best feature: The section on depression is informative .and the poetry section has some original poems
What it lacks/ What could be added: More content added to each topic would add to the appeal of this small offering to the average Muslim surfer.

75. Islamcall.com

http://www.islamcall.com/

Rating: 5

A site geared towards Da’wah but nothing exceptional

76. International Association for New Muslims.org
http://www.4newmuslims.org

Rating: 4

Yet another good starting place for new Muslims which has a good start and has scope for further improvement

Best Feature: A site and project dedicated for new Muslims.

What it lacks/ What could be added: More resources to make this a really good site for new Muslims.

77. Institute of Islamic Information and Education
http://www.iiie.net

Rating: 4

According to the site:
The Institute of Islamic Information and Education (III&E) is dedicated to the cause of Islam in North America through striving to elevate the image of Islam and Muslims by providing the correct information about Islamic beliefs, history and civilization from the authentic sources.

Apart from doing the above it has placed some very interesting brochures which are the reason for this site making it to this list and for Muslims apart from those residing in North America to visit it.

Best Feature: Some interesting brochures

What it lacks/ What could be added: Although basically meant for reflecting the activities of the III&E the webmaster should think of utilizing this valuable resource (the site) to put up more content to benefit all Muslims.

78. Real Islam.com
http://www.realislam.com

Rating: 4

This is one of the many sites which are based on correct sources and the presentation, content etc are about average.

Best feature: Nothing outstanding

What it lacks/ What needs to be added: Needs input all round of better quality material.

79. Muhammadiyah.org.sg
http://www.muhammadiyah.org.sg/article.htm

Rating: 3

Originally this site had some very good articles. Now it is under renovation, so the articles are not easily available directly from the home page but the link above will take you there. Some of the earlier articles seem to be missing. But hopefully the completed website should include all that and more. So keep this site in mind for visiting after a few months

Best Feature: Nothing Outstanding

What it lacks/ What needs to be added: As the site is under renovation it is best to watch and wait.

80. Sabbir.com
http://www.sabbir.com/

Rating: 3

The sole reason for this site to come on the list is the two projects undertaken by brother Sabbir viz.

1. An audio of the English Translation of the Qur'aan (Muhsin Khan and Hilali) along with the Arabic recitation by Shaikh Mishary ayah by ayah. Parts of it are already up on the site for free downloading. As far as we know this is the only site offering the audio version of the Muhsin Khan and Hilali translation.

2. The upcoming audio version of Riyadh us Saaliheen

The audios already up on the site are of professional So visit this site just for getting the audio translation files.

Best Feature: Professional quality audio translation of the Qur'aan (partially completed)

What it lacks/ What could be added: More material should be added to the Aqeedah section which has negligible content right now.

Deviant Sites

1. Sunnah.org
http://www.sunnah.org

This is a site to beware of. It is full of deviant Sufism. It has a page in praise of Qasidat -ul Burdaa. It claims that Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn al Qayyim, Ibn Hazm, Al-Jazai’ri, Al Abanee and bin Baz are all Innovators!!

Among other false claims on the website are the following statements about Kashf:

Kashf (Unveiling) is a reality which refers to the miraculous knowledge of the awliya (Friends of Allah). Such knowledge attains higher levels than that of any other knowledge of humankind and jinn including in certain cases the knowledge of Prophets…

Thus it is related by one of the Imams of hadith whose word lies beyond suspicion, that "it is well-known that he (Imam Nawawi) used to meet with al-Khidr (as)" and converse with him among many other mukaashafaat

2. I Profess.com
http://www.iprofess.com/english.htm

You should know this site so you can avoid its potential harm. This site is meant for new Muslims or non-Muslims thinking about Islaam. Judging from the home page you would feel like recommending this site to new Muslims.

But once on this site, a person is just one click away (literally) from sites which are steeped in deviant Sufi ideas. Also those sites have long articles which try to prove that Kashf, Tariqah, etc are all Islaamically valid. A person without sufficient grounding in the basics may fall into their lure or at least begin to have some doubts. Keep new comers away from this site and there is no benefit in it for 'old hands' either.

3. Sunni Path.com
http://www.sunnipath.com/

Suffice it to say that this is a site which teaches the Nu Ha Mim Keller and Faraz Rabbani brand of Sufism

4. Living Islam
http://www.abc.se/~m9783/index.html

Among the false teachings of this site is the following example:

Sharî`ah, Tarîqah And Haqîqah
The Tarîqah or Spiritual Path which is usually known as Tasawwuf or Sufism is the inner and esoteric dimension of Islam and like the Sharî`ah has its roots in the Quran and prophetic practice.

5. The Modern Religion.com
http://www.themodernreligion.com/

This site is similar to the above sites but more dangerous because its deviant Sufi teachings are not evident in the initial pages.

6. The Way to Truth.org
http://www.thewaytotruth.org/

Here's yet another site which does not reveal its true teachings until you are way inside the site. There are long pseudo Islaamic Articles with analogies like the one of a circle and its radii trying to prove their deviant ideas right.

To provide a glimpse of their teachings we have excerpted the following from their site:
Sainthood is a proof for Messengership
Sainthood is a proof for Messengership and the way or spiritual order (tariqa) is evidence for the Shari‘a. For a saint experiences with certainty of seeing the truths of belief communicated by the Messenger and confirms them through the witnessing of his heart and the spiritual pleasure he derives. Such confirmation is a decisive proof for the truth of Divine Messengership.

In another place they have posted the following articles:

THE SPIRITUAL LIFE IN ISLAM: SUFISM
Some Assertions Of Certain Saints
On The Doctrine Of “Unity Of Being”
What Does Knowledge Of God Is Different From Knowledge Of His Existence Mean?
The Nine Clarifications About Muslim Sufism And Following A Spiritual Order

7. Al Baz.com
http://www.al-baz.com/

Rating: Deviant site

This is the site for Al Baz book publishers and not a full fledged site. However it has some extracts from their publications so it turns up on search engine queries for Islaamic terms. That’s how we came across this site. Also it is good to know about al Baz publishers so as to avoid buying some of their publications by mistake as their stated goals is ‘… to publish fine English translations of the Treasures of Islam; in particular the works of the great Muslim saints, with special emphasis on the writings and majalis [sessions] of the Chieftain of the Saints, Sultan al-Awliya' Hazrat Shaikh Muhyi'd-din 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani, al-Hasani, al-Husaini, may Allah perfume his resting place.’

Here’s an extract from one of their publications posted on the site::

This book contains the words of the Supreme Helper, the Lordly Cardinal Pole, the everlasting edifice, the radiantly shining lamp, the Sultan of the saints and the masters of direct knowledge, the proof of the chosen and those who have reached their spiritual destination, Allah's Gray Falcon, our patron, our master and our exemplary guide to Allah (Exalted is He), the noble highborn patrician, the chieftain, Shaikh Muhyi 'd-Din 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani al-Hasani al-Husain…

8. Islam Rocks.com
http://www.islamrocks.com/
This site claims to be about traditional Islam but promotes Sufism and forbidden types of tasawwuf

9. Masud.co.uk
http://www.masud.co.uk9. Masud.co.uk

Deviant site promoting Sufis such as Nuh Keller and Abdul Hakim Murad. It has a lot of articles on refuting Salafees which Nuh Keller seems to have a zeal for.

They also promote Q magazine which is a tabloid that’s supposed to be Islaamic but has Sufi undertones.

10. Vashubah.com
http://www.vasuhba.com/

The Official Site of the Murids of Shaykh Nuh Keller

Very flashy site inviting you to lessons in Tasawuff by Nuh keller Lessons are offered in the sufi path and tariqas

11. TariqaTapes.com
http://www.tariqatapes.com/
Tariqa Tapes is an online site dedicated to serving the murids of the Hashimi-Darqawi Order of the Tariqa of Imam Abul Hasan Al-Shadhili Allah be well pleased with him. Recorded darses available on this site are lectures given by Shaykh Nuh Keller

12. Our world by A.Bewely
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/ABewley/
http://bewley.virtualave.net/
Aisha Bewely has translated Adab al mufrad and many gems on Maliki fiqh on her site but sadly promotes Sufisim and group Dhikr. http://bewley.virtualave.net/ this is the newer version of her website but still promotes the same.
After the above sampling of some Sufi sites we are providing below a list only of other such sites.
13. http://www.deenislam.co.uk/
14. http://www.yanabi.com
15. http://www.sunniforum.com/
16. http://www.saleel.com/
17. http://www.ibnarabisociety.org/
18. http://www.raza.co.za
19. http://www.naqshbandi.net
20. http://www.dawateislami.net/
21. http://www.ahlesunnat.net/main.html
22. http://www.noori.org/
23. http://www.taajushshariah.com/
24. http://www.hazrat.org
25. http://www.bahu.co.za/
26. http://www.alahazrat.net/index1.htm
27. http://www.sabiree.com
28. http://members.tripod.com/okarvi/
29. http://www.sunnirazvi.org/
30. http://www.livingislam.org/
31. http://iqra.net/
32. http://www.its.org.uk/index.html
33. http://www.ahmedbaki.com/
34. http://www.nurmuhammad.com/
35. http://www.muhammadanreality.com/

Shia Sites:

1. http://www.al-islam.org/
Has content aimed at converting Sunnis.

2. http://www.revertmuslims.com/
Revert Muslims beware of this one especially!

3. http://www.tafseercomparison.org/
Deceptive site trying to undermine the Tafseers of scholars like Ibn Katheer and Qurtubi and the real Methodology of Tafseer. Do not visit this site unless you have a very advanced knowledge of Tafseer.

4. http://www.almizan.org/
Shia Tafseer

5. http://www.alhidaaya.org
Not to be confused with http://www.al-hidaayah.co.uk/ which is an excellent publishing house

6. http://www.dartabligh.org/

7. http://www.alemaan.org/

8. http://www.duas.org/

9. http://playandlearn.org/

10. http://www.winislam.com

11. http://www.so.co.nz/

12. http://www.sajda.org/

13. http://aimislam.com/

14. http://www.sistani.org/

15. http://www.shiachat.com/

16. http://al-shia.com/

17. http://www.shia.org/

18. http://www.shiasource.com/

19. http://www.muslimyouth.ca/

20. http://www.ashura.com/

21. http://www.balagh.net/english/

22. http://www.imammehdi.org/

23. http://www.nezam.org/english/index.htm

24. http://almujtaba.com/

25. http://msfuo.com/

Anti Islaamic Sites

List of anti Islaamic sites and Exposé of 3 sites posting false convert stories

Exposé of three sites posting false convert stories

1. http://www.islamreview.com

This site has posted fake stories of how Muslims converted to Christianity. How do I know? Read the following excerpt from one of the stories:

First the 'convert' says: (emphasis added)
In the end, I managed to convince my mother, as it was for Allah and I joined the Islamic College. Having graduated as an ustaz, I was soon posted to my neighbourhood…

And then:
My trip to Mecca for the Haj (pilgrimage) was tiring but eventful. I did not have the rare opportunity to see inside the holy Kabah and the holy idols inside, which Prophet Muhammud had helped to place, as explained in Bukhari’s Hadith

An Ustaz (scholar) in Islaamic Studies is saying that there are idols inside the Kabah and that too placed by Muhammad (saw) himself!?!?!

This clearly shows that the author is deliberately trying to spread misinformation about Islaam and wants to convey to possible reverts to Islaam that it is religion of idol worship.

In fact most of the Christian sites use this tactic of false convert stories but it's not always possible to prove it

2. http://www.faithfreedom.org/

AlhamduliLlaah I was able to catch another site posting fake stories of Muslims leaving Islaam. See the false information imparted here. That the attempt is deliberate is known through the claim that the 'convert' has done detailed study about the topic.
For Islamic Education, I had to study about marriage in detail to do well. So, I learnt all the stuff and got the highest grade anyone can get for Islamic Education. And guess what? Because I know it so well, I know that there is a lot of discrimination against women in Islam. Things like a father and grandfather can marry a girl/woman to whomever they want even if the girl/woman doesn’t want to marry that person… In addition, I learned things like women couldn’t be witnesses in Syariah Courts and things like that

The first point here is a total lie whereas the second is a distorted version of the truth.

3. http://www.answering-islam.org/Testimonies/younathan.html

Here's yet another extract from a false convert story aimed at spreading misinformation about Islaam.

As I started thinking about my life and the Quran, I realized all Muslims, even the prophet Muhammad, would go to Hell for certain sins they committed in their lifetime.

This is a common ploy of the Christian Missionaries. They first inform gullible victims that Jesus (God) is Love and just by believing in the Crucifixion, you will be assured of Paradise. Whereas the concept of God in Islaam is so harsh that no one will be spared from Hell and that even Prophet Muhammad (saw) was not sure of where he would end up. For this purpose they quote an ayat of the Qur'aan out of context. Here there have gone a step further by saying that even our beloved Prophet (saw) would have to go through hell. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Anti Islaamic Sites under misleading names

4. http://www.muslimhope.com/

5. http://www.islameyat.com/

6. http://www.islamreview.com

7. http://www.muhammadanism.com/

8. http://thespiritofislam.com/index.html

9. http://www.abrahamic-faith.com/

10. http://www.gnfcw.com/

11. http://www.knowislam.info/drupal/mno

12. http://www.homa.org/

13. http://www.thequran.com

14. http://www.Allahassurance.com

15. http://www.mosque.com

16. http://thespiritofislam.com/index.html

17. http://www.newislam.org/

Anti Islaamic Sites apparent even by name

18. http://www.islam-exposed.org/

19. http://answering-islam.org.uk/

20. http://www.answeringinfidels.com

21. http://www.islamundressed.com/

22. http://www.studytoanswer.net/myths_ch1.html

23. http://www.challenging-islam.org/submissions/shariah.htm

24. www.answering-islam.org

25. http://www.islamundressed.com

26. http://www.exmuslim.com/

27. http://www.answeringinfidels.com

28. http://www.gnfcw.com/

29. http://www.dhimmi.com/

30. http://www.chick.com/information/religions/islam/

31. http://www.acage.org/

32. http://www.apostatesofislam.com/

33. http://www.secularislam.org/

34. http://www.muslim-refusenik.com/

35. http://www.icapi.org/

36. http://www.hesetsfree.org/

37. http://www.letusreason.org/Islamdir.htm

38. http://www.kafirnation.com/

39. http://www.jihadwatch.org

40. http://www.anti-cair-net.org/

41. http://apostatesofislam.com/

42. http://challenging-islam.org/

The Fourth Pillar of Islam: The Fast of Ramadan

2007-09-12T22:32:00.000+05:30

Fasting is not unique to the Muslims. It has been practiced for centuries in connection with religious ceremonies by Christians, Jews, Confucianists, Hindus, Taoists, and Jains. God mentions this fact in the Quran:

“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may develop God-consciousness.” (Quran 2:183)

Islam is the only religion that has retained the outward and spiritual dimensions of fasting throughout centuries. Selfish motives and desires of the base self alienate a man from his Creator. The most unruly human emotions are pride, avarice, gluttony, lust, envy, and anger. These emotions by their nature are not easy to control, thus a person must strive hard to discipline them. Muslims fast to purify their soul, it puts a bridle on the most uncontrolled, savage human emotions. People have gone to two extremes with regard to them. Some let these emotions steer their life which lead to barbarism among the ancients, and crass materialism of consumer cultures in modern times. Others tried to deprive themselves completely of these human traits, which in turn led to monasticism.

The fourth Pillar of Islam, the Fast of Ramadan, occurs once each year during the 9^th lunar month, the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which:

“…the Quran was sent down as a guidance for the people.” (Quran 2:185)

God in His infinite mercy has exempt the ill, travelers, and others who are unable from fasting Ramadan.

Fasting helps Muslims develop self-control, gain a better understanding of God’s gifts and greater compassion towards the deprived. Fasting in Islam involves abstaining from all bodily pleasures between dawn and sunset. Each and every moment during the fast, a person suppresses their passions and desires in loving obedience to God. This consciousness of duty and the spirit of patience helps in strengthening our faith. Fasting helps a person gain self-control. A person who abstains from permissible things like food and drink is likely to feel conscious of his sins. A heightened sense of spirituality helps break the habits of lying, staring with lust at the opposite sex, gossiping, and wasting time.

At dusk, the fast is broken with a light meal popularly referred to as iftaar. Families and friends share a special late evening meal together. Some will recite the entire Quran as a special act of piety, and public recitations of the Quran can be heard throughout the evening. Families rise before sunrise to take their first meal of the day, which sustains them until sunset. Near the end of Ramadan Muslims commemorate the “Night of Power” when the Quran was revealed. The month of Ramadan ends with one of the two major Islamic celebrations, the Feast of the Breaking of the Fast, called Eid al-Fitr. On this day, Muslims joyfully celebrate the completion of Ramadan. Muslims are also obliged to help the poor join in the spirit of relaxation and enjoyment by distributing zakat-ul-fitr, a special and obligatory act of charity in the form of staple foodstuff, in order that all may enjoy the general euphoria of the day.