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Three Tough Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:35:00 +0000

There was a young man who went overseas to study for quite some time. When he returned, he asked his parents to find him a religious scholar or any expert who could answer his Three Questions.

Finally, his parents were able to find a Muslim scholar.

"Who are you? Can you answer my questions?," asked the young man

"I am one of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala)'s slaves and Insha'Allah (God willing), I will be able to answer your questions," replied the Scholar.

"Are you sure? A lot of Professors and experts were not able to answer my questions," replied the young boy

"I will try my best, with the help of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala)"

"I have 3 questions," began the boy

1. Does God exist? If so, show me His shape.

2. What is takdir (fate)?

3. If shaitan (Devil) was created from the fire, why at the end he will be thrown to hell that is also created from fire. It certainly will not hurt him at all, since Shaitan (Devil) and the hell were created from fire. Did God not think of it this far?

Suddenly, the Scholar slapped the young man's face very hard!

The young man, who was shocked and hurt by the slap became confused, "Why do are you angry at me?" he asked

"I am not angry," answered the scholar, "The slap is my answer to your three questions."

"I really don't understand," the young man said. He was really confused.

The scholar began to explain, "How did you feel after I slapped you?," he asked

"Of course, I felt the pain. it hurt," he replied

"So do you believe that pain exists?" the scholar asked

"Yes."

"Now Show me the shape of the pain!" said the wise Scholar

"I cannot," the young man replied

"That is my first answer. All of us feel God's existence without being able to see His shape... Last night, did you dream that you will be slapped by me?," the ascholar replied

"No"

"Did you ever think that you will get a slap from me, today?," the scholar continued

"No."

"That is takdir (fate)........" The scholar continued, "My hand that I used to slap you, what is it created from?"

"It is created from flesh," replied the young man

"How about your face, what is it created from?"

"Flesh, as well" replied the young man

"How did you feel after I slapped you?"

"In pain."

"Even though Shaitan (satan) and Jahunnum (Hell-fire) were created from fire, if Allah wants, insha'Allah (God willing), the Hell-fire will become a very painful place for Shaitan (Devil)" ended the wise Scholar.

The wise Scholar had answered all three of the tough questions by one slap.

Three Tough Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:35:00 +0000

Three Tough Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:35:00 +0000

Pearls Of Ramadhan - How to spend time in this month

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:12:00 +0000

First Pearl - The Month of Mercy

Many a secular person has gone and many pious saints have passed away, but we that read this pamphlet have this opportunity once again to correct our lives by following the sunnat of our prophet Nabi Sallallâhu Alayhi Wasallam and pleasing Allâh. Ramadhân is for the Muslims a very great favour from Allâh. The reality of this favour can only be felt in our lives and heart if we appreciate it, otherwise this blessed month of Ramadhân will come and go without gaining anything.

Kâb bin Ujrah (RadiAllâhu Anhu) relates, that once while climbing the pulpit (mimbar), Nabi Sallallâhu Alayhi Wasallam said, "Âmîn." The Sahabah asked, "O Rasul of Allâh, today we have heard something that we have never heard before." Nabi Sallallâhu Alayhi Wasallam said that Jibraeel (Alaihis Salâm) said, "Woe to him who found the blessed month of Ramadhân and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness." Upon that I said "Âmîn."

Let us ask ourselves who is making the du'â and who is saying Âmîn. Now can we still let this month of Ramadhân go by idly or are we going to spend it in accordance to the teachings of Nabi Sallallâhu Alayhi Wasallam?

Second Pearl - Fasting

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.) reports that Nabi Sallallâhu Alayhi Wasallam said, "The du'â of a fasting person is not rejected until he breaks his fast." Nabi Sallallâhu Alayhi Wasallam said, "Whoever eats during one day of Ramadhân without a valid excuse, shall never be able to recoup that day even by fasting for the rest of his life."

Third Pearl - Sehri

Ibne Umar (R.A.) relates that Nabi Sallallâhu Alayhi Wasallam said, "Verily Allâh and his angels send mercy upon those who partake of Sehri."

Fourth Pearl - The Qur'ân

There is a very great link between Ramadhân and the Qurân. Ramadhân is the month of the Qurân. Therefore read as much Qurân as possible. Hadhrat Abdullah Ibne Umar (R.A.) narrated that Rasulullah Sallallâhu Alayhi Wasallam said, "The hearts become rusted as iron rusts with water." When someone asked, "What could cleanse the hearts again?" Rasulullah Sallallâhu Alayhi Wasallam said, "Frequent remembrance of death and recitation of the Qurân." The month of Ramadhân and the Qurân is with us. Let us use it to cleanse our hearts of rust.

Fifth Pearl - Tarâwîh Salâh

Nabi Sallallâhu Alayhi Wasallam said that Allâh made fasting fardh for the day and Tarawîh sunnat for the night. Let us realize that through our fasting we kill the desires of our Nafs (carnal self) and through our Tarawîh we can reach Allâh. What a blessing!

Sixth Pearl - Itikâf

In Kashful Ghummah, Allâma Sha'râni relates a Hadith wherein Rasulullah Sallallâhu Alayhi Wasallam said, "Whoever performs Itikâf for the final ten days of Ramadhân, for him is the reward of two Haj and two Umrahs and whoever performs Itikâf from Maghrib until Esha doing nothing except performing Salât and reciting the Qurân, Allâh will prepare a place for him in Jannah."

Seventh Pearl - Laylatul Qadr

Amongst the nights of Ramadhân, Laylatul Qadr is one of the most blessed. The Qurân describes it as being greater in spiritual virtue than a thousand months, which in turn means that it is more valuable than 83 years and 4 months. Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.) reports that Rasulullah Sallallâhu Alayhi Wasallam said "Whoever stands in worship on the night of Qadr with complete faith and with sincere hope of gaining reward, all his previous sins are forgiven."

Hadhrat Ayesha (R.A.) reports that Nabi Sallallâhu Alayhi Wasallam said, "Seek Laylatul Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten days of the month of Ramadhân." Hadhrat Ayesha (R.A.) reports that she said, "O Messenger of Allâh, if I find Laylatul Qadr, what should I read?" The Prophet Sallallâhu Alayhi Wasallam replied, "Say, 'O Allâh, thou art the one who grants pardon for sins, thou lovest to pardon, so pardon me."

Advice on How to Kindle Our Spiritual Upliftment

Reduce all business or worldly commitments to a minimum.

Do not waste time doing Eid shopping or eating with friends and other family members just because it is Ramadhân.

Increase Nafl Salât or complete Qaza Salât as much as possible.

Increase the recitation of the Qurân, Zikr and Tasbeeh.

Make a total commitment to avoid all sins. If any sins are committed, (major or minor), make taubah (repent) immediately.

Free the mind from all evil thoughts and make an effort to reform oneself (eg. remove pride, hatred, jealousy, anger, looking down upon others, etc.)

Increase acts of charity and assist the needy as much as possible. Do not forget to pay your Zakât.

Spend time reading good Islamic books (eg. Teachings of Islam, Bahishti Zewar, Good Character, Upbringing of Children etc.)

Bear in mind that each of one of us will be asked by Allâh how we spent our Ramadhân . Let us not forget that we will be punished equally for our sins just as we are rewarded for our good deeds.

Four Acts To Perform In Abundance

a. Read Kalima Tayyibah

b. Read Durood Shareef

c. Ask for Jannatul Firdous

d. Ask to be saved from Jahannam

Twenty-four Hour Programme

Hereunder we suggest a 24- hour programme for the month of Ramadhân. It is an example of spending our time correctly. The programme starts from Maghrib till Maghrib the following day.

Read: "O You who are Great in Bounties, forgive me", as many times as possible before Iftâr.

Make du'â 5 to 10 minutes before Iftâr. The du'â of a fasting person is readily accepted at this time.

Make Iftâr quickly. Thereafter perform Maghrib (for men with Jamât and for women at home).

After Maghrib perform 6 to 20 Rakâts Awwâbîn Namâz.

Read Surah Tabarak after Maghrib. The benefit of it is that it will save us from the punishment of the grave.

Read Surah Waqiyah. The virtue of it is that it will save one from poverty.

Have supper quickly. Our suggestion is that due to the long days, have a rest for 15 - 20 minutes before Esha, so that one may be fresh for Tarawîh and Esha salâh.

Prepare for Esha before the Esha Azân and proceed for Esha and Tarawîh Salât. Return home immediately after Tarawîh or after any Deeni programme in the Masjid. Do not waste time talking and discussing political and business issues.

On returning home, read Surah Sajdah. Thereafter spend a few minutes with the family and try to sleep as early as possible allowing one to arise at 3.00 a.m. for Tahajjud salâh.

Read Tasbeeh-e-Fatimi before sleeping.

Perform at least 4,8, or 12 rakâts Tahajjud salâh, thereafter read the first kalima 100 times and then make du'â before partaking of Sehri.

Immediately after Sehri proceed to the Masjid for Fajr Salâh. After Fajr recite the Qurân till Ishrâq time.

Perform 2 or 4 Rakâts Ishrâq. The benefit is that your daily work will become easy and you will attain the reward of an accepted Haj. After Ishrâq rest before going to work. People who are self employed should take advantage of this rest and also give their employees this opportunity.

At work or at one's business, one should keep one's tongue moist with Zikr eg. Kalimah Tayyibah, Istighfâr and Durood Shareef. Those who are bay't to a Sheikh should complete their prescribed Zikr.

Try to be early for Zohar Namâz so that one could read the Qurân immediately after one has read the 4 Sunnat-e-Muakkadah before the Jamât Namâz. If possible try to read Qurân after Zohar Namâz as well, depending on how long one's lunch break is.

After completing Asar Namâz, read Durood Shareef at least 100 times and Istighfâr 100 times. Thereafter spend the balance of the time reciting Qurân till Iftâr time, not forgetting the du'â before Iftâr.

Remember : If we have Qaza Salâh to perform, then instead of all our Nafl Salâh eg. Awwâbeen, or Ishrâq, we should perform all our Qaza Salâh. The first question on the day of Qiyâmat after Imân will be about Salâh.

A great spiritual mentor (Sheikh Zakariyya) always told his Mureeds, "Eat as much as you want to (Halâl Food), sleep as much as you want to, "BUT DO NOT TALK." In other words, one should not waste any time in Ramadhân in futile acts. Our time should be spent in Salâh, Tilawat of the Qurân and Zikr.

An Example of How Our Elders Spent their Ramadhân

Sheikhul-Hind Moulana Mahmudul Hasan (R.A.) used to remain in Nafl Salât form after Tarawîh until Fajr and would listen to the Qurân recited by various Huffâz. Moulana Shah Abdur Rahim Raipuri (R.A) remained busy with tilawat of the Qurân day and night throughout Ramadhân.

The Three Parts of This Month

In a Hadith it is mentioned the month of Ramadhân is divided into 3 parts. The first part is that of Allâh's mercy, the second part is that of forgiveness, while the third part is that of freedom from the fire of Jahannam.

Note: We find that many of us are absent from the Masjid without a valid reason. Now ask yourself how will one get freedom from Jahannam, when one was supposed to be forgiven during the middle ten days while absenting oneself from the most important act of worship.

Resolutions

One should draw a resolution every Ramadhân to stay away from all sins and to remember Allâh. Remember also to make a dedicated resolution eg. from this Ramadhân I will control my gaze and make five times Salâh. Each resolution will bring us closer to Allâh. Control the gaze and you will attain respect in this world and peace in the hereafter - Insha Allâh.

Practical Tips For Fasting In Ramadhan

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:45:00 +0000

Muslims view the fasting month of Ramadan with much sanctity and honor. The fasting month brings about a personal reflection of where we are, what we have done and where we hope to go. Many Muslims feel a heightened sense of excitement as well as anxiety. In this state of excitement, we try our best to welcome in the fasting month with as much preparation as possible. However, at times, we tend to forget the little things. Here are some practical tips to fasting during this blessed month.

Firstly, there’s the pre-Ramadan preparation. Reduce your caffeine habit, preferably a few days before you start fasting so you don’t crave your cup of java during the day. Try to do the optional fasts on Monday and Thursdays (or any day that suits your lifestyle). This will help you get into the Ramadan vibe. Overall, start eating less, especially during the daytime. Or you could have an early morning breakfast and eat lightly during the day then have a full meal at dinner time.

Next, during Ramadan, it is important to make a serious conviction to follow the Ramadan routine. Wake up before dawn, have the pre-dawn breakfast (suhoor) and perform the dawn prayers (fajr). This routine must be ingrained in your mind, body and soul. It is common to have a boost of faith during the early days of Ramadan. The spiritual energy is vibrant and you feel that it is easy to meet Ramadan head on. Then, we may get weak and lose our conviction. We may get lazy and tell ourselves that we have another 3 weeks or so to get back on track. It is best to stay the course and be moderate.

Reduce sodium in your diet, especially during suhoor. This will help to reduce your urge to drink throughout the day. Extreme foods should be avoided as well. These include super spicy dishes (again to reduce the urge to drink after suhoor), high sugar content (to avoid the ‘crash and burn’ feeling), fatty foods and anything else that normally disagrees with you. Try to include foods that have high fiber content (for easy digestion) and that are ‘filling’. It’s important to eat ‘complex carbohydrates’ as they break down slowly. These include grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour, and unpolished rice. Lots of fruits and vegetables are not only healthy but also provide a good balance to your meals. These will help sustain yourself until you break your fast. If you are already taking multi-vitamin supplements, don’t stop. Check with a health advisor if you plan to start a new multi-vitamin supplement. Don’t look far to find a vital health supplement. Dates are abundant throughout the year and especially during Ramadan. Dates are known to provide a wide range of essential nutrients and potential health benefits. Another important tip: hydrate! Drink lots of water in the night and before dawn. During suhoor, remember that coffee and tea are known to be diuretics. This could cause you to lose fluids faster.

Don’t binge. Having an empty stomach during the day and then gorging yourself at night can cause lethargy and other gastrointestinal discomforts. The last thing you need is a sloth-like behavior at night and then you miss the precious dawn breakfast.

Source: San Jose Muslim Examiner

25 Golden Advices For Ramadhan

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 03:22:00 +0000

From the book Khulaasatul Kalaam by Shaykh Jaarullah.

Brother Muslim, Sister Muslima:

1. Fast Ramadhan with belief and truly seeking the reward of Allah the Most High so that He may forgive you your past sins.

2. Beware of breaking your fast during the days of Ramadhan without a valid Islamic excuse, for it is from the greatest of sins.

3. Pray Salat ut-Taraweeh and the night prayer during the nights of Ramadhan – especially on Layatul-Qadr – based on belief and truly seeking the reward of Allah, so that Allah may forgive you your past sins.

4. Make sure that your food, your drink and your clothing are from halal means, in order that your actions be accepted, and your supplications answered. Beware of refraining from the halal while fasting and breaking your fast with the haram.

5. Give food to some fasting people to gain a reward similar to theirs.

6. Perform your five prayers on time in congregation to gain the reward and Allahs protection.

7. Give a lot of charity for the best charity is that of Ramadhan.

8. Beware of spending your time without performing righteous deeds, for you will be responsible and reckoned for it and will be rewarded for all you do during your time.

9. Perform `umrah in Ramadhan for `Umrah in Ramadhan is equal to Hajj.

10. Seek help for fasting during the day by eating the sahoor meal in the last part of the night before the appearance of Fajr.

11. Hasten breaking your fast after the sun has truly set in order to gain the love of Allah.

12. Perform ghusl before fajr if you need to purify yourself from the state of major impurity so that you are able to do acts of worship in a state of purity and cleanliness.

13. Cease the opportunity of being in Ramadhan and spend it with the good that has been revealed in it – by reciting the noble Quran and pondering and reflection of its meanings so that it be a proof for you with your Lord and an intercessor for you on the Day of Reckoning.

14. Preserve your tongue from lying, cursing, backbiting and slander for it decreases the reward of fasting.

15. Do not let fasting cause you cross your boundaries by getting upset due to the slightest of reasons. Rather, fating should be a cause of peacefulness and tranquility of your soul.

16. Upon completion of fasting, be in a state of taqwa of Allah the Most High, being aware of Allah watching you in secret and in public, in thankfulness for His favors, and steadfastness upon obedience of Allah by doing all what He has ordered and shunning all that He has prohibited.

17. Increase in remembrance of Allah, seeking of forgiveness, asking for Paradise and protection against the Fire, especially when fasting, while breaking the fast and during suhoor, for these actions are among greatest causes of attaining Allahs forgiveness.

18. Increase in supplication for yourself, your parents, your children and Muslims, for Allah has ordered making of supplications and has guaranteed acceptance.

19. Repent to Allah with a sincere repentance in all times by leaving sins, regretting those that you have done before and firmly deciding not to return to them in the future, for Allah accepts repentance of those who repent.

20. Fast six days of Shawwal, for whoever fasts Ramadhan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasts all the time.

21. Fast on the Day of `Arafah, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, to attain success by being forgiven your sins of the last year and the coming year.

22. Fast on the day of `Aashuraa, the 10th of Muharram, along with the 9th, to attain success by being forgiven your sins of the past year.

23. Continue being in a state of iman and taqwa and perform righteous actions after the month of Ramadhan, until you die. And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (i.e. death). [Quran 15:99]

24. Ensure that you attain the positive effects of your acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, zakat and hajj, sincere repentance and leaving of customs that are in variance with the Sharee`ah.

25. Invoke a lot of salawat and salam upon the Messenger of Allah, may Allahs blessings and peace be upon him, his Companions and all those who follow them until the Day of Judgment.

O Allah make us and all Muslims of those who fast and stand in prayer during the month of Ramadhan based on belief and truly seeking Your reward so that we are forgiven our past and future sins.

O Allah make us of those who fasted the month, attained full reward, witnessed Layatul-Qadr and attained success by permission of the Lord, Blessed and Most High.

O Allah, verily you are Forgiver, like to forgive, so forgive us.

O Lord, accept from us, verily you are the All-Hearing, all-Seeing, O Living, O Independent, O Owner of all majesty and honor.

And may Allahs blessings and peace be upon Muhammad, his family and his Companions.

Source: MyUmmah

Israel's crimes in Gaza - The Aftermath

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:13:00 +0000

From a hill just outside the Gaza Strip, Israelis watch the air assaults on Gaza and dance in celebration of the attacks, 8 January 2009. (Newscom)

Why Israel won't survive
By: Ali Abunimah, The Electronic Intifada, 19 January 2009
Source : http://electronicintifada.net

The merciless Israeli bombardment of Gaza has stopped -- for now -- but the death toll keeps rising as more bodies are pulled from carpet- bombed neighborhoods.

What Israel perpetrated in Gaza, starting at 11:30am on 27 December 2008, will remain forever engraved in history and memory. Tel al-Hawa, Hayy al-Zeitoun, Khuzaa and other sites of Israeli massacres will join a long mournful list that includes Deir Yasin, Qibya, Kufr Qasim, Sabra and Shatila, Qana, and Jenin.

Once again, Israel demonstrated that it possesses the power and the lack of moral restraint necessary to commit atrocities against a population of destitute refugees it has caged and starved.

The dehumanization and demonization of Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims has escalated to the point where Israel can with full self- righteousness bomb their homes, places of worship, schools, universities, factories, fishing boats, police stations -- in short everything that sustains civilized and orderly life -- and claim it is conducting a war against terrorism.

Yet paradoxically, it is Israel as a Zionist state, not Palestine or the Palestinian people, that cannot survive this attempted genocide.

Israel's "war" was not about rockets -- they served the same role in its narrative as the non-existent weapons of mass destruction did as the pretext for the American-led invasion and occupation of Iraq.

Israel's real goals were to restore its "deterrence" fatally damaged after its 2006 defeat in Lebanon (translation: its ability to massacre and terrorize entire populations into submission) and to destroy any Palestinian resistance to total Israeli-Jewish control over historic Palestine from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea.

With Hamas and other resistance factions removed or fatally weakened, Israel hoped the way would be clear to sign a "peace" deal with chief Palestinian collaborator Mahmoud Abbas to manage Palestinians on Israel's behalf until they could be forced out once and for all.

The US-backed "moderate" dictatorships and absolute monarchies led by Egypt and Saudi Arabia supported the Israeli plan hoping to demonstrate to their own people that resistance -- whether against Israel or their own bankrupt regimes -- was futile.

To win, Israel had to break Palestinian resistance. It failed. On the contrary, it galvanized and unified Palestinians like never before. All factions united and fought heroically for 23 days. According to well-informed and credible sources Israel did little harm to the modest but determined military capacity of the resistance. So instead Israel did what it does best: it massacred civilians in the hope that the population would turn against those fighting the occupier.

Israel not only unified the resistance factions in Gaza; its brutality rallied all Palestinians and Arabs.

It is often claimed that Arab regimes whip up anti-Israel anger to distract their populations from their own failings. Actually, Israel, the US and subservient Arab regimes tried everything -- especially demonizing Iran and inciting sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shia Muslims -- to distract their populations from Palestine.

All this failed as millions of people across the region marched in support of Palestinian resistance, and the Arab regimes who hoped to benefit from the slaughter in Gaza have been exposed as partners in the Israeli atrocities. In popular esteem, Hamas and other Palestinian resistance factions earned their place alongside Hizballah as effective bulwarks against Israeli and Western colonialism.

If there was ever a moment when the peoples of the region would accept Israel as a Zionist state in their midst, that has passed forever.

But anyone surveying the catastrophe in Gaza -- the mass destruction, the death toll of more than 100 Palestinians for every Israeli, the thousands of sadistic injuries -- would surely conclude that Palestinians could never overcome Israel and resistance is a delusion at best.

True, in terms of ability to murder and destroy, Israel is unmatched. But Israel's problem is not, as its propaganda insists, "terrorism" to be defeated by sufficient application of high explosives. Its problem is legitimacy, or rather a profound and irreversible lack of it. Israel simply cannot bomb its way to legitimacy.

Israel was founded as a "Jewish state" through the ethnic cleansing of Palestine's non-Jewish majority Arab population. It has been maintained in existence only through Western support and constant use of violence to prevent the surviving indigenous population from exercising political rights within the country, or returning from forced exile.

Despite this, today, 50 percent of the people living under Israeli rule in historic Palestine (Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip) are Palestinians, not Jews. And their numbers are growing rapidly. Like Nationalists in Northern Ireland or non-whites in South Africa, Palestinians will never recognize the "right" of a settler-colonial society to maintain an ethnocractic state at their expense through violence, repression and racism.

For years, the goal of the so-called peace process was to normalize Israel as a "Jewish state" and gain Palestinians' blessing for their own dispossession and subjugation. When this failed, Israel tried "disengagement" in Gaza -- essentially a ruse to convince the rest of the world that the 1.5 million Palestinians caged in there should no longer be counted as part of the population. They were in Israel's definition a "hostile entity."

In his notorious May 2004 interview with The Jerusalem Post, Arnon Soffer, an architect of the 2005 disengagement explained that the approach "doesn't guarantee 'peace,' it guarantees a Jewish- Zionist state with an overwhelming majority of Jews." Soffer predicted that in the future "when 2.5 million people live in a closed-off Gaza, it's going to be a human catastrophe. Those people will become even bigger animals than they are today, with the aid of an insane fundamentalist Islam. The pressure at the border will be awful."

He was unambiguous about what Israel would have to do to maintain this status quo: "If we want to remain alive, we will have to kill and kill and kill. All day, every day." Soffer hoped that eventually, Palestinians would give up and leave Gaza altogether.

Through their resistance, steadfastness and sacrifice, Palestinians in Gaza have defeated this policy and reasserted that they are an inseparable part of Palestine, its people, its history and its future.

Israel is not the first settler-colonial entity to find itself in this position. When F.W. de Klerk, South Africa's last apartheid president, came to office in 1989, his generals calculated that solely with the overwhelming military force at their disposal, they could keep the regime in power for at least a decade. The casualties, however, would have run into hundreds of thousands, and South Africa would face ever greater isolation. Confronted with this reality, de Klerk took the decision to begin an orderly dismantling of apartheid.

What choice will Israel make? In the absence of any political and moral legitimacy the only arguments it has left are bullets and bombs. Left to its own devices Israel will certainly keep trying -- as it has for sixty years -- to massacre Palestinians into submission. Israel's achievement has been to make South Africa's apartheid leaders look wise, restrained and humane by comparison.

But what prevented South Africa's white supremacist government from escalating their own violence to Israeli levels of cruelty and audacity was not that they had greater scruples than the Zionist regime. It was recognition that they alone could not stand against a global anti-apartheid movement that was in solidarity with the internal resistance.

Israel's "military deterrent" has now been repeatedly discredited as a means to force Palestinians and other Arabs to accept Zionist supremacy as inevitable and permanent. Now, the other pillar of Israeli power -- Western support and complicity -- is starting to crack. We must do all we can to push it over.

Israel began its massacres with full support from its Western "friends." Then something amazing happened. Despite the official statements of support, despite the media censorship, despite the slick Israeli hasbara (propaganda) campaign, there was a massive, unprecedented public mobilization in Europe and even in North America expressing outrage and disgust.

Gaza will likely be seen as the turning point when Israeli propaganda lost its power to mystify, silence and intimidate as it has for so long. Even the Nazi Holocaust, long deployed by Zionists to silence Israel's critics, is becoming a liability; once unimaginable comparisons are now routinely heard. Jewish and Palestinian academics likened Israel's actions in Gaza to the Nazi massacre in the Warsaw Ghetto. A Vatican cardinal referred to Gaza as a "giant concentration camp." UK Member of Parliament Gerald Kaufman, once a staunch Zionist, told the House of Commons, "My grandmother was ill in bed when the Nazis came to her home town of Staszow, [Poland]. A German soldier shot her dead in her bed." Kaufman continued, "my grandmother did not die to provide cover for Israeli soldiers murdering Palestinian grandmothers in Gaza." He denounced the Israeli military spokesperson's justifications as the words "of a Nazi."

It wasn't only such statements, but the enormous demonstrations, the nonviolent direct actions, and the unprecedented expressions of support for boycott, divestment and sanctions from major trade unions in Italy, Canada and New Zealand. An all-party group of city councillors in Birmingham, Europe's second largest municipal government, urged the UK government to follow suit. Salma Yaqoub of the RESPECT Party explained that "One of the factors that helped bring an end to the brutal apartheid regime in South Africa was international pressure for economic, sporting and cultural boycotts. It is time that Israel started to feel similar pressure from world opinion."

Israel, its true nature as failed, brutal colonial project laid bare in Gaza, is extremely vulnerable to such a campaign. Little noticed amidst the carnage in Gaza, Israel took another momentous step towards formal apartheid when the Knesset elections committee voted to ban Arab parties from participating in upcoming elections. Zionism, an ideology of racial supremacy, extremism and hate, is a dying project, in retreat and failing to find new recruits. With enough pressure, and relatively quickly, Israelis too would likely produce their own de Klerk ready to negotiate a way out. Every new massacre makes it harder, but a de-zionized, decolonized, reintegrated Palestine affording equal rights to all who live in it, regardless of religion or ethnicity, and return for refugees is not a utopian dream.

It is within reach, in our lifetimes. But it is far from inevitable. We can be sure that Western and Arab governments will continue to support Israeli apartheid and Palestinian collaboration under the guise of the "peace process" unless decisively challenged. Israeli massacres will continue and escalate until the nightmare of an Israeli- style "peace" -- apartheid and further ethnic cleansing -- is fulfilled.

The mobilizations of the past three weeks showed that a different world is possible and within our grasp if we support the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. Although they will never get to see it, that world would be a fitting memorial for all of Israel's victims.

Co-founder of The Electronic Intifada, Ali Abunimah is author of One Country: A Bold Proposal to End the Israeli-Palestinian Impasse (Metropolitan Books, 2006)

Hijab covers the man's eyes - not the woman's!

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:30:00 +0000

You look at me and call me oppressed,
Simply because of the way I'm dressed,
You know me not for what's inside,
You judge the clothing I wear with pride,
My body's not for your eyes to hold,
You must speak to my mind, not my feminine mold,
I'm an individual, I'm no mans slave,
It's Allahs pleasure that I only crave,
I have a voice so I will be heard,
For in my heart I carry His word,
" O ye women, wrap close your cloak,
So you won't be bothered by ignorant folk",
Man doesn't tell me to dress this way,
It's a Law from God that I obey,
Oppressed is something I'm truly NOT,
For liberation is what I've got,
It was given to me many years ago,
With the right to prosper, the right to grow,
I can climb moutains or cross the seas,
Expand my mind in all degrees,
For God Himself gave us LIB-ER-TY,
When He sent Islam,
To You and Me!

by Izdehar Albowyha

10 ways how you can help the innocent people of Gaza

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 09:26:00 +0000

Who's paying the price ? Children, women and innocent civilians...

Im sure you are fully aware of the suffering bestowed upon the innocent empty handed, hungry, weak and 'locked in' innocent muslim civilians within the already opressed Gaza Strip.

See the counter on the right to see how many civilians are dead and injured , third of them women and children !

Are you from the UK? Dont feel helpless thinking there is not much you can do, there is so much you can do to help. First and foremost, make sincere prayers to Allah, ask our creator for help and send them your charity , 1.5 million people require aid in terms of vital medical supplies, blankets, food, water etc..

The beneath 10 point guide has been taken from : www.iengage.org.uk

What can YOU do to help the Palestinian people of Gaza? Read the ENGAGE 10 Point Guide and get working TODAY!

'During the last seven years, 14 Israelis have been killed by mostly homemade rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, while more than 5,000 Palestinians were killed by Israel with some of the most advanced US-supplied armaments in the world', Seumas Milne, The Guardian, 30 December 2008.

1. Contact your MP by phone and in writing via email.

You can find contact details for your MP on the Parliament website, www.parliament.uk or you can find your MP through the search facility on www.theyworkforyou.com. Phone your Member of Parliament TODAY and make sure that s/he notes your dismay and disappointment at the Government’s refusal to condemn the assaults on Gaza and its refusal to demand an immediate stop to all military activity. Ask your MP why Israel's bombings of mosques and university buildings in Gaza have gone uncriticised.

MPs do work for you, so get writing and insist on your MP seeking clear answers on your behalf from the Foreign Secretary to questions such as these:

(a) Why has the UK not clearly condemned the savage bombardment of Gaza by the Israelis?
(b) Does the UK Government accept that the Israeli action is barbaric and a crime against humanity?
(c) How does the UK Government think it will be able to legitimately defend its position as a member of the Quartet brokering peace in the Middle East when it fails to condemn the actions of a state which threatens beyond all doubt prospects for a lasting peace?
(d) Does not the Government’s refusal to condemn the Israelis insinuate complicity in the latter’s attempt to rout a democratically elected government and seek peace on its term and its terms alone? Is this the Government’s idea of a lasting peace in Palestine?
(e) The Government failed in summer 2006 to call for a ceasefire while the Israelis bombed Lebanon repeatedly destroying much of the country’s infrastructure. Refuse to allow it to sit back and do nothing once again.
(f) Does the UK Government not accept that its refusal to condemn the Israelis renders hollow all its protestations on its commitment to peace in the Middle East and its PREVENT agenda, on tackling the causes of radicalization in the UK?

2. Call for a Debate in the Houses of Parliament

Ask your MP to raise the brutal Israeli bombardment in Gaza as a matter for debate in the Houses of Parliament. What reasons does the Government have for remaining silent on this matter? Why has it not been more forthright in its utter condemnation of the atrocity? Does the Government think that committing funds to humanitarian aid absolves it from addressing the causes of the disaster?

3. Government representations to the UN

Ask your MP to insist that the Government condemn the murderous actions of the Israelis in the UN. The UN is another member of the Quartet (along with the US, EU and Russia) and is similarly responsible in forcing Israel to halt military action and cease its belligerent breach of international law.

4. Demonstrate

Demonstrate against the outrageous conduct of the Israelis. Much of what Israel seeks to do is to compel others to accept that it is the victim in this war. Demonstrate against its lies and deception and show your solidarity with the true victims of Israeli attacks.

The Stop the War Coalition are organizing demonstrations all this week. Also check the website, www.stopwar.org.uk for further details of these and other demonstrations across the country.

Join as many demonstrations as you can and urge others to come with you. Keep up the pressure, vote with your feet, and show that you will not sit back and allow this massacre to go unchallenged. Remember, silence is complicity.

5. Raise Your Voice and Your Pen

What is happening in Gaza is all over the news, on TV, on radio and on internet discussion forums. The Israeli Media Strategy document procured by ENGAGE shows clearly that dominating the news, controlling the dissemination of information and framing the war is as much a part of Israel’s assaults on Gaza as the raining down of missiles. Challenge what you see and hear and be the voice of the Palestinian people who are prevented from speaking for themselves.

(a) Is the news dominated by Israeli spokespeople? If so, ask why. There are two sides in this war and the views of both must be made available to us. How else are we to judge who is the victim and who the aggressor? Say no to Israeli spin and Israeli centred news coverage.
(b) Is the radio coverage unbalanced? What interviewees are invited to take part on news programmes on the Gaza assaults? How often do you hear Palestinian and Hamas representatives?
(c) Call in to news programmes, on your local radio station or national radio stations, and contribute your comments and views to what is going on. Don’t restrict your outrage and fulminating to shaking your fists at the television. Do something, speak out.

Contact details for major TV stations:
BBC:
www.bbc.co.uk/complaints 03700 100 222
ITV:
dutyoffice@itv.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 0844 881 4150
Channel 4:
http://help.channel4.com 0845 076 0191
Sky News:
news@sky.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 0870 240 3000
ITV Teletext:
webmaster@teletext.co.ukThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 020 8323 5000

Newspapers:

Daily Telegraph - 020 7931 2000
The Guardian - 020 7278 2332
The Independent - 020 7005 2000
The Times - 020 7782 5000
Financial Times - 020 7873 3000
Daily Mail - 020 7938 6000
Daily Mirror - 020 7293 3000
Daily Express - 0871 434 1010
The Metro - 020 7651 5242
The Sun - 020 7782 4000
The Scotsman - 0131 620 8620
The Herald - 0141 302 7000

6. Blogs and Discussion Forums

The internet is among the most popular forms of present day news consumption. Some internet blog sites are read by more people than some national newspapers. Capitalise on the trend of consuming news online and join in on discussion threads and post comments to blogs and news items that are discussing the events in Gaza.

Your comments will be read by a multitude. Don’t be swayed or alarmed by false or incendiary posts. Keep calm and write with clarity and conscience. Reject the lies and propaganda of the Israeli media and PR machine. Don’t allow Zionists to dominate and distort the public’s perception of what is taking place in Gaza.

7. In the Mosques

Go to your local mosque and ask them to formally write an urgent letter TODAY to your MP making the points above and demand a meeting with the MP.

Ask your local mosque to begin collections for the Palestinians and to make the issue of Gaza the content of the Friday sermon. Ensure that your mosque uses its position in the local community to protest on the community’s behalf on what is taking place in Gaza.

While Muslims pray for the souls of those that have lost their lives in recent days, take steps to prevent the further loss of life. Make sure your mosque is actively involved in more than just being a place for prayer.

8. Interfaith Initiatives

Ask your local mosque and community centres to seek out Christian and Jewish places of worship and centres in your local community and join together in initiatives to bring peace to Palestine. Muslims, Jews and Christians reside in the Palestinian Territories and all faith groups should be working together to denounce the murderous actions of the Zionists in Israel and work for interfaith harmony and social peace.

9. Online petitions

Create or sign online petitions to be presented to your MP and the Government demanding that they call for an immediate stop to all military activity by Israel. Urge all your friends to sign a petition and insist that your elected representatives heed the protests of their electorate.

A petition calling for the Government to impose economic sanctions against Israel is currently underway and you can sign it here.

10. British Banks and Charities working for the Palestinians

Write to Lloyds TSB and Barclays Bank anew and insist that the banks reverse their decisions on closing the bank accounts of Interpal and Ummah Welfare Trust. The work of these charities will be needed now more than ever. Insist that the banks re-open the charities’ accounts so that you might donate and contribute to the provision of emergency aid to the embattled Gazans.

**** FINALLY: BOYCOTT ALL GOODS WHICH COME FROM ISRAEL AND COMPANIES WHICH SUPPORT THEM ! ****

May Allah bring peace to the Ummah , May his mercy scatter on the four corners of this Earth.. Ameen

1680 x 1050 Islamic Wallpapers

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:27:00 +0000

This is the ultimate spot where you will find many beautiful high Quality Islamic wallpapers which sport the 1680 x 1050 resolution.

You may have already seen all the stunning 1024 x 768 and 800 x 600 Islamic wallpapers I have added ?

Considering I myself own a large 20" wide screen monitor, I'm pretty sure like me, there will be brothers and sisters who will be seeking the more larger Islamic wallpapers to bring justice to their screens.. with this in mind and with the several requests for larger prints, this page was born :)

Here are some 1680 x 1050 Widescreen Islamic Wallpapers

Not a big selection to start of with, but I promise it will grow in the next few days so bookmark this page now!

To submit an Islamic wallpaper or wallpapers, email them to us (see website footer for my email address) and I will upload them here inshallah. Please do ensure you are not violating any copyright laws and seek full permission from the website source if not your own. In all circumstances, state the author / source, so full credit can be given where due.

'Gorgeous Sunset' Islamic Wallpaper : By Islamic Information - 1680 x 1050
Click here to download this wallpaper

'Allah Is The Creator' Islamic Wallpaper : By Art Islam - 1680 x 1050
Click here to download this wallpaper

'Natural Beauty' Islamic Wallpaper : By Unknown - 1680 x 1050
Click here to download this wallpaper

Shawwal - What to Do On Eid Night, Eid Day, and During the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:29:00 +0000

By Mufti Taqi Usmani

This page will cover the following topics...

1. Beginning of the Ashur-ul-Hajj
2. Eid-ul-fitr
3. The Night Preceding 'Eid-ul-Fitr'
4. Before Going to Eid Prayer
5. Sadaqat-ul-fitr
6. The 'Eid Prayer
7. How to Perform Eid Prayer
8. Khutbah: The Address of 'Eid-ul-fitr
9. Six Fasts in the Month of Shawwal

1. Beginning of the Ashur-ul-Hajj

Shawwal is the first of the three months named as "Ashhur al-Hajj" (i.e. the months of Hajj). Although the major acts of Hajj are normally performed in the first ten days of Zulhijjah, yet the whole period starting from the first of Shawwal up to the 10th of Zulhijjah is held to be the period of Hajj because some acts of Hajj can be performed any time during this period. For example, the Tawaf-ul-qudum, followed by the Sai' of Hajj cannot be performed before Shawwal, while it can be performed any day after the beginning of Shawwal. Similarly, an 'Umrah performed before Shawwal cannot be treated as the 'Umrah of Tamattu: while the 'Umrah performed in Shawwal can be affiliated to the Hajj, making it a Hajj of Tamattu: Moreover, ihram of Hajj should not be started before Shawwal, because it makruh. For these reasons these three months have been named as the 'months of Hajj' and the month of Shawwal has the distinction of being the first of these.

2. Eid-ul-fitr

The second meritorious aspect of Shawwal is that it has been chosen by Allah Almighty for the celebration of "Eid-ul-fitr", one of the only two annual festivals recognized by the Shari'ah. This happy day is designed by the Shari'ah as a sign of gratefulness by the Muslims on the accomplishment of Ramadan, and as an immediate reward by Allah for those who spent the month of Ramadan in fasting and performing other forms of 'ibadah.

Instead of commemorating an event from the past, the Shari'ah has prescribed the first of Shawwal as an annual festival for the Muslims at an occasion when they themselves accomplish a great 'ibadah. This approach reminds the Muslims that they should not rely only on the accomplishments of their ancestors, rather, they should themselves perform meritorious acts to please their Creator.

In prescribing the ways to celebrate the happy day, Islam has adopted another unique approach. The festivals of other religions or nations normally comprise of some acts of rejoicing and enjoyment. The whole happy day is normally spent in dancing, singing and playing.

In contrast, Islam has prescribed a simple yet graceful way to observe the happy day. First of all, it is mandatory on all the well-off Muslims to start their day by paying "Sadaqat-ul-fitr" to the poor of their society, so that they, too, may enjoy the day along with others, and may not be worried for earning their livelihood at least on that day of happiness.

After paying the "Sadaqat-ul-fitr", the Muslims are required to proceed to an open place where they can offer the Eid prayer collectively. In this way, they are supposed to present themselves before their Creator and offer two rak'ats of this special type of Salah, which makes them receive blessings from Allah and start their celebration by these divine blessings.

After the Salah also, they are supposed to rejoice the day in a responsible manner, without violating the limits prescribed for them and never indulging in the acts prohibited by Allah.

Keeping this point in view, we will now discuss specific rules prescribed for observing the day of Eid-ul-fitr.

3. The Night Preceding 'Eid-ul-Fitr'

It had been the practice of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, that he would not sleep in the night preceding the day of Eid-ul-fitr. This night has been named in a Hadith as the Night of Reward (Lailatul Jaiza). Almighty bestows his rewards on those who have spent the month of Ramadan abiding by the dictates of Shari'ah, and all their prayers in this night are accepted. Therefore, it is desirable to perform nafl prayers in this night. The Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is reported to have said:

Whoever stands up (in worship) in the nights preceding the two Eids expecting rewards from his Lord, his heart will not die when the other hearts will die. (Ibn Majah)

To benefit from this opportunity, one should perform as much worship in this night as he can, and should pray for all his needs and desires.

4. Before Going to Eid Prayer

The following acts are prescribed as Sunnah at the beginning of the day of 'Eid-ul-Fitr before proceeding to the Eid prayer:

1. To wake up early in the morning.

2. To clean one's teeth with a Miswaak or a brush.

3. To take a bath.

4. To put on one's best available clothes.

5. To wear perfume.

6. To eat a sweet food, preferably dates, before the Eid prayer.

7. To recite the following Takbir in the low voice while going to the 'Eid prayer:
Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La Ilaha Ila Allah Wa Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Wa Lillahi Alhamd

5. Sadaqat-ul-fitr

Sadaqat-ul-fitr is an obligation for every Muslim, male or female, who owns 613.35 grams of silver or its equivalent, either in the form of money, ornaments, stock-in-trade, or in the form of some goods or commodities beyond one's normal needs. Every person who owns such an amount has to pay Sadaqat-ul-fitr, not only on behalf of himself but also on behalf of his minor children. The prescribed amount of Sadaqat-ul-fitr is 1.75 Kilograms of wheat or its value in money. This amount is prescribed for paying Sadaqat-ul-fitr for one person only. If a person has some minor children, the same amount has to be paid on behalf of each one of them separately. The following points must be remembered concerning the payment of Sadaqat-ul-fitr.

1. Sadaqat-ul-fitr is obligated on each adult male or female separately, and the relevant adult person himself is responsible to pay it. The husband is not required to pay Sadaqat-ul-fitr on behalf of his wife nor is the wife supposed to pay it on behalf of her husband. Similarly, a father is not bound to pay Sadaqat-ul-fitr on behalf of his adult children or vice-versa. However, if the head of the family, by his own free will, wishes to pay Sadaqat-ul-fitr for each one of the members of his family, he should seek their authorization for that purpose. In this case the Sadaqat-ul-fitr paid by him will be valid on their behalf. If he did not pay the Sadaqat-ul-fitr on behalf of any of the members of his family, he will not be responsible for it. Rather, it is the duty of every adult member of the family to discharge his own obligation or to request the head of the family to pay it on his or her behalf.

2. It is a Sunnah that the Sadaqat-ul-fitr is paid before performing the 'Eid prayer. It can also be paid before the 'Eid day, but it is not advisable to delay it up to the performance of'Eid prayer. However, if a person has failed to pay on its proper time, he should pay it as soon as possible, whereby the obligation will stand discharged.

3. The Sadaqat-ul-fitr is not necessary on behalf of a child who was born after the break of dawn in the 'Eid day, nor is it necessary to pay Sadaqat-ul-fitr on behalf of a person who dies before the dawn of the Eid day.

4. Sadaqat-ul-fitr should be paid only to a person who is entitled to receive Zakah.

6. The 'Eid Prayer

The second obligation on 'Eid day is to perform the 'Eid prayer. Some rules in this respect are mentioned hereunder:

1. The Eid prayer is Wajib (obligatory) on every male Muslim.

2. The Eid prayer can be performed any time between the Ishraq and Zawal.

3. It is preferable that the 'Eid prayer is performed at an open field and not in a mosque.

However, if, it is difficult for any reason to perform it in an open field, it can also be performed in a big mosque.

4. It is not advisable to hold the 'Eid prayer in every mosque, rather it is preferable that the people from several small mosques get together to either perform it in an open field or, in its absence, in a big mosque which can accommodate a large number of people.

5. No Nafl Salah can be performed before the 'Eid prayer, neither in one's home, nor at the place of' Eid prayer. Similarly, Nafl prayer cannot be performed after the Eid prayer at the same place. However, it can be performed after one comes back to his home.

6. The Eid prayer has neither Adhan nor Iqamah.

7. How to Perform Eid Prayer

The Eid Prayer has two rak'ah to perform in the normal way, with the only addition of six takbirs, three of them in the beginning of the first rak'ah, and three of them just before ruku' in the second rak'ah. The detailed way of performing the 'Eid prayer is as follows:

The Imam will begin the prayer without Adhan or Iqamah. He will begin the prayer by reciting takbir of Tahrimah (Allahu Akbar). You should raise your hands up to the ears, and reciting the takbir, you give a little pause during which you should recite Thana' (Subhanak Allahumma.......)· After the completion of Thana' the Imam will recite takbir (Allahu Akbar) three times, and after reciting each Takbir (Allahu Akbar) in a low voice, you should bring your hands down and leave them earthwards. But, after the third takbir, you should set them at the level of your navel as you do in the normal prayer.

After these three takbirs the Imam will recite the Holy Qur'an, which you should listen quietly. The rest of the rak'ah will be performed in the normal way.

After rising for the second rak'ah, the Imam will begin the recitations from the Qur'an during which you should remain calm and quiet. When the Imam finishes his recitation, he will recite three takbirs once again, but this time it will be before bowing down for ruku'. At each takbir you should raise your hands up to the ears, and after saying "Allahu Akbar' bring them down and leave them earthwards. After these three takbirs have been called and completed, the Imam will say another takbir for bowing down into the ruku' position. At this takbir you need not raise your hands. You just bow down for your ruku' saying, 'Allahu Akbar'. The rest of the Salah will be performed in its usual way.

8. Khutbah: The Address of 'Eid-ul-fitr

In this Salah, Khutbah is a Sunnah and is delivered after the Salah, unlike the Salah of Jumu'ah where it is Fard and is delivered before the Salah. However, listening to the Khutbah of 'Eid Salah is wajib or necessary and must be heard in perfect peace and silence.

It is a sunnah that the Imam begins the first Khutba by reciting takbirs 'Allahu Akbar' nine times and the second Khutbah with reciting it seven times.

Note: The way of 'Eid prayer described above is according to the Hanafi school of Muslim jurists. Some other jurists, like Imam Shafi'i, have some other ways to perform it. They recite Takbir twelve times before beginning the recitations from the Holy Qur'an in both rak'ah. This way is also permissible. If the Imam, being of the Shafi'i school, follows this way, you can also follow him. Both ways are based on the practice of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

9. Six Fasts in the Month of Shawwal

It is commendable to keep six fasts in the month of Shawwal. The Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said:

Whoever completes fasts of Ramadan then adds to them the fast of six days in the month of Shawwal, it will carry the thawab of fasting for the whole year. (Sahih Muslim)

This hadith had described the great thawab of six fasts of this month. Therefore, the Muslims should take this opportunity of acquiring such an enormous reward from Allah. It is more preferable to start these fasts from the 2nd of Shawwal and keep fasting up to the 7th of it. However, if, they are kept in other days, it is hoped that the requirement of the above hadith may also be fulfilled.

Creator Of The Universe

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:27:00 +0000

Rewards and Virtues of Surah Yasin, al Waqiah and al Mulk

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:35:00 +0000

It has been said by our prominent scholars that one should be especially observant in reciting Surat Ya Sin (36), Surat al Waqia (56) and Surat al Mulk.(67)

The Virtues and Benefits of Surah Yasin (36)

1. The Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, ‘Surely everything has a heart, and the heart of the Qur’an is Yasin. I would love that it be in the heart of every person of my people’[Bazzar]. (S.Muhammad Ali Sabuni, Tafsir-al-SabuniVol.2)

2. The Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, ‘Whoever recites Yasin once Allah will record the reward of reciting the Qur’an ten times.’[Maqal, Tirmidhi 2812/A & Dhahabi]

3. It has been reported by Aisha (radiAllahu anha)that the Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wasalam) said that there is a surah in the Qur’an that intercedes for itsreciter and forgive its listener. Know! It is Surah Yasin. It is called ‘Mu’amma’ in the Torah. It was enquired, what is Mu’amma? The Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, ‘it embraces the person with the goodness of this world and removes the dismay of the Hereafter’[Hashiya of Tafsir Jalalalayn , pg 368].

4. The Prophet said, ‘Whoever recited Surah Yasin in the night seeking Allah’s pleasure, Allah would forgive him’[Ibn Hibban, Darimi 3283/A, Abu Yala, Tabarani, Baihaqi & Ibn Mardawaih]

5. Ma`qil ibn Yasar (Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, his family, companions, andfollowers) said,”Ya Sin is the heart of the Qur’an. No one reads it intending thereby Allah and the Next Abode except that Allah forgives them. Recite it for your deceasedones.” [Related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Nasa'i (this wording is his), and Hakim, who deemed it rigorously authenticated (sahih)]

6. Imam Ghazali explained that this is because soundness of faith rests on acknowledging Resurrection and Judgment, and Surat Ya Sin details this in the most emphatic of ways. Imam Fakhr al-Din al-Razi concurred.

7. Imam Tibi explained in his commentary on Mishkat al-Masabih that Surat Ya Sin was called ‘the Heart of the Qur ‘an ‘ because of what it contains of overwhelming proofs, decisive signs, subtle spiritual meanings, eloquent admonition, and stern warnings.

The Virtues and Benefits of Surah al Waqiah (56)

8. The Prophet said, ‘Whoever recites surah al Waqiah at night would never encounter poverty’ [Ibn Sunni 620]

9. The Prophet said, ‘Surah al Waqiah is the Surah of Wealth, so recite it and teach it to your children’[Ibn Asakir]

The Virtues and Benefits of Surah al Mulk (67)

10. The Prophet said, ‘There is a surah in the Qur’an which is only thirty verses. It defended whoevere\recited it , until it puts him into paradise ‘ i.e.Surah al Mulk[Fath al Qadir 5/257, Sahihul Jamiea 1/680, Tabrani inAl-Awsat & Ibn Mardawaith]

11. The Prophet said, ‘Surah al Mulk is the protector from the torment of the grave ‘[Sahihul Jamiea 1/680, Hakim 2/498 & Nasai]

12. Jabir (radiAllahu anhu) said it was the custom of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam not to go to sleep until he had read Tabarakalladhi Biyadihil Mulk and Alif Laam Meem Tanzeel. [Ahmad, Tirmidhi and Darami]

13. Anas (radiAllahu anhu) reported Rasulullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wasalam) as saying, "There is a Surah which will plead for its reciter till it causes him to enter paradise" (Tabarakalladhi Biyadihil Mulk). [Tabrani]

Just Like A Dream

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:26:00 +0000

You were not created to wonder without a purpose
Life is not play; don’t treat it like a circus
There will come a time when you will reap what you sow
So don’t wonder aimlessly as if you don’t know
You came from Allah and unto Him shall you return
Just pray your deeds, don’t cause your soul to burn
How sad it would be to leave from the Mercy of the Lord
A wise man once said, Time is like a sword
If you don’t cut with it, it will cut you down
Use it wisely and the Lord’s Mercy shall be found
Don’t let the things of this world be a delusion for you
Where the things that are false appear to be true
Why chase after things that you will only have for a short while
Chase after the everlasting and have an eternal smile
Those things that most chase after others shall inherit
Don’t be like everybody else sounding like a parrot
Same drama, different person, different scene
This world will come to an end, just like a dream

Please can I have one more chance ?

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:37:00 +0000

There you are standing before Allah Taa’la, the whole of mankind in anticipation. Hell to your left and Paradise your right. From the first man until the last, everybody is present. What is to be of them on this Day?

Not a word is spoken. Everybody is naked but unusually today, no one actually cares about anybody else. There’s only one question running through everyone’s mind, what will be their eternal abode?

The Qur’an states:

“And they will be set before your Lord in (lines as) rows, (and Allah will say): “Now indeed you have come to us as We created you first. Nay, but you thought that We had appointed no meeting for you (with us).” (Surah 18, Verse 48)

You stand there very frightened. As a Muslim, you hardly prayed your Salaah. In Ramadhan, you didn’t feel like keeping fasts. Zakaat was never on your mind. Even though you had enough money for Hajj, a trip to the Caribbean always seemed much more appealing.

You look down and wish that this silence continues forever and ever. Then suddenly, very unexpectedly, your name is called. Abdullah! Son of Adam, your heart begins to beat faster and faster. You are now trembling. Your turn has now come.

It is time for the truth; did you live in this world as a true believer? Did you believe in the oneness of Allah and follow the teachings of our Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam? If so, then there is no doubt that Paradise is your eternal abode, but for those who ascribed partners with Allah and neglected the teachings of our Holy Prophet May Allah send his peace and blessings upon him, then, Hell is their only dwelling. There will be no injustice on this day.

Slowly, tears begin to role down your face. Even before you receive the book of deeds, you know you have no chance. You had so many chances to revive yourself in the world, but you continued to commit sins, one after another. Many signs were brought before you clearly proving the oneness of Allah, but you rejected each sign, one after another. How is Allah going to give you another chance? Chances were given in the world. You continued sinning but were not punished; now you must face punishment for those unpunished sins committed. Then, the book (of deeds) is given to you in your left hand. You may have passed all the exams in school, but you now have failed the most important one, Life.

The Qur’an states:

“And We have fastened every mans deeds to his neck, and on the Day of Resurrection, We shall bring out for him a book which he will find wide open.” “(It will be said to him): “Read your book.” (Surah 17, Verses 13,14)

Allah Taa’la states:

“And the Book (ones record) will be placed (in the right hand for a believer in the Oneness of Allah, and in the left hand for a disbeliever in the oneness of Allah), and you will see the ‘Mujrimun (sinners), fearful of that which is (recorded) therein. They will say: Woe to us! What sort of Book is this that leaves neither a small thing nor a big thing, but has recorded it with numbers!” And they will find all that they did, placed before them, and Your Lord treats no one with injustice.” (Surah 18, Verse 49)

You bend down on your knees and beg for mercy. “Please Allah! Only one more chance, only one more chance! You open the Book which had been placed in your left hand. You are shaking as you open the book knowing full well that it has recorded every single deed and every sin. You know full well that no injustice has been done by Allah.

You open the book and every detail is inside. As soon as your eyes glance upon the first sin on the page you have opened, you begin to cry. You close the book and start to regret. But this is no time to regret. Your chance has now gone. You shout once more, “ALLAH! CAN I HAVE ONE MORE CHANCE!!!??”

The Qur’an states regarding the misguided:

When those who were followed will disown those who were following and they will see the punishment and all ties with them will be cut

And those people who were following will say if only there was a returning for us we would disown them just as they disowned us in this way Allah will show them their actions as a source of remorse against themselves and they will not be coming out of the fire of hell. (Surah 2, Verse 166-167)

The heat of the fire of Hell is burning in your mind. How will you be punished? How long will you be punished for? Every time you wanted to do good in the world, Shaytaan took you away from the straight path and you were deceived very easily. You can blame no one but yourself.

Allah Taa’la states:

And Satan will say when the matter has been decided: “Verily, Allah promised you a promise of Truth. And I too promised you, but I betrayed you. I had no authority over you except that I called you, so you responded to me. So blame me not, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me.” (Surah 14, Verse 22)

How deceiving Shaytaan was? How powerful were his whispers and how weak was your Imaan?

Whatever he whispered into your ears, you immediately followed him. You disobeyed Allah and followed what you thought was the right path, but you were truly on the wrong path, treading upon the path that would lead you to inevitable destruction, the path that will lead you into Hell fire on this day. You thought arrogantly and lived as though you would live in the world forever. You ignored the fact that everybody to enter the world would eventually die one day and be judged. Allah Taa’la states in the Qur’an:

“Everyone is going to taste death.” (Surah 21, Verse 33)

Only seconds remain. The Hell fire is waiting. Your time has now come, but all you think of is that one more chance. With that one more chance, you would go back in the world and never commit another sin again. Chances, many chances were only given in the world but now it’s too late. You are thrown into the scorching fire.

My dear respected readers, do you want to end up like brother Abdullah? Does his life sound familiar compared to yours? Is obeying Allah, Praying Salaah and pleasing Him not in our daily schedule? Here in this life is our only chance and time to change. Remember, no chance will be given once you pass away. Repenting will be of no avail on that day. The Prophet May Allah send his peace and blessings upon him mentions in one Hadith:

“The one who repents from sin is like one who has no sin.” (Ibn Majah)

There is an extremely wretched place for those who disobey Allah and the Prophet May Allah send his peace and blessings upon him. However, those who are pious and are on the Sirat-e-Mustaqeem (right path) will be the ones that will be triumphant on that day and these are the people that will earn a great reward. Allah Taa’la states in the Qur’an:

“Verily, the Muttaqun (pious and righteous persons) who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden), and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained) will be in the midst of Gardens and Rivers (Paradise).” (Surah 54, Verse 54)

From all the hard work that you do in this world dear readers, Allah Taa’la will never let that work go to waste. Instead, gardens and rivers will be awaiting that person and the book of deeds will be placed in the believer’s right hand. As for those who do not believe, Allah Taa’la says:

“The Day they will be dragged in the Fire on their faces (it will be said to them): “Taste you the touch of Hell.” (Surah 54, Verse 48)

May Allah Taa’la give us all the ability to avoid or discard the path of the Shaytaan and follow the right path shown by our Holy Prophet May Allah send his peace and blessings upon him. Ameen

The Value Of Parents in Islam

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:14:00 +0000

A little boy came up to his mother in the kitchen one evening while she was fixing supper, and he handed her a piece of paper that he had been writing on. After his mom dried her hands on an apron, she read it, and this is what it said:

For cutting the grass: $5.00
For cleaning up my room this week: $1.00
For going to the store for you: .50
Babysitting my kid brother while you went shopping: .25
Taking out the garbage: $1.00
For getting a good report card: $5.00
For cleaning up and raking the yard: $2.00
Total owed: $14.75

Well, his mother looked at him standing there, the boy could see the memories flashing through her mind. She picked up the pen, turned over the paper he'd written on, and this is what she wrote:

For 9 months I carried you while you were growing inside me: No Charge.
For all the nights that I've sat up with you, doctored and prayed for you: No Charge.
For all the trying times, and all the tears that you've caused through the years: No Charge.
For all the nights that were filled with dread, and for the worries I knew were ahead: No Charge.
For the toys, food, clothes, and even wiping your nose: No Charge,
Son, When you add it up, the cost of my love is: No Charge.
When the boy finished reading what his mother had written, there were big tears in his eyes, and he looked straight at his mother and said, "Mum, I sure do love you".

And then he took the pen and in great big letters he wrote: "PAID IN FULL"

Thy Lord hath decreed, that ye worship none save Him, and (that ye show) kindness to parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age with thee, say not "Fie" unto them nor repulse them, but speak unto them a gracious word. And lower unto them the wing of submission through mercy, and say: My Lord! Have mercy on them both as they did care for me when I was little. Surah 17 : Verses 23/24

Menses, Period - Women Issues In Islam

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:32:00 +0000

About Menses (Haiz) and Istehada (Prolonged morbid menstruation)

1 : The blood which usually comes every month from the vagina of a woman is called Haiz (menses).

2 : The least duration of menses is three days and three nights and the maximum us ten days and ten nights. So if one has menses for less then three days and three nights, then it is not menses, rather it is 'Istehada'. It has happened due to some disease. If the blood has come for more than ten days and ten nights, so the dasy other than ten, will be included in 'Istehada'.

3 : In case it (the blood) comes for three days, but it stops before the third night is passed; for example, if if starts form the morning if Friday and stops by the sun-set, then also it is not menses, rather it is 'Istehada'. In short, if it is even a little less than three days and nights, it is not at all 'menses'. For instance, if the blood starts from the morning of Friday at the sun-rise, and it stops in Sunday, a little before the sun-rise, then it is nit menses, rather it is 'Istehada'.

4 : During the period of menses, the blood in red, yellow, green, 'Khaki' that is dust-Coloured, or in whatever colour it comes, it is menses, unless the sanitary towel remains white. And when it looks white as it was kept, then she (the woman) become clean form the menses.

5 : Nobody has menses before nine and after fifty-five years of age. Therefore, the blood which comes to a minor girl less than nine years old is not menses, rather it is 'Istehada'. In case the blood comes after fifty-five years, and if it is too reddish or black, then it is menses, but the yellow or green or dust-coloured is not menses, rather it is 'Istehada'. But if this woman had yellow or green or dust-coloured blood before this age, then even after fifty-five years it will be taken as menses. But if it is against the habit, then it is not menses but 'Istehada'

6 : If one had blood for three or four days, but in some month it come for more days but not more than ten days, then it is all menses. But if it exceeded more than ten days, then it is 'Istehada' for the days more than what it used to come habitually. For example, if it habitually comes to one for three days, but in some month it come for nine or ten days, then it is all menses, But if it exceeds even a little more than ten days and nights, then only three days are those of menses and the rest are those of 'Istehada'. One has to offer compensatory Prayer (Namaz) for those days.

7 : If a woman who has no fixed habit i.e. blood comes to her sometimes for four days and sometimes foe seven days and it so often changes kike that and sometimes it comes for ten days as well, then it is all menses. If blood comes to such a woman for more than ten days and nights, then it is to be noted as for how many days it came in the pervious months. Now it is menses for the days formerly fixed for the same and it is 'Istehada' for the rest of the days.

8 : If someone always had menses for four days, but in some month it come for five days and came for fifteen days in the next month, then out of these fifteen days, five days will be counted as those of menses and the rest ten days as those of 'Istehada". In such a case, former habit will not come under consideration and it will be supposed that the habit is now changed to five-day cycle.

9 : One had blood for more than ten days, but she does not remember her former habit as for how many days it had come in the previous month, then the rule for it is so delicate that it is not very easy to understand and it seldom happens so. Therefore, I Leave out its description, If one needs it, she should consult some renowned scholar and not any ordinary 'Moulvi'.

10: If a girl had first experience of such a blood, then if it is for ten or a little less than ten days, then it is all menses; and if it comes for more than ten days, then it is menses for ten days and for the rest of the days it is 'Istehada'.

11: The last duration of cleanliness between two menses is a fortnight and for the most there is no limit. So if menses stops to anyone fro any reason, she will remain clean for the months menses does not come.

12: If someone has blood for three days and nights, then she remains clean for a fortnight, then again blood comes for three days and nights, then the blood before and after the fortnight will be taken that of menses and the fortnight in between, will be taken as the period of cleanliness.

13: If anyone has blood for a day or two and then remains clean for a fortnight, and the blood comes again for a bar or two, then the period in between is that of cleanliness. The blood which comes of a day or two before or after (the period of cleanliness) is not that of menses, but if 'Istehada'.

14: If one has blood for a day or for a few days and then remains clean for less than a fortnight, this is not at all reliable. In such a case it will be taken as if the blood remained continuing for the whole period. So the period habitually fixed for menses will be counted as those of menses but the rest will be taken as those of 'Istehada'. For example, if someone usually has menses by the first, second or third of every month, but in some month it happens that the blood comes on the first, and she remains clean for fourteen days and has blood once again fro one day only, then it be taken as if the blood remained continuing for the whole period or sixteen days. Out of these days, the period of three days passed earlier will be taken as the days of menses and the rest of the thirteen days are those of 'Istehada'. IF the fourth, fifth or sixth of every month are the dates of menses by habit, then these dates will come under the period of menses; and the three days passed earlier and the ten days passed later are those of 'Istehada'. But in case she has no fixed habit, then the ten days will be taken as those of menses and the rest of the six days as those of 'Istehada'.

15: The blood which comes during the period of conception is also not that of menses but it will come under 'Istehada'. no matter how many days it comes for.

16: The blood which comes at the time of child-birth, before the child comes out, is also that of 'Istehada'. In fact, that blood is also that of 'Istehada' which comes till the child comes out more than half.

About Menses (Haiz)

1: If is not proper to offer 'Salat (prayer) or observe Saum (fast)' during the period of menses. But while one is exempted form offering Salat during this period compensatory 'Salat' is not due, 'Saum' is not excusable. One has to observe compensatory 'Saum' after being clean.

2 : If menses starts during 'Fard (obligatory) Salat' then the Salat is also excused. One s not to offer compensatory Salat after being clean. But if the menses starts during 'Nafil' or 'Sunnah' Salat, then one has to offer compensatory 'Namaz' for that. If the menses starts after observing Saum for half a day, then that 'Saum' breached, and one has to boserve compensatory 'Saum' for that. If the menses starts during the 'Nafil Saum' then compensatory 'Saum' for that is also due.

3 : If menses comes at a time when there is very little time left for offering Salat then also Salat is excused.

4 : It is not proper for one to indulge in sexual intercourse with one's husband, but to lie down with the husband or eating drinking with him is allowed.

5 : If one habitually has menses for five or more days and the blood also come exactly for that period and then stopped, then sexual intercourse is not permissible unless she takes bath. If she does not take bath then she cane have sexual intercourse after period of one compensatory Salat is over.

6 : If one has a habit of five days, but the menses stopped after days, then she should compulsorily offer Salat after taking bath. But one is not allowed to get indulged in sexual intercourse before five days are completed, because there is not chance for the menses to come.

7 : If the menses comes the whole ten days and nights, then sexual intercourse is proper only after menses stopped, whether she has taken bath or not.

8 : If the blood stops after a day or two, then bath is not compulsory, one can offer Salat after performing Wudu, but sexual intercourse is not yet allowed. So, if menses starts before a fortnight is over then it will be known that the period was that of menses, In such a case, the period by calculation should be taken as that of menses. Now one should offer Salat after taking bath. But if the entire fortnight in between is over without bleeding, then it will be considered as 'Istehada'. So the Salats that were left off because of bleeding for a day or two, will now be offered in the compensatory from.

9 : If the menses habitually comes for three days, but it so happens that in a certain month, bleeding does not stop, then one should neither take bath nor offer Salat. If bleeding stops after full ten days and nights or less than that period, then Salat for those days are excused and no compensatory Salat is to be offered; and it will be taken as if the habit is now changed and so all these days will come under the period of menses. If it bleeds for the eleventh day too, then only three days will come under the account of menses and the rest will be counted as 'Istehada'. Now one should take bath on the eleventh day and offer compensatory Salat for seven days and should continue Salat without a break.

10: If the menses come for less than ten days and it stopped when the time for offering Salat is so little that even if she hastily takes bath she can hardly say Allah-u-Akbar only once and make intent (niy-yah) for Salat and nothing else, then also the Salat of that time becomes due and one has to offer compensatory Salat. But in case of a lesser time than this, the Salat is excused and no compensatory Salat will be due.

11: If the menses comes for full ten days and nights and bleeding stopped at a time that nothing other than Allah-u-Akbar cane be uttered and also she does not have time for a bath too, then also Salat become compulsory and one has to offer compensatory Salat.

12: if one comes clean in the day during the month of Ramadan, then after being clean, eating and drinking is not proper. One should compulsorily live like the observers of 'Saum'. But the day will not be counted in 'Saum', rather compensatory 'Saum' for the day will have to be observed.

13: If one has become clean after ten days of menses, then if the part of the night is so little that Allah-u-Akbar can be said only once, then also the 'saum' for the day following is compulsory. In case the part of night left was enough for taking bath but did not do so, then she should not break her 'saum' , rather she should make 'niy-yah' ( intent) for the 'Saum' and take bath in the morning. But if the part of night left is so little that one cane not even take bath, then the 'Saum' of the next morning is not valid. But eating and drinking in the morning is also not proper. One should pass her day like an observer of 'Saum' and observe compulsory 'Saum' later on.

14: Menses starts by the time blood comes upto the outer skin (of vagina). It makes no difference whether it comes out of the outer skin or not. If one keeps cotton pad ect. inside vagina so that blood does not come out of vagina; it will not be taken as menses. Till the blood remains and the cotton pad is not stained, it will not be taken as menses. If the blood stain appears on the outer skin of vagina or on the cotton pad, then the woman will be considered as started.

15: If a clean woman keeps pad inside her vagina in the night and finds blood-stain on it in the morning, then the period of menses will be counted from the time the blood stain has come to knowledge.

About Istehada (Prolonged morbid menstruation)

1: Istehada is like bleeding at the nose without a brake. Such a women should offer 'Salat' and observe 'Saum'. No compensatory prayer is necessary in such a cade; and sexual intercourse with such a woman in quite right.

Not : Istehada has the orders of the disabled and the excused.

About Nifas (After birth discharge) and Haiz (Menses)

1 : A woman who is passing from the period of menses of 'Nifas' and has bath compulsory for her, it is not permissible for her to enter a mosque, circumambulate the Kalimah, recite the Holy Qur'an or touch it. But if the Holy Qur'an is put in a case or wrapped in a bag of cloth which is not stitched with the cover and that can easily be put off then it is permissible to touch or lift the Holy Qur'an.

2 : One who is without Wudu (ablution) should not touch the Holy Qur'an; but, it cane be orally recited.

3 : The coins or saucer of amulet having verses of the Holy Qur'an written on it should also not be touched. But if these articles are kept in a bag or vessel, then these containers my be touched and lifted.

4 : To hold or lift the Holy Qur'an with the skirt of shirt and corner of 'Dupatta' (sheet worn loosely over shoulder) in not proper. But if there is some clothe detached from the body like handkerchief, towel etc.; they can be used for holding and lifting the Holy Qur'an.

5 : If (during the period of menses or Nifas) on recites not the whole of a verse or just a word of a verse or half of a verse, it is proper. But this half of averse should not be as big as some small a verse.

6 : if Surah Al-Fatihah or Al-Hamd as a whole to be recited with the intention of Du'a (invocation) or other invocations from the Holy Qur'an are recited with the intention of invocation only and with an intention of recitation, then it is permissible. It is not a sin. The following invocation; for example;

Invocation In Arabic

Rab-bana aatina fid-dunya hasanatanw wa fil akhirate hasanatanw wa Q'ena Adhabanner.

and the following invocation:

Rabbana la tu akhidhna innasina aw akhtana

upto the last written at the end of Surah Baqara or my other invocation that has occurred on the Holy Qur'an can be recited with the intention of invocation.

1 : Recitation of Dua-e-Qunut is also permissible (in such a condition).

2 : If a woman gives lessons in the Holy Qur'an to othe, then (in such a condition) she can only teach them the spellings of words, but should break the breath after a word or two and teach fluency in parts.

3 : To recite Kalimah (word) or Darood or to call out the name of Allah or to recite 'Istighfar' or Incantation (Wazifah) for instance,

La haula wala quwwata illa billahil ali-ul-azeem

is not prohibited.

4 : During the period of menses, it is appreciable to perform Wudu and recite the name of Allah at some clean spot so that the habit of Salat may not be broken and she may not feel disgusted after being clean.

5 : If one had a need for taking bath but the menses started before she could take bath, then bathing is not compulsory for her. She should rather take bath after being clean form the menses. Only one bath is enough fro both of them.

About cleaning of the Pollution

1 : If the semen in the clothe dries up, then it will be clean only after semen is being scratched, but the wet semen requires washing. But if one had not performed 'Istinja' (cleaning after a natural evacuation) and the semen is discharged in the meanwhile, then only rubbing will not be enough, rather washing would be necessary.

About Salat

1 : If one is giving birth to a child but only a small portion of the child had appeared, then also it is Fard (obligatory) to offer Salat, provided she is conscious. To give up Salat is not proper. But if offering of Salat endangers the life of the child, then she is allowed to give up Salat. In the same way, if the mid-wife thinks that offering of Salat on her part may harm the child to be born, then she also cane give up the Salat. But all of them should offer compensatory Salt as soon as possible.

About Attaining Puberty

1 : When a girl gets menses started or though menses has not started, but she becomes pregnant or though she has not been pregnant, but she commits sexual intercourse in dream and had a seminal discharge as well as taste of sexual intercourse then in all these three states of affairs she attains puberty. 'Saum' and al other orders of 'Shari'ah' (Code of Islam) will be applied on her. In case, she had not yet experienced any one of the three things mentioned above but has now become fifteen years old, then also she becomes young (or attains puberty) and she will come under the laws which are applied on a young girl.

2 : In 'Shari'ah', to become young means to attain puberty. No woman (girl) can become young before nine. Even If she starts bleeding (before nine) she connot be taken as young. The blood which comes before nine is not menses but 'Istehada' and orders of 'Shari'ah' have already been mentioned in this regard.

About Burial Rites

1 : If abortion is caused and if the child born has not developed limbs lime mouth, nose etc., then without giving bath and shroud, it should be wrapped in a piece of cloth and be buried into a pit dug for the purpose. In case, the new-born child has developed some limbs, then it will come under the order of the child born dead. Now it should be named and given bath, but it be given no shroud nor any Salat-Janaza (funeral prayer) should be offered. It should buried after having wrapped in a piece of cloth.

2 : During the process of birth, if only the head of the child appears and the child as dead, then it will come under the rules of a dead child. But if the child is dead after a major portion come out, it will be considered to be born alive. If the child is born from the side of head, then if the child is born upto its chest, it will be considered that the major portion is out; and if it come out with the reversed side, it should be out up to its navel.

Ecxtract from : Problems of Men & Women - By Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi

Learn how to perform Salah, namaaz and salat correctly

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 19:25:00 +0000

Before you read this page, it is vital you know that this isn't a A-Z guide of praying Salah, it has been written merely as a guide to perfecting your Salah Inshallah.

Note for women : There are some differences in the way you need to perform your Salah, these are briefed in the last section of this webpage.

Before you begin the Salah:

Check the following and be sure that you are doing things the way they should be done:
1. It is necessary that you face the Qiblah.
2. You should stand upright and your eyes should be focused on the spot where you make your Sajdah. Bending your neck and resting your chin on the chest is makruh (reprehensible). Similarly, standing in Salah while your chest is bent down is also not correct. Stand upright in a way that your ayes keep looking at the spot where you make your Sajdah.
3. Note that the direction of the fingers on your feet is towards the Qiblah and that your feet also have the same straight stance facing Qiblah. (Placing feet tilting to the right or left is contrary to Sunnah). Both feet should be in the direction of the Qiblah.
4. In between both feet, there should be a minimum span of four fingers of the hands as ready measure.
5. If you are making your Salah with jama’ah (congregation), make sure the line you are standing in is straight. The best method to make sure that the line is straight is that each person position the farthest ends of both his heels at the farthest end of the prayer-rug or at lines that mark out on rug from the other.
6. While in jama’ah, satisfy yourself by making certain that your arms are close to the arms of those who are standing on your right and left and that there is no gap in between.
7. It is impermissible, under all conditions, to let the lower portion of your ankles. It is obvious that its repugnance while standing for Salah increase much more. Therefore, be sure that the dress you are wearing is higher then your ankles.
8. Sleeves should be full, covering the whole arm. Only hands remain uncovered. Some people make their Salah with sleeves rolled up. This method is not correct.
9. It is makruh to stand for Salah while wearing clothes which one would not normally wear in public.

When you begin the Salah:

1. Make niyyah or intention in your heart to the effect you are offering such and such Salah. It is not necessary to say the words of the niyyah verbally.
2. Raise your hands upto your ears in a way that palms face Qiblah and the end of the thumbs either touch the lobes of the ears or come parallel to them. The rest o the fingers stay straight pointing upwards. there are some who would tend to turn the direction of their palms towards their ears rather then having them face the Qiblah. There are some others who almost cover their ears with their hands. There are still others who would make a faint symbolic gesture without raising their hands fully upto the ears. Some others grip the lobes of their ears with their hands. All these practices are incorrect and contrary to Sunnah. These should be abandoned.
3. While raising your hands in the manner stated above, say (Allahu-Akbar). Then, using the thumb and the little finger of your right hand, make a circle round the wrist of your left hand and hold it. You should then spread out the three remaining fingers of our right hand on the back of your left hand so that these three fingers face the elbow.
4. Placing both hands slightly below the navel, fold them as explained above.

When you are standing:

1. If you are making your Salah alone, or leading it as Imam, you first recite 'Thana' (Subhanakal-la-hum-ma) then 'Surah al-Fatihah', then some other Surah. If you are behind an Imam, you only recite Thana and then stand silent listening attentively to the recitation of the Imam. If the Imam’s recitation is not loud enough for you to hear, you should be thinking of 'Surah al-Fatihah' using you heart and mind without moving your tongue.
2. When you are reciting yourself, it is better that you, While reciting 'Surah al-Fatihah', stop at every verse and break your breath. Recite the next verse with fresh breath. Do not recite more then one verse in a single breath. For example, break your breath at 'Alhamdu-lilah-hirab-bil-aalameen' then on 'ar-rahma-nir-raheem' and then on 'ma-liki-yaw-mid-deen'. Recite the whole Surah al-Fatihah in this manner. But, there is no harm if, during recitation that follows, more then one verse has been recited in a single breath.
3. Do not move any part of your body without the need. Stand in peace - the more, the better. If you have to scratch or do something else like that, use only one hand and that too, under very serious compulsion using the least time and effort.
4. Transferring all the weight of the body on to one leg and leaving the other weightlessly loose to the limit that it shows a certain bend is against the etiquette of Salah. Abstain from it. Either you transfer your body weight equally on both legs or if you must channel your body weight on one leg, you have to do it in a way that the other leg shows no bend or curve.
5. If you feel like yawning, try your best to stop it.
6. When standing for Salat, keep you eyes looking at the spot where you make your Sajdah. Abstain from looking to your right and left, or front.

When in Ruku’:

When you bend for Ruku’, watch out for the following:
1. Bend the upper part of your body upto a point where the neck and back nearly level up. Do not bend any more or less then that.
2. While in Ruku’, do not bend the neck to the limit that the chin starts touching the chest, nor raise it is high that the neck goes higher than the waist level. Instead, the neck and the waist should be in one level.
3. In Ruku’, keep feet straight. Do not place them with an outward or inward slant.
4. Place both hands on your knees in a way that fingers on both hands stay open. In other wards, there should be space between every two fingers when you thus go on to hold the right knee with your right hand and the left knee with your left hand.
5. In the state of Ruku’, wrists and arms should remain stretched straight. They should not bend, curve or sag.
6. Stay in Ruku’, at least for a time during which (Subhana Rabbi-al-Azim) could be said three times calmly and comfortably.
7. In the state of Ruku’, the ayes should be looking towards the feet.
8. Body weight should be evenly distributed on both feet and both knees should be parallel to each other.

Returning to the standing position from Ruku’

1. While returning from Ruku’, back to the standing position, see that you stand straight leaving no sag or droop in the body.
2. In this position as well, eyes should be fixed on the spot where you do your Sajdah.
3. Three are those who simply make a ‘gesture’ of rising from the Ruku’ instead of rising fully and standing upright when it is time to do so and who, in that every state, when their body is still bent downwards, go on to do their Sajdah - for them it becomes obligatory that they make their Salah all over again. Therefore, abstain from it very firmly. Unless you make sure about having become perfectly straight in your standing position, do not go for Sajdah.

When bowing down for Sajdah:

Remember the following method when bowing down for Sajdah:
1. Bending the knees first of all, take them towards the prayer floor in a way that the chest does not lean forward. When the knees have already been rested on the floor, the chest should then be lowered down.
2. Until such time that the knees have come to rest against the floor, abstain, as far as possible, from bending or lowering the upper part of the body. These days negligence in observing this particular rule of etiquette while getting ready to go for Sajdah has become very common. Many people would lower down their chest right from the start and go on to do their Sajdah. But, the correct method is what has been stated in #1 and #2 above. Unless it be for a valid reason, this method should not be bypassed.
3. After having rested your knees on the floor, place your hands first, then the tip of the nose, then the forehead.

In Sajdah

1. While in Sajdah, keep your head in between your two hands in a way that the end of the two thumbs come parallel to the ear-lobes.
2. In Sajdah, fingers on both hands should remain close together, that is, the fingers should be adjacent to each other leaving no space in between them.
3. The direction of the fingers should be towards the Qiblah.
4. The elbows should stay raised off the floor. It is not correct to rest the elbows on the floor.
5. Both arms should stay apart from armpits and sides. Never keep them tucked in.
6. Do not, at the same time, poke your elbows far out to your right and left causing discomfort to those making Salah next to you.
7. The thighs should not come in contact with the stomach-wall. The stomach and the thighs should stay apart.
8. During the entire Sajdah, the nose-tip should continue to rest on the floor.
9. Both feet should be placed upright on the floor with heels showing on top and all fingers turned flat on the floor in the direction of the Qiblah. Those who cannot turn all their fingers because of the physical formation of their feet, they will still do well to turn them as much as they can. It is not correct to place the fingers vertically on the floor just for no valid reason.
10. Be careful that your feet do not lift off the floor during Sajdah. Some people would their Sajdah while none of the fingers on their feet come to rest on the floor even for a moment. This way the obligation of Sajdah is not liquidated at all, as a result, the Salah too becomes invalid. Be very particular in abstaining from this error.
11. In the state of Sajdah, the least time you can give yourself should be sufficient enough to say (Subhana Rabbi-al-Aala) three times, calmly and comfortably. Raising the forehead immediately after having rested it on the floor is prohibited.

In between the two Sajdahs

1. Rising from the first Sajdah, sit up straight, on the hams, calmly and comfortably. Then go for the second Sajdah. Doing the second Sajdah after raising the head just a little bit and without becoming straight is a sin. If one does it like that, it becomes obligatory that the Salah be made all over again.
2. Spared out the left foot (like the blade of a hockey stick) and sit on it. Let the right foot stand vertically with fingers turned towards the Qiblah. Some people let both feet remain in upright position and sit on the heels. This method is not correct.
3. While sitting, both hands should be placed on the things but fingers should not taper down onto the knees., instead, the far ends of the finger tips should reach only as far as the beginning edge of the knee.
4. While sitting, let your eyes be on the lap.
5. Sit for a time during which (subha-nallah) could be said at least once and if your can sit for a time during which

could be recited, it is better. But, reciting this during Fard (obligatory) Salah is not necessary. It is better to do so in Nafl Salah.

The second Sajdah and rising from it:

1. Go on to do your second Sajdah in the same manner by first placing both hands on the floor, then the nose-tip, then the forehead.
2. The complete from of Sajdah should be the same as mentioned in connection with the first Sajdah.
3. When rising from Sajdah, first raise the forehead off the floor, then the nose-tip, then the hands, and then the knees.
4. While rising, it is better not to learn for support off the floor, however, should it be difficult to get up from the floor because of body-weight, sickness or old age, making use of the floor for support is also permissible.
5. After you have risen back to your standing position, recite (Bismillah-hir-rah-mah-nir-raheem) before 'Surah al-Fatihah' in the begining of each raka’ah.

In Qa’dah:

1. The method of sitting in Qa’dah shall be the same as mentioned in connection with the method of sitting between Sajdahs.
2. When you reach while reciting the 'At-tahiyaat' raise the shahadah finger (the fore-finger or the index finger) with a pointing motion and let it fall back at
3. The method of making a pointing motion is that you make a circle by joining your middle finger and the thumb, close the little finger and the ringfinger (the one next to it), then raise the shahadah finger in a way that it is tapered towards the Qiblah. It should not be raised up straight in the direction of the sky.
4. However, lower the shahadah finger while saying but retain, right through the end, the initial formation of the rest of the fingers you already had when making the pointing motion.

When turning for Salam:

1. When turning for Salam on both sides, you should turn your neck just enough that your cheeks become visible to the person sitting behind you.
2. When turning for Salam, eyes should be towards the shoulders.
3. When turning your neck to the right to say make an intention that you are offering your Salam greetings to all human beings and angles on your right. Similarly, while turning for Salam to the left, have the intention of offering your Salam greeting to all human beings and angels present on your left.

The method of Du’a

1. The method of Du’a is that both hands be raised high enough so that they come in front of the chest. Let there be some space between the two hands. Do not bring the hands close together nor keep them far apart.
2. When making Du’a, keep the inner side of the hands turned towards your face.

Salah for women

The method of Salah describe earlier is for men. The Salah as offered by women differs from that of men in the following aspects. Women should be careful about what is required of them:
1. Before they begin their Salah, women should make sure that their whole body, except the face, the hands and the feet, is covered with clothes.
Some women offer their Salah with the hair on their head remaining uncovered. Some have their wrists left uncovered. Some women use scarfs so thin or small that their hair tresses are visible dangling down underneath. If, during the Salah, any part of the body, even if it be equal to one-fourth, remains uncovered for a time during which one could say (Subhana Rabbi-al-Azim) three times, the Salah itself would not be valid. However, should the uncovered portion be less than that, Salah would take place but the sin shall stay.
2. For women, making Salah in the room is better than doing it in the verandah and doing it in the verandah is better than doing it in the courtyard.
3. While starting the Salah, women should not raise their hands upto their ears, instead, they should raise them upto their shoulders, and that too, from within the scarf or other outer wrap being used. Hands should not be taken out of this cover.
4. When women fold their hands on the chest, they should simply place the palm of their right hand on the back of the left forehand. They should not fold their hands on the navel like men.
5. In Ruku’, women are not required to straighten their backs fully like men. Women should bend less as compared to men.
6. In the position of Ruku’, men should open up their fingers while placing them on the knees, but women are required that they place their hands on the knees with fingers close together, that is, there be on space between fingers.
7. Women should not stand on legs absolutely straight, instead, they should stand with knees slightly bent forward.
8. In Ruku’, men are required to keep their arms stretched, away from the sides. But, women should stand with their arms close to their sides.
9. Women should stand with both feet close together. Specially, both their knees should just about be joined together. Let their be no separating distance between legs.
10. While doing Sajdah, the method prescribed for men is that they should not lower their chest until such time that their knees come to rest on the floor. But this method is not for women. They can, right from the start, lower their chest and go for Sajdah.
11. Women should do their Salah in a manner that the stomach-wall come to rest against the thighs and the arms stay close to the sides. In addition to that, omen do have to position their feet, upright, they should spread them on the floor sliding them out towards the right.
12. Men are prohibited to place their elbows on the floor while making Salah. But, women should place the whole arm, including the elbows, on the floor.
13. When sitting between Sajdah and when reciting the 'At-Tahiyyaat', sit on the left hip, side both feet out to the side and let the left foot reset on the right calf of the leg.
14. Men are required that they be careful about keeping their finger upon when bending for Ruku’, and keeping then close together in Sajdah, and then, leave them as they are during the rest of the Salah, when they make no effort either to close or open them. But, it required of women, under all conditions, that they keep fingers close together, that is leave no space between them. This is required all along in Ruku’, in Sajdah, between two Sajdah and in the Qa’dahs.
15. It is makruh (reprehensible) for women to make a jama’ah (congregation) The very act of offering their Salah alone is better for them. However, should mahram-members of the family be making their Salah with jama’ah within the house, there is no harm if they join in with them in the jama’ah. But, in a situation like this, it is necessary that they stand exactly behind men. They should never stand next to them in the same row.

By: Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (Hanifi School of thought Scholar)

Rules of the Mosque and Masjid in Islam

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 19:12:00 +0000

Some essential rules of conduct

1. While entering the Masjid, recite the following Du’a:
( I enter with the name of Allah and with the prayer that Allah bless His Messenger and bestow upon him. O Allah, open for me the doors of Thy mercy.)

2. Immediately on entering the Masjid, make an intention that ‘I shall be in I’tikaf for whatever time I stay in the Masjid: By doing so, Insha’-Allah, the spiritual reward of I’tikaf can also be hoped for.

3. Following entry into the Masjid, it is better to sit in the front row. But, in case space in the front has already been taken up, sit wherever you find an opening. Advancing forward by leap-frogging people’s necks is not permissible.

4. Salam greeting should not be offered to those already sitting in the Masjid and busy in Dhikr or recitation of the Qu’ran. However, should one of them be not so engaged and looking at you on his own, there is no harm in offering such Salam greeting to him.

5. If you have to offer Sunnah or Nafl Salah in the Masjid, select a spot where there is the least likelihood of people crossing in front of you. Some people start up their Salah in the back rows while ample space remains open in the front. Because of this act of theirs, it becomes difficult for other to cross over and they have to make a long detour to reach open sitting spots. Offering Salah in this manner is a sin in itself, and should a person happen to cross in front of the person making his Salah, then this sin of his crossing over in that manner will also rest on the shoulders of the person making such a Salah.

6. After entering the Masjid, if you find that you are there a little ahead of the Salah timing, then, before you sit down, make two raka’ahs with the intention of Tahiyyah al-Masjid. This has great merit. If there is not time for that, you can combine the intention of Tahiyyah al-Masjid within the Sunnah Salah. And if, you do not have the time even to make your Sunnah Salah and the jama’ah is ready, this intention could also be combine with that of the Fard Salah.

7. As long as you sit in the Masjid, keep doing Dhikr. Specially, keep reciting the following Kalimah devotedly:
Sanctified is Allah and for Allah is all praise and there is no god but Allah is great.

8. Do not engage yourself in unnecessary conversation while sitting in the nothing else that may disturb those devoting to their ‘Ibadah of Salah or Dhikr.

9. If the jama’ah is ready, fill in the front rows first. If space is open in the front row, it is not permissible to stand in the back row.

10. From the time when the Iman takes his place on the Mimber to deliver the Friday Khutbah right through the end of the Salah, it is not permissible for anyone to talk, make Salah or to offer Salam to anyone or to answer Salam offered. However, should anyone start talking during this time, it is also not permissible that he be asked to keep quiet.

11. Sit during the Khutbah as you sit in Qa’dah when reciting at-Tahiyyat. Some people sit hand folded during the first part of the Khutbah and then place their hands on the things during the second. This method is baseless. One should sit with hands on the thighs during both.

12. Abstain from everything that may spread filth or smell in the Masjid or cause pain to anyone.

13. When you see anyone doing something wrong, ask him not to do so, quietly and softly. Totally avoid insulting him openly, or rebuking him, or quarreling with him.

By Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani

Shaitan and the Pious Worshipper

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:00:00 +0000

In the tribe of Bani Israel, there once lived a pious worshipper. One day, the people informed him that at a certain location, there existed a tree that was being worshipped by a tribe. When he heard this, the man flew into a rage, picked up his axe and set out to cut down the tree.

Iblees, appearing before him in the form of an old man, asked, “Where are you headed for?” He replied, “I intend to cut down the tree, which is being worshipped so that the people worship Allah instead.”

Iblees means the ‘carnal soul’, while the pious worshipper alludes to the ‘pure innate and soul’.

“Hold yourself till you hear what I have to say,” said Iblees to him.

The worshipper urged him to carry on.

Iblees continued, “God has His own Prophets and if it had been essential to cutdown the tree, He would have sent them to perform the task.”

However, the worshipper did not agree with Iblees and continued on his way.

“There is no way I shall let you do it,” said Iblees angrily, and he began to wrestle with the man. In the ensuing contest, the pious worshipper hurled Iblees onto the ground.

“Wait! I have something else to say to you”, pleaded Iblees. “Listen! You are a poor man. If you could possess some wealth by means of which you could give alms to the other worshippers it would be much better than cutting the tree. If you refrain from cutting the tree, I shall place two dinars beneath your pillow everyday.”

The pious person said thoughtfully, “If you speak the truth, I shall give one dinar in charity while the other dinar I shall put to my use. This is better than cutting down the tree; in any case, I have neither been ordered to perform this task nor am I a Prophet to burden myself with unnecessarygrief and anxiety.”

Thus, he acceded to the request of Shaitan who left him alone.

For two days, he received the two dinars and utilized them, but on the third day, there was no sign of the money. Upset and distressed, he picked up his axe and set out to cut down the tree.

On the way, he encountered Shaitan, who asked him: “Where are you headed for?”

“I am going to cut that tree.”

“There is no way you are going to do it,” said Shaitan.

Once again they began to contest, but this time Iblees overcame him and hurling him to the ground, ordered, “Turn back or I shall sever your head from your body.”

The pious man said, “Leave me alone and I shall return, but tell me, how was it that I had managed to overcome you on the previous occasion?”

Iblees answered, “On that occasion, you had set out only for Allah and you were sincere in your intention as a result of which, Allah subjugated me for you, but this time you were angry for your own self and for your dinars and so I could overpower you.”

Source : Namunah-e-Ma’arif, vol. 1, pg. 54; Ihyaa al-U’loom, vol. 4, pg. 380; Riyadh al-Hikaayaat, pg. 140.

The Three Dolls

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 01:24:00 +0000

A sage presented a prince with a set of three small dolls. The prince was not amused.

“Am I a girl that you give me dolls?” he asked.

“This is a gift for a future king,” said the man. “If you look carefully, you’ll see a hole in the ear of each doll.”

“So?”

The sage handed him a piece of string.

“Pass it through each doll,” he said.

Intrigued, the prince picked up the first doll and put the string into the ear.

It came out from the other ear.

“This is one type of person,” said the man. “Whatever you tell him, comes out from the other ear. He doesn’t retain anything.”

The prince put the string into the second doll. It came out from the mouth.

“This is the second type of person,” said the man. “Whatever you tell him, he tells everybody else.”

The prince picked up the third doll and repeated the process. The string did not reappear from anywhere else.

“This is the third type of person,” said the man. “Whatever you tell him is locked up within him. It never comes out.”

“What is the best type of person?” asked the prince.

The man handed him a fourth doll, in answer.

When the prince put the string into the doll, it came out from the other ear.

“Do it again,” said the sage. The prince repeated the process. This time the string came out from the mouth. When he put the string in a third time, it did not come out at all.

“This is the best type of person,” said the sage. “To be trustworthy and wise, a man must know when not to listen, when to remain silent and when to speak out.”

The King And The Two Slaves

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 01:20:00 +0000

Once a king purchased two slaves. One of them was very handsome while the other was very ugly.

The king asked the handsome slave to go and take a bath. While he was away, the king turned to the other (ugly) slave and said, “Your companion has given a very bad account of you, he said that you are a thief and of bad character. Is this correct?”

The slave replied that his companion was a handsome person, and his exterior beauty must be reflected by inward beauty as well. He could not believe that such a beautiful man could tell a lie. He therefore said, “If my companion has a bad opinion about me, there must certainly be something wrong with me. I am afraid he must be correct.”

The king observed that beauty was only an Allah given gift, and it did not follow that a person who had a handsome face had a pure heart as well.

The king was greatly impressed with the character and intelligence of this slave. In the meantime, the first slave had returned from his bath.

The king sent the second slave (i.e. the ugly slave to have a bath) and in his absence told the handsome slave that his fellow slave had given a bad account of him.

On hearing this, the handsome slave burst into invectives against his companion and said that he was a rascal and a liar.

The king thus came to the conclusion that the slave with a beautiful face had no inner worth, while the slave with an ugly face had much inner worth.

The moral of the story is that beauty is only skin deep. All that glitters is not gold.

The tongue reveals the inner intelligence as well as inner vileness. The safety of a man lies in holding his tongue.

'Surely Allah does not look to your bodies nor to your forms. Rather He looks to your hearts,' and he pointed to his chest.
[Muslim]

The Cracked Water Pot

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 01:14:00 +0000

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.

"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."

"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"

"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them.

For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."

Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, Allah will use our flaws to grace the table (the world).

In Allah ta'ala's great economy, nothing goes to waste. So as we seek ways to minister together, and as Allah calls you to the tasks He has appointed for you, don't be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and allow Him to take advantage of them, and you, too, can be the cause of beauty in His pathway. Everything Allah Commands to be will Always become a reality.

A Bag Of Nails

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 01:12:00 +0000

There was a little boy with a bad temper.

His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, to hammer a nail in the back fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Then it gradually dwindled down.

He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally, the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.
The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence.

The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there.

A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.

Importance of praying Fajr in the mosque

noreply@blogger.com (Lukman) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 01:10:00 +0000

A man woke up early in order to pray the Fajr prayer in the masjid. He got dressed, made his ablution and was on his way to the masjid.

On his way to the masjid, the man fell and his clothes got dirty. He got up, brushed himself off, and headed home. At home, he changed his clothes, made his ablution, and was, again, on his way to the masjid.

On his way to the masjid, he fell again and at the same spot! He, again, got up, brushed himself off and headed home. At home he, once again, changed his clothes, made his ablution and was on his way to the masjid.

On his way to the masjid, he met a man holding a lamp. He asked the man of his identity and the man replied "I saw you fall twice on your way to the masjid, so I brought a lamp so I can light your way." The first man thanked him profusely and the two where on their way to the masjid.

Once at the masjid, the first man asked the man with the lamp to come in and pray Fajr with him. The second man refused. The first man asked him a couple more times and, again, the answer was the same. The first man asked him why he did not wish to come in and pray.

The man replied "I am Satan."

The man was shocked at this reply. Satan went on to explain, "I saw you on your way to the masjid and it was I who made you fall. When you went home, cleaned yourself and went back on your way to the masjid, Allah forgave all of your sins. I made you fall a second time, and even that did not encourage you to stay home, but rather, you went back on your way to the masjid. Because of that, Allah forgave all the sins of the people of your household. I was afraid if i made you fall one more time, then Allah will forgive the sins of the people of your village, so i made sure that you reached the masjid safely."

So do not let Satan benefit from his actions.

Do not put off a good that you intended to do as you never know how much reward you might receive from the hardships you encounter while trying to achieve that good.