Our Ways To Be A Good Muslim

Biography of Al Imam Ibn Qayyim Al Jauziyyah (The Early Period)

2010-04-17T02:52:00.007+07:00

Al Imam Sheikh Ibn Qayyim Al Jauziyyah is Muhammad Ibn Abu Bakr, son of Ayyub, son of Sa'd al-Zar'i, al-Dimashqi. Imam Ibn Qayyim also has a patronyme as Abu Abdullah Shams ad-Din. Ibn Qayyim al-Jauziyyah was known by this name because his father, Abu Bakr, was the Qayyim (supervisor) of a school known by the name, Al-Jauziyyah, in Damascus. Abu Bakr’s children and grandchildren were known as the children of the Qayyim of al-Jauziyyah for generations after that.

Sheikh Ibn Qayyim Al Jauziyyah was born in the lunar month of Safar the year 691 after the Hijrah (AH), in the village of Zur`, which is located in the area of `Horan, a fertile area close to Damascus. Later on, he transferred to Damascus and learned from its scholars.

He was raised in a house of knowledge and virtue and began his education with his father, who died in 723 AH. Ibn al-Qayyim was a sea of all types of knowledge, especially knowledge of the religion and the Arabic Language.

He taught at the school known by, 'as-Sadriyyah', and led the prayer at al-Jauziyyah. Ibn al-Qayyim was also known for being an exalted worshipper of Allah, as he used to spend a good part of the night in Qiyam - voluntary prayer. His prayer was lengthy and full of devotion, while perfecting its Ruku' and Sujud. His conduct was exemplary and he was known for having a pure heart.

He repented often to Allah (SWT) and invoked Him for forgiveness, prompting one of his students, Imam ibn Kathir, to state, "I do not know of anyone who is a more active worshipper than he is" When he performed Hajj, the people of Makkah were astonished at the tremendous devotion in which ibn al-Qayyim performed acts of worship and rituals of Hajj, such as Tawaf (circumambulating) the Ka'bah in Makkah.

Among ibn al-Qayyim's best qualities was that he dedicated his life, from the time he met his Shaikh, Shaikh al-Islam, ibn Taimiyyah, until the end defending the Sunnah against all innovations in the religion, with regards to the creed and practical aspects. He called to implementing the Sunnah and discarding Taqlid, which pertains to imitating the statements and opinions of people without relying on evidence contained in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

He dedicated his efforts to invalidating and exposing the deviant practices and creeds of the misguided Sufi sects, which rely on innovation as their tool of destruction against Islam.

Conversation Between Archangel Jibril (AS) and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) about Islam, Iman and Ihsan

2010-04-17T00:36:00.008+07:00

Narrated Abu Huraira (Radhiyallahu Anhu): One day the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (SAW) appeared before the public when a man came to him and said: Prophet of Allah, (tell me) what is Iman. Upon this, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) replied: That you affirm your faith in Allah, His angels, His Books, His meeting, His Messengers and that you affirm your faith in the Resurrection hereafter.

The man then said: Messenger of Allah, (tell me) what does al-Islam signify. The Holy Prophet (SAW) replied: Al-Islam signifies that you worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him and you establish obligatory prayer and you pay the obligatory poor-rate (Zakat) and you observe the fast of Ramadan.

He (the inquirer) again said: Messenger of Allah, what does al-Ihsan imply? The Holy Prophet (SAW) replied: That you worship Allah as if you are seeing Him, and in case you fail to see Him, then observe prayer (with this idea in your mind) that (at least) He is seeing you.

He (the inquirer ) again said: Messenger of Allah, when would there be the hour (of Doom)? The Holy Prophet (SAW) replied: The one who is asked about it is no better informed than the inquirer. I, however, narrate some of its signs (and these are): when the slave-girl will give birth to he master, when the naked, barefooted would become the chiefs of the people - these are some of the signs of (Doom). (Moreover) when the shepherds of the black (camels) would exult themselves in buildings, this is one of the signs of (Doom). (Doom) is one of the five (happenings wrapped in the unseen) which no one knows but Allah.

Then Prophet Muhammad (SAW) recited the verse from the Holy Qur'an: "Verily Allah (SAW)! with Him alone is the knowledge of the hour and He it is Who sends (down the rain) and knows that which is in the wombs and no person knows whatsoever he shall earn tomorrow, and a person knows not in whatsoever land he shall die. Verily Allah is Knowing, Aware.

Abu Huraira (Radhiyallahu Anhu) said: Then the person turned back and went away. The Messenger of Allah (SWT), Muhammad (SAW) said: Bring that man back to me. They (the Companions of the Holy Prophet present there) went to bring him back, but they saw nothing there. Upon this the Messenger of Allah remarked: he was Gabriel (Jibril Alaihissalam), who came to teach the people of their religion.

Daily Du'a (Supplications): Du'a After Meal Makes Past Sins Forgiven

2010-04-14T21:08:00.007+07:00

Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (SAW), the Messenger of Allah (SWT) said:

"He who has taken food and says at the end:

الحمد لله الذى أطعمنى هذا ورزقنيه من غير حول مني ولا قوة
Al-hamdu lillahi-lladhi at 'amani hadha, wa razaqanihi min ghairi haulin minni wa la quwwatin

All praise is due to Allah Who has given me food to eat and provided it without any endeavour on my part or any power

all his past sins will be forgiven." [At-Tirmidhi]

This Hadith tells us that if we praise Allah with these words after taking a meal, all our minor sins committed in the past will be forgiven by Him.

Ayat Al-Kursi (The Throne Verse) : The Greatest Ayat In Al Qur’an

2010-04-14T15:12:00.007+07:00

Ayat Al-Kursi, The Throne Verse (Arabic: آية الكرسي ‎ ʾāyatu-l-kursī), is 255th verse (ayah) of the second chapter Al-Baqara (The Cow). Ayat Al-Kursi is one of the most famous verses of the Qur'an and is widely memorized and displayed in the Islamic world due to its emphatic description of God's qualities and power.

Traditional belief holds that anyone who recites the verse enters the protection and security of God. Commonly, it is recited by Muslims before they go to sleep, before travelling on a long distance, or in a state of fear and worry.

Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated; In Surah al-Baqaraah there is an ayah which is the best of all the ayahs of the Qur’an. It is never recited in a house but the Shaytan leaves: Ayat al-Kursi.

Abu Umamah Al-Bahili (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The one who recites it after each of the obligatory prayers, then death will be the only thing preventing him from entering Paradise." [Ibn Sunni, Ibn Hibban]

Abu Dhar said; O Messenger of Allah, what is the greatest thing that has been revealed to you?’ He said, Ayat al-Kursi, 'Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa' [an-Nasa'i]

Everything has its pinnacle and the pinnacle of the Qur’an is Surah al-Baqarah. In it there is an ayah which is the greatest in the Qur’an: Ayat al-Kursi [at-Tirmidhi]

Do you know the Ayatul Kursi?" Anas (radiAllahu anhu) replied "I know". The Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, "It is equal to a quarter of the Qur'an"

اللَّهُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ
Allah! There is no god but He - the Living, The Self-subsisting, Eternal.

لاَ تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلاَ نَوْمٌ
No slumber can seize Him Nor Sleep.

لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ
His are all things In the heavens and on earth.

مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِهِ
Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission?

يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ
He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter .

وَلاَ يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلاَّ بِمَا شَاءَ
And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills.

وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضَ
His Kursî extends over the heavens and the earth,

وَلاَ يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ
and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, The Supreme (in glory).

Sheikh Burhan Mehtar : Islam In Indonesia Worthy To Be Made As A Model For The World

2010-04-14T13:51:00.007+07:00

Australian Muslim Scholar, Sheikh Burhan Mehtar, has stated that Islam and Muslim cultural life in Indonesia is worthy to be made as an example to the world. The reason, Islam has become a valuable resource for the lives of many Muslims in this country. They are known for friendly, simple, full of love and try to practice the love of the Quran and Sunnah through the activities of everyday life.

"I think people (Muslim) in Indonesia is indeed as we read and hear. Islam spread here with kindness, love, simplicity, and hopefully could be spread in the world as a model," he told the Republika after delivering a lecture at Masjid Baitul Ihsan Bank Indonesia.

Sheikh Burhan Mehtar said, from several visits to various regions within a few days, the Muslim community in Indonesia is considered good enough in applying the teachings of Islam in daily life. This was indicated by the number of Muslims in some areas try to meet the mosque to perform Shubuh prayer.

"When I was in Medan, I come to the mosques, masha Allah, 500-1000 people attending Shubuh prayer. They were also diligent in reading the Al Qur'an. There is so much love and passion to understand the Al Qur'an," he said.

According to Sheikh Burhan Mehtar, the community in Australia and the world need to frequently travel to Indonesia. It is important to know more about Islam and the beauty of Muslims personality in this country. "So, this visit will be one of the hundreds of Da'wah visit to Indonesia," he said.

Similiar opinion expressed by Ulema from Medina, Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Muhammad Saad Nomani. According to him, quite a lot of Indonesian people who try to practice the teachings of Islam and love of the Qur'an and Sunnah. Sheikh Muhammad Saad Nomani expression based on observations from visits to several regions in Indonesia.

"We've seen a lot of Islamic community here who love the Al Qur'an. This is a particularly great state as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world," said the scholar who is a descendant of Imam Abu Hanifah.

Understanding What Is The Meaning Of Al-Hadith And As-Sunnah

2010-04-14T04:09:00.007+07:00

Al-hadith literally refers to the speech of a person (words) or conversation. In Islamic terminology, Al Hadith [ Arabic: الحديث pronounced: /ħadiːθ/; pl. aḥādīth; lit. "narrative" ] means the tradition or collection of traditions attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that include his sayings, acts, and approval or disapproval of things.

Hadith is revered by Muslims as a major source of religious law and moral guidance. By traditional schools of jurisprudence, Hadith are regarded as important tools for understanding the Al Qur'an and in matters of jurisprudence.

Hadith were evaluated and gathered into large collections mostly during the reign of Umar bin Abdul Aziz during the 8th and 9th centuries. These works are referred to in matters of Islamic law and history to this day. The two main denominations of Islam, Shi`ism and Sunnism, have different sets of Hadith collections.

Classical hadith specialist Ibn Hajar says that the intended meaning of hadith in religious tradition is something attributed to Prophet Muhammad SAW, as opposed to the Qur'an.

Other associated words possess similar meanings including: khabar (news, information) often refers to reports about Muhammad, but sometimes refers to traditions about his companions and their successors from the following generation; conversely, athar (trace, vestige) usually refers to traditions about the companions and successors, though sometimes connotes traditions about Muhammad. The word sunnah (custom) is also used in reference to a normative custom of Prophet Muhammad SAW or the early Muslim community.

Hadith, as a discipline, consists of two branches, the first concerned with the validation of the individual traditions through the process of biographic examination of its chain of transmitters back to the Prophet (isnad), and the second concentrating on the actual content of the validated traditions (matn) as a source of religious authority. Since the formalization of Islam, this source of authority has been viewed as second only to the Qur'an.

Hadith currently exists in two main sets of collections, corresponding to the Sunni and Shiite division within Islam. Sunni Islam recognizes as authoritative the collections of Bukhari and Muslim followed in importance by those of Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, an-Nasai, and Ibn Maja. Shiite Islam accepts only traditions traced through Sayyidina Ali's (Radiyallahu Anhu) family. The major Shiite collections are those of al-Kulini, al-Babuya al-Qummi, and al-Tusi.

Al-Asma-ul-Husna ( اَلاسْمَاءُ الْحُسناى ): The 99 Most Beautiful Names and Attributes of Allah the Almighty

2010-04-13T14:46:00.016+07:00

A well established Islamic tradition enumerates 99 names of Allah (Al-Asma al-Husna), also known as The 99 Most Beautiful Names of God. Each of those names representing certain attributes or descriptions of God; in which God is seen as being the source and maximum extent of each name's meaning.

For example, the names Ar-Rahman and Ar-Raheem which are the most frequently mentioned in the Qur'an, both meaning the "Most Merciful", but with different emphasis of meaning, either of which are also often translated as the "Most Compassionate" or the "Most Beneficent".

Prophet Muhammad SAW (Peace Be Upon Him) said:

"To Allah 'God' belongs 99 names, 100 minus 1, anyone who fully understand and memorize them all will enter his Paradise; He (Allah) is odd (Like odd number, Because he is One And the Only One), and He loves odd numbers (such as 99)". "Allah!, There is no God but He! To Him belongs the Most Beautiful Names." (Qur'an 20:8)

"He is Allah, the Creator, the Originator, The Fashioner, to Him belong the most beautiful names: whatever is in the heavens and on earth, do declare His praises and glory. And He is the Exalted in Might, The Wise. (Qur'an 59:24)

"The most beautiful names belong to God: so call on Him by them;..." (Qur'an 7:180)

Allah : اللَّه

Allah, He who has the Godhood which is the power to create the entities.

Ar-Rahmaan : الرحمن

The Compassionate, The Beneficient, The One who has plenty of mercy for the believers and the blasphemers in this world and especially for the believers in the hereafter.

Ar-Raheem : الرحيم

The Merciful, The One who has plenty of mercy for the believers.

Al-Malik : الملك

The King, The Sovereign Lord, The One with the complete Dominion, the One Whose Dominion is clear from imperfection.

Al-Quddoos : القدوس

The Holy, The One who is pure from any imperfection and clear from children and adversaries.

As-Salaam : السلام

The Source of Peace, The One who is free from every imperfection.

Al-Mu'min : المؤمن

Guardian of Faith, The One who witnessed for Himself that no one is God but Him. And He witnessed for His believers that they are truthful in their belief that no one is God but Him.

Al-Muhaimin : المهيمن

The Protector, The One who witnesses the saying and deeds of His creatures.

Al-^Azeez : العزيز

The Mighty, The Strong, The Defeater who is not defeated.

Al-Jabbaar : الجبار

The Compeller, The One that nothing happens in His Dominion except that which He willed.

Al-Mutakabbir : المتكبر

The Majestic, The One who is clear from the attributes of the creatures and from resembling them.

Al-Khaaliq : الخالق

The Creator, The One who brings everything from non-existence to existence.

Al-Bari' : البارئ

The Evolver, The Maker, The Creator who has the Power to turn the entities.

Al-Musawwir : المصور

The Fashioner, The One who forms His creatures in different pictures.

Al-Ghaffaar : الغفار

The Great Forgiver, The Forgiver, The One who forgives the sins of His slaves time and time again.

Al-Qahhaar : القهار

The Subduer, The Dominant, The One who has the perfect Power and is not unable over anything.

Al-Wahhaab : الوهاب

The Bestower, The One who is Generous in giving plenty without any return. He is everything that benefits whether Halal or Haram.

Al-Razzaaq : الرزاق

The Sustainer, The Provider.

Al-Fattaah : الفتاح

The Opener, The Reliever, The Judge, The One who opens for His slaves the closed worldy and religious matters.

Al-^Aleem : العليم

The All-knowing, The Knowledgeable; The One nothing is absent from His knowledge.

Al-Qaabid : القابض

The Constricter, The Retainer, The Withholder, The One who constricts the sustenance by His wisdomand expands and widens it with His Generosity and Mercy.

Al-Baasit : الباسط

The Expander, The Englarger, The One who constricts the sustenance by His wisdomand expands and widens it with His Generosity and Mercy.

Al-Khaafid : الخافض

The Abaser, The One who lowers whoever He willed by His Destruction and raises whoever He willed by His Endowment.

Ar-Raafi^ : الرافع

The Exalter, The Elevator, The One who lowers whoever He willed by His Destruction and raises whoever He willed by His Endowment.

Al-Mu^iz : المعز

The Honorer, He gives esteem to whoever He willed, hence there is no one to degrade Him; And He degrades whoever He willed, hence there is no one to give Him esteem.

Al-Mudheel : المذل

The Dishonorer, The Humiliator, He gives esteem to whoever He willed, hence there is no one to degrade Him; And He degrades whoever He willed, hence there is no one to give Him esteem.

As-Samee^ : السميع

The All-Hearing, The Hearer, The One who Hears all things that are heard by His Eternal Hearing without an ear, instrument or organ.

Al-Baseer : البصير

The All-Seeing, The One who Sees all things that are seen by His Eternal Seeing without a pupil or any other instrument.

Al-Hakam : الحكم

The Judge, He is the Ruler and His judgment is His Word.

Al-^Adl : العدل

The Just, The One who is entitled to do what He does.

Al-Lateef : اللطيف

The Subtle One, The Gracious, The One who is kind to His slaves and endows upon them.

Al-Khabeer : الخبير

The Aware, The One who knows the truth of things.

Al-Haleem : الحليم

The Forebearing, The Clement, The One who delays the punishment for those who deserve it and then He might forgive them.

Al-^Azeem : العظيم

The Great One, The Mighty, The One deserving the attributes of Exaltment, Glory, Extolement,and Purity from all imperfection.

Al-Ghafoor : الغفور

The All-Forgiving, The Forgiving, The One who forgives a lot.

Ash-Shakoor : الشكور

The Grateful, The Appreciative, The One who gives a lot of reward for a little obedience.

Al-^Aliyy : العلي

The Most High, The Sublime, The One who is clear from the attributes of the creatures.

Al-Kabeer : الكبير

The Most Great, The Great, The One who is greater than everything in status.

Al-Hafeez : الحفيظ

The Preserver, The Protector, The One who protects whatever and whoever He willed to protect.

Al-Muqeet : المقيت

The Maintainer, The Guardian, The Feeder, The Sustainer, The One who has the Power.

Al-Haseeb : الحسيب

The Reckoner, The One who gives the satisfaction.

Aj-Jaleel : الجليل

The Sublime One, The Beneficent, The One who is attributed with greatness of Power and Glory of status.

Al-Kareem : الكريم

The Generous One, The Bountiful, The Gracious, The One who is attributed with greatness of Power and Glory of status.

Ar-Raqeeb : الرقيب

The Watcher, The Watchful, The One that nothing is absent from Him. Hence it's meaning is related to the attribute of Knowledge.

Al-Mujeeb : المجيب

The Responsive, The Hearkener, The One who answers the one in need if he asks Him and rescues the yearner if he calls upon Him.

Al-Wasi^ : الواسع

The Vast, The All-Embracing, The Knowledgeable.

Al-Hakeem : الحكيم

The Wise, The Judge of Judges, The One who is correct in His doings.

Al-Wadood : الودود

The Loving, The One who loves His believing slaves and His believing slaves love Him. His love to His slaves is His Will to be merciful to them and praise them: Hence it's meaning is related to the attributes of the Will and Kalam (His attribute with which He orders and forbids and spoke to Muhammad and Musa -peace be upon them- . It is not a sound nor a language nor a letter.).

Al-Majeed : المجيد

The Most Glorious One, The Glorious, The One who is with perfect Power, High Status, Compassion, Generosity and Kindness.

Al-Ba^ith : الباعث

The Reserrector, The Raiser (from death), The One who resurrects His slaves after death for reward and/or punishment.

Ash-Shaheed : الشهيد

The Witness, The One who nothing is absent from Him.

Al-Haqq : الحق

The Truth, The True, The One who truly exists.

Al-Wakeel : الوكيل

The Trustee, The One who gives the satisfaction and is relied upon.

Al-Qawiyy : القوى

The Most Strong, The Strong, The One with the complete Power.

Al-Mateen : المتين

The Firm One, The One with extreme Power which is un-interrupted and He does not get tired.

Al-Waliyy : الولى

The Protecting Friend, The Supporter.

Al-Hameed : الحميد

The Praiseworthy, The praised One who deserves to be praised.

Al-Muhsee : المحصى

The Counter, The Reckoner, The One who the count of things are known to him.

Al-Mubdi' : المبدئ

The Originator, The One who started the human being. That is, He created him.

Al-Mu^eed : المعيد

The Reproducer, The One who brings back the creatures after death.

Al-Muhyi : المحيى

The Restorer, The Giver of Life, The One who took out a living human from semen that does not have a soul. He gives life by giving the souls back to the worn out bodies on the resurrection day and He makes the hearts alive by the light of knowledge.

Al-Mumeet : المميت

The Creator of Death, The Destroyer, The One who renders the living dead.

Al-Hayy : الحي

The Alive, The One attributed with a life that is unlike our life and is not that of a combination of soul, flesh or blood.

Al-Qayyoom : القيوم

The Self-Subsisting, The One who remains and does not end.

Al-Waajid : الواجد

The Perceiver, The Finder, The Rich who is never poor. Al-Wajd is Richness.

Al-Waahid : الواحد

The Unique, The One, The One without a partner.

Al-Ahad : الاحد

The One and only.

As-Samad : الصمد

The Eternal, The Independent, The Master who is relied upon in matters and reverted to in ones needs.

Al-Qaadir : القادر

The Able, The Capable, The One attributed with Power.

Al-Muqtadir : المقتدر

The Powerful, The Dominant, The One with the perfect Power that nothing is withheld from Him.

Al-Muqaddim : المقدم

The Expediter, The Promoter, The One who puts things in their right places. He makes ahead what He wills and delays what He wills.

Al-Mu'akh-khir : المؤخر

The Delayer, the Retarder, The One who puts things in their right places. He makes ahead what He wills and delays what He wills.

Al-'Awwal : الأول

The First, The One whose Existence is without a beginning.

Al-'Akhir : الأخر

The Last, The One whose Existence is without an end.

Az-Zaahir : الظاهر

The Manifest, The One that nothing is above Him and nothing is underneath Him, hence He exists without a place. He, The Exalted, His Existence is obvious by proofs and He is clear from the delusions of attributes of bodies.

Al-Baatin : الباطن

The Hidden, The One that nothing is above Him and nothing is underneath Him, hence He exists without a place. He, The Exalted, His Existence is obvious by proofs and He is clear from the delusions of attributes of bodies.

Al-Walee : الوالي

The Governor, The One who owns things and manages them.

Al-Muta^ali : المتعالي

The Most Exalted, The High Exalted, The One who is clear from the attributes of the creation.

Al-Barr : البر

The Source of All Goodness, The Righteous, The One who is kind to His creatures, who covered them with His sustenance and specified whoever He willed among them by His support, protection, and special mercy.

At-Tawwaab : التواب

The Acceptor of Repentance, The Relenting, The One who grants repentance to whoever He willed among His creatures and accepts his repentance.

Al-Muntaqim : المنتقم

The Avenger, The One who victoriously prevails over His enemies and punishes them for their sins. It may mean the One who destroys them.

Al-^Afuww : العفو

The Pardoner, The Forgiver, The One with wide forgiveness.

Ar-Ra'uf : الرؤوف

The Compassionate, The One with extreme Mercy. The Mercy of Allah is His will to endow upon whoever He willed among His creatures.

Malik Al-Mulk : مالك الملك

The Eternal Owner of Sovereignty, The One who controls the Dominion and gives dominion to whoever He willed.

Dhul-Jalali wal-Ikram : ذو الجلال والإكرام

The Lord of Majesty and Bounty, The One who deserves to be Exalted and not denied.

Al-Muqsit : المقسط

The Equitable, The One who is Just in His judgment.

Aj-Jaami^ : الجامع

The Gatherer, The One who gathers the creatures on a day that there is no doubt about, that is the Day of Judgment.

Al-Ghaniyy : الغني

The Self-Sufficient, The One who does not need the creation.

Al-Mughni : المغني

The Enricher, The One who satisfies the necessities of the creatures.

Al-Maani^ : المانع

The Preventer, The Withholder.

Ad-Daarr : الضار

The Distresser, The One who makes harm reach to whoever He willed and benefit to whoever He willed.

An-Nafi^ : النافع

The Propitious, The One who makes harm reach to whoever He willed and benefit to whoever He willed.

An-Noor : النور

The Light, The One who guides.

Al-Haadi : الهادي

The Guide, The One whom with His Guidance His belivers were guided, and with His Guidance the living beings have been guided to what is beneficial for them and protected from what is harmful to them.

Al-Badi^ : البديع

The Incomparable, The One who created the creation and formed it without any preceding example.

Al-Baaqi : الباقي

The Everlasting, The One that the state of non-existence is impossible for Him.

Al-Waarith : الوارث

The Supreme Inheritor, The Heir, The One whose Existence remains.

Ar-Rasheed : الرشيد

The Guide to the Right Path, The One who guides.

As-Saboor : الصبور

The Patient, The One who does not quickly punish the sinners.

The Importance Of Du'a As Taught By Prophet Muhammad SAW

2010-04-13T01:25:00.006+07:00

Rasulullah Muhammad Shallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam (SAW) did a lot of Du'a or prayer, begging and shows dependence to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala (SWT). Rasulullah (SAW) really like the short sentences but full of meaning and also like the utterances of prayer.

In a hadith Rasulullah (SAW) said: "Du'a is the weapon of a Muslim, a pillar for the Deen (religion) and Noor (light) of the heavens and the earth."

Du'a is a very great worship, which should not be deluded besides to Allah (SWT). The essence of Du'a is to show our dependence to Allah (SWT), and escape from the power and efforts of God's creatures. Du'a for muslims is also a sign of Ubudiyah (the totality of self servitude to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala).

Du'a is also a symbol of human frailty. In the Du'a usually contained praise and worship to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. In addition it also contained the nature of trustees and generous of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. Therefore Rasulullah Muhammad (SAW) said, which means: "Du'a is the essence of worship" (HR: Tirmidhi)

In between the du'a that are often done by Rasululloh (SAW) is, which means: "O Allah help me and don’t help against me, support me, and do not give victory over me, plot for me, and don’t plot against me, guide me and facilitate the guidance for me, and give me victory against those rebellious against me, O Allah make me amongst those who are grateful, and remember you, and fear from you alone, and obey you alone, and for you I conceal all the good deeds, for you I supplicate and repent, O Allah accept my repentance, abolish my sin." [Tirmidhi 3551]

Du'a isn't only for asking Allah (SWT) to give us everything we want. It is also to thank Allah (SWT) for all the great things He has done for us, ask protection from doing anything wrong, ask for forgiveness and to ask for Allah (SWT) to give us a happy life in this world and in the Hereafter. After all the more you thank Allah (SWT) the more He gives you.

When we are starting our du’a, we should always start by saying: Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: A du'a that doesn't have Bismillah- ir- Rahman- ir- Raheem at the beginning of it is rejected. A du'a should begin in the name of Allah, putting all trust and hope in Him alone. Describing Him as Kind and Merciful creates confidence that the du'a will not be rejected. The du'a should also contain shalawaat (blessings) on Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam.

Shaykh-ul-Islam Prof.Dr. Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri, On a Jihad - Against Terrorism

2010-04-12T16:44:00.006+07:00

Canadian-known Muslim Scholar, Shaykh-ul-Islam Prof.Dr. Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri has published a 600 page document contains instructions against violence in the name of Islam. According to Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri, none of the religious order, or fatwa, which suggested suicide bombings and other terrorist actions to fight for religion. "This is my jihad against terrorism," he told the Daily News recently.

According to Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri, Islam is a religion that honors the life. "Human beings are human beings everywhere, there is no right of killing. This is against Islam and against every religion and against the values of humanity." he said.

Prof.Dr. Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri who was born in Pakistan 59 years ago, has declared that the document will soon be distributed. "It will take some time but gradually it will work," he added.

He believes the documents that has been gathered will bring very positive results in changing the minds of Islamic youth. However, he acknowledged that there are many youths - hundreds, at least - so "radicalized" that there is nothing to convince them to change their ways. "They are radicalized and they have been brainwashed too - so now there's no place in their mind, no space for any evidence, any argument or any reason," he said.

Qadri founded the Islamic organization Minhaj-ul-Quran in Pakistan in 1990 and it is now active in over 100 countries, including the U.S. He has been teaching and lecturing against violence for more than 15 years and claims to be the only preacher in Pakistan openly to support the war on terror after 9/11.

He did lecture which was broadcast around the world every day for one hour in the Islamic television based in Dubai, QTV. He also has written more than 1000 books and has more than 6000 sermons online.

"I wouldn't say, for example, this fatwa will change the mind of Bin Laden," Qadri added. "But I would say the youth who are being radicalized and in future have the potential to be used for suicide bombings, this fatwa will affect on those areas. It will prevent them."

Although he has incurred the wrath of Al Qaeda for speaking out and received countless death threats over the past decade, Qadri refuses to live in fear.

"The one who lives in fear, he would never find courage to issue this kind of fatwa," he added.

Tasawuf And Salafi In Algeria, How Islamic Movements Can Overcome Conflict

2010-04-11T19:47:00.005+07:00

Morning soon arrived. One by one, people preparing themselves to start the new day. However, bustle that took place did not necessarily break the concentration of some people who are diligent remembrance at a mosque in the outer region of Aljier City, the capital of Algeria.

There were about 60 people involved in that activity. By sitting cross-legged in a circle while they solemnly intoned Tasbih, Takbir, Tahlil, Tahmid, and blesses the Prophet, serve God and His Messenger.

They are members of an assembly of remembrance. And just like in Indonesia, the number of assemblies of remembrance in this North African country continued to grow from time to time. One thing is important, it is worth to note, the Assembly of remembrance in the Algerian adopted most of Sufism or Tasawuf.

The development is inseparable from the role of government. They want to encourage religious activity as a priority program, especially in order to spread the Sufi teachings.

The question is, what is the urgency of the policy? As is known, this country has long conflict involving government forces with Islamic groups, and has caused huge losses of spirit and possessions.

After going through security approach; raids, detention, and even gunfire, which proved does not give good results, the Algerian government to try a new effort to stop the conflict. Encouraging the spirit of religion among the public, is now the 'guns' of the government.

Incessantly, Sufism has been echoed throughout the country. Sufism is considered as an appropriate solution to overcome the turmoil and at the same time raise awareness of the importance of peace and togetherness.

Several steps unfold immediately. Among other things, the existence of television and radio programs to disseminate Sufism. A number of influential religious figures involved to introduce and provide an understanding of these related to Sufism. These activities of course are in control of the Government.

Basically, Sufism or Tasawuf can be found in almost all Muslim-majority country in the world. Sufi followers will come first of worship to draw closer to God, whether through recitation, remembrance, and other worships. They usually choose to distance themselves from political life.

On the other hand, the Salafi teachings also shared by members of the insurgents who want to change the conditions in the country according to Islamic values. Salafi who was developed the first time in Saudi Arabia is a movement to understand the political Islamism that takes understanding of the ancestors (Salaf) of the patristic period of early Islam as a basic of understanding.

Based on that, Salafi ideology trying to revive the practice of Islam as practiced at the time of the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. They did not want innovations that have been made and will be added in the socio-religious life of Muslims. However, in Algeria, Sufi has not practiced widely. One of the reason is because most of the mosques is more likely to follow the Salafi movement.

How many followers of the Sufism in Algeria, not known for certain. However, according to George Joffe, a researcher at the research department of the Center of International Study, University of Cambridge, currently estimated there are about one to 1.5 million followers of the Sufi of the total population of 34 million inhabitants.

Government officials believe, Sufism can create a permanent peace in Algeria. Mohamed Idir Mechnane, an official at the ministry of religious, said they worked hard to popularize the traditional teachings of Islam that emphasizes tolerance, peace, and openness.

'And Alhamdulillah (Thank God), more and more members of the public who understand and are willing to follow the Sufi teachings,' he said, quoted by Reuters news agency.

For the success of this program, the government provides a broader role in society to the followers of the Sufi. For instance, organizing events like weddings, helping orphans, teach reading and writing the Al Qur'an, as well as fund for the poor.

'For more than 14 centuries, Islam has been present in this country,' said Hadj Lakhdar Ghania, one member of the Assembly of remembrance, Tidjania Zaouia. 'We're used to living in harmony and peace.' However, he continued, when the followers of Salafi said to the Algerian to practice Islam as they practiced, then began to arise differences of opinion.

How to spread the Sufi teachings actually not a new idea. Since 2007, a study from the Rand Corporation says that Sufism proved to be very effective to promote moderate Islam. 'Traditionalist and Sufism in Islam are an integral part, given the many similarities between the two,''the study said. The Salafi followers react immediately. They can not accept some Sufi ritual practices, such as pilgrimages to the tomb of the clergy.

Instead, they assess that the Salafi doctrine is the only one should be applied. 'The Salafi is very important to counter thought and worship that deviate from Islamic values. We encourage the younger generation to follow the true teachings of Islam and not affected by the Western lifestyle,' said Sheikh Abdel Fatah, one of the prominent Salafi figures. But, why then Salafi usually associated with violent? Sheikh Abdel Fatah denies. He argues, in any countries, salafi teachings always practiced in peace.

To prove his statement, Sheikh Abdel Fatah requested that the public back to the year 2001. At that time, after 11 September 2001 incident, a number of Salafi scholars are immediately condemned the violence. Similarly, other Salafi clerics who now live in Saudi Arabia, Abdelmalek Ramdani, called on followers to avoid violence and hostility.

Other ideas put forward by Mouloudi Mohamed, a local Muslim scholar. He believes, the best effort to stop the violence is by returning to traditional practices of Islam that has taken place in a civilized country since centuries ago. 'I'm not sure we need to 'import' solutions from abroad, but it would be better if we start practicing Islam as a father and grandfather had done first,' he stated.

Al-Fatiha ( سورة الفاتحة‎, Sūratu al-Fātihah, "The Opening" )

2010-04-09T13:40:00.005+07:00

1:1 بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيم

Bismillāhi r-raḥmāni r-raḥīm
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

1:2 الْحَمْدُ للّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِين

Al ḥamdu lillāhi rabbi l-'ālamīn
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds

1:3 الرَّحْمـنِ الرَّحِيم

Ar raḥmāni r-raḥīm
The Beneficent, the Merciful.

1:4 مَـالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّين

Māliki yawmi d-dīn
Owner of the Day of Judgement

1:5 إِيَّاك نَعْبُدُ وإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِين

Iyyāka na'budu wa iyyāka nasta'īn
Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.

1:6 اهدِنَــــا الصِّرَاطَ المُستَقِيمَ

Ihdinā ṣ-ṣirāṭ al-mustaqīm
Show us the straight path,

1:7 صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنعَمتَ عَلَيهِمْ غَيرِ المَغضُوبِ عَلَيهِمْ وَلاَ الضَّالِّين

Ṣirāṭ al-laḏīna an'amta 'alayhim ġayril maġḍūbi 'alayhim walāḍ ḍāllīn
The path of those whom Thou hast favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray.

Surah Al-Fatiha is sometimes known in English as "The Exordium". In various Hadith it is described as "the mother of the Book" (Umm al-Kitab) and "the mother of the Qur'an" (Umm al-Qur'an), and "the cure of diseases" ("Sura-tul-shifa") and said to be the seven verses alluded to in Al-Hijr.