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Why did God Create Mankind?

2011-10-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

From the perspective of humankind, the question “Why did God create man?” implies “For what purpose was man created?” In the final revelation (the Quran), this question is answered without any ambiguity. Humans are first informed by God that every human being is born with an innate consciousness of God. In the Quran, God said:

“[Remember] when your Lord extracted from the loins of Adam’s children their descendants and made them testify [saying]: ‘Am I not your Lord?’ They said: ‘Yes, we testify to it.’ [This was] in case you say on the Day of Judgment: ‘We were unaware of this.’ Or you say: ‘It was our ancestors who worshipped others besides God and we are only their descendants. Will you then destroy us for what those liars did?’” (Quran 7:172)

The Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, explained that when God created Adam, He took from him a covenant at a place called Na,maan on the 9th day of the 12th month. He then extracted from Adam all of his descendants who would be born until the end of the world, generation after generation, and spread them out before Him to take a covenant from them also. He spoke to them, face to face, making them bear witness that He was their Lord. Consequently, every human being is responsible for belief in God, which is imprinted on each and every soul. It is based on this inborn belief that God defined the purpose of mankind’s creation in Quran:

“I have created the jinn and humankind only for My worship.” (Quran 51:56)

Thus, the essential purpose for which humankind was created is the worship of God. However, the Almighty is not in need of human worship. He did not create human beings out of a need on His part. If not a single human worshipped God, it would not diminish His glory in any way, and if all of humankind worshipped Him, it would not increase His glory in any way. God is perfect. He alone exists without any needs. All created beings have needs. Consequently, it is humankind that needs to worship God.

The Meaning of Worship

To understand why human beings need to worship God, one must first understand what is meant by the term ‘worship.’ The English term ‘worship’ comes from the Old English weorthscipe meaning ‘honor.’ Consequently, worship in the English language is defined as ‘the performance of devotional acts in honor of a deity.’ According to this meaning, man is instructed to show gratitude to God by glorifying Him. In the Quran, God says:

“Glorify the praises of your Lord...” (Quran 15:98)

In glorifying God, man chooses to be in harmony with the rest of creation which naturally glorifies its Creator. God addresses this phenomenon in many chapters of the Quran. For example, in the Quran, God states:

“The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them glorify Him and there is nothing which does not glorify His praise. However, you do not understand their glorification.” (Quran 17:44)

However, in Arabic, the language of the final revelation, worship is called ‘ibaadah, which is closely related to the noun ‘abd, meaning ‘a slave.’ A slave is one who is expected to do whatever his master wills. Consequently, worship, according to the final revelation, means ‘obedient submission to the will of God.’ This was the essence of the message of all the prophets sent by God to mankind. For example, this understanding of worship was emphatically expressed by Prophet Jesus (the Messiah or Jesus Christ),

“None of those who call me ‘Lord’ will enter the kingdom of God, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

It should be noted that ‘will’ in this quote means ‘what God wants human beings to do’ and not ‘what God permits humans to do,’ because nothing happens in creation without the will (permission) of God. The ‘Will of God’ is contained in the divinely revealed laws which the prophets taught their followers. Consequently, obedience to divine law is the foundation of worship. In this sense, glorification also becomes worship when humans choose to obey God’s instructions regarding His glorification.

The Need for Worship

Why do human beings need to worship and glorify God by obeying the divinely revealed laws? Because obedience to divine law is the key to success in this life and the next. The first human beings, Adam and Eve, were created in paradise and later expelled from paradise for disobeying the divine law. The only way for human beings to return to paradise is by obedience to the law. Prophet Jesus, was reported in the Gospel according to Matthew to have made obedience to the divine laws the key to paradise: Now behold, one came and said to him,

“Good teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So he said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

Also Prophet Jesus was reported to have insisted on strict obedience to the commandments, saying:

“Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Divine laws represent guidance for humankind in all walks of life. They define right and wrong for them and offer human beings a complete system governing all of their affairs. The Creator alone knows best what is beneficial for His creation and what is not. The divine laws command and prohibit various acts and substances to protect the human spirit, the human body and human society from harm. In order for human beings to fulfill their potential by living righteous lives, they need to worship God through obedience to His commandments.

Remembrance of God

All of the various acts of worship contained in the divine laws are designed to help humans remember God. It is natural for human beings to sometimes forget even the most important things. Humans often become so engrossed in fulfilling their material needs that they totally forget their spiritual needs. Regular prayer is ordained to organize the day of the true believer around the remembrance of God. It interweaves spiritual needs with material needs on a daily basis. The regular daily need to eat, work and sleep is linked to the daily need to renew man’s connection with God. With regard to regular prayer, God states in the final revelation,

“Verily, I am God, there is no god beside Me, so worship Me and establish regular prayer for My remembrance.” (Quran 20:14)

Regarding fasting, God stated in the Quran,

“O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may become God-conscious.” (Quran 2:183)

The believers are encouraged to remember God as much as possible. Although, moderation in all spheres of life, whether material or spiritual, is generally encouraged in divine law, an exception is made regarding the remembrance of God. It is virtually impossible to remember God too much. Consequently, in the final revelation, God encourages the believers to remember Him as often as possible:

“O believers! Remember God often.” (Quran 33:41)

Remembrance of God is stressed because sin is generally committed when God is forgotten. The forces of evil operate most freely when consciousness of God is lost. Consequently, the satanic forces seek to occupy people’s minds with irrelevant thoughts and desires to make them forget God. Once God is forgotten, people willingly join the corrupt elements. The final revelation, addresses this phenomenon in as follows:

“Satan got the better of them and caused them to forget God. Those are the party of Satan. Truly the party of Satan are the real losers.” (Quran 58:19)

God, through Divine law, has prohibited intoxicants and gambling primarily because they cause human beings to forget God. The human mind and body easily become addicted to drugs and games of chance. Once addicted, mankind’s desire to continually be stimulated by them leads them into all forms of corruption and violence among themselves. God says in the Quran:

“Satan’s plan is to incite enmity and hatred among you with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of God and regular prayer. Will you not then abstain?” (Quran 5:91)

Consequently, humankind need to remember God for their own salvation and growth. All humans have times of weakness in which they commit sins. If they have no means of remembering God, they sink deeper and deeper into corruption with every sin. However, those who follow the divine laws will be constantly reminded of God, which will give them a chance to repent and correct themselves. The final revelation accurately describes this process:

“Those who, having done something shameful or having wronged their own souls, remember God and immediately ask forgiveness for their sins...” (Quran 3:135)

The Religion of Islam

The most complete system of worship available to human beings today is the system found in the religion of Islam. The very name ‘Islam’ means ‘submission to the will of God.’ Although it is commonly referred to as ‘the third of the three monotheistic faiths,’ it is not a new religion at all. It is the religion brought by all of the prophets of God for mankind. Islam was the religion of Adam, Abraham, Moses and Jesus. God addresses this issue in the Quran with regard to Prophet Abraham, saying:

“Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was an upright Muslim who did not worship others besides God.” (Quran 3:67)

Since there is only One God, and humankind are one species, the religion which God has ordained for human beings is one. He did not prescribe one religion for the Jews, another for Indians, yet another for Europeans, etc. Human spiritual and social needs are uniform, and human nature has not changed since the first man and woman were created. Consequently, no other religion is acceptable to God besides Islam, as He clearly states in the final revelation:

“Surely God’s religion is Islam…” (Quran 3:19)

“And whoever desires a religion besides Islam will not have it accepted, and he will be among the losers in the hereafter.” (Quran 3:85)

Every Act is Worship

In the Islamic system, each and every human act can be transformed into an act of worship. In fact, God commands the believers to dedicate their whole lives to Him. In the Quran, God says:

“Say: ‘Surely my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for God, the Lord of all the worlds.’” (Quran 6:162)

However, for that dedication to be acceptable to God, each act must fulfill two basic conditions:

1. First, the act must be done sincerely for the pleasure of God and not for the recognition and praise of human beings. The believer also has to be conscious of God while doing the deed to insure that it is not something forbidden by God or the last Messenger, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.

In order to facilitate this transformation of mundane deeds into worship, God instructed the last Prophet, to prescribe short prayers to be said before even the simplest of acts. The shortest prayer which may be used for any circumstance is: Bismillaah (In the name of God). There are, however, many other prayers prescribed for specific occasions. For example, whenever a new piece of clothing is worn, the Prophet, taught his followers to say:

“O God, thanks is due to You, for it is You who has clothed me. I ask You for its benefit and the benefit for which it was made, and seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil for which it was made.” (An-Nasa’i)

2. The second condition is that the act be done in accordance with the prophetic way, called in Arabic the Sunnah. All of the prophets instructed their followers to follow their way because they were guided by God. What they taught were divinely revealed truths, and only those who followed their way and accepted the truths would inherit eternal life in paradise. It is in this context that Prophet Jesus, may the peace and blessings of God be upon him, was reported in the Gospel according to John 14:6, as saying:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Similarly, Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood related…

“One day Prophet Muhammad, drew a line in the sand for them and said, “This is God’s path.” He then drew several lines [branching off] to the right and to the left and said, “These are the paths [of misguidance] on each of which is a devil inviting people to follow it.” He then recited the verse: ‘Verily, this is my path, leading straight, so follow it. And do not follow the [other] paths for they will scatter you about from God’s path. That is His command to you in order that you may be conscious of God.’” (Ahmed)

Thus, the only acceptable way to worship God is according to the way of the prophets. That being the case, innovation in religious affairs would be considered by God among the worst of all evils. Prophet Muhammad, was reported to have said,

“The worst of all affairs is innovation in religion, for every religious innovation is a cursed, misleading innovation leading to the hellfire.” (An-Nasa’i)

Innovation in the religion is forbidden and unacceptable to God. The Prophet was also reported by his wife, Aa’ishah, to have said:

“He who innovates something in our religion, that is not of it, will have it rejected.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

It is fundamentally due to innovations that the messages of the earlier prophets were distorted and the many false religions in existence today evolved. The general rule to follow in order to avoid innovation in religion is that all forms of worship are prohibited, except those which have been specifically prescribed by God and conveyed to humans by the true messengers of God.

The Best of Creation

Those who believe in One Unique God, without partners or offspring, and do righteous deeds [according to the above-mentioned principles] become the crown of creation. That is, although humankind is not the greatest creation of God, they have the potential to become the best of His creation. In the final revelation, God states this fact as follows:

“Surely, those who believe and do righteous deeds are the best of creation.” (Quran 98:7)

The Gravest Sin

To contradict the purpose of one’s creation is then the greatest evil that a human being can commit. Abdullaah reported that he asked God’s Messenger (peace be upon him) which sin is the gravest in God’s sight and he replied,

“To ascribe a partner to God, even though He created you.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Worshipping others besides God, called shirk in Arabic, is the only unforgivable sin. If a human being dies without repenting from his or her sins, God may forgive all their sins, except shirk. In this regard, God stated:

“Surely God will not forgive the worship of others besides Him, but He forgives sins less than that to whomever He wishes.” (Quran 4:116)

Worshipping others besides God essentially involves giving the attributes of the Creator to His creation. Each sect or religion does this in their own particular way. A small but very vocal group of people down through the ages have actually denied God’s existence. To justify their rejection of the Creator, they were obliged to make the illogical claim that this world has no beginning. Their claim is illogical because all of the observable parts of the world have beginnings in time, therefore it is only reasonable to expect the sum of the parts to also have a beginning. It is also only logical to assume that whatever caused the world to come into existence could not have been a part of the world nor could it have a beginning like the world. The atheist assertion that the world has no beginning means that the matter which makes up the universe is eternal. This is a statement of shirk, whereby God’s attribute of being without beginning is given to His creation. The numbers of genuine atheists have historically always been quite small because, in spite of their claims, they instinctively know that God does exist. That is, in spite of decades of communist indoctrination, the majority of Russians and Chinese continued to believe in God. The Almighty Creator pointed out this phenomenon, saying:

“And they denied [the signs] wrongfully and arrogantly, though within themselves they were convinced of them.” (Quran 27:14)

To atheists and materialists, life has no purpose beyond the fulfillment of their desires. Consequently, their desires also become the god which they obey and submit to instead of the One True God. In the Quran, God said:

“Have you seen the one who takes his desires as his god?” (Quran 25:43, 45:23)

Christians gave Prophet Jesus Christ the attributes of the Creator by first making him co-eternal with God, then by making him a personality of God whom they titled ‘God the Son.’ Hindus, on the other hand, believe that God has become man in many ages, by incarnations called avatars, and then they divided God’s attributes between three gods, Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer.

Love of God

Shirk also occurs when human beings love, trust or fear the creation more than God. In the last revelation, God said:

“There are among men those who worship others besides God as equals to Him. They love them as only God should be loved. But those who believe have a stronger love for God.” (Quran 2:165)

When these and other similar emotions are directed more strongly to the creation, they cause human beings to disobey God in a effort to please other humans. However, only God deserves a complete human emotional commitment, for it is He alone who should be loved and feared over all creation. Anas ibn Maalik narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever possesses [the following] three characteristics has tasted the sweetness of faith: he who loves God and His Messenger above all else; he who loves another human being for God’s sake alone; and he who hates to return to disbelief after God has rescued him as he hates to be thrown into a fire.” (As-Suyooti)

All the reasons for which humans love other humans or love other created beings are reasons to love God more than His creation. Humans love life and success, and dislike death and failure. Since God is the ultimate source of life and success, He deserves the full love and devotion of mankind. Humans also love those who benefit them and help them when they are in need. Since all benefit (7:188) and help (3:126) come from God, He should be loved above all else.

“If you try to count God’s blessings, you will not be able to add them up.” (Quran 16:18)

However, the supreme love which humans should feel for God must not be reduced to the common denominator of their emotional love for creation. Just as the love humans feel for animals should not be the same as what they feel for other humans, the love of God should transcend the love humans feel towards each other. Human love of God should be, fundamentally, a love manifest in complete obedience to the laws of God:

“If you love God, then follow me [the Prophet] and God will love you.” (Quran 3:31)

This is not an abstract concept, because human love of other humans also implies obedience. That is, if a loved one requests that something be done, humans will strive to do it according to the level of their love for that person.

The love of God should also be expressed in the love of those whom God loves. It is inconceivable that one who loves God could hate those whom God loves and love those whom He hates. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was quoted by Aboo Umaamah as saying:

“He who loves for God and hates for God, gives for God and withholds for God, [and marries for God] has perfected his faith.” (As-Suyooti)

Consequently, those whose faith is proper will love all those who love God. In Chapter Maryam, God indicates that He puts love in the hearts of the believers for those who are righteous.

“Surely, God will bestow love [in the hearts of the believers for] those who believe and do righteous deeds.” (Quran 19:96)

Aboo Hurayrah also related that God’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said the following in this regard:

“If God loves a servant He informs angel Gabriel that He loves so-and-so and tells him to love him, so Gabriel loves him. Then Gabriel calls out to the inhabitants of the heavens: ‘God loves so-and-so, therefore love him.’ So the inhabitants of the heavens love him. Then he is granted the love of the people of the earth.” (Saheeh Muslim)

By
Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips

Why did God create us?

2011-10-19T07:12:00.000-07:00

The purpose of creation is a topic that puzzles every human being at some point of his or her lifetime. Although most people put the question of why we are created aside after occasional brief reflection, it is extremely critical for human beings to know the answer. Without knowledge of the correct answer, human beings become indistinguishable from the other animals around them. The animal necessities and desires of eating, drinking and procreating become the purpose of human existence by default, and human effort is then focused in this limited sphere.

Without knowledge of the purpose of life, human existence loses all meaning and is consequently wasted, and the reward of an eternal life of happiness in the hereafter is completely destroyed.

Humans most often turn to other human beings like themselves for the answers. However, the only place that clear and precise answers to these questions can be found is in the books of divine revelation. It was necessary that God reveal the purpose to man through His prophets, because human beings are incapable of arriving at the correct answers themselves. All of the prophets of God taught their followers the answers to the question "Why did God create us?"

From the point of view of God, an even more fundamental question needs to be asked, "Why did God create?" This question should be asked because humankind is not, in fact, the greatest creation. God says in the Qur’an:

Indeed, the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the creation of mankind, but most of mankind do not realize it. [40:57]

The composition of human beings is far less complex than the composition of the universe in which they exist. However, very few people reflect on this reality. Because of the apparent supremacy of human beings over other creatures on this earth, man's journeys through space and the continued advancement of their technology and knowledge, humankind in every age becomes arrogant and considers itself the greatest thing in this world. It is worth noting that the majority of humankind's amazing discoveries are not concerning the human being, but his surroundings. In this verse, God brings human beings back to their actual status in this world. Humankind is merely a small part of the existence which resulted from the miraculous act of divine creation.

Creation is fundamentally the consequence of the divine attribute of being the Creator. A creator who does not create is something of a contradiction in terms. This is not to say God needs His creation. God is free from all needs. It is the creation which needs Him. But, as the greatness of a writer becomes apparent in his writings, the perfection of divine creative attribute is manifest in creation. Creation in the true sense is unique to God alone. Although humans ascribe the act of creation to themselves, what they do is not true creation. Humankind merely manipulates what already exists - what was already created by God.

In the creation of humankind, the divine attributes of forgiveness, mercy and kindness are also manifested.

God's love is manifest in beings brought into existence, whether believer or disbeliever, to enjoy life, if only for a brief moment. It is also realized in the creation of paradise for those who choose righteousness over evil.

Why did God create humankind?

"{Remember] when your Lord extracted from the loins of Adam's children and their descendents and made them testify [saying] : 'Am I not your Lord?' They said: 'Yes, we testify to it.' [This was] in case you say on the Day of Judgment: 'We were unaware of this.' Or you say: 'It was our ancestors who worshipped others besides God and we are only their descendents. Will you then destroy us for what those liars did?' " [Qur'an, 7: 172-3]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) explained that when God created Adam, He took from him a covenant. He then extracted from Adam all of his descendents who would be born until the end of the world, generation after generation, and spread them out before Him to take a covenant from them also. He spoke to them, face to face, making them bear witness that He was their Lord. Consequently, every human being is responsible for belief in God, which is imprinted on each and every soul. It is based on this inborn belief that God defined the purpose of humankind's creation:

"I have created the jinn and humankind only for My worship" [Qur'an, 51: 56]

Thus, the essential purpose for which humankind was created is the worship of God. However, the Almighty is not in need of human worship. He did not create human beings out of a need on His part. If not a single human worshipped God, it would not diminish His glory in any way, and if all humankind worshipped Him, it would not increase His glory in any way. God is perfect. He alone exists without any needs. All created beings have needs. Consequently, it is humankind that needs to worship God.

In the Islamic system, each and every human act can be transformed into an act of worship. In the Qur’an, God says: "Say: 'Surely my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for God, the Lord of all the worlds.' " [6: 162]

However, for that dedication to be acceptable to God, each act must fulfill two basic conditions:

1] The act must be done sincerely for the pleasure of God and not for the recognition and praise of human beings.

In order to facilitate this transformation of mundane deeds into worship, God instructed the last Prophet to prescribe short prayers to be said before even the simplest of acts. The shortest prayer which may be used for any circumstance is : Bismillah (In the name of God). There are, however, many other prayers prescribed for specific occasions.

2] The second condition is that the act be done in accordance with the prophetic way, called in Arabic the Sunnah.

All of the prophets instructed their followers to follow their way because they were guided by God. The only acceptable way to worship God is according to the ways of the prophets. That being the case, innovation in religious affairs would be considered by God among the worst of all evils. It is fundamentally due to innovations that the messages of the earlier prophets were distorted and the many false religions in existence today evolved. The general rule to follow in order to avoid innovation in religion is that all forms of worship are prohibited, except those which have been specifically prescribed by God and conveyed to humans by the true messengers of God.

The question concerning the purpose of humankind's creation may be expanded to include the world in which they live. The question would then be, "Why did God create human beings in this world?" Again, the answer to this question can easily be found in the final revelation:

"[It is He] who created death and life to test which of you is best in conduct; and He is the Mighty, the Forgiving" [67: 2]

"Surely I have created all that is on earth as its ornaments that I may test which of them is best in conduct." [18: 7]

Thus, the purpose for the creation of human beings in this world is to test their conduct. This world of life and death, wealth and poverty, sickness and health, was created to sift out the righteous souls from the evil souls. The tests serve to confirm on the Day of Judgment that those going to hell deserve it and those going to paradise only got there by God's grace.

Conclusion

Without knowledge of the purpose of creation, human beings wander aimlessly through life, like ships at sea without rudders. Their goals are either wrong due to incorrect religious teachings, or materialistic and thus confined to this world. It is, therefore, essential for their own well-being that they know why God created them. Fundamentally, God created in order to manifest His attributes. Consequently,

Creation is the consequence of His being the Creator
Paradise manifests His Mercy and Grace
Hell, His justice
Humankind's errors, His forgiveness
Living and non-living beings, His Generosity, etc.

The significance of knowing that creation is a means by which God manifests His attributes is that human beings can then correctly recognize God and accept His decree and their destiny.

However, it is of even greater importance that human beings know the purpose for which they were created. The final revelation teaches that it is to worship God because humankind must worship Him in order to attain righteousness and the spiritual status necessary to enter paradise. The significance of this knowledge is that human beings understand that worship is as much a necessity as eating and breathing and that it is not a favour they are doing for God.

It is also essential that human beings grasp the importance of this world's bounties and trials. Without knowledge of the purpose behind their creation, humans tend to look at this world as being hostile to them. However, God created it primarily for their benefit. The tests of good and evil are designed to bring out the higher spiritual qualities of the human being. However, humans are not able to benefit from the tests unless they put complete trust in God and have patience in what He has destined for them. For those who reject God, the trials of this world become a punishment for them in this life prior to the eternal punishment in the next world.

By
Dr. Bilal Philips

The Challenge of Islam

2011-07-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

What is Islam?

Islam is more than just another religion next to Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism or Judaism. Islam claims to be a way of life. It is a system which governs and controls the lives of more than 1.2 Billion men and women around the globe (1996).

Islamic publications describe it in these terms:

"Islam in its clear and direct way of expressing truth has a tremendous amount of appeal for any seeker of knowledge. It is the solution for all the problems of life. It is a guide toward a better and complete life glorifying in all its phases God, the Almighty Creator and the Merciful Nourisher."
Islam at a Glance, Durban, RSA

"Islam is the first and the final religion of mankind."
"Islam is the most rational religion. It gives a clear code of life."
"Islam is the shortest and broadest road that leads to God."
The Christian witness needs to have a meaningful response to these claims, not only by way of clear arguments but also through a convincing life testimony.

The Challenge of Islam

"Africa is to be the first Islamic continent" is a well-used Islamic slogan. Is this mere propaganda or do Muslims pursue this goal in earnest? Let's look at the resurgence of Islam:

Since the end of the last World War there has been a total upheaval and dramatic change in the 'world order'. The collapse of the colonial systems, the victory of liberal humanistic thinking over former perceptions of justice and ecology, the victimization of people and systems which resisted changes in their value system, the new interpretation of socialism, democracy and freedom, as well as the shift from the East-West conflict to an impending North-South one, and the migration of many millions of people in search for a better future, has produced a new society in many places on our globe. A new brand of nationalism has in many cases not kept its promises to facilitate the so much needed and wanted economic upliftment. The population explosion, the AIDS threat, massive unemployment and the soaring of criminal activities have led to an unprecedented pessimism and hopelessness in many areas of the world.

At the same time the industrial revolution with its ever-increasing appetite for energy - which is largely found in the oil fields of the formerly poor and unimportant Islamic countries of the Middle East - has created right there an unprecedented wealth. And - as we all know - wealth represents power. It is therefore not surprising to observe in these countries, the strife for military superiority, perfected by offensive nuclear weaponry. The human potential of Islam increased vastly when the former Soviet Union broke up and a number of the Republics in the South began to view themselves as Islamic states.

Material affluence in itself does not constitute power as yet, and with that no real threat to others. Only if aligned with an ideology, monetary power becomes a danger - and it did so when Iran came totally under the influence of the 'Ayatollah' Khomeini. Because of his extreme views he had to live in exile for a number of years, working to reverse the Western influence in and on his country. When, after his return, his fundamentalist doctrines were forcibly introduced, he gained full control over Iran. All those who did not agree with his views were either eliminated or had to submit.

The title 'Ayatollah' means 'sign of Allah', not a very modest assessment. The word 'Islam' means 'submission'. While one would not expect a country to revert to the proverbial 'Middle Ages', we have to realize that what happened in Iran shows the truest form of Islam. Many Westerners perceive the Iranian revolution as an excess. But it is not that. It reflects fundamental, i.e. original, Islam.

It is certainly not our intention to defend the present Western value system, but it still allows freedom of expression and freedom of religion and worship which largely ceases when the Shariah, the Islamic law, is introduced to a country.

The Ultimate Goal of Islam: to Bring All People Into Submission to Islam

To understand the underlying system, we ought to consider some theological aspects. A look at the Qur'an will be helpful here:

In Surah 8:39 we read (according to Pickthall):

"And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression. And there prevail justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere: But if they cease, verily Allah doth see all that they do".

The actual rendering should read "until all of religion comes to Allah".

Surah 61:9 confirms this:

"It is He Who has sent His Apostle with guidance and the Religion of Truth that he may proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it)".

This is backed up by a Hadith:

"The Messenger of Allah says: I have been commanded to fight against people till they testify the fact that there is no god but Allah, and believe in me (that) I am the messenger (from the Lord) and in all that I have brought".

Sahih Muslim I, p. 17

The word 'oppression' should actually read 'uprising' or 'revolt', which turns the passive tense into and active one. We should further realize that this is not just a question of all people to submit to God. In real terms that means no less than that all have to submit to Islam and its law.

Islam has divided the world into two parts:

the 'Dhar-ul Islam' and the 'Dhar-ul Harb'; or in English, the 'territory of Islam' and the 'territory of war'. This may not necessarily constitute armed conflict, though this was very much the case, but it is quite clear that those countries which are not as yet under the Shariah, are still to be conquered.

As Christians we might be tempted to assume that conflict might be of a spiritual nature. For we endeavor and wish that the whole world should come under the Gospel. In like manner Muslims endeavor to make the world Islamic.

However, the church cannot legitimately try to force its influence on the state, or rule the state. This would go against the Spirit of the Gospel. Attempts along this line have been made, wars have been fought, but none of these could be based on or can claim to have been supported by Scripture, our authority.

Islam works differently. Only when the Shariah is the established law in a country, it constitutes an Islamic state. To effect this, the government must be in Muslim hands. Islam does not differentiate between the secular and the spiritual. It follows an integrated system. Hygiene and politics, family life and prayer, hunting and business practices are all regulated by the Islamic law. While Christians and Jews may be tolerated, they are certainly strongly disadvantaged and not permitted to propagate their faith in an Islamic country.

Islam is on the Move to Expand its Influence

When we observe the current moves of Islam carefully, we can indeed notice how it consolidates itself and how concerted efforts are made to strengthen its position in many countries, and not only in those which were traditionally Islamic. Muslims double their population biologically twice as fast as non-Muslims do. This promotes migration and we can observe how in recent times much of the economy of Africa, but also of Europe, America, Australia and Asia is going into Muslim hands. Whoever controls the economy has also a strong influence on government, the media and education.

In many 'Third World' countries, Muslims often build very impressive mosques, even in areas with a very small number of their own persuasion.Schools are added, and free education, in contrast to most Government schools, is offered. This is extremely lucrative, and many parents cannot resist such temptation. In addition philanthropic help is offered to people in drought-stricken areas. Employment is offered, but to Muslims only. This will raise the pragmatic question, "why not become a Muslim?"

Together, all this begins to present an impact on the population, nominal Christians not excepted. The charity displayed, together with the sincerity which can easily be gauged in many Muslims, plus the social and material benefits are convincing. And who can blame the people - unless they have a goodly grounding in the Word of God, the Bible, and have founded convictions to possess the Truth when accepting and following our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who is to Blame?

At this point I must pause to give a most important explanation. We may by now have come to a point where we begin to fear or resent the Muslims. If this is the message you conceived, you have to do some correction:

Muslims, like all other people, are a creation of God! "They have a zeal for God - but it is unenlightened" (Rom. 10:2). Our Lord Jesus died for every Muslim as well! God loves the Muslims too!

We have to differentiate between the religion of Islam and its system, which does not offer salvation or assurance of forgiveness, and those people who grew or grow up under its teaching.

They have little chance to believe, because they have not sufficiently, effectively and convincingly heard and understood the Gospel. That is certainly not their fault. To some degree it is ours - if our evangelistic effort excludes the Muslims in our environment - or if our effort does not take into consideration the altogether different mind-set and understanding of a Muslim.

What is Happening in the Islamic World?

Let us now have a hard look at the advance of Islam: The ISLAM IN AFRICA ORGANISATION was founded by representatives of 24 African states at Abuja in Nigeria in November 1989. In its founding communiqué we are informed about its aims and purposes. It expresses very understandable and to them legitimate desires, such as the unification of all Muslims throughout Africa, the putting away of 'artificial boundaries', and re-instating a strong and united 'Umma' (= congregation of all Muslims) with the purpose of fulfilling the commands of Allah.

We will have to consider, however, the little syllable 're-'. It keeps on occurring in this document: 're-instate the Umma' in Africa, 're-store the use of Arabic script in the vernacular', 're-instate the application of the Shariah'. This means that what was there before, will have to be instated again, implying that there was an Umma in Africa, within which the local languages were written in Arabic lettering, and that Africans were under the Shariah law. All this is not true, excepting North Africa and some very isolated cases in which e.g. Ki-Swahili was written in Arabic script. Let us look at some of the statements:

'The Conference notes the yearning of Muslims everywhere on the continent who have been deprived of their rights to be governed by the Shariah and urges them to intensify efforts in the struggle to reinstate the application of the Shariah'.

The arising question certainly is, how any country can be administered when two sets of laws are applied to different people? The Muslims in Britain are pushing for the same. This can only lead to either confrontation or disintegration.

While we understand and have to accept the effort to establish Islamic Da'wa (mission) centers and to promote Da'wa work all over Africa, we find unacceptable the 'establishment and application of the Shariah to all Muslims', if this is done while Muslims are a minority, and if such action leads to Christians being disadvantaged, which will, no doubt, be the case.

Unacceptable also are the following objectives:
'To ensure the appointment of only Muslims into strategic national and international posts of member nations'.
'To eradicate in all its forms and ramifications all non-Muslim religions in member nations (such religions shall include Christianity, Ahmadiyya and other tribal modes of worship unacceptable to Muslims)'.
'To ensure that only Muslims are elected (!) to all political posts of member nations'.
'To ensure the ultimate replacement of all Western forms of legal and judicial systems with the Shariah in all member nations before the next Islam in Africa Conference'.

Among the disclosed names of the member nations we find Nigeria and Tanzania which have no Muslim majority. A number of other nations have not been made known. These are likely to have an even lesser Muslim presence. It is indeed noticeable by now that these aims are being implemented and not only in Islamic states, but also in those with Muslim minorities.

May the figure of money be mentioned, which was 'generously donated' by the 'government and people of Nigeria' for the "Islamic Development Fund":US$ 21 billion! (IAO communiqué)

The Roman Catholic publication "Mission aktuell", which is the German official magazine of 'MISSIO', the Roman Catholic mission, reported that in the same year (1989) 'the Nigerian head of state', General Ibrahim B. Babangida, had 'a credit bank balance at the Arab-African International Bank of US$ 57.48 billion'". His chief of the army and two cabinet ministers had lesser amounts (US$ 15.2; 17.8 and 24.9 billion).

In close agreement with the above we find an article in the Turkish newspaper "Dünya" (1980). It speaks about Islamisation and says: 'The whole territory is to be islamicised before the year 2000 and in the Middle East in such a way that all living (people) who did not turn Muslims, (the Coptic Christians, the Christians in Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, the Assyrians, Chaldeans, Syrian (i.e. Syrian-orthodox Christians), Armenians, Nubians and Israelis), must be totally annihilated'.

We have to realize some hard facts: The Christians in Turkey and Lebanon have been strongly reduced by external pressure. Christians in Egypt are under constant scrutiny and are dictated upon by the state. Christians and pagans in Southern Sudan are being exterminated. The press speaks of genocide. There is no freedom of religion in any of the North African countries, and in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan or Malaysia.

In 1981 the so-called 'Mecca Declaration' was adopted by the 'Third Islamic Summit Conference of Kaaba'. Here are some extracts:

"We have resolved to conduct Jihaad ('holy war') with all the means at our disposal so as to free our territory from occupation".

"We declare that the oppression suffered by Muslim minorities and communities in many countries is a flagrant offence against the rights and dignity of man. We appeal to all states in which there are Islamic minorities to allow them full liberty".

"We are convinced of the need to propagate the precepts of Islam and its cultural influence in Muslim societies and throughout the world".

We have to read these lines as it were with Muslim's eyes. At the time of this summit there were no Islamic territories occupied by non-Muslims. The Islamic understanding is that, unless the Shariah is in force and an Islamic government in place, this is 'dhar-ul harb', territory which still needs to be conquered.

William Muir, one of the great and indeed very fair orientalists (1819-1905), made a statement which almost sounds like a prophetic utterance:

"It is my conviction that the sword of Muhammad and the Qur'an are the most fatal enemies of civilisation, liberty and truth which the world has yet known".

Another question arising is: In which countries Muslim minorities are suffering oppression? What kind of oppression is meant? Again it boils down to the same. Muslim minorities are oppressed as long as they are not governed by the Shariah - which amounts to 'full liberty'.

The last paragraph confirms this in no uncertain terms. While Muslims vociferously demand freedom from oppression, they oppress Christian communities in territories ruled by the Shariah. Indeed many human rights issues have been raised in this respect - without much response.

Despite the alleged 'oppression' in the 1980's, every two weeks one mosque was opened in Britain, a rate of expansion similar to that taking place in France and Germany. Similar advances are made in many other countries.

As far back as the early 1980's, a document emerged from the Islamic Foundation in Leicester with clear statements of intent such as:
"... the Islamic Movement (is) 'an organized struggle to change the existing society into an Islamic society based on the Qur'an and the Sunna and make Islam, which is a code for entire life, supreme and dominant, especially in the socio-political spheres'".

"... (the) framework will have to be based on recognizing the fact that the ultimate objective of the Islamic movement shall not be realized unless the struggle is made by locals. For it is only they who have the power to change the society into an Islamic society".

"Watchman Update", Dec. 1991 by Dr. Clifford Denton

The world's most advanced and powerful radio transmitters have been built in the Middle East and North Africa. Seven 2000 KW transmitters are among them - compared with the former Christian transmitter ELWA station of 50 KW.

The Ayatollah Khomeini is reported to have said:

'If we want to gain the final victory, we will have to know exactly what is to be done. Else we will meet the same fate as Hitler, who committed suicide ... In the early days of Islam the unbelievers were constantly hit over the head with the sword to make them Muslims. Many were killed. One should not shrink back from becoming a martyr ... Up to date we did not kill a single human being, but only attacking wild beasts have been purified, arrested and put away'.

As a result many thousands have been executed.

Again I like to persuade the reader not to blame this on the Muslims he comes in contact with. I compile this report not to blame any person, but to expose a religious system which is power-hungry, oppressive and deeply anti-Christian.

Christians Need to Get to Terms with Islam

The present setting of Islam in this world is very threatening. It gains acceptance and profile, even in liberal 'Christian' circles.

There are several contributing factors. Muslims are aware that oil reserves do not last forever. Consequently, they have invested vast amounts of capital in industries of the developed countries, which gives them a considerable influence in these concerns and through that on the relevant countries. Subsequently, the press in these countries, fortified by the liberal premise from which they operate, will rather be positive than in any way negative towards Islam.

Quite in line with this is the liberal World Council of Churches (WCC). It seeks 'dialogue' with other religions in order to learn from each other and to accept one another. In practice this replaces the Christian witness of Jesus Christ, as the only hope for mankind.

The Vatican sides with this, as can be seen from the prayer for peace arranged by the Pope at Assisi, to which representatives of all kinds of religions had been invited. At the Second Vatican Council the following decisions were laid down:

"The plan of God's salvation includes those who acknowledge the Creator, and in the first place among them the Muslims". (L.G.16)

"The Church has a high regard for the Muslims ... unfortunately many hostilities have arisen between Christians and Muslims.This sacred Council now pleads with all to forget the past, and urges that sincere efforts be made to achieve mutual understanding for the benefit of all. Let them together preserve and promote peace, freedom, social justice and moral values". (N.A.3)

This situation is the direct result of ignorance. The Christian Church has fought bitter and bloody wars against Muslims, but made hardly any move to present the Message of Grace to them.

Responding to the Challenge of Islam

Surely we can see how important it is to gain a realistic assessment of Islam, as it really is. Let us start by looking at the man Muhammad, the founder of the Islamic religion and power base.

(NB: The above information is also available in a separate pamphlet.)

Who Is Muhammad?

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Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in Makkah in the year 570 CE, at a time when Christianity was not yet fully established in Europe. Since his father died before his birth, and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as calm and meditative. Muhammad (peace be upon him) was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal un-Nur, the 'Mountain of Light' near Makkah.

At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad (peace be upon him) received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for twenty-three years, is known as the Qur'an. As soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Gabriel, and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution which grew so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command to emigrate. This event, the Hijra, 'migration', in which they left Makkah for the city of Madinah some 260 miles to the north, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. After several years, the Prophet and his followers were able to return to Makkah, where they forgave their enemies and established Islam definitively. Before the Prophet died at the age of 63, the greater part of Arabia was Muslim, and within a century of his death Islam had spread to Spain in the West and as far East as China.

The last and final prophet that God sent to humanity, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained, interpreted and lived the teachings of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the greatest of all prophets for many reasons, but mainly because the results of his mission have brought more people into the pure belief in One God than any other prophet. Even though other religious communities claimed to believe in One God, over time they had corrupted their beliefs by taking their prophets and saints as intercessors with Almighty God. Some religions believe their prophets to be manifestations of God, "God Incarnate" or the "Son of God". All of these false ideas lead to the creature being worshiped instead of the Creator, which contributed to the idolatrous practice of believing that Almighty God can be approached through intermediaries. In order to guard against these falsehoods, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) always emphasised that he was only a human-being tasked with the preaching of God's message. He taught Muslims to refer to him as "the Messenger of God and His Slave".

To Muslims, Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the supreme example for all people - he was the exemplary prophet, statesman, military leader, ruler, teacher, neighbour, husband, father and friend. Unlike other prophets and messengers, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived in the full light of history. Muslims don't need to have "faith" that he existed and that his teachings are preserved - they know it to be a fact. Even when his followers only numbered a few dozen, Almighty God informed Muhammad (peace be upon him) that he had been sent as a mercy to all of mankind. Because people had distorted or forgotten God's messages, God took it upon Himself to protect the message revealed to Muhammad (peace be upon him). This was because Almighty God promised not to send another messenger after him. Since all of God's messengers have preached the message of Islam - i.e. submission to the will of God and the worship of God alone - Muhammad (peace be upon him) is actually the last, seal of the prophets of Islam, not the first.

Who Are The Muslims?

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One billion people from a vast range of races, nationalities and cultures across the globe – from the southern Philippines to Nigeria – are united by their common Islamic faith.

About 18% live in the Arab world, substantial parts of Asia and Africa are Muslim, while significant minorities are to be found in the Soviet Union, China, North and South America, and Europe.

The Arabic word "Muslim" literally means "someone who submits to the will of God". The message of Islam is meant for the entire world and anyone who accepts this message becomes a Muslim. Some people mistakenly believe that Islam is just a religion for Arabs, but nothing could be further from the truth, since in actuality over 80% of the world's Muslims are not Arabs!

Even though most Arabs are Muslims, there are Arabs who are Christians, Jews and atheists. If one just takes a look at the various peoples who live in the Muslim World - from Nigeria to Bosnia and from Morocco to Indonesia - it is easy enough to see that Muslims come from all different races, ethnic groups and nationalities. From the very beginning, Islam had a universal message for all people. This can be seen in the fact that some of the early companions of the Prophet Muhammad were not only Arabs, but also Persians, Africans and Byzantine Romans.

Muslims believe in One Unique, Incomparable God; in the Angels created by Him; in the Prophets through whom His revelations (including the Bible) were brought to mankind; in the Day of Judgement and individual accountability for actions; in God's complete authority over human destiny and in life after death.

Muslims believe in a chain of prophets starting with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ismael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus, (peace be upon them all). But God's final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal message and a summing-up of all that has gone before was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through angel Gabriel.

In the past, even though you don't see it as much today, the word "Mohammedans" was often used as a label for Muslims. This label is a misnomer and is the result of either wilful distortion or sheer ignorance. One of the reasons for the misconception is that Europeans were taught for centuries that Muslims worshipped the Prophet Muhammad in the same way that Christians worship Jesus. This is absolutely not true since a Muslim is not permitted to worship anyone or anything besides Almighty God.

Who Is Allah ?

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Many non-Muslims have come to incorrectly believe that Allah is the ‘God of Muslims’ – A deity somehow different from the God of the other faiths. It should be emphasized that the term “Allah” has no implied meaning at all of an Arabian god, a Moon god or even a Muslim god. Muslims are not claiming any exclusiveness when they say "Allah". However Allah is simply the Arabic Name of the one Almighty God; the same name by which Arabic-speaking Jews and Christians, refer to God. The Allah comes from the term ‘al-ilaah’. Al is the definite article in Arabic, equivalent to ‘the’ in English, while ilaah means ‘a deity or god’. So Allah means The God. This is beautifully articulated in the first pillar of Islam which is to believe that God is One, in Arabic it would be, "La ilaha illallah" meaning "There is no god but God"

What Is Islam?

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The word "Islam" is an Arabic word that means "submitting and surrendering your will to Almighty God". The word comes from the same root as the Arabic word"salam", which means peace. Unlike the names used for other religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity, the name for the religion of Islam was both revealed by God and carries a deep spiritual meaning, only by submitting one's will to Almighty God can one obtain true peace both in this life and in the life hereafter.

Islam teaches that all religions originally had the same essential message, which was to submit whole-heartedly to the will of God and to worship Him and Him alone. For this reason, Islam is not a new religion but is the same divinely revealed ultimate truth that God revealed to all prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them all).For a fifth of the world’s population, Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events which have come to be associated with their faith.

CHRISTIANITY

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Isaiah 29:12 - Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was unlettered. (Holy Qur'an, 96:1)

Isaiah 21:13-17 - Ishmael's sons' (Kedar and Tema) descendants settled in Arabia. Medina was called Tema in Biblical times--next year an army of 1,000 Meccans marched against the Muslims. With only 300 (poorly armed) men, the Muslims defeated the Meccans at the Battle of Badr.

Solomon 5:16 reads - "Cheeko mame tah kim vechulo Mohammadim"--meaning: "His speech is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable." ('Mohammad' means 'desirable')

Deuteronomy 18:18 - Both Moses and Muhammad (peace be upon them both) had usual births, married and had children, and were forced to migrate [Moses to Median and Muhammad (p) to Medina]; they marched to battles against their enemies and won physical and moral victories in their lifetime; they were virtually kings, gave laws and scriptures, first rejected by their people and then accepted in the end; they were human beings with no divinity attributed to them by their followers, died a natural death and were buried in this earth. Similarities between Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them both) are: threat to life in early infancy, both were Jewish lettered Prophets, and both performed miracles.

John 14:15-16; 16:7-11 - The Holy Ghost was already present with Jesus (peace be upon him) when he was alive, and the Comforter's arrival was conditioned upon Jesus's departure.

John 16:12-14 - Jesus's message (peace be upon him) was incomplete; therefore another Prophet was needed to guide mankind into all truth. Acts 14:14; 11:24 - The Gospel of Barnabus didn't get a place in the New Testament. Chapters 96 and 97 of his gospel read: "In the presence of a great multitude, the priest asked Prophet Jesus: 'Art thou the Messiah of God whom we expect?' Prophet Jesus answered: 'It is true that God hath so promised, but indeed I am not he, for he is made before me and shall come after me.' ... Then said the priest: 'How shall the Messiah be called, and what sign shall reveal his coming?' Prophet Jesus answered: 'The name of the Messiah is admirable, for God Himself gave him the name when He created his soul, and placed it in celestial splendour... Muhammad is his blessed name.'"

HINDUISM

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Dr. Islamul Haq, PhD, D.D. was a very high Hindu priest (Achariya Mahant Dr. Saroopji Maharaj). He studied 10 great religions of the world in their original form at the Oxford University of UK and received two doctorate degrees. He said that "the Holy Books of all great religions of the world, except Jainism and Buddhism, have the names 'Allah' and 'Muhammad' in them. Prophet Muhammad is the only prophet mentioned in most of the Holy Books of the world."

The Vedanta of Atharva Veda says: "Assya illale mitra baruna raja...." Translation: "Just at that time, a personage by the name 'Mohammad' will appear with his followers in a desert country. O Lord of the desert, O Teacher of the world, Praise be to You. You know many ways to destroy the evils of the world. O the Holy One, I am Your servant; please let me have a place at Your feet."

Zend Avesta, part one, translated by Max Muller, pg. 260: "O Spetame Zarathustra, I proclaim that Holy Ahmad will surely arrive. You will receive from him holy words, holy thoughts, righteous deeds, and pure religion." In the Holy Qur'an, the second name of Muhammad is given as Ahmad (61:6). Dasateer, translated by A.H. Vidyarthi, pg. 47: "When the Persians will forget their religion and will plunge into extreme moral degradation, a great holy man will arrive into the Arab land. His followers will defeat the Persians. Instead of worshipping 'fire' in their temples, they will then pray facing the temple built by Abraham. The followers of that great holy man will be like blessings to the people of the world." Soon after Muhammad (peace be upon him) died, his followers did defeat the Persians. The Persians accepted Islam in great multitudes and started to pray facing the House of God, Ka'ba, built by Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him).

Islam is a code of Life

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It is a Muslim belief that Muhammad's mission was for the whole world and for all the time; because:

The mission of Muhammad, as well as of other prophets who brought the universal message of Islam, does not end with the announcement of the message. He has to guide the people by explaining to them the implications of the Islamic creed, the morale code, the divine injunctions and commandment, and the form of worship that sustains the whole system. He has to exemplify the faith so others can pattern their participation in the evolution of Islamic culture and civilization. The believers must grow under his guidance into an organized community so that Allah's word will prevail over all other words.

Spiritual Life: prayer (salah), fasting, charity giving (zakah), pilgrimage (hajj), love for Allah and His Messenger, love for truth and humanity for the sake of Allah, hope and trust in Allah at all times and doing good for the sake of Allah.
Intellectual Life: True knowledge based on clear proof and indisputable evidence acquired by experience or experiment or by both. The Quran points to the rich sources of knowledge in the whole universe. Islam demands faith in Allah on the basis of knowledge and research and leaves wide open all field of thought before the intellect to penetrate as far it can reach.
Personal Life: purity and cleanliness, a healthy diet, proper clothing, proper behaviour, and good healthy sexual relations within marriage.

Family Life: A family is a human social group whose members are bound together by the bond of blood ties and/or marital relationship and nothing else (adoption, mutual alliance, common law, trial marriage...etc.). Marriage is a religious duty on all who are capable of meeting its responsibilities. Each member of the family has rights and obligations.

Social Life: Man is ordained by Allah to extend his utmost help and kindness to other family members, relations, servants and neighbours. No superiority on account of class, colour, origin or wealth. Humanity represents one family springing from the one and the same father and mother. The unity of the humanity is not only in its origin but also in its ultimate aims.

Economical Life: Earning one's living through decent labour is not only a duty but a great virtue as well. Earning is man's private possession. The individual is responsible for the prosperity of the state and the state is responsible for the security of the individual. The Islamic economic system is not based on arithmetical calculations alne but also on moral and principles. Man comes to this world empty-handed and departs empty-handed. The real owner of things is Allah alone. Man is simply a trustee.

Political Life: The sovereignty in the Islamic State belongs to Allah; the people exercise it by trust from Him to enforce His laws. The ruler is only an acting executive chosen by the people to serve them according to Allah's law. The State is to administer justice and provide security for all citizens. Rulers and administrators must be chosen from the best qualified citizens. If an administration betrays the trust of Allah and the people, it has to be replaced. Non-Muslim can administer their personal life of marriage, divorce, foods and inheritance according to the Islamic law or to their own religious teachings. They may pay Zakah or a different tax tributes "Jizyah". They are entitled to full protection and security of the State including freedom of religion.

International Life: Man has a common origin, human status and aim. Other people's interests and right to life, honour and property are respected as long as the right of Muslim are in tact. Transgression is forbidden. War is only justified if the state security is endangered. During war, destruction of crops, animals and homes, killing non-fighting women, children and aged people are forbidden.

Method of Ablutions

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Ghusl

What makes Ghusl Fard?

On five occasions the Ghusl is Fard.

1) Release of sperm with pleasure. If jumped from a higher place or lifted heavier stuff which caused sperm to discharge, Ghusl is not wajib but will break the Wuzu.
2) Wet dream with semen discharge.
3) When ever the tip of man's private part enters woman's private part.(Even with intention or without intention)
4) Haiz (monthly period for women)
5) Nafaas (The release of blood after a woman gives birth)

Fards in Ghusl.

There are three fards in Ghusl.

1) To wash mouth with water as it should reach all the parts internally. From lips to the base of throat. If not fasting gargle. If there is any thing stuck in between teeth such as a piece of meat, paan, beetle nut; it should be removed before Ghusl or the Ghusl will not be completed.

2) To wash inside of nose with water. Water should be pulled hard enough all the way to the soft part of the base of nose. If there is any dry phlegm (hard ratoobat) inside the nose it must be cleaned and if a the nose is pierced water should be forced into the hole or the Ghusl will not be completed.

3) To wash the body once from head till the bottom of feet. The water must pour over body. Every strand (hair) and skin of the body must get wet. Even if a single strand or a small portion of skin is not washed the Ghusl will not be completed.

Sunnats in Ghusl.
1) To perform a ghusl in the sunnat, we must first wash both of our hands and private parts even if they may be clean, then if there any najasat (impurity) on our body, we must wash it away.

2) We must perform a complete ablution.

3) While washing our face we must intend to perform a ghusl.

4) If water will not accumulate under our feet; we must wash our feet, too.

5) We must pour water on our entire body three times. When you do this, we must pour it on our head three times first, then on our right shoulder three times and then on the left shoulder three times. Each time the part on which we pour water must become completely wet. We must also rub it gently, during the first pouring.

6) In a ghusl, it is permissible to pour the water on the limb so as to make it flow onto another limb, which, in this case, will be cleaned, too. For in a ghusl the whole body is counted as a one limb. If in performing an ablution the water poured on one limb moistens another limb, the second limb will not be considered to have been washed.

7) When a ghusl is completed it is makruh (things which our Prophet did not like) to perform an ablution. But it will become necessary to perform an ablution again if it is broken while making a ghusl.

Wudu

Fards in Wuzoo

There are 4 mandatory acts in Wuzu

1-To wash the face once.
2-To wash the two arms together with the elbows once.
3-To apply masah on the one-fourth of the head, that is, to rub a wet hand softly on it.
4-To wash the feet, together with the ankle-bones on the side once.

Sunnats in Ablution

There are eighteen Sunnats in an ablution
.
1-To recite "Bismillah" before the making the ablution.
2-To wash the hands including the wrists three times.
3-To rinse the mouth three times by using new water each time. This is called madmada.
4-To wash both nostrils three times, taking fresh water each time. This is called istinshaq.
5-To wet the invisible parts of the skin under the eyebrows, the beard and the mustache. It is fard to wash their exterior surfaces. If the hairs are scarce and the skin can be seen, it will be fard to wet and wash the skin.
6-To wet the section under the two eyebrows when washing the face.
7-To apply the masah on the hanging part of the beard.
8-To comb (taklil) the hanging part of the beard with the wetted fingers of the right hands.
9-To rub and clean the teeth with something.
10-To apply masah (to wipe) both ears once.
11-to apply masah on the neck once with three adjacent fingers of both hands.
12-to wash (takhlil ) between the fingers and the toes, the little fingers of the left hand is inserted between the toes from under them in successions,beginning with the little toe of the right foot and, after finishing with the right foot, carrying on with big toe of the foot.
13-To apply masah on the whole head once.
14-To wash every limb three times which is to be washed. At each washing every part of the limb must be moistened. It is sunnat not to pour water three times but to wash it completely three times. It is makruh to wash more than three times.
15-To intend through the heart to get reward when beginning the Wudu.
16-Tartib. In other words, to wash the two hands, the mouth, the nostrils, the face, the arms, then apply masah on the head, and not to change this order.
17-Dalk, to rub the limbs washed.
18-Muwalat, to wash the limbs one right after another quickly.

Mustahabbats in Ablution

There are twenty-eight twenty-eight mustahabbats in an ablution.

In this context adab means something which causes blessings when done but incurs no sin if committed.

1- To make an ablution before it is time for Salaat.
2-If the private parts have not been smeared with najasat (impurity); it is an adab to wash them with water. If the najasat (impurity) is less than one dirham [which is equal to one mithqal: four grams and eighty centigrams], it is sunnat to wash. If one has been smeared with one dirham of it, it is wajib, and if more than that it is fard to wash.
3-To wipe oneself dry with a piece of cloth after washing. If there is no cloth one must wipe with one's hand.
4-To cover oneself right after the cleaning is completed.
5-Not to ask for help from anybody, but to perform the ablution by oneself. If one pours water for one without being asked, it will be permissible.
6-To turn towards the qibla when making an ablution.
7-Not to talk while making an ablution.
8-To recite the kalmia-i-shahadat while washing each limb.
9-To recite the prescribed prayers (du'a) of ablution.
10-To put water in the mouth with the right hand.
11-To put water in the nose with the right and to clean the nose with the left hand.
12-When washing the mouth, rinse it if not fasting.
13-When washing the nostrils, to draw the water almost up to the bone.
14-When applying masah on the ears, insert each little finger into each earhole, respectively.
15-To use the little finger of the left hand when washing between the toes when inserting from the lower sides of them.
16-To shift the ring when washing the hands. It is necessary and fard to shift a tight ring.
17-Not to waste water though it may be plentiful.
18-Not to use little water so as to appear rubbing with oil. During each the three washing, at least two drops of water must fall from the place washed.
19-After using a container for ablution, to leave the container full of water so that the other may use it.
20-To recite the prayer (du'a ) "ALLAHUMMAJ'ALNI MINATTAWWABIN….."after or during the ablution.
21-To make an ablution though one has an ablution. In other words, after performing one namaz, renew your ablution for the next namaz.
22-To clean the inner corner of the eyes and clear away the dried mucus in the eyelids when washing the face.
23-When washing the face, the arms and the feet, wash a little more than the compulsory amount. When washing the arms, we must fill our palm with water and then pour it towards the elbow.
24-When performing an ablution, do not let the water used splash back on the body, the cloths, etc.
25-To wash the face with both hands.
26-To put the water container on the right side. While performing an ablution.
27-When washing the foot, start from the fingers.
28-To perform two rak'at [cycle] salaat after an ablution, which is called "THAHEEYA-TUL-WUDU".

Prohibitions in Wuzu

There are ten prohibitions in performing an ablution

1-When relieving one or urinating in the toilet or outdoors, one should not turn one's front or back towards the Qibla. It is makruh also to stretch one's feet towards the Qibla or the Quran. If the Quran is above one it will not be makruh.
2-It is haram to open one's private parts near someone in order to make taharat.
3-One should not make taharat with one's right hand.
4-When there is no water, it is makruh to make taharat (to clean oneself ) with food products, manure,bones,animals food,coal,someone else's property,reeds,leaves. Instead of that should have "Tayammum".
5-One must not spit or throw mucus into the pool where one makes an ablution.
6-One should not wash one's limbs of ablution much more or less than the prescribed limit, nor wash them more or less than three times.
7-While washing the face, one must not splash the water on one's face, but pour it from the upper forehead downwards.
8-One must not blow on or over the surface of the water.
9-One must not close one's mouth and eyes tightly. If even a tiny part of the outward part of the lips or the eyelids is left dry, the ablution will not be acceptable.
10-One must not make masah on one's head, ears or neck more than once after moistening the hands each time. But it can be repeated with moistening the hands again.

NAMAZ (PRAYER)

2011-07-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

Note 1: Sisters must read our "Difference between Men's and Women's Salah" article to make adjustments in their Salah as there is some differences in Salah between Men and Women.

Note 2: When you are asked to 'Say' or 'Recite' or 'Read' in the directions. The sound must not be loud and at the same time not totally silent. It should be loud enough just for your ears to hear it and not so loud that a person next to you would be able to hear your recitation clearly. If a person next to you could hear only a mimic from you, that's fine. If you are surrounded by noise such as a fan's noise and you are not able to understand your recitation, it is okay. In an utmost quite room you should be able to understand your recitation. In any case you must say it loud enough as mentioned above.

How do we perform Salaat (prayer):

When beginning salaat, men raise both hands. The tips of thumbs must touch the earlobes. Palms must be turned towards the Qibla. Saying of Allahu Akbar (Takbir) begins as the hands leave the ears and finish as they are folded under the navel.

NOTE: Women raise their both hands as high as their shoulders and say the takbir of beginning. Then they put their hands on their chest.

There are seven conditions for a salaat to be corrected.

1-Niyyat (intention)
2-Tahrima (To say Allah Akbar)
3-Qiyam (Standing)
4-Qiraat (Recitation of Quran by mouth gently)
5-Ruku (To bow)
6-Sajda (Prostration)
7-Qai'da-e- Akhira (Last sitting)

NIYYAT (intention) is made while saying the takbir at the beggining. It is permissible to make niyyat before that, too.

(I) To make niyyat for salaat means to intend in the heart to perform a particular Salaat - Its name, time, qibla, to wish to follow the imam (when performing salaat in jama'at) etc. Such as saying, "I pray two rakat (or as many required for that time) Fard (if its Fard or say Sunnat if its Sunnat or say Wajib if its Wajib or Say Nafil if its Nafil) of Fajr (or whichever Salaat it is) for Allah Ta'ala and facing towards the Ka'aba."

(ii) Knowledge only, that is, knowing what is to be done will not be niyyat.

(iii) The niyyat made after the takbir of beginning is not correct and that salaat is not acceptable.

(iv) When making niyyat for prayers that are fard or wajib, it is necessary to know which fard or wajib they are. For example, it is necessary to know the name of the fard and to say for instance, "To perform today's early afternoon prayer (Zuhr)," or, the time's fard." When performing the salaat of Eid or witr, it is necessary to think of its being wajib and its name.

(v) It is good (mustahab) but not necessary to make niyyat for the number of rak'ats (cycles).

(vi) When performing a sunnat the niyyat "To perform salaat will suffice."

(vii) When beginning to worship, saying orally only is not called niyyat. Worships done without niyyat are not acceptable in all four Madhhabs (Hanfi, Shaafi, Maliki and Hambali). Thus niyyat is done from the heart.

TAHRIMA means to say "Allahu Akbar"

When beginning salaat it is Fard to say Tahrima. No other word to replace it is acceptable. If the takbir is said too long, like AAllah (with AA instead of one A) in the beginning or Akbaar (with aa instead of one a) at the end, salaat will not be accepted. If 'Takbir' is said before the Imam, salaat will not have started.

QIYAM means to stand.

(I) When standing, the two feet must be four finger's width apart from each other.

(ii) In Fards,Wajibs and in the sunnat of Fajr salaat Qiyam is Fard. It means a person who is healthy but performs the above mentioned salaat while sitting, is not acceptable, He must perform all of the mentioned Salaats with qiyam for his salaat to be accepted.

(iii) He who is too ill to stand should perform salaat sitting, and if too ill to sit he should lie down on his back and performs it with his head (by moving,nodding his head,etc,). A pillow must be put under his head so that his face will be towards the qibla instead of towards the sky. He bends his knees, so that he will not stretch his legs towards the qibla.

(iii) As qirat is wajib to recite Surah Fatiha and to also recite a sura or three ayats in every rak'at of sunnats and of witr prayer and in the first two rak'ats of the fard.

(iv) In the fard (prayers of salaat that are obligatory), it is wajib to say the Fatiha and the other sura at the two first rak'ats. Additionally, it is wajib to say Surah Fatiha before the sura. Furthermore, it is wajib to say the fatiha once in every rak'at. If one of these five wajibs is forgotten, it is necessary to make sajda-e-sahw.

(v) In the third and the fourth rak'ats of the fard, it is sunnat for the Imam as well as for a person who performs salaat individually to say the Fatiha. [Ibni Abidin shami, p 343].

(vi) A settled (resident) person who follows a traveling one stands up when the imam makes the salam after the second rak'at,and performs two more rak'ats,but he does not make the qirat. That is, he does not say the Fatiha or the other sura. He does not say any prayer as if he were praying salaat behind the imam.

(vii) In every prayer of salaat except Friday prayer and Eid prayer, it is sunnat for the imam that the sura he says in the first rak'at (after the Fatiha) be twice as long as the one he says in the second rak'at.

(viii) It is makruh to say a sura in the second rak'at three ayats longer than the sura said in the first rak'at.It is always wajib to read the suras or ayats from the Qur'an.

(xi) A person who is too ill to stand, or feels dizzy or has a headache or toothache or pain in some other part of his body or can not control wind or bleeding when he stands should perform salaat sitting.

QIRAT: Means to read (recite) by mouth gently. Reading gently means to read only as loud as can hear yourself. (I) The recitation is called Jahri, that is, loud if its heard by people who stand on each side of the recitor. (ii) It is fard to say an ayat (verse) of the Quran while in Qiyam (standing) in every Rakat and it must be in the order as they are written in the Quran. For example one cannot recite Surah Naas in first rakaat and Surah Ikhlas in second.

RUKU: After the sura you bend for Ruku whilst saying takbir. (I) In ruku men open their fingers and put them on their knees. They keep their back and head leveled in ruku. Also the arms and legs must be straight and then you say, "Subhana Rabbiyel Azeem" at least thrice. (ii) If the imam raises his head before you have said it three times you must raise your head too. You must not wait to complete the recitation thrice. In Ruku women do not open their fingers, they do not keep their head and back level, nor their arms and legs straight.

It is sunnat, for the imam as well as a person who is performing salaat alone, to say 'Sami Allahu liman hamidah' while straightening up from Ruku. The Jama'at does not say it. Right after saying it (if praying alone) or upon hearing the imam recite it (if with jama'at), you must say 'Rab'bana lakal hamd', and stand upright. Then, saying takbir (Allahu Akbar) start to kneel down for the Sajdah. First place the right knee and then the left knee, followed by the right and then left hand on the floor. Finally, the nose and the forehead bones are placed put on ground.

SAJDAH (prostration)

(i) In Sajdah, fingers must be closed (no gap in between fingers), pointing towards the qibla in line with the ears, and the head must be between hands. It is fard to put the forehead on something clean, such a clean stone, clean ground, clean wood or clean cloth and it is wajib to put the nose down too. It is not permissible to put only the nose on the ground without a good excuse. It is makruh to put only the forehead on the ground. Thr nose should be pressured enough so that the bone of nose feel the ground, its very important to keep in account when perfoming salat on a soft carpet.

(ii) In sajda, you say, 'Subhana Rabbiyal A'la' at least thrice.

(iii) It is fard to put two feet or at least one finger of any foot on the ground. If both the feet are not placed on ground, salaat will be annulled and not be accepted.

(iv) It is sunnat to bend the toes and turn them towards the qibla. (v) Men must keep their arms and thighs away from their abdomen.

(vi) Sajda must be done on the ground on condition that you will press on them until you feel their hardness, that is until your forehead cannot move downward any more. Same applies for the nose. Special precaution is required on this issue when peroforming salat on a carpet.

(vii) It is written in 'Halabi': "When going into sajda it is Makruh-e-Tehrimi to pull up the skirts of your loose long robe or your trousers, and it is Makruh-e-Tehrimi to fold them before beginning salaat. It is Makruh-e-Tehrimi to perform salaat with folded sleeves, cuffs or skirt." Special attention is needed on this issue for the people of India and Pakistan who wear Shalwar and Kurta. If pulled or folded one must repeat the Salat.

(viii) It is Makruh to perform salaat with a bare head because of laziness or without realizing the importance of performing salaat with a covered head. For, not to cover one's head means to disobey the ayat: "Take your ornamented clothes and cover yourself for salaat!"

(xi) It is sunnat to wrap a turban (Imama) around the head whether in white or black color as Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam used these colours or any other color.

(x) Allama Ibne Abidin Shami Rehmatullahi Ta'ala Alaih said, "Direction towards qibla is fard for salaat. That is, salaat is performed by turning towards the direction of the Ka'aba. Salaat is performed for Allah. Sajda is done for Allah Ta'ala only, not for the Ka'aba. One who makes sajdah for the Ka'aba becomes a disbeliever."

QAI'DA-I-AKHIRA:
Means sitting in the last rak'at. it is fard to sit as long as it takes to say the Athiyyat, "Atthayyato Lillahe Wassalawato Wat Tayyebato Assalamu Alaika Ayyohan Nabiyo Wa Rehmatullahe Wa Barakatoh Assalamu Alaina Wa Ala Ibadillahis Sualaiheen Ashadu An La ilaah illal Laho Wa Ashadu Anna Mohammadan Abdohoo Wa Rasooloohoo" When sitting, men put their left foot flat on the ground with it toes pointing towards the right. They sit on this foot. The right foot should be upright, with the toes touching the ground and bent and pointing towards the qibla.

NOTE 1: Women sit by Tawarruk. That is, they sit with their buttocks on the ground. Their thighs should be close to each other. Their feet should jut out from the right.

NOTE 2: When you reach at Ashadu An La raise your index finger of your right hand upward facing about 45 degrees by closing the fist, and drop it back and spread the hand to its original position at illal Laho.

KHUROOJ BI SUN'EEHI:
To signify the completion of prayer by word or action. It means to finish out prayer by saying or doing something. Salaat is completed by saying, "Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rehmatullah" First by moving head towards right and saying it, then towards left and saying it.

PRAYER AFTER THE SALAAT:
(i) It is mustahab (good) for the imam to turn right or left or towards the jama'at.

(ii) It is stated in a hadith, 'If a person says, "Astaghfirullah Al'azim-il-llazi La ilaha illa Huw-al-hayy-ul-qayyuma Wa Atubu ilayh", after every prayer of salaat, all his sins will be forgiven.

(iii) Imam and the followers raise their hands as high as their chest and pray (Dua) for themselves and for all muslims. A hadith declares, 'Prayers (Dua) sent after the five daily fard will be accepted.' (Tirmidhi). But the prayers (Dua) must be done with a vigilant heart. Not with fingers turned towards the qibla, arms not opened apart in the right-left direction, arms too close to each other, too far forward etc.

(iv) While saying Dua, the fact is that it is mustahab (good) to say salaat and salaam upon RasoolAllah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam),

(v) After making your Prayers (Dua), it is sunnat to rub the hands gently on the face.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN PERFORMING SALAAT:
(i) When beginning to perform salaat, a woman raises both hands up to the level of her shoulders. While standing she puts her right hand on the left hand. However, she does not grasp her left wrist the fingers of her right hand. She puts her hands on her breast. While making ruku, her hands are placed on the knees, but do not grasp them. She keeps her fingers close together. She does not keep her legs straight, nor her back level. While making sajda, she lowers herself, bringing her arms to her side while she keeps her abdomen placed over her thighs. She sits on the buttocks, her legs inclined towards right.

(ii) A woman cannot be imam for men. If they follow a man as imam, they should be in last line of the jama'at.

(iii) While performing salaat in jama'at, if a woman stands besides or in front of a man, the man salaat will be Fasid (nullified).

PAINFUL TORMENT AT THE TIME OF DEATH, IN GRAVE, ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT AND IN HELL.
A hadith shareef, quoted in the book 'Qurratul'uyun,' declares, "If a person does not perform salaat though he has no good excuse, Allah ta'ala will give him fifteen kinds of punishment. Six of them will come in the world, three will come at the time of death, three will come in the grave, and three will come when rising from the grave. The six plagues in the world are:

1-Person who does not perform salaat will not have barakat {blessings} in his life.
2-He will not have the beauty afforded to those who are loved by Allah ta'ala.
3-He will not be given reward for any good he does.
4-His supplications (duas) will not be accepted.
5-No one will like him.
6-Supplications that (other) Muslims invoke for him will do him no good.

Kinds of torment he will suffer when dying are:

1-He will expire in an abhorrent, unsightly, repugnant manner.
2-He will die hungry.
3-No matter how much water he has, he will die with painful thirst.

Kind of torment he will suffer in the grave are:

1-The grave will squeeze him. His bones will intertwine.
2-His grave will be filled with fire, which will scorch him day and night.
3-Allah Ta'ala will send a huge snake to his grave. It is not like terrestrial serpents. It will sting him at every prayer time each day. It will never leave him alone any moment.

Kinds of torment he will suffer after rising are:

1-Angels of torment will drag him to hell will never leave him alone.
2-Allah Ta'ala will meet him with wrath.
3-His accounts will be settled in a very vehement manner, and he will be flung into hell. (May Allah save us) On the other hand, we see that one who performs salaat five times a day his sins are forgiven. As it is stated in the hadith, RasoolAllah (salallahu alaihi wasallam) asked his companions: "If there were a river in front of one's house and if he washed himself in this river five times every day, would there be any dirt left on him?" We (Jabir bin Abdullah and other sahaba present there) said, "No, O Rasulallah." Allah's most beloved Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasallam) said, "Likewise minor sins of those who perform the five daily prayers are forgiven." Ibn Jawzi (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote in his tafsir Elmugni: Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, "When the time of a daily prayer of salaat comes, Angels say, 'O the sons of Adam, stand up! Extinguish the fire prepared to burn human beings by performing salaat.

Method of praying Qaza Salahs Quickly

If someone has missed Salahs in their account. Either one time's or of many years, they must pray their Qaza as soon as possible. Salah is a Fard and not forgiven. On the day of judgement Salah will be the first thing asked about.

For the people who have many years of missed Salahs. There is a way to pray them quickly. Following instructions have four exceptions and has all Fards and Wajibs for a complete Salat. Please pray your Qaza as soon as possible. Even of you could pray one days Qaza Salahs every day which are only 20 rakahs (3 wajib witr), please do it. It only takes few mins to perform 20 rakahs according to the following instructions.

1) In Ruku and Sajdah instead of reciting "Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem" and "Subhaana Rabbiyal A'la" three times, say it only once. But make sure do not leave Ruku posture untill the Meem (M) of Azeem has been said properly. Similarly do not leave the posture of Sajdah until Ala has been said completely. Just make sure to say these Tasbeehaat properly and do not rush.

2) In third and four Rakah of Fard Salah instead of reciting the whole Soorah Fatiha say "Subhan Allah" three times and go to Ruku, . Make sure "Subhan Allah" has been recited three times properly, do not rush. This exeption is only for Fard. In third rakah of Witr it's a must to recite full Soorah Fatiha followed by at least three ayahs of Quran or a soorah (as we usually do in first and second rakah).

3) In last Qaidah (when we sit for Attahyyat) before Salam, after Attahyyat instead of full Durood and Dua just say, "Allah Humma Salle Ala Sayedena Mohammad Wa Aalihi", then finish the Salat with Salam. Dua is not a must here.

4) In Witr, instead of full Dua-e-Qunoot just say "Rabbigh Fir Lee" one or three times.

(Fatawa Rizvia, Part 3, Page 622)

Salatul Tasbih - For forgiveness of All Sins

Benefits of Salat-Ul-Tasbih
Our Beloved Prophet Mohammed (Sallallaho Alihiwa Sallam) said to his uncle Sayyiduna Abbass (may Allah be pleased with him), "Oh uncle, Shall I not give you? Shall I not grant you? Shall I not award you? Shall I not do mercy on you? When you do 10 things Allah will forgive your sins: of the future and of the past; new and old; those you have forgotten and those you did knowingly; big and small; hidden and revealed."

Then he (Sallallaho Alihiwassallam) explained the taught the way to pray Salatul Tasbih and then said if you can pray this salah once a day, if you can not pray once a day then every Friday, and even if this is not possible then once a month and even if this is not possible then once a year and even if this is not possible then at least once in a lifetime (Abu Dawood & Tirimzi)

How to perform Salatul Tasbih
This salaat (namaz) is offered in four rakat at a time and can be read in any part of the day and night besides Zawal and Sunrise and Sunset makrooh times, keeping in mind the forbidden times for performing Salat (namaaz). But is is preferred before Zuhr (Fatawa Alamgeeri)

The Tasbih to be read in Salaat-Ul-Tasbeeh:
" Subhaan Allahi Wal Hamdulillahi Wa Laa ilaha illal Laahu Wallahu Akbar "

Method:

Goal is to recite above Tasbih 300 times in Four Rakah with the following method.
In the first rakaat, after reading Sana "Subhaana Kallahumma...", read the tasbih 15 times.

Now recite "Aoozubillah...", "Bismillah...", Then read sura Fatiha and a Surah or minimum of three small Ayayhs then read the tasbih 10 times again.

Go to ruku saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar), after reciting "Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem" minimum of three times read the tasbih 10 times in Ruku.

Saying "Samee Allahu Liman Hamidah Rabbana Lakal Hamdh" get up from ruku to qiyam position.
Now read the tasbih 10 times.

Go to Sajdah saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar) and after reciting "Subhaana Rabbiyal A'la" minimum of three times read the tasbih 10 times in Sajdah.

Now go after first Sajdah go to Jalsa (sitting position) saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar). Sitting in Jalsa read tasbih 10 times.
Go to sajda again saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar) and after reciting "Subhaana Rabbiyal A'la" minimum of three times read the tasbih 10 times in Sajdah again.

Get up to begin 2nd rakat saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar).

Do rakah #2 in same fashion, but before reading Bismillah "Bismillah...", and Surah Fatiha, read the tasbih 15 times. Follow the rest as you did in first Rakat.

After second Sajdah of Second Rakat sit in Qaidah Oola (first sitting) read Attahiyat, Durood and Dua then get up for 3rd rakaat without saying Salam.

Begin third Rakat, just like the first Rakat, with Sana "Subhaana Kallahumma...", read the above tasbih 15 times.

Follow the rest as you did in first Rakat untill you sit for Qaidah Akihra (last sitting) after second sajdah of fourth Rakah.
In Qaidah Akihra Attahiyat, Durood, Dua finish Salah with Salam.

Special notes for Salat-Ul-Tasbih:

1) Do not count loudly. It will break Salah

2) Do not count on fingers or by holding a Bead Tasbih in hand. It is Makruh.

3) You may count by pressing the fingers as a reminder. For example if you are in Ruku. You me press pinky of your right hand first for the first count, then the finger next to it for second count, then the middle finger for third count, following this method untill you reach the pinky of left hand will give you an exact count of ten. Use the same method in Qayam, Sajdah and Jalsa.

4) If missed a count then make it up in the next posture. For example if forgot to recite Tasbih after Surah in Qayam. Then you may recite Tasbish 20 times instead of 10 in Rukuh after "Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem". Missed Tasbih cannot be recited in Qayam after ruku and Jalsa between Sajdah. If you missed the Tasbih in Ruku then recite 20 in the first Sajdah instead of the Qayam after rukuh. Similarly if missed the Tasbih in first Sajdah then do not make it up in Jalsa. Instead recite missed tasbih in the second Sajdah. If Tasbih has been missed in last sajdah of second or fourth Rakah then you can recite the missed ones before Attahiyat in Qaidah.

5) If you miss a wajib in Salah and have to do Sajdah Sahaw. You dont have to recite Tasbih in Sajdah sahoo, since the 300 count has been estalished. But if you had missed Tasbih in any of the postures and remeber it now. Then you may recite the missed Tasbih in Sajdah Sahaw now.

6) It is preferable to recite after Surah Fatiha Sura Takathuur in the first raka’, Surah Wal A’sr in the second raka’, Surah Kaferoon (qul ya aiyuhal Kafiroon) in the third and Surah Akhlas (Qul hu Allah-hu ahd) in the fourth raka’. If one does not remember these surah they can recite the ones they prefer.

May Allah accept this dua’ (supplication) for the sake of the trustworthy PROPHET MOHAMMED (Allah’s Grace & Peace be upon him)

Rights of parents

2011-07-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

MY DEAR ISLAMIC BROTHERS
IN THE LAWS OF SHARIAH THERE ARE (2) TYPES RIGHTS

1)- Huqooq-Ullah (Rights of Allah Almighty)
2)- Huqooq-ul-Ibaad (Rights of People)

Amongst the rights of people, the most important is the right of Parents.
ITS IMPORTANT has been EMPHASISED BOTH in the HOLY QUR’AN & AHADEETH-e-MUBARKAA.
(Sayings of the Holy Prophet) Peace be Upon him.

In this day and age where mankind has drowned in an OCEAN of SINS!
ONE really BAD SIN we are COMMITTING is IGNORING
THE RIGHTS OF THE PARENTS!

Alhamdo-Lillah madani environment of Dawat-e-Islami which teaches us on all aspects of Islaam, it also tells us about the rights of our parents. Insha-Allah today we will learn about the rights of parents.

I will begin with a Narration from
Hazrat-e-Sayyeduna Abdullah radi allah ho anhu,
in which it is stated that all the companions radi Allaho anhum were sitting in the court of the Holy Prophet
(Peace & blessings be upon him) and a man came and said:

“A young man is taking his last breaths,
he is being requested to recite the
KALIMAH.

“BUT HE IS UNABLE TO DO SO”.
The Holy Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) asked,
DID HE USE TO PERFORM HIS SALAAH?
THE MAN REPLIED “YES”
Then the Holy Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) went to see that young man accompanied by the companion Alayhim Ridwaan.
When our beloved Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) reached the young man.
He (Peace & blessings be upon him) also asked him to recite…
Laa Ilaha Ill…
the young man replied,
I am trying my best but I am unable to do so.
The Holy Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) inquired the reason for this
and SOMBODY replied, Oh Beloved of Allah azzawajal wa Sall Allahu Alihi wa Sallam.
This young man has been disobedient towards his mother
and because of his DISOBEDIANCE his mother is unhappy with him. The holy Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) then inquired if his mother is still alive and the answer was yes.
His MOTHER was called upon.
When she arrived the Holy prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) asked her,
is this young man your son? She replied Yes. The Holy prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) then said,
what if a huge
fire was lit and it was said that we will burn him in that fire,
unless his mother requests us not to,
will you INTERCEDE for him at that OCASSION or NOT?
The mother replied,
“I WILL DEFINATLY INTERCEDE for HIM and NOT let him BURN in that FIRE”
“OH MOTHER”
Said the Holy Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him), make me and Allah Almighty the witness and say,
I’M HAPPY WITH MY SON & I HAVE FORGEN HIM.

The mother did exactly what she was told and said: Oh Allah azzawajal,
I make YOU and YOUR beloved habeeb (Peace & blessings be upon him) witness that I am happy with my son.

Now the Holy Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) asked that young man again to recite the
KALIMA…
La ilaaha illallahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasooluhu …. there is none worthy of worship but Allah. He is alone and He has no partners and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger. The young man recited the kalimah and died.
Sallu Alal Habeeb

My Dear Islamic brothers,
This narration
What you just heard is full of many lessons.
A young man who was disobedient to his mother, was unable to recite kalmia-e-Shahadaat at the time of his death, until his mother announced her happiness with him.

This narration is shaking our CONSCIENCE and saying to us, oh you who disobey your parents, be warned,
this DISOBEDIANCE of your parents will cause
Allah Almighty and his beloved Habeeb (Peace & blessings be upon him) to become angry and what will you do, if you die without Imaan due to this disobedience.
May Allah azzawajal give us the ability to always obey our parents. Ameen

My dear Islamic brothers, as mentioned at the beginning that Allah Almighty, through various verses of the Holy Quraan has ordered us to obey our parents, to make them happy, to respect them and never to cause any grief or even hurt their feelings.
Surah Nisaa V. 36, Surah Ibrahim v. 41, Surah Mariyam v.12-14, Surah Ankaboot v.8, Surah Luqmaan v.14, Surah Nooh v.28, and many more verses where we find the Holy Quraan emphasizing the importance of parents rights. I will just mention what is stated in Surah Luqmaan v.14-

Translation from Kanzul Imaan Shareef:

“And We have stressed on man concerning his parents, that give thanks to Me and to your parents.”

Allah azzawajal states that
give thanks to me and to your parents.
Allah azzawajal is stating one of his rights alongside the right of parents.
In the commentary of this verse,
it is stated in Khazaain-ul-Irfaan,
One who prayed his 5 daily prayers (he has thanked Allah) One who prayed for his parents after these 5 daily prayers
(he has thanked his parents).

My dear Islamic brothers,
ALL RELEGIONS of the world that have existed so far,
all of them had ONE THING IN COMMON & that IS to respect your parents.

It is mentioned in Tafseer-e-Naimi, commentary of the Holy Quraan written by Mufti Ahmed Yaar Khaan Naimi
The different reasons of obeying parents.some of them are:

The bounties of Allah Almighty that we are enjoying,
these came into existence for us only after our Birth.
Our parents were the means of our birth.
Therefore, the FIRST LINK between us and the bounties of Allah Almighty is our parents.
CONSEQUENTLY,
AFTER ALLAH ALMIGHTY
WE ARE IN DEBT TO OUR PARENTS.
IF IT WAS NOT FOR THEM,
WE WOULD HAVE NOT EXHISTED.

It is the CHARACTERISTICS OF ALLAH AMIGHTY
that he brings up everybody,
provides sustenance to all, with no return in mind.
There is no greed involved in this provision of sustenance.

SIMILARLY
• PARENTS with the blessing of ALLAH ALMIGHTY,
• bring up their children without any greed or return in mind.

A QUESTION MIGHT COME TO OUR MIND THAT
NO THAT IS NOT TRUE!!!

PARENTS DO HAVE A RETURN IN THEIR MIND,
THAT THEIR CHILD WILL GROW UP AND WILL LOOKAFTER THEM IN OLD AGE.
PERHAPS THAT IS WHY THEY LOOK AFTER THEIR CHILDREN!

“NO MY DEAR ISLAMIC BROTHERS NO”!!!
THIS IS AN EVIL THOUGHT.
First of all how many children we know today who are looking after their parents,
the way their parents cared for them in their childhood?
Secondly, we can only expect this caring behaviour from a normal child?

• How about children who are BORN WITH DISABILITY,
• children who are told they will NEVR BE ABLE TO WALK,
• children who are BORN BLIND and will never be able to see,
• children born with many other DISABLED CONDITIONS that they CANT EVEN MOVE AROUND THEMSELVES,
• OR children who have SEVERE LEARNING DISABLITIES who HAVE OR GOT NO HOPE OF A NORMAL FUTURE.

TEL ME MY DEAR ISLAMIC BROTHERS
DO PARENTS NOT LOOK AFTER THESE DISABLED CHILDREN?
HOW ABOUT THE PROSPECT OF RETURN OR GREED IN HERE.

IN FACT !!!
PARENTS WITH DISABLED CHILDREN LOOK AFTER THEIR DISABLED CHILD WITH MUCH MORE CARE AND AFFECTION THAN A NORMAL CHILD.
SO OUR PARENTS HAVE BROUGHT US UP WITH EXTREME
• TENDER
• LOVE AND
• CARE
WITH NO RETURN OR NO GREED IN THEIR MIND.

THAT IS WHY ALLAH AZZAWAJUL HAS STATED HIS RIGHTS ALONGSIDE THE RIGHT OF PARENTS!!!

AND THIRDLY, just the way ALLAH AZZAWAJUL IS KIND TO HIS DISOBEDIENT PEOPLE
YET HE STILL PROVIDES THEM WITH SUSTENANCE SIMILARLY
PARENTS ARE ALSO KIND TO THEIR DISOBEDIANT CHILDREN.

NUMBER 4, WORSHIPPING ALLAH ALMIGHTY IS COMPULSORY AT ALL TIMES,
SIMILARLY IT IS COMPULSORY TO SERVE&LOOK AFTER YOUR PARENTS AT ALL TIMES
THRUOUGH THEIR:
* SICKNESS& HEALTH
* RICH AND POOR AND
* EVEN AT OLD AGE.

THESE ARE SOME OF THE REASONS WHY ALLAH AZZAWJUL STATES HIS RIGHTS ALONGSIDE THE RIGHTS OF THE PARENTS.

FROM THESE NARRATIONS WE UNDERSTAND
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RIGHTS OF THE PARENTS.
JUST THE WAY NOBODY CAN CLAIM
THAT I HAVE PERFORMED THE RIGHTS OF WORSHIPPING ALLAH ALMIGHTY,
THE WAY IT IS REQUIRED OF ME, SIMILARLY WE CANNOT CLAIM
THAT WE HAVE LOOKED AFTER OUR PARENTS THE WAY SHARIAH REQUIRES US TO DO.

Imaam-e-AhleSunnat, Ash-Shah Imaam Ahmed Raza Khaan (Alahi rehmatur-rehmaan) states in Fataawa-Razwiyah Shareef:

THAT to deal with your parents with kindness and best of the manners is amongst the greatest of the WAJIBAATS (Obligatory Actions) and one of the best form of worship. Pay careful attention to the word used here, one of the greatest of the WAJIBAATS
IT IS NOT AS IF WE HAVE A CHOICE
No my dear Islamic brothers, if we are not dealing with our parents with kindness, we are missing a Wajib & obligatory Action, thus, committing sinful act. It is stated in a hadeeth of our beloved Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) that to be kind to your parents is better than fighting in the path of Allah Almighty.

Ahlaa-Hazrat rehmatullah alaih has explained it very beautifully
by saying that:
• To be KIND to your parents is one of the GREATEST WORSHIPS,
• but remember, kindness to parents is not just that you refrain from DISOBEYING THEIR DIRECT ORDERS
• BUT RATHER, EVEN WHEN THER IS NO DIRECT ORDER!

• A person should not do any ACTION that UPSETS HIR/HER PARENTS.
• You must be very CAUTIOUS NOT to upset them by doing SOMETHINGS OR ACTIONS THAT MIGHT UPSET THEM.
• WE GOTTA CONCIDER THEIR FEELINGS AND THOUGHTS.

To obey the commands of your parents and to please them, both of these are waajib (obligatory) actions.
And the reverse of it,
to DISOBEY their COMMANDS and to HURT THEIR FEELINGS, both of these are HARAAM ACTIONS.

This is a very beautiful explanation and it has resolved many of the MISCONCEPTIONS that might exist in one’s mind!
regarding the obedience of their parents.
May Allah azzawajal give us the ability to act upon the teachings of Ahlaa Hazrat.

In another Hadeeth, narrated by Hazrat Abdullah bin Umer radi Allah ho Anhu, our beloved Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) has said:

“Pleasure of Allah Almighty is in the pleasure of a father, and displeasing your father is equal to displeasing Allah Almighty”

My dear Islamic brothers this is the saying of our beloved Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) that if a father is happy with his children then Allah Almighty is also happy with them, but if unfortunately, a father is upset with his children because of their disobedience
then this is a cause for Allah Almighty to be displeased with them.

My dear Islamic brothers,
WE ARE GOING THROUGH A VERY TURBULENT TIME PERIOD.
DISOBEDIENCE TOWARDS PARENTS IS AT ITS PEAK.
THE IDEA OF RESPECTING YOUR PARENTS SEEMS LIKE AN ALIEN CONCEPT

There are many reasons for this shift of behaviour and one thing that has A MAJOR ROLE to play in it is ELECTRONIC MEDIA.
THE CONCEPT THAT HAS BEEN MADE AMONGST THE PEOPLE THAT THE CHILDREN NEED TO BE INDEPENDENT OF THEIR PARENTS.

The CHILDREN OF TODAY SPEAK OUT TELLING THEIR PARENTS:

“DADDY”
AM INDEPENDENT
WHATS WRONGE WID DAT
AM GON LEAD MA OWN LIFE
NOT BE IMPRISONED BY YOUR WAY OF THINKING AND LIVING,
FOLLOW YOUR COMMANDS UNDER YOUR ROOF
I GOT MA OWN LIFE WITH WIFE AND CHILDREN
I GOT MY OWN SOCIAL STATUS TO WORRY ABOUT.
ASTAGFIRULLAH!!!
What is all this? What sort of thinking is that? Is that the way a true Muslim thinks of his parents that they are
IMPROSINING HIM IN THEIR OWN IDEOLOGY.
If it was not for your parents, where would you have been? You would not have had this life, you would not have had this beautiful body. Nothing my fellow youth MA BROTHERS IN ISLAM, NOTHING.
NO LIFE WHATSOEVER WITHOUT OUR PARENTS.
It is because of our PARENTS that we came into EXHISTANCE.
Allah almighty chose them as a means of our creation, who are we to lower their status today.
Who are we to tell our parents,
YA’LL NEED TO CHILL OUT!!!
you guys need to chill out.

THIS TYPE OF ATTITUDE IS VERY COMMON IN OUR HOUSES AND THROUGH OUT THE WORLD.

TODAY PARENTS ARE AFRAID TO SPEAK TO THEIR OWN KIDS
WHAT A SHAME!!!
La hola wa la Quwaata Illa Billa hil Aliyil Adheem
IN FACT IT SHOULD BE THE CHILDREN WHO SHOULD BE AFRAID OF UPSETTING THE PARENTS.
IT IS COMPLETELY OPPOSITE TO HOW IT SHOULD BE ACCORDING TO SHARIAH!
But my dear Islamic brothers, PUTTING IT POLITLY
THIS HAS ALL GONE PEAR SHAPED!

A hadeeth is stated in Bukhari and Muslim Shareef in which our beloved Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) has stated:

“should I not inform you of the greatest of the Major sins? Should I not inform you of the most detestable of the major sins?
Should I not inform you of the most hateful of the major sins? The companions Alahi mur-Ridhwaan said yes. The holy Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) said:
“TO DO SHIRK AND CAUSE GRIEF TO YOUR PARENTS”
In another Hadeeth our beloved Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) stated three times:
CURSED IS THE ONE WHO CAUSES GRIEF TO HIS PARENTS. (X 3)

Those Islamic brothers,
GROWN UP NOW
BECOME A BIG MAN,
MAN OF THE WORLD
GOT PLENTY OF WEALTH
BUT RELUCTANT TO SPEND IT ON THEIR PARENTS
OR TO GIVE THE MONEY TO THEM,
WHO ASK THEIR PARENTS QUESTIONS

“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME THAT I SHOULD SHARE MY WEALTH WITH YOU.
MY BROTHERS NEED TO LEARN A LESSON FROM THIS HADEETH:
“You and your wealth belongs to your father”.
When we were young our parents didn’t say to us,
I m not going to look after you because u don’t have money? What gives us the right today to say it to our parents that
I am earning money, u r poor, u go n take your own care.
I have worked hard for it and it is MY RIGHT MY TIME
TO ENJOY A LUXURIOUS LIFE STYLE AND U GUYS GETTING IN MY WAY OF IT.
Al-Amaan wal-Hafeez

Another man presented himself to the court of Holy Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) and said: Oh beloved of Allah azzawajal wa Sall Allahu Alaihi Wa-Sallam my father wishes to take all my wealth from me.

The beloved Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) called for his father and when he came he was asked,
your son is making a complaint that you wish to take his wealth from him. What that father said in response to this: listen to it with great attention my dear Islamic brothers.

The father goes to the Holy Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him), oh beloved of Allah azzawajal ask my son,
what is the reason that I am asking fro his money, his wealth? I spend it on his AUNTI’S, HIS SIBLINGS and his RELATIVES. What else do I do with his money?
While his father was saying all this,

Hazrat Sayyeduna Jibraeel Alay his-Salaam came to our beloved Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) and revealed to him that this father has thought of a poem expressing his feelings about his children.
He has not written them down as YET, THE WORDS ARE STILL IN HIS HEART.
Oh beloved of Allah Azzawajal, REQUEST TO THIS FATHER THAT HE RECITES HIS PEOTRY AND YOU LISTEN TO IT.
The holy Prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) INQUIRED FROM THE FATHER,
HAVE YOU WRITTEN ANY POETRY? RECITE IT TO ME. THE FATHER SAID, NO DOUBT WITH THE MIRACLES OF THE HOLY PROPHET (Peace & blessings be upon him), THE STREGNTH OF OUR IMAAN INCREASES THEN HE STARTED RECITING HIS POETRY.
My dear Islamic brothers, the poetry that he read, LISTEN to the TRANSALATION OF IT WITH EARS OF YOUR HEART
FEEL THE ANGUISH of your parents in these words and KHUDAARA (FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH),
STOP GRIEVING YOUR PARENTS AND STOP DISOBEYING THEM.
THE FATHER SAID: “OH CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE DISOBEDIENT TO YOUR PARENTS LISTEN TO THE CRIES OF AN OPPRESSES&ANGUISHED FATHER:

Oh my child, I fed you since u were born
I supported you when u were all alone
Through blood and sweat I earned to feed you daily
If any night u fell ill, I sacrificed all my nights’ sleep to comfort you
I used to get scared thinking about your death
My eyes used to shed tears, feeling the pain of your suffering
I brought you up with such love and affection
Now that you have grown up
And I have a hope that you might support me the way I supported you
This is the return I get from you, strict and harsh behavior
It is as if it was your gratitude
You ignored the right of a father
At least you could have just given me the right of a neighbor and treated me with some respect
And the money, which infact belonged to me, you should not have shown stinginess

The holy prophet (Peace & blessings be upon him) after listening to his poem, started crying my dear Islamic brothers. In state of this crying, he (Peace & blessings be upon him) got up, seized the collar of his son and said:
“Go you and your wealth, both belong to your father”

SALLU ALAL HABIIB,,,
:SALLALLAHU ALAHI WASALIM,

My dear sweet Islamic brothers u have heard that HOLY PROPHET SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASSALLIM after hearing the poem, shed his blessed tears and tell that :you and your wealth belong to your father.
By the verses of holy qur’an and different ahadees we should have realized the value of our parents.
Alhamdulillah hi azzawajel DAWATEISLAMI is teaching us how to respect our parents through various Islamic ways such as
• DARS,
• BAYANNS,
• MADANNI CHANNEL,
• MADANI INAAMATS
• AND MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL
• MADANI QAFILA’S
Alhamdulillah azzawajel whoever adopted madani environment of dawateislam, if before they were disobedient to their parents they became humble and obedient, those who were VIOLENT to their parents are now the ones who KISS there HANDS and FEETS.

So, this is the blessed environment of dawateislami given by A WALI E KAMIL,MY BELOVED SHEIKH E TAREEQAT,AMEER E AHLE SUNNAT HAZRAT E ALLAMA MOULANA MOHAMMAD ILYAS ATTAR QADRI(damat barakatuhum ul aliya)
“Isi mahol ne adna ko ala ker diya dekho,
Andhera tha, ujala hi ujala ker diya dekho.”
Dear Islamic brothers its my HUMBLE REQUEST to ATTATCH YOUR SELF with dawateislami,
Attend weekly ijtima reqularly,
travel in madani qafila every month and if u want to strive urself then please fill ur madani inamat card daily.
May ALLAH give me and all of us tofeeq to be obedient to ALLAH and our parents ameen .

Why Muslims are so Powerless

2011-07-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

There are an estimated 1,476,233,470 Muslims on the face of the planet: one billion in Asia, 400 million in Africa, 44 million in Europe and six million in the Americas . Every fifth human being is a Muslim; for every single Hindu there are two Muslims, for every Buddhist there are two Muslims and for every Jew there are one hundred Muslims.

Ever wondered why Muslims are so powerless?
Here is why: There are 57 member-countries of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), and all of them put together have around
500 universities; one university for every three million Muslims. The United States has 5,758 universities and India has 8,407.

In 2004, Shanghai Jiao Tong University compiled an 'Academic Ranking of World Universities' , and intriguingly, not one university from Muslim-majority states was in the top-500.

As per data collected by the UNDP, literacy in the Christian world stands at nearly 90 per cent and 15 Christian-majority states have a literacy rate of 100 per cent.

A Muslim-majority state, as a sharp contrast, has an average literacy rate of around 40 per cent and there is no Muslim-majority state with a literacy rate of 100 per cent.

Some 98 per cent of the 'literates' in the Christian world had completed primary school, while less than 50 per cent of the 'literates' in the Muslim world did the same.

Around 40 per cent of the 'literates' in the Christian world attended university while no more than two per cent of the 'literates' in the Muslim world did the same.

Muslim-majority countries have 230 scientists per one million Muslims. The US has 4,000 scientists per million and Japan has 5,000 per million.

In the entire Arab world, the total number of full-time researchers is 35,000 and there are only 50 technicians per one million Arabs. (in the Christian world there are up to 1,000 technicians per one million).

Furthermore, the Muslim world spends 0.2 per cent of its GDP on research and development, while the Christian world spends around five per cent of its GDP.

Conclusion: The Muslim world lacks the capacity to produce knowledge!

Daily newspapers per 1,000 people and number of book titles per million are two indicators of whether knowledge is being diffused in a society.

In Pakistan, there are 23 daily newspapers per 1,000 Pakistanis while the same ratio in Singapore is 360. In the UK , the number of book titles per million stands at 2,000 while the same in Egypt is 20.

Conclusion: The Muslim world is failing to diffuse knowledge.

Exports of high technology products as a percentage of total exports are an important indicator of knowledge application. Pakistan 's export of high technology products as a percentage of total exports stands at one per cent. The same for Saudi Arabia is 0.3 per cent; Kuwait , Morocco , and Algeria are all at 0.3 per cent, while Singapore is at 58 per cent.

Conclusion: The Muslim world is failing to apply knowledge.

Why are Muslims powerless?
.....Because we aren't producing knowledge,
.....Because we aren't diffusing knowledge.,
.....Because we aren't applying knowledge.

And, the future belongs to knowledge-based societies.

Interestingly, the combined annual GDP of 57 OIC-countries is under $2 trillion.
America , just by herself, produces goods and services worth $12 trillion;
China $8 trillion,
Japan $3.8 trillion and
Germany $2.4 trillion (purchasing power parity basis).

Oil rich Saudi Arabia , UAE, Kuwait and Qatar collectively produce goods and services (mostly oil) worth $500 billion;
Spain alone produces goods and services worth over $1 trillion,
Catholic Poland $489 billion and
Buddhist Thailand $545 billion.

..... ( Muslim GDP as a percentage of world GDP is fast declining ).

So, why are Muslims so powerless?

Answer: Lack of education.

All we do is shout to Allah the whole day !!! and blame everyone else for our multiple failures!!!!!

SOURCE: 1). Sahilonline.org

Bayan ul Quran By Dr. Israr Ahmed

2011-07-09T20:58:00.003-07:00

000-Introduction-01.mp3	10.32 MB

000-Introduction-02.mp3	9.89 MB

000-Introduction-03.mp3	10.03 MB

000-Introduction-04.mp3	8.71 MB

001-AL-FAATIHAH.mp3	6.70 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH (001 TO 029).mp3	13.00 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH (030 TO 046).mp3	10.10 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH [047 TO 074].mp3	10.01 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH [075 TO 107].mp3	10.15 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH [108 TO 141].mp3	9.96 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH [142 TO 176].mp3	10.02 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH [177 TO 196].mp3	10.13 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH [197 TO 228].mp3	10.13 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH [229 TO 253].mp3	10.27 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH [254 TO End].mp3	17.83 MB

003-ALE-IMRAN [001 TO 047].mp3	12.04 MB

003-ALE-IMRAN [048 TO 101].mp3	10.27 MB

003-ALE-IMRAN [102 TO 151].mp3	10.02 MB

003-ALE-IMRAN [152 TO End].mp3	10.25 MB

004-AN-NISAA [001 TO 030].mp3	10.21 MB

004-AN-NISAA [031 TO 065].mp3	10.10 MB

004-AN-NISAA [066 TO 100].mp3	10.01 MB

004-AN-NISAA [101 TO 142].mp3	10.11 MB

004-AN-NISAA [143 TO End].mp3	8.36 MB

005-AL-MA'IDAH [001 TO 043].mp3	11.81 MB

005-AL-MA'IDAH [044 TO 086].mp3	9.98 MB

005-AL-MA'IDAH [087 TO End].mp3	8.49 MB

006-AL-AN'AAM [001 TO 049].mp3	11.32 MB

006-AL-AN'AAM [050 TO 090].mp3	9.82 MB

006-AL-AN'AAM [091 TO 129].mp3	10.15 MB

006-AL-AN'AAM [130 TO End].mp3	7.14 MB

007-AL-A'RAAF [001 TO 058].mp3	12.89 MB

007-AL-A'RAAF [059 TO 129].mp3	9.96 MB

007-AL-A'RAAF [130 TO 166].mp3	10.11 MB

007-AL-A'RAAF [167 TO End].mp3	10.11 MB

008-AL-ANFAAL [001 TO 040].mp3	9.76 MB

008-AL-ANFAAL [041 TO End].mp3	10.18 MB

009-AT-TAUBAH [001 TO 034].mp3	10.10 MB

009-AT-TAUBAH [035 TO 085].mp3	9.51 MB

009-AT-TAUBAH [086 TO End].mp3	10.16 MB

010-YOUNUS.mp3	16.22 MB

011-HUD.MP3	19.42 MB

012-YOUSUF.mp3	15.92 MB

013-AR-RA'AD.mp3	7.00 MB

014-IBRAHEEM.mp3	9.15 MB

015-AL-HIJR.mp3	12.09 MB

016-AN-NAHL [001 TO 065].mp3	9.88 MB

016-AN-NAHL [066 TO End].mp3	10.20 MB

017-BANI ISRAIL [001 TO 035].mp3	10.06 MB

017-BANI ISRAIL [036 TO End].mp3	13.72 MB

018-AL-KAHEF.mp3	22.73 MB

019-MARYAM.mp3	11.33 MB

020-TAA HAA.mp3	11.85 MB

021-AL-AMBIA.mp3	13.53 MB

022-AL-HAJJ.mp3	17.62 MB

023-AL-MO'MINOON.mp3	10.78 MB

024-AN-NOOR.mp3	11.32 MB

025-AL-FURQAN.mp3	11.22 MB

026-AS-SHU'ARAA.mp3	10.48 MB

027-AN-NAML.mp3	9.17 MB

028-AL-QASES.mp3	16.62 MB

029-AL-ANKABOOT.mp3	12.24 MB

030-AR-ROOM.mp3	7.86 MB

031-LUQMAN.mp3	7.23 MB

032-AS-SAJDAH.mp3	3.56 MB

033-AL-AHZAB.mp3	19.96 MB

034-SABA.MP3	8.28 MB

035-FAATIR.mp3	5.85 MB

036-YAA SEEN.mp3	6.91 MB

037-AS-SAFFAAT.mp3	11.23 MB

038-SUAD.MP3	10.70 MB

039-AZ-ZUMAR.mp3	12.23 MB

040-AL-MO'MIN.mp3	10.96 MB

041-HAA MEEM AS-SAJDAH.mp3	9.12 MB

042-AS-SHURA.mp3	11.80 MB

043-AZ-ZUKHRUF.mp3	6.50 MB

044-AD-DUKHAN.mp3	4.69 MB

045-AL-JATHIA.mp3	4.98 MB

046-AL-AHQAAF.mp3	7.33 MB

047-MUHAMMAD.mp3	7.94 MB

048-AL-FAT'H.mp3	8.91 MB

049-AL-HUJURAAT.mp3	6.36 MB

050-QAAF.MP3	7.38 MB

051-AZ-ZARIYAAT.mp3	3.80 MB

052-AT-TOOR.mp3	3.98 MB

053-AN-NAJM.mp3	6.24 MB

054-AL-QAMAR.mp3	4.59 MB

055-AR-RAHMAN.mp3	6.99 MB

056-AL-WAQI'AH.mp3	6.95 MB

057-AL-HADEED.mp3	18.15 MB

058-AL-MUJADILAH.mp3	7.11 MB

059-AL-HASHR.mp3	9.81 MB

060-AL-MUMTAHINAH.mp3	4.92 MB

061-AS-SAFF.mp3	5.82 MB

062-AL-JUMU'AH.mp3	4.36 MB

063-AL-MUNAFIQOON.mp3	4.86 MB

064-AT-TAGHABUN.mp3	5.19 MB

065-AT-TALAAQ.mp3	4.28 MB

066-AT-TAHREEM.mp3	4.51 MB

067-AL-MULK.mp3	3.56 MB

068-AL-QALAM.mp3	4.16 MB

069-AL-HAAQ-QAH.mp3	1.89 MB

070-AL-MA'ARIJ.mp3	3.03 MB

071-NOOH.MP3	2.40 MB

072-AL-JINN.mp3	3.38 MB

073-AL-MUZZAMMIL.mp3	2.56 MB

074-AL-MUDDASSIR.mp3	5.35 MB

075-AL-QIYAAMAH.mp3	2.52 MB

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077-AL-MURSALAAT.mp3	2.06 MB

078-AN-NABA.mp3	1.49 MB

079-AN-NAZI'AAT.mp3	2.66 MB

080-ABAS.MP3	2.62 MB
081-AT-TAKWEER.mp3	2.70 MB

082-AL-INFITAAR.mp3	1.47 MB

083-AL-MUTTAFFIFEEN.mp	3 2.18 MB

084-AL-INSHIQAAQ.mp3	9.37 MB

085-AL-BUROOJ.mp3	1.51 MB

086-AT-TARIQ.mp3	681.34 KB

087-AL-A'LAA.mp3	2.95 MB

088-AL-GHASHIAH.mp3	1.69 MB

089-AL-FAJR.mp3	2.93 MB

090-AL-BALAD.mp3	2.08 MB

091-AS-SHAMS.mp3	2.76 MB

092-AL-LAIL.mp3	3.42 MB

093-AZ-ZUHAA.mp3	1.68 MB

094-AL-INSHIRAH.mp3	1.43 MB

095-AT-TEEN.mp3	1,019.68 KB

096-AL-ALAQ.mp3	2.08 MB

097-Al-QADR.mp3	505.10 KB

098-AL-BAYYINAH.mp3	1.48 MB

099-AZ-ZILZAAL.mp3	4.09 MB

100-AL-ADIAAT.mp3	795.60 KB

101-AL-QAAR'IAH.mp3	1.01 MB

102AT-TAKASUR.mp3	636.83 KB

103-AL-ASR.mp3	478.00 KB

104-AL-HUMAZAH.mp3	893.12 KB

105-AL-FEEL.mp3	1.37 MB

106-QURESH.mp3	1.68 MB

107-AL-MAA'OON.mp3	1.72 MB

108-AL-KAUSER.mp3	1.20 MB

109-AL-KAFIROON.mp3	867.59 KB

110-AN-NASR.mp3	940.86 KB

111-AL-LAHAB.mp3	2.41 MB

112-AL-IKHLAAS.mp3	1.30 MB

113-AL-FALAQ.mp3	1.26 MB

114-AN-NAAS.mp3	2.55 MB

Bayan-ul-Quran By Dr. Israr Ahmed

2011-07-08T02:38:00.000-07:00

000-Introduction-01.mp3	10.32 MB

000-Introduction-02.mp3	9.89 MB

000-Introduction-03.mp3	10.03 MB

000-Introduction-04.mp3	8.71 MB

001-AL-FAATIHAH.mp3	6.70 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH (001 TO 029).mp3	13.00 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH (030 TO 046).mp3	10.10 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH [047 TO 074].mp3	10.01 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH [075 TO 107].mp3	10.15 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH [108 TO 141].mp3	9.96 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH [142 TO 176].mp3	10.02 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH [177 TO 196].mp3	10.13 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH [197 TO 228].mp3	10.13 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH [229 TO 253].mp3	10.27 MB

002-AL-BAQARAH [254 TO End].mp3	17.83 MB

003-ALE-IMRAN [001 TO 047].mp3	12.04 MB

003-ALE-IMRAN [048 TO 101].mp3	10.27 MB

003-ALE-IMRAN [102 TO 151].mp3	10.02 MB

003-ALE-IMRAN [152 TO End].mp3	10.25 MB

004-AN-NISAA [001 TO 030].mp3	10.21 MB

004-AN-NISAA [031 TO 065].mp3	10.10 MB

004-AN-NISAA [066 TO 100].mp3	10.01 MB

004-AN-NISAA [101 TO 142].mp3	10.11 MB

004-AN-NISAA [143 TO End].mp3	8.36 MB

005-AL-MA'IDAH [001 TO 043].mp3	11.81 MB

005-AL-MA'IDAH [044 TO 086].mp3	9.98 MB

005-AL-MA'IDAH [087 TO End].mp3	8.49 MB

006-AL-AN'AAM [001 TO 049].mp3	11.32 MB

006-AL-AN'AAM [050 TO 090].mp3	9.82 MB

006-AL-AN'AAM [091 TO 129].mp3	10.15 MB

006-AL-AN'AAM [130 TO End].mp3	7.14 MB

007-AL-A'RAAF [001 TO 058].mp3	12.89 MB

007-AL-A'RAAF [059 TO 129].mp3	9.96 MB

007-AL-A'RAAF [130 TO 166].mp3	10.11 MB

007-AL-A'RAAF [167 TO End].mp3	10.11 MB

008-AL-ANFAAL [001 TO 040].mp3	9.76 MB

008-AL-ANFAAL [041 TO End].mp3	10.18 MB

009-AT-TAUBAH [001 TO 034].mp3	10.10 MB

009-AT-TAUBAH [035 TO 085].mp3	9.51 MB

009-AT-TAUBAH [086 TO End].mp3	10.16 MB

010-YOUNUS.mp3	16.22 MB

011-HUD.MP3	19.42 MB

012-YOUSUF.mp3	15.92 MB

013-AR-RA'AD.mp3	7.00 MB

014-IBRAHEEM.mp3	9.15 MB

015-AL-HIJR.mp3	12.09 MB

016-AN-NAHL [001 TO 065].mp3	9.88 MB

016-AN-NAHL [066 TO End].mp3	10.20 MB

017-BANI ISRAIL [001 TO 035].mp3	10.06 MB

017-BANI ISRAIL [036 TO End].mp3	13.72 MB

018-AL-KAHEF.mp3	22.73 MB

019-MARYAM.mp3	11.33 MB

020-TAA HAA.mp3	11.85 MB

021-AL-AMBIA.mp3	13.53 MB

022-AL-HAJJ.mp3	17.62 MB

023-AL-MO'MINOON.mp3	10.78 MB

024-AN-NOOR.mp3	11.32 MB

025-AL-FURQAN.mp3	11.22 MB

026-AS-SHU'ARAA.mp3	10.48 MB

027-AN-NAML.mp3	9.17 MB

028-AL-QASES.mp3	16.62 MB

029-AL-ANKABOOT.mp3	12.24 MB

030-AR-ROOM.mp3	7.86 MB

031-LUQMAN.mp3	7.23 MB

032-AS-SAJDAH.mp3	3.56 MB

033-AL-AHZAB.mp3	19.96 MB

034-SABA.MP3	8.28 MB

035-FAATIR.mp3	5.85 MB

036-YAA SEEN.mp3	6.91 MB

037-AS-SAFFAAT.mp3	11.23 MB

038-SUAD.MP3	10.70 MB

039-AZ-ZUMAR.mp3	12.23 MB

040-AL-MO'MIN.mp3	10.96 MB

041-HAA MEEM AS-SAJDAH.mp3	9.12 MB

042-AS-SHURA.mp3	11.80 MB

043-AZ-ZUKHRUF.mp3	6.50 MB

044-AD-DUKHAN.mp3	4.69 MB

045-AL-JATHIA.mp3	4.98 MB

046-AL-AHQAAF.mp3	7.33 MB

047-MUHAMMAD.mp3	7.94 MB

048-AL-FAT'H.mp3	8.91 MB

049-AL-HUJURAAT.mp3	6.36 MB

050-QAAF.MP3	7.38 MB

051-AZ-ZARIYAAT.mp3	3.80 MB

052-AT-TOOR.mp3	3.98 MB

053-AN-NAJM.mp3	6.24 MB

054-AL-QAMAR.mp3	4.59 MB

055-AR-RAHMAN.mp3	6.99 MB

056-AL-WAQI'AH.mp3	6.95 MB

057-AL-HADEED.mp3	18.15 MB

058-AL-MUJADILAH.mp3	7.11 MB

059-AL-HASHR.mp3	9.81 MB

060-AL-MUMTAHINAH.mp3	4.92 MB

061-AS-SAFF.mp3	5.82 MB

062-AL-JUMU'AH.mp3	4.36 MB

063-AL-MUNAFIQOON.mp3	4.86 MB

064-AT-TAGHABUN.mp3	5.19 MB

065-AT-TALAAQ.mp3	4.28 MB

066-AT-TAHREEM.mp3	4.51 MB

067-AL-MULK.mp3	3.56 MB

068-AL-QALAM.mp3	4.16 MB

069-AL-HAAQ-QAH.mp3	1.89 MB

070-AL-MA'ARIJ.mp3	3.03 MB

071-NOOH.MP3	2.40 MB

072-AL-JINN.mp3	3.38 MB

073-AL-MUZZAMMIL.mp3	2.56 MB

074-AL-MUDDASSIR.mp3	5.35 MB

075-AL-QIYAAMAH.mp3	2.52 MB

076-AD-DAHR.mp3	2.27 MB

077-AL-MURSALAAT.mp3	2.06 MB

078-AN-NABA.mp3	1.49 MB

079-AN-NAZI'AAT.mp3	2.66 MB

080-ABAS.MP3	2.62 MB
081-AT-TAKWEER.mp3	2.70 MB

082-AL-INFITAAR.mp3	1.47 MB

083-AL-MUTTAFFIFEEN.mp	3 2.18 MB

084-AL-INSHIQAAQ.mp3	9.37 MB

085-AL-BUROOJ.mp3	1.51 MB

086-AT-TARIQ.mp3	681.34 KB

087-AL-A'LAA.mp3	2.95 MB

088-AL-GHASHIAH.mp3	1.69 MB

089-AL-FAJR.mp3	2.93 MB

090-AL-BALAD.mp3	2.08 MB

091-AS-SHAMS.mp3	2.76 MB

092-AL-LAIL.mp3	3.42 MB

093-AZ-ZUHAA.mp3	1.68 MB

094-AL-INSHIRAH.mp3	1.43 MB

095-AT-TEEN.mp3	1,019.68 KB

096-AL-ALAQ.mp3	2.08 MB

097-Al-QADR.mp3	505.10 KB

098-AL-BAYYINAH.mp3	1.48 MB

099-AZ-ZILZAAL.mp3	4.09 MB

100-AL-ADIAAT.mp3	795.60 KB

101-AL-QAAR'IAH.mp3	1.01 MB

102AT-TAKASUR.mp3	636.83 KB

103-AL-ASR.mp3	478.00 KB

104-AL-HUMAZAH.mp3	893.12 KB

105-AL-FEEL.mp3	1.37 MB

106-QURESH.mp3	1.68 MB

107-AL-MAA'OON.mp3	1.72 MB

108-AL-KAUSER.mp3	1.20 MB

109-AL-KAFIROON.mp3	867.59 KB

110-AN-NASR.mp3	940.86 KB

111-AL-LAHAB.mp3	2.41 MB

112-AL-IKHLAAS.mp3	1.30 MB

113-AL-FALAQ.mp3	1.26 MB

114-AN-NAAS.mp3	2.55 MB

Dr. Israr Ahmad 16 Books

2011-07-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

About the Author:

Dr. Israr Ahmad gave up his thriving medical practice in 1971 in order to launch a full-fledged and vigorous movement for the revival of Islam. As a result of his efforts, the Markazi Anjuman Khuddam-ul-Qur'an Lahore was established in 1972, Tanzeem-e-Islami was founded in 1975, and Tahreek-e-Khilafat Pakistan was launched in 1991.

Dr. Israr Ahmad first appeared on Pakistan Television in 1978 in a program called Al-Kitab; this was followed by other programs, known as Alif Lam Meem, Rasool-e-Kamil, Umm-ul-Kitab and the most popular of all religious programs in the history of Pakistan Television, the Al-Huda, which made him a household name throughout the country. Although he did not like to receive it personally, Dr. Israr Ahmad was awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 1981. He has to his credit over 60 Urdu books on topics related to Islam and Pakistan, 9 of which have been translated into English and other languages.

For the last forty years or so, Dr. Israr Ahmad has been actively engaged not only in reviving the Qur'an-centered Islamic perennial philosophy and world-view but also reforming the society in a practical way with the ultimate objective of establishing a true Islamic State, or the System of Khilafah. He has widely traveled abroad and the audio and video tapes of his Qur'anic discourses in Urdu and English languages have circulated in thousands throughout the world.

Download All Books in PDF Format - Torrent

Great Islamic Architecture around the world (500 HQ Images) - 2 of 20

2011-07-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

#26 - Al Quds Masjid in Zamboanga - Philippines - Download

#27 - Al Zulfa Mosque in Seeb - Oman - Download

#28 - Alcazaba Fortress in Malaga - Spain - Download

#29 - Aleppo in Syria - Download

#30 - Ali Pasha Mosque in Sarajevo - Bosnia and Hercegowina - Download

#31 - Amasya in Turkey - Download

Great Islamic Architecture around the world (500 HQ Images) - 1 of 20

2011-07-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

#01 - Abu Derwish Mosque in Amman - Jordan - Download

#02 - Abu Mansur Mosque in Samarkand - Uzbekistan - Download

#03 - Afyon in Turkey - Download

#04 - Ahmed Shah Baba Mosque in Qandahar - Afghanistan - Download

#05 - Al Ashrafiyyah Mosque in Taiz - Yemen - Download

#06 - Al Azhar Mosque in Cairo - Egypt - Download

#07 - Al Azim Mosque in Malacca - Malaysia - Download

#08 - Al Fateh Mosque in Manama - Bahrain (courtyard) - Download

#09 - Al Fateh Mosque in Manama - Bahrain (dome) - Download

#10 - Al Fateh Mosque in Manama - Bahrain (interior) - Download

#11 - Al Fateh Mosque in Manama - Bahrain (night) - Download

#12 - Al Fateh Mosque in Manama - Bahrain - Download

#13 - Al Fidos Mosque in Baghdad - Iraq - Download

#14 - Al Hambra in Granada - Spain (courtyard) - Download

#15 - Al Hambra in Granada - Spain (dome) - Download

#16 - Al Hambra in Granada - Spain (garden) - Download

#17 - Al Hambra in Granada - Spain (interior) - Download

#18 - Al Hambra in Granada - Spain (night) - Download

#19 - Al Hambra in Granada - Spain (pool) - Download

#20 - Al Hambra in Granada - Spain (wood works) - Download

#21 - Al Hambra in Granada - Spain - Download

#22 - Al Jaferia Palace in Spain - Download

#23 - Al Nida Mosque in Baghdad - Iraq - Download

#24 - Al Nour Mosque in Cairo - Egypt - Download

#25 - Al Quds Masjid in Zamboanga - Philippines (interior) - Download

Question: Why do Muslims abuse non-Muslims by calling them Kafirs?

2011-07-05T00:40:00.001-07:00

Answer:

Kafir means one who rejects.

‘Kafir’ is derived from the word ‘kufr’, which means to conceal or to reject. In Islamic terminology, ‘Kafir’ means one who conceals or rejects the truth of Islam and a person who rejects Islam is in English called a ‘non-Muslim’.

If a ‘non-Muslim’ considers being called a ‘non-Muslim’ or ‘Kafir’, which are one and the same, an abuse, it is due to his misunderstanding about Islam. He or she needs to reach out to proper sources of understanding Islam and Islamic terminology, and not only will he not feel abused but appreciate Islam in the proper perspective.

Question: If Islam is the best religion, why are many of the Muslims dishonest, unreliable, and involved in activities such as cheating, bribing, dealing in drugs, etc.?

2011-07-05T00:34:00.000-07:00

Answer:

1. Media maligns Islam

a. Islam is without doubt the best religion but the media is in the hands of the westerners who are afraid of Islam. The media is continuously broadcasting and printing information against Islam. They either provide misinformation about Islam, misquote Islam or project a point out of proportion, if any.

b. When any bomb blasts take place anywhere, the first people to be accused without proof are invariably the Muslims. This appears as headlines in the news. Later, when they find that non-Muslims were responsible, it appears as an insignificant news’ item.

c. If a 50 year old Muslim marries a 15 year old girl after taking her permission, it appears on the front page but when a 50 year old non-Muslim rapes a 6 year old girl, it may appear in the news in the inside pages as ‘Newsbriefs’. Everyday in

America

on an average 2,713 cases of rape take place but it doesn’t appear in the news, since it has become a way of life for the Americans.

2. Black sheep in every community:

I am aware that there are some Muslims who are dishonest, unreliable, who
cheat, etc. but the media projects this as though only Muslims are involved in
such activities. There are black sheep in every community. I know Muslims who
are alcoholics and who can drink most of the non-Muslims under the table.

3. Muslims best as a whole:

Inspite of all the black sheep in the Muslim community, Muslims taken on the whole, yet form the best community in the world. We are the biggest community of tee-totallers as a whole, i.e. those who don’t imbibe alcohol. Collectively, we are a community which gives the maximum charity in the world. There is no community as a whole in the world which can show even a candle to the Muslims where modesty is concerned; where sobriety is concerned; where human values and ethics are concerned.

4. Don’t judge a car by its driver:

If you want to judge how good is the latest model of the “Mercedes” car and a person who does not know how to drive sits at the steering wheel and bangs up the car, who will you blame? The car or the driver? But naturally, the driver. To analyze how good the car is, a person should not look at the driver but see the ability and features of the car. How fast is it, what is its average fuel consumption, what are the safety measures, etc. Even if I agree for the sake of argument that the Muslims are bad, we can’t judge Islam by its followers? If you want to judge how good Islam is then judge it according to its authentic sources, i.e. the Glorious Qur’an and the Sahih Hadith.

5. Judge Islam by its best follower i.e. Prophet Mohammed (pbuh):

If you practically want to check how good a car is put an expert driver behind the steering wheel. Similarly the best and the most exemplary follower of Islam by whom you can check how good Islam is, is the last and final messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Besides Muslims, there are several honest and unbiased non-Muslim historians who have acclaimed that prophet Muhammad was the best human being. According to Michael H. Hart who wrote the book, ‘The Hundred Most Influential Men in History’, the topmost position, i.e. the number one position goes to the beloved prophet of Islam, Muhammad (pbuh). There are several such examples of non-Muslims paying great tributes to the prophet, like Thomas Carlyle, La-Martine, etc.

Question All religions basically teach followers to do good deeds. Why should a person only follow Islam? Can he not follow any of the religions?

2011-07-05T00:33:00.000-07:00

Answer:

1. Major difference between Islam and most other religions

All religions basically exhort mankind to be righteous and eschew evil. But Islam

goes beyond that. It guides us towards practical ways of achieving righteousness and eliminating evil from our individual and collective lives. Islam takes into account human nature and the complexities of human society. Islam is guidance from the Creator Himself. Therefore, Islam is also called the Deenul-Fitrah (the natural religion of Man).

2. Example - Islam commands us to shun robbery and also prescribes method of eli-minating robbery

a. Islam prescribes method of eliminating robbery

All major religions teach that theft is an evil act. Islam teaches the same. So what is the difference between Islam and the other religions? The difference lies in the fact that Islam, besides teaching that robbing is evil, shows a practical way of creating a social structure in which people will not rob.

b. Islam prescribes Zakat

Islam prescribes a system of Zakat (obligatory annual charity). Islamic law prescribes that every person who has a saving that exceeds the nisab level i.e. more than 8S grams of gold, should give 2.S% of that saving every lunar year in charity. If every rich person in the world gave Zakat sincerely, poverty will be eradicated from this world. Not a single human being would die of hunger.

c. Chopping off the hands as punishment for robbery

Islam prescribes chopping off the hands of the convicted robber. The Glorious Qur’an says in Surah Maidah:

“As to the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hands:a punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in power, full of wisdom.” [Al-Qur’an 5:38]

The non-Muslim may say, “Chopping off the hands in this 20th century. Islam is a barbaric and ruthless religion!”

d. Results achieved when Islamic Shariah Implemented

America

is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries in the world. Unfortunately it also has one of the highest rates of crime, theft, and robbery. Suppose the Islamic shariah is implemented in

America

i.e. every rich person gives Zakat (2.S% of his savings in charity above 8S grams of gold every lunar year), and every convicted robber has his or her hands chopped off as a punishment. Will the rate of theft and robbery in

America

increase, remain same or decrease? Naturally it will decrease. Moreover the existence of such a stringent law would discourage many a potential robber.

I agree that the amount of theft that takes place in the world today is so tremendous that if you chop off the hands of all the thieves, there will be tens of thousands of people whose hands will be chopped off. The point here is that the moment you implement this law the rate of theft will decline immediately. The potential robber would give it a serious thought before jeopardizing his limbs. The mere thought of the punishment itself will discourage majority of the robbers. There will barely be a few who would rob. Hence only a few person’s hands would be chopped off but millions would live peacefully without fear of being robbed.

Islamic Shariah is therefore practical, and achieves results.

3. Example: Islam prohibits the molestation and rape of women. It enjoins hijab and prescribes capital punishment for a convicted rapist.

a. Islam prescribes method of eliminating molestation and rape

All the major religions declare the molestation and rape of women as grave sins. Islam teaches the same. What then is the difference between Islam and the other religions? The difference lies in the fact that Islam does not merely preach respect for women, or abhor molestation and rape as serious crimes, but also gives clear guidance as to how society can eliminate such crimes.

b. Hijab for men

Islam has a system of hijab. The Glorious Qur’an first mentions hijab for the men and then for the women. Hijab for the men is mentioned in the following verse:

“Say to the believing men that they should lowertheir gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.” [Al-Qur’an 24:30]

The moment a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he should lower his gaze.

c. Hijab for women

Hijab for women is mentioned in the following verse:

“And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons….” [Al-Qur’an 24:31]

The extent of hijab for a woman is that her complete body should be covered. The only part that can be seen, are the face and the hands up to the wrists. If they wish to cover, they can even cover these parts of the body. However some Islamic scholars insist that even the face should be covered.

d. Hijab prevents molestation

The reason why Allah has prescribed Hijab for the women is given in the Qur’an in the folowing verse of Surah Al-Ahzab:

“O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women,that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most Merciful.” [Al-Qur’an 33:59]

The Qur’an says that Hijab has been prescribed for the women so that they are recognized as modest women this would prevent them from being molested.

e. Example of twin sisters

Suppose two sisters who are twins and who are equally beautiful, walk down a street. One of them is wearing the Islamic Hijab i.e. the complete body is covered except for the face and the hands up to the wrists, and the other twin is wearing a mini skirt or shorts. Around the corner there is a hooligan who is waiting for an opportunity to tease a girl. Who will he tease? The girl wearing the Islamic Hijab or the girl wearing the mini skirt or shorts? Dresses that expose more than they conceal, are an indirect temptation to the opposite sex for teasing, molestation and rape. The Qur’an rightly says that the hijab prevents women from being molested.

f. Capital punishment for rapist

The Islamic shariah prescribes capital punishment for a convicted rapist. The non-Muslim may be horrified at such a stringent punishment in this age. Many accuse Islam of being ruthless and barbaric. I have asked a common question to hundreds of non-Muslim men. Suppose God-forbid, some one rapes your wife, your mother or your sister and you are made the judge. The rapist is brought in front of you. What punishment would you give him? All of them said, “we would put him to death.” Some went to the extent of saying, “we would torture him to death”, If your wife or your mother is raped you want the rapist to be put to death. But if someone else’s wife or mother is raped, capital punishment is a barbaric law. Why the double standards?

U.S.A.

has one of the highest rate of Rape

The

United States of America

is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries of the world. An FB.l report in the year 1990 says that 1,02,555 cases of rape were reported. It further says that only 16% of the cases of rapes are reported. Thus, in order to know the actual number of rapes that took place in 1990, the reported figure should be multiplied by 6.25. We get a total of 6,40,968 rape cases that took place in the year 1990. If the total is divided by 365 the number of days in a year, we get an average of 1,756 rape incidents everyday.

Later another report said that an average of 1900 cases of rape are committed in U.S.A every day. According to National Crime Victimization Survey Bureau of Justice Statistics (U. S. Dept. of Justice) in 1996 alone 3,07,000 cases of rape were reported. Only 31% of the actual cases of rape were reported. Thus, 3,07,000 X 3.226 = 9,90,322 rapes took place in 1996. That is, an average of 2,713 cases of rape took place everyday in

America

in 1996. Every 32 seconds one rape is taking place in

America

. Maybe American rapists got bolder. The FBI report of 1990 continues and says that out of the rape cases that were reported only 10% of the rapist were arrested, that is only 1.6% of the actual rapes committed. Out of those arrested, 50% were let free before the trial. This would mean that only 0.8% of the rapists faced a trial. In other words if a person commits 125 rapes the chances that he will get a punishment for rape is only once. Many would consider this a good gamble. And the report says that of those people who faced trial 50% received sentences of less than a year’s imprisonment though the American law says rape carries a seven year sentence of imprisonment. For a rapist, the judge is lenient to first time offenders. Imagine a person commits 125 rapes and the chances of being convicted is only once, and 50% of the time the judge will grant leniency and give a sentence of less than a year!

h. Results achieved when Islamic Shariah Implemented

Suppose the Islamic shariah is implemented in

America

. Whenever a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he lowers his gaze. Every woman wears the Islamic Hijab, that is the complete body is covered except the face and the hands upto the wrists. After this if any man commits rape, he gets capital punishment. The question is, will the rate of rape in

America

increase, will it remain the same or will it decrease? Naturally it will decrease. Islamic Shariah gets results.

4. Islam has Practical Solutions for the Problems of Mankind
Islam is the best way of life because its teachings are not doctrinaire rhetoric but practical solutions for the problems of mankind. Islam achieves results both at the individual and collective levels. Islam is the best way of life because it is a practical, universal religion not confined to any ethnic group or nationality.

Question: When all the Muslim follow one and the same Qur’an then why are there so many sects and different schools of thoughts among Muslims?

2011-07-05T00:30:00.000-07:00

Answer:

1. Muslims Should be United

It is a fact that Muslims today, are divided amongst themselves. The tragedy is that such divisions are not endorsed by Islam at all. Islam believes in fostering unity amongst its followers.

The Glorious Qur’an says:

“And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves;” [AL-Qur’an 3:103]

Which is the rope of Allah that is being referred to in this verse? It is the Glorious Qur’an. The Glorious Qur’an is the rope of Allah which all Muslims should hold fast together. There is double emphasis in this verse. Besides saying ‘hold fast all together’ it also says, ‘be not divided’.

Qur’an further says,

“Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger” [AL-Qur’an 4:59]

All the Muslim should follow the Qur’an and authentic ahadith and be not divided among themselves.

2. It is Prohibited to make sects and divisions in Islam

The Glorious Qur’an says:

“As for those who divide Their religion and break up into sects, thou hast no part in them in the least: Their affair is with Allah: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did.” [AL-Qur’an 6:159]

In this verse Allah (swt) says that one should disassociate oneself from those who divide their religion and break it up into sects.

But when one asks a Muslim, “who are you?”, the common answer is either ‘I am a Sunni, or ‘I am Shia’. Some call themselves Hanafi, or Shafi or Maliki or Humbali. Some say ‘I am a Deobandi’, while some others say ‘I am a Barelvi’.

3. Our Prophet was a Muslim

One may ask such Muslims, “Who was our beloved prophet (pbuh)? Was he a Hanafi or a Shafi, or a Humbali or a Maliki?” No! He was a Muslim, like all the other prophets and messengers of Allah before him.

It is mentioned in chapter 3 verse 52 of Al-Qur’an that Jesus (pbuh) was a Muslim. Further, in chapter 3 verse 67, Al-Qur’an says that Ibrahim (pbuh) was not a Jew or a Christian but was a Muslim.

4. Qur’an says call yourselves Muslim

a. If anyone poses a Muslim the question who are you, he should say “I am a MUSLIM, not a Hanafi or a Shafi”. Surah Fussilat chapter 41 verse 33 says

“Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says, ‘I am of those Who bow in Islam (Muslim)?’” [AL-Qur’an 41:33]

The Qur’an says “Say I am of those who bow in Islam”. In other words, say, “I am a Muslim”.

b. The Prophet (pbuh) dictated letters to non-Muslim kings and rulers inviting them to accept Islam. In these letters he mentioned the verse of the Qur’an from Surah Ali lmran chapter 3 verse 64:

Say ye: “Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah’s Will).” [Al-Qur’an 3:64]

5. Respect all the Great Scholars of Islam

We must respect all the great scholars of Islam, including the four lmaams, Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafi, Imam Humbal and Imam Malik (may Allah be pleased with them all). They were great scholars and may Allah reward them for their research and hardwork. One can have no objection if someone agrees with the views and research of Imam Abu Hanifa or Imam Shafi, etc. But when posed a question, ‘who are you?’, the reply should only be ‘I am a Muslim’.

Some may argue by quoting the hadith of our beloved Prophet from Sunan Abu Dawood Hadith No. 4S79. In this hadith the prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said, “My community will be split up into seventy-three sects.”

This hadith reports that the prophet predicted the emergence of seventy-three sects. He did not say that Muslims should be active in dividing themselves into sects. The Glorious Qur’an commands us not to create sects. Those who follow the teachings of the Qur’an and Sahih Hadith, and do not create sects are the people who are on the true path.

According to Tirmidhi Hadith No. 171, the prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said, “My Umma will be fragmented into seventy-three sects, and all of them will be in Hell fire except one sect.” The companions asked Allah’s messenger which group that would be. Where upon he replied, “It is the one to which I and my companions belong.”

The Glorious Qur’an mentions in several verses, “Obey Allah and obey His Messenger”. A true Muslim should only follow the Glorious Qur’an and the Sahih Hadith. He can agree with the views of any scholar as long as they conform to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sahih Hadith. If such views go against the Word of Allah, or the Sunnah of His Prophet, then they carry no weight, regardless of how learned the scholar might be.

If only all Muslims read the Qur’an with understanding and adhere to Sahih Hadith, lnshallah most of these differences would be solved and we could be one united Muslim Ummah.

Question : How can you prove the existence of hereafter, i.e. life after death? Answer

2011-07-05T00:27:00.000-07:00

Answer:

1. Belief in the hereafter is not based on blind faith?

Many people wonder as to how a person with a scientific and logical temperament, can lend any credence to the belief of life after death. People assume that anyone believing in the hereafter is doing so on the basis of blind belief.

My belief in the hereafter is based on a logical argument.

2. Hereafter a logical belief

There are more than a thousand verses in the Glorious Qur’an, containing scientific facts (refer my book “Qur’an and Modern Science-Compatible or Incompatible?”). Many facts mentioned in the Qur’an have been discovered in the last few centuries. But science has not advanced to a level where it can confirm every statement of the Qur’an.

Suppose 80% of all that is mentioned in the Qur’an has been proved 100% correct. About the remaining 20%, science makes no categorical statement, since it has not advanced to a level, where it can either prove or disprove these statements. With the limited knowledge that we have, we cannot say for sure whether even a single percentage or a single verse of the Qur’an from this 20% portion is wrong. Thus when 80% of the Qur’an is 100% correct and the remaining 20% is not disproved, logic says that even the 20% portion is correct. The existence of the hereafter, which is mentioned in the Qur’an, falls in the 20% ambiguous portion which my logic says is correct.

3. Concept of peace and human values is useless without the concept of hereafter

Is robbing a good or an evil act? A normal balanced person would say it is evil. How would a person who does not believe in the hereafter convince a powerful and influential criminal that robbing is evil?

Suppose I am the most powerful and influential criminal in the world. At the same time I am an Intelligent and a logical person. I say that robbing is good because it helps me lead a luxurious life. Thus robbing is good for me.

If anybody can put forward a single logical argument as to why it is evil for me, I will stop immediately. People usually put forward the following arguments:

a. The person who is robbed will face difficulties

Some may say that the person who is robbed will face difficulties. I certainly agree that it is bad for the person who is robbed. But it is good for me. If I rob a thousand dollars, I can enjoy a good meal at a S star restaurant.

b. Some one may rob you

Some people argue that someday I may be robbed. No one can rob me because I am a very powerful criminal and I have hundreds of bodyguards. I can rob anybody but nobody can rob me. Robbing may be a risky profession for a common man but not for an influential person like me.

c. The police may arrest you

Some may say, if you rob, you can be arrested by the police. The police cannot arrest me because I have the police on my payroll. I have the ministers on my payroll. I agree that if a common man robs, he will be arrested and it will be bad for him, but I am an extraordinarily influential and powerful criminal.

Give me one logical reason why it is bad for me and I will stop robbing.

d. Its easy money

Some may say its easy money and not hard-earned money. I agree completely that it is easy money, and that is one of the main reasons why I rob. If a person has the option of earning money the easy as well as the hard way, any logical person would choose the easy way.

e. It is against humanity

Some may say it is against humanity and that a person should care for other human beings. I counter argue by asking as to who wrote this law called ‘humanity’ and why should I follow it?

This law may be good for the emotional and sentimental people but I am a logical person and I see no benefit in caring for other human beings.

f. It is a selfish act

Some may say that robbing is being selfish. It is true that robbing is a selfish act; but then why should I not be selfish? It helps me enjoy life.

1. No logical reason for robbing being an evil act

Hence all arguments that attempt to prove that robbing is an evil act are futile. These arguments may satisfy a common man but not a powerful and influential criminal like me. None of the arguments can be defended on the strength of reason and logic. It is no surprise that there are so many criminals in this world.

Similarly raping, cheating etc. can be justified as good for a person like me and there is no logical argument that can convince me that these things are bad.

2. A Muslim can convince a powerful and influential criminal

Now let us switch sides. Suppose you are the most powerful and influential criminal in the world, who has the police and the ministers on his payroll. You have army of thugs to protect you. I am a Muslim who will convince you that robbing, raping, cheating, etc. are evil acts.

Even if I put forth the same arguments to prove that robbing is evil the criminal will respond the same way as he did earlier.

I agree that the criminal is being logical and all his arguments are true only when he is the most powerful and influential criminal.

3. Every human being wants justice

Each and every human being desires justice. Even if he does not want justice for others he wants justice for himself. Some people are intoxicated by power and influence and inflict pain and suffering on others. The same people, however, would surely object if some injustice was done to them. The reason such people become insensitive to the suffering of others is that they worship power and influence. Power and influence, they feel, not only allows them to inflict injustice on others but also prevents others from doing likewise to them.

4. God is Most Powerful and Just

As a Muslim I would convince the criminal about the existence of Almighty God (refer to answer proving the existence of God). This God is more powerful than you and at the same time is also just. The Glorious Qur’an says:

“Allah is never unjust in the least degree” [AL-Qur’an 4:40]

5. Why does God not punish me?

The criminal, being a logical and scientific person, agrees that God exists, after being presented with scientific facts from the Qur’an. He may argue as to why God, if He is Powerful and Just, does not punish him.

6. The people who do injustice should be punished

Every person who has suffered injustice, irrespective of financial or social status, almost certainly wants the perpetrator of injustice to be punished. Every normal person would like the robber or the rapist to be taught a lesson. Though a large number of criminals are punished, many even go scot-free. They lead a pleasant, luxurious life, and even enjoy a peaceful existence. If injustice is done to a powerful and influential person, by someone more powerful and more influential than he, even such a person would want that person perpetrators of injustice to be punished.

7. This life is a test for the hereafter

This life is a test for the hereafter. The Glorious Qur’an says:

“He who created Deathand life that He may try which of you is best in deed; and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving” [AL-Qur’an 67:2]

8. Final justice on day of judgement

The Glorious Qur’an says:

“Every soul shall have a taste of death: and only on the Day of Judgement shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of life): for the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception.” [Al-Qur’an 3:185]

Final justice will be meted out on the Day of Judgement. After a person dies, he will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement along with the rest of mankind. It is possible that a person receives part of his punishment in this world. The final reward and punishment will only be in the hereafter. God Almighty may not punish a robber or a rapist in this world but he will surely be held accountable on the Day of Judgement and will be punished in the hereafter i.e. life after death.

9. What punishment can the human law give Hitler?

Hitler incinerated six million Jews during his reign of terror. Even if the police had arrested him, what punishment can the human law give Hitler for justice to prevail? The most they can do is to send Hitler to the gas chamber. But that will only be punishment for the killing of one Jew. What about the remaining five million, nine hundred and ninety nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine Jews?

10. Allah can burn Hitler more than six million times in hellfire

Allah say in the Glorious Qur’an:

“Those who reject Our signs, We shall sooncast into the Fire;as often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the penalty: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise” [Al-Qur’an 4:56]

If Allah wishes he can incinerate Hitler six million times in the hereafter in the hellfire.

11. No concept of human values or good and bad without concept of hereafter

It is clear that without convincing a person about the hereafter, i.e. life after death, the concept of human values and the good or evil nature of acts is impossible to prove to any person who is doing injustice especially when he is influential and powerful.

Question: Under Islamic law, why is a woman’s share of the inherited wealth only half that of a man?

2011-07-05T00:22:00.000-07:00

Answer:

1. Inheritance in the Qur’an

The Glorious Qur’an contains specific and detailed guidance regarding the

division of the inherited wealth, among the rightful beneficiaries.

The Qur’anic verses that contain guidance regarding inheritance are:

* Surah Baqarah, chapter 2 verse 180

* Surah Baqarah, chapter 2 verse 240

* Surah Nisa, chapter 4 verse 7-9

* Surah Nisa, chapter 4 verse 19

* Surah Nisa, chapter 4 verse 33 and

* Surah Maidah, chapter5 verse 106-108

2. Specific share of inheritance for the relatives

There are three verses in the Qur’an that broadly describe the share of close relatives i.e. Surah Nisah chapter 4 verses 11, 12 and 176. The translation of these verses are as follows:

“Allah (thus) directs you as regards your children’s (inheritance): to the male, a portion equal to that of two females, if only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; If only one, her share is a half.

For parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children; If no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased left brothers (or sisters) the mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases is) after the payment of legacies and debts. Ye know not whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

In what your wives leave, your share is half. If they leave no child; but if they leave a child, ye get a fourth; after payment of legacies and debts. In what ye leave, their share is a fourth, if ye leave no child; but if ye leave a child, they get an eight; after payment of legacies and debts. If the man or woman whose inheritance is in question, has left neither ascendants nor descendants, but has left a brother or a sister, each one of the two gets a sixth; but if more than two, they share in a third; after payment of legacies and debts; so that no loss is caused (to anyone). Thus it is ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-Knowing Most Forbearing” [AL-Qur’an 4:11-12]

“They ask thee for a legal decision. Say: Allah directs (them) about those who leave no descendants or ascendants as heirs. If it is a man that dies, leaving a sister but no child, she shall have half the inheritance. If (such a deceased was) a woman who left no child, Her brother takes her inheritance. If there are two sisters, they shall have two thirds of the inheritance (between them). If there are brothers and sisters, (they share), the male having twice the share of the female. Thus doth Allah (swt) makes clear to you (His knowledge of all things).

[AL-Qur’an 4:176]

3. Female some times inherits same or more than male counter part In most of the cases, a woman inherits half of what her male counterpart inherits.

However, this is not always the case. In case the deceased has left no ascendant or descendent but has left the uterine brother and sister, each of the two inherit one sixth.

If the deceased has left children, both the parents that is mother and father get an equal share and inherit one sixth each. In certain cases, a woman can also inherit a share that is double that of the male. If the deceased is a woman who has left no children, brothers or sisters and is survived only by her husband, mother and father, the husband inherits half the property while the mother inherits one third and the father the remaining one sixth. In this particular case, the mother inherits a share that is double that of the father.

4. Female usually inherits half the share of that of the male counter part

It is true that as a general rule, in most cases, the female inherits a share that is half that of the male. For instance in the following cases:

daughter inherits half of what the son inherits,

wife inherits 1/8th and husband 1/4th if the deceased has no children.

Wife inherits 1/4th and husband 1/2 if the deceased has children

If the deceased has no ascendant or descendent, the sister inherits a share that is half that of the brother.

Male inherits double than the female because he financially supports the family

In Islam a woman has no financial obligation and the economical responsibility lies on the shoulders of the man. Before a woman is married it is the duty of the father or brother to look after the lodging, boarding, clothing and other financial requirements of the woman. After she is married it is the duty of the husband or the son. Islam holds the man financially responsible for fulfilling the needs of his family. In order to do be able to fulfill the responsibility the men get double the share of the inheritance. For example, if a man dies leaving about Rs. One Hundred and Fifty Thousand, for the children (i.e one son and one daughter) the son inherits One Hundred Thousand rupees and the daughter only Fifty Thousand rupees. Out of the one hundred thousand which the son inherits, as his duty towards his family, he may have to spend on them almost the entire amount or say about eighty thousand and thus he has a small percentage of inheritance, say about twenty thousand, left for himself. On the other hand, the daughter, who inherits fifty thousand is not bound to spend a single penny on anybody. She can keep the entire amount for herself. Would you prefer inheriting one hundred thousand rupees and spending eighty thousand from it, or inheriting fifty thousand rupees and having the entire amount to yourself?