الله أَكْبَر- Allah is Greatest

Eight Things to Learn

2008-03-17T10:09:00.003+05:30

Eight Things to Learn

One time a scholar asked one of his students, "You have spent a long time with me, what have you learned?

He said I learned eight things:

First, I looked to the creation. Everyone has a loved one. When he goes to the grave, he leaves his loved one. Therefore, I made my loved one my good deeds; that way, they will be with me in the grave.

Second, I looked to the verse, 'But as for him who feared to stand before his Lord and restrained his soul from lust,' and, therefore, I struggled against my desires so I could stay obeying Allah.

Third, I saw that if anyone has something with him that is worth something, he will protect it. Then I thought about the verse, 'That which you have is wasted away; and that which is with Allah remains,' therefore, everything worth something with me I devoted to Him so it would be with Him for me.

Fourth, I saw the people seeking wealth, honor and positions and it was not worth anything to me. Then I thought about Allah's words, 'Lo, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most aware of Allah,' so I did my best to become aware of Allah in order to nobility in his sight.

Fifth, I saw the people being jealous towards each other and I looked at the verse, 'We have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of the world,' so I left jealousy.

Sixth, I saw the people having enmity and I thought about the verse, 'Lo, the devil is an enemy for you, so take him as an enemy,' so I left enmity and I took the Satan as my only enemy.

Seventh, I saw them debasing themselves in search of sustenance and I thought about the verse, 'And there is not a beast in the earth but the sustenance thereof depends on Allah,' so I kept myself busy with my responsibilities toward Him and I left my property with Him.

Eighth, I found them relying on their business, buildings and health and I thought about the verse, 'And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, He will suffice him,' therefore, I put my trust only on Allah.

12 Tips For Muslim Youth

2008-02-03T22:07:00.000+05:30

12 Tips For Muslim Youth

Why should you, a young Muslim, be helping to bring your friends closer to Allah?

After all, you've got your own struggles to deal with: trying to explain why you pray to hostile teachers, Hijab discrimination, standing up in class when the professor attacks Islam, dealing with parents who think you've gone nuts because you're growing a beard, or all the other difficulties faced by a number of practicing Muslim youth?

Islam was never meant to be an individualistic faith, reserved for the "chosen few". Muslims have a duty to spread the Deen, and practicing Muslim youth, whether beginners, activists or leaders have a crucial role to play.

"Allah has put them in a position that perhaps no one else is in," notes Sheema Khan, former Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) advisor for eastern Canada. "They have the means to communicate with their peers, they have an understanding of what they're going through plus they have the guidance of Islam."

Who is your childhood friend, who would rather spend Fridays at MacDonald's than the Masjid, or your classmate who is Muslim in name and only knows that "Muslims don't eat pork" going to listen to: the nice Imam of the Masjid who would freak out if he saw the way they were dressed and talked or you who may have grown up with them, joked with them, or see them everyday in school?

The answer is obvious: you.

Don't panic. Here are some tips and advice which can help from other Muslims, many of whom have been there and done that:

Tip # 1 : Make Your Intention Sincere

All work we do should ideally be for the sake of Allah. That includes the task of bringing someone closer to Allah. That of course means this should not be connected to arrogance, thinking you're the teacher and everyone else should be lucky you've embarked on a crusade to save them. Guidance is from Allah. Make Dua and make sincere efforts and remember Allah can also misguide you if He wills (we seek refuge in Allah from that).

Tip # 2 : Practice What YOu Preach

Not practicing what you preach is wrong and you will lose the confidence of anyone, young or old, once they figure you out. Don't do it.

Tip # 3 : Use The Quran & Seerah (biography of the Prophet peace be upon him) As Dawa Guides

Read and understand those chapters of the Quran which talk about how the Prophets presented the message of Islam to their people. Read the Seerah (for some good Seerah books)to see especially how the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) brought Islam to so many different people, including young people.

As well, talk to Dawa workers, and check out manuals they may have written, like Yahiya Emerick's How to Tell Others About Islam.

Tip # 4 : Talk To People As If You Really Dont Know Them

Don't assume you know someone just by looking at them. You don't know that the Muslim girl in your homeroom who walks through the school's hallways as if they were fashion show catwalks (see Ambe Rehman's perspective on this) is not someone you can talk to about Allah because she looks like a snob. Or that the Muslim guy who you've never seen at Juma at your university is a "bad Muslim". Maybe he was never really taught Islam and has no idea what importance Friday prayers have in Islam, especially for Muslim men.

Tip # 5 : Smile

Did you know the Prophet was big on smiling? But many "practicing" Muslims seem to have "their faces on upside down" as one speaker once said-frowning and serious.

Smiling, being polite and kind are all part of the manners of the Prophet, which we must exercise in our daily lives. If we want to approach others with Islam, we have to make ourselves approachable. Smiling is key to this.

But note that being approachable does not mean being flirtations with the other gender. There are Islamic rules for how men and women should deal with each other which have to be respected. Dawa is no excuse to have long and private conversations and meetings with the other sex, for example. Set up a system where someone expressing an interest in Islam is referred to someone of the same sex.

Tip # 6 : Take The Initiative & Hang Out With Them

Take the first step and invite someone you may have spoken to a couple of times to sit at lunch together, to check out a hockey game or invite them over for Iftar in Ramadan. Also, share difficulties, sorrows and frustrations. Help with homework, be a shoulder to cry on when depression hits, or just plain listen when your friend is upset, discuss common problems and KEEP THEIR SECRETS. There are few things as annoying as a snitch and backstabber. But an important note: if the problem is of a serious nature,(i.e. your friend is thinking of committing suicide or is taking drugs), notify and consult an adult immediately.

Tip # 7 : Show Them Islam Is Relevent Today, Right Here, Right Now

Young people may think Islam is too "old fashioned" and not in tune with the modern age. Prove this wrong. Show how Islam is really about relating to Allah, which any human being can do, anywhere, anytime. Allah is always closer to you than your jugular vein and He hears and knows everything. Encourage friends to ask Allah's help during tests, exams, and in dealing with problems at home with parents and siblings. Also point out how Islam relates to teenagers: Islam gives you focus and an understanding of who you are and where you are going, which most of "teen culture" does not.

Tip # 8 : Get Them Involved In Volunteer Work With You

If you are already involved in the community, get your friend to help out. Ask them to make a flyer for one of your youth group's events or brainstorm for ideas about activities to hold this school year. This involvement makes them feel part of the Muslim community and deepens your friendship, since you are now working together on something beneficial for both of you. Make sure you thank them for their contribution.

Tip # 9 : Ask Them 4 Fundamental Questions

As your friendship develops, you will notice the topics you discuss may become more serious. You may be discussing, for instance, future goals and plans. Khan recommends four questions to ask that can steer the topic to Allah and Islam:

a. Where am I going in life and what would make me really happy deep down inside?
b. What do I believe?
c. Who should I be grateful to?
d. Did I get to where I am today without the help of anyone?

Tip # 10 : Emphasize Praying 5 Times A Day Before Any Other Aspect Of Islam

A person's main connection with Allah, on a daily basis, is through the prayer five times a day. Don't emphasize any other aspect of Islam until your friend starts making a real effort to pray five times a day. Emphasize the direct connection one has with Allah in prayer. If they are facing a problem, tell them to pray, and to ask Allah for help in Salah and outside this time. When possible, make it a point to pray together during your "hang out time". If your friend begins to pray, that is the first step to other aspects of Islam like giving up swearing, treating parents with respect or dressing Islamically.

Tip # 11 : Help Instill Confidence In Adults

Adults, like Bart Simpson's dad Homer, are considered bumbling idiots in the eyes of "teen culture". Your job as a young Muslim is to help turn the tables on this false and unIslamic belief. All you have to do is this: when a Muslim adult does something good (i.e. saving someone's life, donating money to a worthy cause, the Imam gives a good speech, taking good care of his/her family) bring it up in the course of your conversations with your friend and praise the adult in question. Doing this regularly may not only change your friend's perspective, but could lead to them seeing their own parents in a more respectful way.

Tip # 12 : Support Them Even When They Become More Practicing

Remember, just because a person starts practicing Islam more regularly, this does not mean everything will be okay from this point onwards. There will still be hard times, difficulties. There may be times when your friend may have doubts about his or her newfound practice of Islam. Be there to reassure them.

Tips for Memorizing the Quran

2007-12-08T01:51:00.000+05:30

Tips for Memorizing
the Qur’aan

Allah says in the Holy Qur’an (interpretation of the meaning):

“Those who recite the Book of Allah, establish regular prayer, and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, hope for commerce that will never fail” (Fatir 35:29)

Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Al-As may Allah bless him reported: The Prophet peace be upon him said, "The one who was devoted to the Qur'an will be told on the Day of Resurrection: `Recite and ascend (in ranks) as you used to recite when you were in the world. Your rank will be at the last Ayah you recite.''' [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

This Hadith mentions the merit of those who memorize part or all of the Qur'an. Some scholars, in explaining this Hadith, have mentioned that the number of ranks (levels) in Paradise is equal to the number of ayahs in the Qur’an, and that a believer will rise one rank for each ayah that he or she memorizes.

In another Hadith, Othman ibn Affan may Allah bless him reported that the Messenger of Allah peace be upon him said, "The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur'an and teaches it.'' [Al-Bukhari].

In what follows we list a few hints regarding memorizing the Qur’an, some of which were presented to us by the knowledgeable Sh. Osama Abdul-Azeem of Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt.

First, make sure to correct your tawbah (repentance to Allah), as sins do not leave any room for the Words of Allah. The Imam Al-Shafie has a famous verse of poetry in which he complained to his scholar about having difficulty in memorizing. His scholar advised him to abandon sins
Have your intention ready, and bear in mind the reward and virtues of this great deed as mentioned in the Hadiths above. Ask Allah sincerely to assist you in accomplishing this.
Dedicate a specific time each day (or every couple of days) for memorizing. This should be a time when you are not busy with other things.
Use the same copy of the Qur’an each time. This is because your mind takes a ‘snapshot’ of the pages.
Start with the surahs that are easiest to you. Many people recommend beginning with the last five juz’s (the 30th, then the 29th, and so on).
Other surahs to begin with are those that you enjoy reciting most of all, and those that you frequently listen to and thus probably already know part of by heart.
The younger you are, the easier it will be. As you grow older, you get busier and your capacity for memorizing decreases. However, it’s never too late in shaa Allah. If you haven’t memorized a lot during your childhood or teens, you can still catch up.
After completing a couple of ayahs, recite them in the next nafl (voluntary prayer) that you pray. Alternatively, practice them with a friend or your spouse.

Finally, it might be a good idea to work in groups, encouraging one another. If you are trying to get your children to memorize, you might want to create a sense of competition among them and then provide some reward to whoever memorizes best. May Allah guide us to all that pleases Him, Ameen.

Recommended:

Islamic method of Slaughtering animals

2007-12-08T01:37:00.000+05:30

Islamic method of Slaughtering animals
is better
---------------------------------------

Al Shaddad Bin Aous has quoted this tradition of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.)

"God calls for mercy in everything, so be merciful when you kill and when you slaughter, sharpen your blade to relieve its pain".

Many allegations have been made that Islamic slaughter is not humane to animals. However, Professor Schultz and his colleague Dr. Hazim of the Hanover University, Germany, proved through an experiment, using an electroencephalograph (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) that *Islamic slaughter is THE humane method of slaughter* and captive bolt stunning, practiced by the Western method, causes severe pain to the animal.

The results surprised many.

Experimental Details:

1. Several electrodes were surgically implanted at various points of the skull of all animals, touching the surface of thebrain.

2. The animals were allowed to recover for several weeks.

3. Some animals were slaughtered by making a swift, deep incision with a sharp knife on the neck cutting the jugular veins and carotid Arteries of both sides; as also the trachea and esophagusHalal Method.

4. Some animals were stunned using a captive bolt pistol humane slaughter by the western method.

5. During the experiment, EEG and ECG were recorded on all animals to record the condition of the brain and heart during the course of slaughter and stunning.

Results and Discussion:

I - Halal Method

1. The first three seconds from the time of Islamic slaughter as recorded on the EEG did not show any change from the graph before slaughter, thus indicating that the animal did not feel any pain during or immediately after the incision.

2. For the following 3 seconds, the EEG recorded a condition of deep sleep - unconsciousness. This is due to a large quantity of blood gushing out from the body.

3. After the above mentioned 6 seconds, the EEG recorded zero level, showing no feeling of pain at all.

4. As the brain message (EEG) dropped to zero level, the heart was still pounding and the body convulsing vigorously (a reflex action of the spinal cord) driving maximum blood from the body: resulting in hygienic meat for the consumer.

II - Western method by C.B.P. Stunning

1. The animals were apparently unconscious soon after stunning.

2. EEG showed severe pain immediately after stunning.

3. The hearts of the animal stunned by C.B.P. stopped beating earlier as compared to those of the animals slaughtered according to the Halal method resulting in the retention of more blood inthe meat. This in turn is unhygienic for the consumer.

Recommended:

Hajj: its virtues and benefits

2007-12-08T01:07:00.000+05:30

Hajj:
its virtues and benefits

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

This is a brief discussion of Hajj – its virtues, benefits and a little about its rulings.

1. When Hajj was prescribed

According to the correct view, Hajj was made obligatory in 9AH, the year of the Delegations (al-Wufood), in which Soorat Aal ‘Imraan was revealed, in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allaah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence).” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:97]

2. The ruling on Hajj

Hajj is a fareedah (obligatory duty), one of the pillars of Islam. The evidence (daleel) for this is the aayah mentioned above, and there is also evidence in the Sunnah which indicates the same thing.

Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them both) said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Islam is built upon five (pillars): testifying that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah, establishing regular prayer, paying zakaah, Hajj and fasting Ramadaan.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 8; Muslim, 16).

3. Is Hajj obligatory straight away?

Yes, it should be done straight away. The evidence for this is the aayah referred to above. This (doing things straight away) is the guiding principle concerning the commands of sharee’ah. The evidence in the Sunnah which indicates this is as follows:

Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) gave a sermon (khutbah) and said: “O people, Allaah has enjoined Hajj upon you so do Hajj.” (Narrated by Muslim, 1337).

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever wants to go for Hajj, let him hasten to do it, because he may fall ill or some other problems may arise.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1732, without the phrase “because he may…”’ also narrated by Ibn Maajah, 2883 and Ahmad, 1836).

According to a report narrated by Ahmad “Hasten to do Hajj –i.e., the obligatory Hajj – for none of you knows what may happen to him.”

These two reports strengthen one another. (See Irwaa’ al-Ghaleel by al-Albaani, 4/168).

The Shaafa’is say that Hajj may be delayed, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) delayed his Hajj until 10 AH. But the answer to this is as follows:

He only delayed it for one year, but they say it may be delayed indefinitely!

He (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) wanted to purify the House (the Ka’bah) of the Mushrikeen and those who performed Hajj naked.

He was kept busy with the delegations who had started to come to Madeenah one after another to announce their Islam.

(See al-Sharh al-Mumti’ by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 7/17, 18)

4. It is obligatory to do Hajj once in one's lifetime

Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) gave a sermon (khutbah) and said: “O people, Allaah has enjoined Hajj upon you so do Hajj.” A man said, Is it every year, O Messenger of Allaah? He remained silent until the man had said it three times, then he said, “If I say yes, it will become obligatory and you will not be able to do it.” Then he said, “Do not push me to tell you more than what I have left you with, for those who came before you were destroyed because they asked too many questions and argued with their Prophets. If I command you to do a thing, do as much of it as you can, and if I forbid you to do something, then avoid it.” (Narrated by Muslim, 1337)

5. The virtues of Hajj

There are many ahaadeeth which speak of the virtues of Hajj, including the following:

From Abu Hurayrah, that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked which deed is best. He said, “Belief in Allaah and His Messenger.” He was asked, then what? He said, “Jihaad for the sake of Allaah.” He was asked, then what? He said, “An accepted Hajj.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 26; Muslim, 83).

An accepted Hajj means:

It must be paid for with halaal money

One should keep away from evil, sin and unjust disputes during Hajj.

One should observe all the rituals according to the Sunnah.

One should not show off by doing Hajj; it should be purely and sincerely for the sake of Allaah.

One should not follow it with acts of disobedience and sin.

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “Whoever does Hajj for the sake of Allaah and does not have sexual relations (with his wife), commit sin, or dispute unjustly during the Hajj, will come back like the day his mother gave birth to him. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1449; Muslim, 1350)

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “ ‘Umrah is an expiation for the time between it and the previous ‘Umrah, and an accepted hajj has no less a reward than Paradise.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1683; Muslim, 1349).

‘Aa’ishah, the Mother of the Believers (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: I said, O Messenger of Allaah, can we not go out on campaigns and fight in jihaad with you? He said, “But the best and most beautiful of jihaad is Hajj, an accepted pilgrimage.” ‘Aa’ishah said, I never stopped going for Hajj after I heard that from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1762).

‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Hajj wipes out whatever (sins) came before it.” (Narrated by Muslim, 121).

‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Keep on doing Hajj and ‘Umrah, for they eliminate poverty and sin just as the bellows eliminate impurities from iron and gold and silver.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 810; al-Nasaa’i, 2631. The hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani – may Allaah have mercy on him – in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 1200).

Ibn ‘Umar reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The one who fights for the sake of Allaah and the pilgrim who goes for Hajj or ‘Umrah are all guests of Allaah. He called them and they responded; they ask of Him and He will give them.” (Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 2893. The hadeeth is hasan and was classed as such by Shaykh al-Albaani in al-Silsilat al-Saheehah, 1820).

6. The benefits of Hajj

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“That they may witness things that are of benefit to them” [al-Hajj 22:28]

The benefits are both worldly and religious (spiritual).

With regard to the religious benefits, the one who goes for Hajj earns the pleasure of his Lord, and comes back with all his sins forgiven. He also earns the immense reward which he cannot earn anywhere else than in these places. One prayer in al-Masjid al-Haraam, for example, is equal to a hundred thousand prayers elsewhere, and Tawaaf and Saa’ee cannot be done anywhere except in these places.

Other benefits include meeting other Muslims and discussing their circumstances, and meeting scholars, learning from them and asking them about one’s problems.

Worldly benefits include trade and business, and other kinds of earnings that have to do with Hajj.

7. The ruling on Hajj and its spiritual effects on a person

There are many virtues of the rituals of Hajj, and much wisdom behind them. Whoever is blessed with proper understanding of them is blessed with much goodness. For example:

When a person travels to carry out the rituals of Hajj, he is reminded of his journey to Allaah and the Hereafter. When he travels, he leaves behind his dear friends, wife, children and homeland, and the journey to the Hereafter is like that.

The one who goes on this journey equips himself with enough provision to help him reach the sacred land, so let him remember that for his journey to his Lord, he needs to have sufficient provision to help him get there safely. Concerning this, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwaa (piety, righteousness, etc.).” [al-Baqarah 2:197]

Travelling is a kind of torment, and the same is true of the journey to the Hereafter, only much more so. Ahead of man there is his dying, death, the grave, the gathering, the accounting, the scales and al-Siraat, followed by either Paradise or Hell. The blessed one will be the one whom Allaah saves.

When the pilgrim puts on the two garments of his ihraam, he cannot help but be reminded of the shroud in which he will be wrapped [after he dies]. This prompts him to give up disobedience and sin. Just as he has given up his regular clothing [for Hajj], so he has to give up sin. Just as he has put on two clean, white garments, he has to make his heart clean and white [pure], and keep his faculties clean and pure, uncontaminated by the stain of sin and disobedience.

When he says “Labbayk Allaahumma labbayk” at the Meeqaat [station of entering ihraam], he means that he has responded to his Lord, so how can he insist on still sinning and not respond to his Lord’s call to give it up? When he says “Labbayk Allaahumma labbayk”, he means, “I am responding to Your prohibition of it and this is the time I am giving it up.”

When he gives up haraam things during his ihraam, and keeps himself busy with the talbiyah and dhikr, this shows him how the Muslim should be. He trains himself to give up some things which in principle are halaal, but Allaah has forbidden them to him at this time [during his ihraam], so how can he violate the prohibitions of Allaah by doing things which are haraam at all times and in all places?

When he enters the Sacred House of Allaah, which Allaah has made a sanctuary for mankind, he remembers the sanctuary of the Day of Resurrection, which no one can reach without striving hard and making a concerted effort. The greatest thing which will keep a person safe on the Day of Resurrection is Tawheed and avoiding Shirk (associating others with Allaah). Concerning this, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their Belief with Zulm (wrong, i.e. by worshipping others besides Allaah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided.” [al-An’aam 6:81].

Kissing the Black Stone, which is the first ritual to be undertaken, teaches the visitor to honour the Sunnah and not to oppose the laws of Allaah with his feeble reasoning. He recognizes that there is wisdom and goodness behind the laws and rituals which Allaah has prescribed for mankind, and he trains himself to submit himself totally to his Lord, may He be exalted. Concerning this, ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said, after he kissed the Black Stone: “I know that you are only a stone and that you can neither benefit nor harm. If I had not seen the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) kiss you, I would not have kissed you.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1520; Muslim, 1720).

When he does Tawaaf, he is reminded of his father Ibraaheem (peace be upon him), who built the House to be a place of resort for mankind and a place of safety, and that he called them to perform pilgrimage to this House. And our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also called them to perform pilgrimage to this House. Moosa, Yoonus and ‘Eesaa (peace be upon them) also performed pilgrimage to this House. This House was a symbol and a meeting place for these Prophets; how could it be otherwise, when Allaah had commanded Ibraheem (peace be upon him) to build it and venerate it?

When he drinks the water of Zamzam, he is reminded of the blessing which Allaah has bestowed upon mankind in the form of this blessed water, from which millions of people have drunk throughout the long ages, but it has never dried up. He is encouraged to make du’aa’ when he drinks it by the hadeeth which has been reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)” “The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.” (Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 3062; Ahmad, 14435. This is a hasan hadeeth; classed as hasan by Ibn al-Qayyim – may Allaah have mercy on him – in Zaad al-Ma’aad, 4/320).

When he does al-Saa’ee, running between al-Safaa’ and al-Marwah, he is reminded of the trial endured by Haajir, the mother of Ismaa’eel and the wife of al-Khaleel [Ibraaheem] (peace be upon him), and how she ran back and forth between al-Safaa’ and al-Marwah, searching for water which would save her from what she was suffering, and especially so that she could give her little son – Ismaa’eel – water to drink. Since this woman was patient in the face of this adversity and turned to her Lord, this teaches man that doing this is better and more appropriate. When a man remembers the struggle and patience of this woman, it makes it easier for him to bear his own problems, and a woman who is of her own kind will find her problems easier to bear.

The standing (wuqoof) in ‘Arafaah reminds the pilgrim of the throngs of people on the Day of Gathering. If the pilgrim feels tired from being in a crowd of thousands, how will it be in the crowds of barefoot, naked, uncircumcised people, standing for fifty thousand years?

When he throws the pebbles at the Jamaraat, the Muslim trains himself to obey Allaah unquestioningly. Even if he does not understand the reason and wisdom behind this throwing (ramy), and cannot make the connection between rulings and their purpose, this is a manifestation of complete submission (‘uboodiyyah) to Allaah.

When he slaughters his sacrifice (hady), he is reminded of the great event when our father Ibraaheem submitted to the command of Allaah to sacrifice his only son Ismaa’eel, after he had grown up and become a help to him. He is also reminded that there is no room for emotions which go against the commands and prohibitions of Allaah. This teaches him to respond to what Allaah commands, as Ismaa’eel said (interpretation of the meaning): “ ‘O my father! Do that which you are commanded. In shaa Allaah (if Allaah wills), you will find me of al-saabireen (the patient ones).’” [al-Saaffaat 37:102].

When he comes out of his ihraam and things that had been forbidden to him once again become permissible, this teaches him about the consequences of patience and that after hardship comes ease. The one who responds to the call of Allaah will have joy and happiness, and this joy cannot be known by anyone except those who have tasted the sweetness of obedience, such as the joy felt by the one who fasts when he breaks his fast, or by the one who prays Qiyaam during the last part of the night, after he has finished praying.

When he has finished performing all the rituals of Hajj as they were prescribed by Allaah and in the manner that Allaah loves, he has the hope that his Lord will forgive him all his sins, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) promised in the hadeeth, “Whoever does Hajj for the sake of Allaah and does not have sexual relations (with his wife), commit sin, or dispute unjustly during the hajj, will come back like the day his mother gave birth to him. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1449; Muslim, 1350). This invites him to start a new page in his life, free of sin.

When he comes back to his wife and children, and experiences the joy of meeting them again, this reminds him of the greater joy of meeting them in Paradise. This also teaches him that the greatest loss is losing oneself and one’s family on the Day of Resurrection, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “The losers are those who will lose themselves and their families on the Day of Resurrection. Verily, that will be a manifest loss!” [al-Zumar 39:15].

We ask Allaah to help us to obey Him and to reach His House and to do all that He has enjoined upon us. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.

Recommended:

Muslims Contribution To Science

2007-12-06T18:55:00.000+05:30

________________________
Muslims Contribution To Science
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Lost of Christians left christianity & the reason was clearly : It contradicts science ! What about Muslims ? Here you can read a breif information about Muslims & Science in the past ..

Astronomy :

Muslims have always had a special interest in astronomy. The moon and the sun are of vital importance in the daily life of every Muslim. By the moon, Muslims determine the beginning and the end of the months in their lunar calendar. By the sun the Muslims calculate the times for prayer and fasting. It is also by means of astronomy that Muslims can determine the precise direction of the Qiblah, to face the Ka'bah in Makkah, during prayer. The most precise solar calendar, superior to the Julian, is the Jilali, devised under the supervision of Umar Khayyam. The Qur'an contains many references to astronomy.

"The heavens and the earth were ordered rightly, and were made subservient to man, including the sun, the moon, the stars, and day and night. Every heavenly body moves in an orbit assigned to it by God and never digresses, making the universe an orderly cosmos whose life and existence, diminution and expansion, are totally determined by the Creator." [Qur'an 30:22]

These references, and the injunctions to learn, inspired the early Muslim scholars to study the heavens. They integrated the earlier works of the Indians, Persians and Greeks into a new synthesis. Ptolemy's Almagest (the title as we know it is Arabic) was translated, studied and criticized. Many new stars were discovered, as we see in their Arabic names - Algol, Deneb, Betelgeuse, Rigel, Aldebaran. Astronomical tables were compiled, among them the Toledan tables, which were used by Copernicus, Tycho Brahe and Kepler. Also compiled were almanacs - another Arabic term. Other terms from Arabic are zenith, nadir, albedo, azimuth.

Muslim astronomers were the first to establish observatories, like the one built at Mugharah by Hulagu, the son of Genghis Khan, in Persia, and they invented instruments such as the quadrant and astrolabe, which led to advances not only in astronomy but in oceanic navigation, contributing to the European age of exploration.

Geography:

Muslim scholars paid great attention to geography. In fact, the Muslims' great concern for geography originated with their religion. The Qur'an encourages people to travel throughout the earth to see God's signs and patterns everywhere. Islam also requires each Muslim to have at least enough knowledge of geography to know the direction of the Qiblah (the position of the Ka'bah in Makkah) in order to pray five times a day. Muslims were also used to taking long journeys to conduct trade as well as to make the Hajj and spread their religion. The far-flung Islamic empire enabled scholar-explorers to compile large amounts of geographical and climatic information from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Among the most famous names in the field of geography, even in the West, are Ibn Khaldun and Ibn Batuta, renowned for their written accounts of their extensive explorations. In 1166, Al-Idrisi, the well-known Muslim scholar who served the Sicilian court, produced very accurate maps, including a world map with all the continents and their mountains, rivers and famous cities. Al-Muqdishi was the first geographer to produce accurate maps in color. It was, moreover, with the help of Muslim navigators and their inventions that Magellan was able to traverse the Cape of Good Hope, and Da Gama and Columbus had Muslim navigators on board their ships.

Humanity:

Seeking knowledge is obligatory in Islam for every Muslim, man and woman. The main sources of Islam, the Qur'an and the Sunnah (Prophet Muhammad's traditions), encourage Muslims to seek knowledge and be scholars, since this is the best way for people to know Allah (God), to appreciate His wondrous creations and be thankful for them. Muslims were therefore eager to seek knowledge, both religious and secular, and within a few years of Muhammad's mission, a great civilization sprang up and flourished. The outcome is shown in the spread of Islamic universities; Al-Zaytunah in Tunis, and Al-Azhar in Cairo go back more than 1,000 years and are the oldest existing universities in the world. Indeed, they were the models for the first European universities, such as Bologna, Heidelberg, and the Sorbonne. Even the familiar academic cap and gown originated at Al-Azhar University.

Muslims made great advances in many different fields, such as geography, physics, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, pharmacology, architecture, linguistics and astronomy. Algebra and the Arabic numerals were introduced to the world by Muslim scholars. The astrolabe, the quadrant, and other navigational devices and maps were developed by Muslim scholars and played an important role in world progress, most notably in Europe's age of exploration.

Muslim scholars studied the ancient civilations from Greece and Rome to China and India. The works of Aristotle, Ptolemy, Euclid and others were translated into Arabic. Muslim scholars and scientists then added their own creative ideas, discoveries and inventions, and finally transmitted this new knowledge to Europe, leading directly to the Renaissance. Many scientific and medical treatises, having been translated into Latin, were standard text and reference books as late as the 17th and 18th centuries.

Mathematics:

It is interesting to note that Islam so strongly urges mankind to study and explore the universe. For example, the Holy Qur'an states:

"We (Allah) will show you (mankind) Our signs/patterns in the horizons/universe and in yourselves until you are convinced that the revelation is the truth." [Qur'an, 14:53]

This invitation to explore and search made Muslims interested in astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, and the other sciences, and they had a very clear and firm understanding of the correspondences among geometry, mathematics, and astronomy.

The Muslims invented the symbol for zero (The word "cipher" comes from Arabic sifr), and they organized the numbers into the decimal system - base 10. Additionally, they invented the symbol to express an unknown quantity, i.e. variables like x.

The first great Muslim mathematician, Al-Khawarizmi, invented the subject of algebra (al-Jabr), which was further developed by others, most notably Umar Khayyam. Al-Khawarizmi's work, in Latin translation, brought the Arabic numerals along with the mathematics to Europe, through Spain. The word "algorithm" is derived from his name.

Muslim mathematicians excelled also in geometry, as can be seen in their graphic arts, and it was the great Al-Biruni (who excelled also in the fields of natural history, even geology and mineralogy) who established trigonometry as a distinct branch of mathematics. Other Muslim mathematicians made significant progress in number theory.

Medicine:

In Islam, the human body is a source of appreciation, as it is created by Almighty Allah (God). How it functions, how to keep it clean and safe, how to prevent diseases from attacking it or cure those diseases, have been important issues for Muslims.

Prophet Muhammad himself urged people to "take medicines for your diseases", as people at that time were reluctant to do so. He also said: "God created no illness, but established for it a cure, except for old age. When the antidote is applied, the patient will recover with the permission of God."

This was strong motivation to encourage Muslim scientists to explore, develop, and apply empirical laws. Much attention was given to medicine and public health care. The first hospital was built in Baghdad in 706 AC. The Muslims also used camel caravans as mobile hospitals, which moved from place to place.

Since the religion did not forbid it, Muslim scholars used human cadavers to study anatomy and physiology and to help their students understand how the body functions. This empirical study enabled surgery to develop very quickly.

Al-Razi, known in the West as Rhazes, the famous physician and scientist, (d. 932) was one of the greatest physicians in the world in the Middle Ages. He stressed empirical observation and clinical medicine and was unrivaled as a diagnostician. He also wrote a treatise on hygiene in hospitals. Khalaf Abul-Qasim Al-Zahrawi was a very famous surgeon in the eleventh century, known in Europe for his work, Concessio (Kitab al-Tasrif).

Ibn Sina (d. 1037), better known to the West as Avicenna, was perhaps the greatest physician until the modern era. His famous book, Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb, remained a standard textbook even in Europe, for over 700 years. Ibn Sina's work is still studied and built upon in the East.

Other significant contributions were made in pharmacology, such as Ibn Sina's Kitab al-Shifa' (Book of Healing), and in public health. Every major city in the Islamic world had a number of excellent hospitals, some of them teaching hospitals, and many of them were specialized for particular diseases, including mental and emotional. The Ottomans were particularly noted for their building of hospitals and for the high level of hygiene practiced in them.

Definition:

The word ISLAM has a two-fold meaning: peace, and submission to God. This submission requires a fully conscious and willing effort to submit to the one Almighty God. One must consciously and conscientiously give oneself to the service of Allah. This means to act on what Allah enjoins all of us to do (in the Qur'an) and what His beloved Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh) encouraged us to do in his Sunnah (his lifestyle and sayings personifying the Qur'an).

Once we humble ourselves, rid ourselves of our egoism and submit totally to Allah, and to Him exclusively, in faith and in action, we will surely feel peace in our hearts. Establishing peace in our hearts will bring about peace in our external conduct as well.

Islam is careful to remind us that it not a religion to be paid mere lip service; rather it is an all-encompassing way of life that must be practiced continuously for it to be Islam. The Muslim must practice the five pillars of the religion: the declaration of faith in the oneness of Allah and the prophet hood of Muhammad (pbuh), prayer, fasting the month of Ramadan, alms-tax, and the pilgrimage to Makkah; and believe in the six articles of faith: belief in God, the Holy Books, the prophets, the angels, the Day of Judgment and God's decree, whether for good or ill.

There are other injunctions and commandments which concern virtually all facets of one's personal, family and civic life. These include such matters as diet, clothing, personal hygiene, interpersonal relations, business ethics, responsibilities towards parents, spouse and children, marriage, divorce and inheritance, civil and criminal law, fighting in defense of Islam, relations with non-Muslims, and so much more.

Recommended:

Scientific Accuracy of Qur'an Amazes Toranto University Professor

2007-12-06T18:22:00.000+05:30

Scientific Accuracy of Qur'an Amazes U of T Professor

This message is based on an article titled “Highlights of Human embryology in the Qur’an and Haidth” by Dr.Keith Moore, Professor of Anatomy and Chairman of the Department, Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Toronto, 1982.

Dr. Moore points out that the study of how the human embryo develops in the mother’s womb could not progress significantly without the use of microscopes. Microscopes were not invented until the 17th century C.E., and were not used in this field of study until the 18th century. Therefore, when Dr. Moore studied certain statements in the Qur’an on this subject, he remarked, “ I was amazed at the scientific accuracy of these statements which were made in the 7th century C.E.,”

The Qur’an in 39:6 states that God made us in the wombs of our mothers in stages. Dr. Moore comments: “The realization that the embryo develops in stages in the uterus was not proposed until the1940’s, and the stages used nowadays were not adopted worldwide until the 19th century C.E.”

Furthermore, he says: “The idea that development results from a genetic plan contained in the chromosomes, of the zygote was not discovered until the end of the 19th century C.E. The verse from the Qur’an [80:18] clearly implies that the nutfa (i.e.
the initial drop of fluid) contains the plan or blueprint for the future characteristics and features of the developing human being.”

The Qur’an 23: 12-16 indicates that there is a lag or a gap between two of the early stages of growth. How does that compare with modern scientific knowledge? Remarkably! Says Dr. Moore: “It is well established that there is a lag or a delay in the development of
the embryo during the implantation… The agreement between the lag or gap in development mentioned in the Qur’an and the slow rate of change occurring during the second or third weeks is amazing. These details of human development were not described until about 40 years ago.”

Finally, Dr. Moore concludes by saying that the agreement he has found in the Qur’anic statements ‘may help to close the gap between science and religion which has existed for so many years.”

The above evidence shows that the Qur’an must be from God as it claims. The Qur’an says that you and every human being should consider this book with care:

{Had it been from anyone other than God, you would have found much discrepancy in it} [Qur’an 4:82]

The virtue of fasting six days of Shawwaal

2007-11-03T14:46:00.000+05:30

The virtue of fasting six days of Shawwaal
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
IslamQA.com

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained this when he said: “Whoever fasts for six days after (Eid) al-Fitr has completed the year: (whoever does a good deed (hasanah) will have ten hasanah like it).” According to another report: “Allaah has made for each hasanah ten like it, so a month is like fasting ten months, and fasting six days completes the year.” (al-Nisaa’i and Ibn Maajah. See also Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, 1/421). It was also narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah with the wording: “Fasting for the month of Ramadaan brings the reward of ten like it, and fasting for six days brings the reward of two months, and that is the fasting of the whole year.”

The Hanbali and Shaafa’i fuqaha’ explained that fasting six days of Shawwaal after fasting Ramadaan makes it as if one has fasted for an entire year of obligatory fasts, because the multiplication of the reward applies even to naafil fasts, because each hasanah brings the reward of ten like it.

Another of the important benefits of fasting six days of Shawwaal is that is makes up for any shortfall in a person’s obligatory Ramadaan fasts, because no one is free of shortcomings or sins that have a negative effect on his fasting. On the Day of Resurrection, some of his naafil deeds will be taken to make up the shortcomings in his obligatory deeds, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The first thing for which people will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be their salaah (prayer). Our Lord, may He be glorified and exalted, will say to His angels – although He knows best – ‘Look at the salaah of My slave, whether it is complete or incomplete.’ If it is perfect, it will be recorded as perfect, and if something is lacking, He will say, ‘Look and see whether My slave did any voluntary (naafil) prayers.’ If he did some voluntary prayers, [Allaah] will say, Complete the obligatory actions of My slave from his voluntary actions.’ Then all his actions will be dealt with in a similar manner.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood).

And Allaah knows best.

Recommended:

The Desire For The Hereafter

2007-10-20T16:26:00.000+05:30

The Desire For The Hereafter

Adopted from Imam Ibn ul-Qayyim�s "Al-Fawa�id" by Abu Aasiya

The desire for the Hereafter is not complete without renouncing this world, and renouncement from this world is not achieved except after:

a) Looking at this world, and how quickly it passes away and reaches its end, its deficiencies, decline, vileness; the distress of competing for it, and the way it spoils and causes misery. Also, its ephemerality and discontinuation comes with misery and regrets. The one who seeks this world benefits only by having sadness before acquiring it, worries when he is enjoying it, and grief after its passing away.

b) Knowing with surety that the Hereafter is going to come and its arrival is certain. The eternality, endlessness, and nobility of the good and pleasing things in it, and the difference between what is there and what is here. It is as He said:

�Although the life to come is better and more enduring.� (88: 17)

For over there are complete, unending pleasures, and over here are insufficient, ephemeral, and vanishing fancies.

After completely understands these two aspects the intellect is required to make its preference and renounce what it should renounce.

So anyone who is naturally disposed to leave the enjoyment of this world and the present pleasures for the pleasures that are hidden and yet to come in the Hereafter will not do so unless the excellence of the next life over this one is clear to him, and has a strong desire to achieve the superior instead of the inferior.

When he prefers the transient and the inadequate it is either because he does not understand what is better for him or because he does not have the desire to obtain the best.

Either one of them shows weakness of Eemaan, intellect, and insight. This is because the one who desires this world and prefers it is either because he believes that what is there is nobler, better, and more enduring, or he does not.

If he does not believe this, he would loose his Eemaan right away. On the other hand, if he believes this but does not prefer it, then he has weak intellect and will power. So, preferring this life over the next one could either be from corrupted Eemaan or imperfect intellect.

This is the reason why the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions put this world behind their backs, turned their hearts away from it, and abandoned it. They did not befriend it, instead they renounced it. They did not incline towards it. They considered it to be a prison, not Paradise! They renounced it as it ought to have been renounced. Had they wished, they could have had anything they liked and reached anything they desired because the key of its treasures were presented to them, but they refused to accept them.

They did not exchange their share of the Hereafter with her. They knew that it was a corridor and a passage way, not a residence of permanence and stability. They understood fully well that it is a transit station, not a pleasure house. They took it for tis real worth - a summer cloud that shall disperse soon.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said in authentic narrations:

�What am I in this world except for like a person who is traveling and stopped under the shade of the tree to rest for a few moments and then continues with his traveling.�

�What is this world compared to the Hereafter except like when one of you puts his finger in the sea, so he sees what he takes out (of the sea with his wet finger).�

Our Lord, the Creator of this world, draws a parable from our own lifes to illustrate the real value of this world:

�The parable of the life of this world is but that of rain which We send down from the sky, and which is absorbed by the plants of the earth whereof men and animals draw nourishment, until - when the earth is clad with its adornments and is beautified, and they who dwell on it believe that they have all the powers of disposal over it - there comes down upon it Our judgment, by night or by day, and We cause it to become (like) a field mown down, as if it had not flourished yesterday.
And (know that) Allah invites (man) unto the abode of peace, and guides whom He wills onto a Straight Way.� (10: 24, 25)

So Allah, our Lord, informs us about the ignobility of this life and ascetism from it, and tells us about the home of peace and invites us to it.

In another passage Allah says:

�And propound unto them the parable of the life of this world: (it is) like the water which We send down from the skies, and which is absorbed by the plants of the earth: but (in time) they turn into dry stubble which the winds blow freely about.
And it is Allah (alone) who determines all things.
Wealth and children are an adornment of this world�s life: but good deeds, the fruit whereof endures forever, are of far greater merit in your Sustainer's sight, and a far better source of hope.� (18: 45, 46)

� and they rejoice in the life of the world, whereas the life of this world as compared with the Hereafter is but a brief passing enjoyment.� (14: 26)

He has threatened with the greatest threat the one who is pleased with the life of this world, is satisfied with it, is ignorant of His aayat, and is not hopeful of meeting Him:

�Verily, those who hope not for their meeting with us, but are pleased and satisfied with the life of the present world, and those who are heedless of Our aayat, those, their abode will be the Fire, because of what they used to earn.� (10:7, 8)

�O you who believe, what is the mater with you, and when you are asked to march forth in the Cause of Allah you cling heavily to the earth? Are you pleased with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But little is the enjoyment of the life of this world as compared with the Hereafter.� (9: 38)

Meaning that the obedience of Allah and seeking the Hereafter becomes a burden on the one who desires this life and is pleased with it.

It is enough to renounce this life by the saying of Allah (in translation):

�Tell Me, if We do let them enjoy for years, and afterwards come to them that (punishment) which they had been promised! All that which they used to enjoy shall not avail them.� (26: 207)

� And on the day when He shall gather them together, (it will be) as if they had not stayed but an hour of a day. They shall recognize each other.� (10: 45)

�On the Day when they shall see that (torment) with which they are promised (it will be) as if they had not stayed more than an hour in a single day. But shall any be destroyed except people who are disobedient.� (46: 35)

�The day they see it, (it will be) as if they had not tarried (in this world) except an afternoon or a morning.� (80: 46)

�And on the day that the Hour is established, the disbelievers will swear that they stayed not but an hour.� (30: 55)

�He will say: �What number of years did you stay on earth?�
They will say: �We stayed a day or part of a day. Ask of those who keep account.�
He (Allah) will say: �You stayed not but a little,- if you had only known!�� (23: 112-114)

�The day when the Trumpet will be blown: that Day the disbelievers will be blue eyed with dark faces. In whispers will they speak to each other (saying): �You stayed no longer than ten (days).(23: 20)

Recommended:
JOURNEY OF THE UNSEEN WORLD
Ten Sicknesses of The Heart

Suicide - It's Not An Escape!

2007-10-20T16:22:00.000+05:30

Suicide - It's Not An Escape!

Answered by Sheikh Aslam Hussain, graduate of Madinah University in Shariah. His audio, articles and course notes can be found at http://www.islamiclessons.com

In a society that prides itself for freedom and liberty to attain maximum happiness, suicide ought to be the furthest from the mind? Yet it is not an uncommon practice and may be someone who is close to you and opens up to you and you may be the only person who can help. Suicide, resorted to in times of crisis as an end to those worries, is not only prohibited in Islam but it is also not an escape. This article illustrates how Islam provides an alternative that is worth living for!

..........................................

All praise and gratitude is to Allah � our Creator, Provider and the Maintainer of all the worlds.

In Allah�s care�
He brought together the sperm and the ovum from deep within two separate individuals, lodged the fertilized egg safely and prepared the uterus for the creation of a life � helpless and dependent on its Creator from the day of conception and beyond its birth, the vibrant youth, prudent adulthood up to its death at a senile old age and beyond to another life � its real home. Not a day passes except that the same Creator sustains this life � and the six billion others like it on the planet � with attention to the most minute of its needs. It breathes effortlessly without even noticing the complex art and perfection in the organs that enable it.

Why despair then�
With such care and attention for detail in each individual, is it then warranted to despair of the help of the most Merciful?

Along the same lines we find these verses in the Quran, (their translation) �Has there not been over man a period of time, when he was not a thing worth mentioning? Verily, We have created man from a drop of mixed fluid (of man and woman) in order to try him so We made him a hearer and seer. Verily, We showed him the way (gave him guidance in all matters), whether he be grateful or ungrateful (lit. kafoor i.e. who conceals and denies the favours or signs of Allah). [Surah Insan 76:1-3]

For us is to worship and the provision is from Him�
He created us with such care and attention for a noble purpose and assured us that He will sustain and look after each and every need. He informs in the Quran, (its translation) �I did not create the Jinn or the human except that they worship me; I do not want any provision from them (neither for themselves nor for any creatures) nor do I seek that they should feed Me (i.e. provide for whom I provide). Verily, Allah He is the Provider (of all), possessor of Power, the Most Strong.� [Surah Dhariyat 51:56-58]

Why the trials and hardship�
Thus Allah took the responsibility of providing for and looking after all affairs of each and every individual and reassured He is the One fully capable of that. Our concern is not to be anxious even in the most trying circumstance for Allah promised to provide a way out; rather our concern is to worship Him by living a life of obedience to Him and excellence in every walk of life. Any hardship faced is no more than a trial to prove that our only concern is the approval of our actions by Allah before anyone else in the community and even before our own pleasure. Allah promised in the Quran, �Alif, Lam, Mim, do people think that they will be left alone on (merely) saying: �We believe,� and not be tested (in their claims)? We have indeed tested those who were before them; and Allah will certainly make it known those who were truthful and He will certainly make known the liars.� [Surah Ankabut 29:1-2]

Thus suicide forbidden in Quran and hadith�
Given that Allah promised to undertake the sustenance and any delay thereafter or withholding of any of its needs being merely for a trial, then there is no room for a person to take away the life that Allah has created for an important purpose and meticulously sustaining it each second for that purpose. He prohibited the destroying of ones life in any manner as understood by the general meaning of the wording of this verse, �And do not throw (yourselves) with your own hands to destruction; but work (deeds of) excellence for verily Allah loves the people of excellence.� [Surah Baqarah 2:195] Thus we are ordered to not destroy ourselves rather to direct the mind and energies to doing good deeds that please Allah. In another verse, �And do not kill yourselves. Surely, Allaah is Most merciful to you.� [Surah Nisaa 4:29]

In fact the taking of even one life is regarded as the taking of the life of the whole of mankind, �Whoever kills a soul � unless for another soul or for corruption (vice and mischief spread) in the land � it is as if he had slain the whole of mankind. And whoever saves one � it is as if he had saved the whole of mankind.� [Surah Ma�idah 5:32] The noun, soul (nafs) in the verse is without the definite particle. In Arabic, an indefinite noun in a conditional clause gives the meaning of generality and comprehensiveness. Thus, the verse is not only concerning the taking of a soul of another person but even ones own life for both are souls created and entrusted to us by Allah. This is not only prohibited but strongly condemned as though he killed the whole of mankind.

The Messenger of Allah (May the peace and blessings be on him) also prohibited it as learnt from the following hadith. "Whoever throws himself down from a mountain and kills himself, he will be in the Fire of Hell throwing himself down for ever and ever. Whoever drinks poison and kills himself will have the poison in his hand, drinking it in the Fire of Hell for ever and ever. Whoever kills himself with a piece of iron (i.e. a weapon) will have that piece of iron in his hand, stabbing himself in the stomach with it in the Fire of Hell forever and ever." (Compiled in Sahih Bukhari).

The pain of suicide is for ever�
A person, who commits suicide, does so believing it an escape from his crisis so he ends his life willing to bear a moment of pain and may throw himself of a cliff. Yet this hadith shows that he actually brings upon himself that pain not just momentarily but again and again in Hell-fire.

But from His mercy He may forgive suicide � so why not stay alive in His mercy�
However, from the mercy of Allah, the Exalted, He may forgive any sin committed by a person no matter how grave or He may punish in this life or in Hell-fire, except for Shirk. Associating partners to Allah (Shirk) in divinity and Lordship is the only sin that Allah does not forgive. The one doing shirk may seek forgiveness from the partner he claims to Allah in divinity but he is seeking forgiveness from someone who doesn�t have the authority to forgive! This principle of forgiveness is established clearly in the Quran, �Verily Allah does not forgive that you set up partners with Him but He forgives anything else for whoever He wishes.� [Surah Nisaa 4:48]

A person who is confident of the mercy of Allah in forgiving him for committing suicide, shouldn�t he have the same confidence that if he doesn�t commit suicide, Allah from His mercy and care will alleviate his hardship and distress? If it takes time, it is no more than a temporary trial.

A day�s worth for a Muslim�
An extra day alive is that much longer to work good deeds to distance oneself from the eternal torment of Hell-fire and a golden opportunity to win a better place in Paradise. It is for deserving of this mercy of Allah and a Paradise which no eye has ever seen, nor any ear has ever heard nor conceived by any mind, it is for this a Muslim is directed to strive every moment he is alive by the favour of Allah. A Believer capitalizes on each breath Allah allows him � only the ignorant would throw away such a bargain! Allah says (translated it means), �And whoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) will see it (on the Day of Resurrection to be rewarded) and whoever does mischief equal to the weight of an atom shall see it.� [Surah Zalzalah 99:7-8]00

Reassurances in Quran and a purpose to live�
Thus a person contemplating suicide finds reassurance in the Quran and purpose for life. He finds an explanation for ease or hardship. He realizes that every hardship expiates for his sins and elevates his rank in Paradise. He thus finds internal peace and pleasure even in external hardship and suffering and strives to acquire or lose the eternal comfort in the Hereafter. The feelings of depression, anxiety, hopelessness and self-loathing diminish as a Believer contemplates on the message of the Quran, reflects on life and patterns the life according to its wise injunctions. Initially, this achievement may be for moments only but with time and following the guidance of the Quran it may become a constant state.

Mixing with people�
The effectiveness of this process can be enhanced tremendously by interaction with other people, righteous Muslims and especially the people with Islamic knowledge and counselors. As negative feelings develop and pessimism sets in, they can draw attention to vital realities of life and the Hereafter as well as be the encouraging spirit. Not everyone will be sensitive nor can the person open up to just anyone, however it is good to at least with some who is understanding and able to help. As for those who make the person feel worthless for reasons that are insignificant in Allah�s sight, not interacting with them is understandable.

Self-worth� with people�and with Allah�
No matter how insignificant a person is in the eyes of his peers, he is important enough in the sight of Allah that He created him with such care from even before birth. The society judges a person for wealth, power, success in career, physical attraction and other worldly traits. But a person who has none of this or has lost everything may still be the dearest to Allah, the angels and the believers who are rightly guided! In Islam, the worth of an individual is solely based on taqwa � God consciousness that produces righteousness and piety. A peasant or a bankrupt businessman may be superior to a CEO of the most successful organization on earth � if he excels in taqwa! Allah makes this point clear in the Quran, (its translation reads) �O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has the most taqwa (piety). Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-aware.� [Surah Hujurat 49:13]

Even at times of weakness, step at a time�
Although reassured that in the sight of Allah the worthiness of an individual is measured only by taqwa, a person may still be weary - especially at times of high stress, depression and anxiety - of him being able to attain this taqwa and self-worth.

Yet the Quran inspires and motivates even the weakest of the Believers to achieve the highest success. Allah declares in the Quran reassuringly, �Whoever works righteousness � whether male or female � while he (or she) is a Believer, verily, to him We will give a good life (in this life with contentment etc), and certainly We shall give them a reward (in the eternal Hereafter) according to the best of what they used to do.� [Surah Nahl 16:97] Thus when overwhelmed by stress and concerns, doing noble and pious deeds may seem far, but a believer finds reassurance that he or she will be rewarded by the best acts he does at any time in his life and momentary lapses may well be forgiven by Allah the Oft-Forgiving, Merciful.

And at that moment of trauma when little seems possible, a believer is reminded in the Quran, �And whoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) will see it (on the Day of Resurrection to be rewarded) and whoever does mischief equal to the weight of an atom shall see it.� [Surah Zalzalah 99:7-8] So instead of despair, a believer is found unconcerned of the society�s estimation of him or of a major worldly loss, there is neither grief over what destroyed the past nor anxiety over what the future holds, rather the only concern is to do even an atoms weight of good at that difficult moment � even if it is merely persevering patiently till a better moment later on when big acts of piety can be performed because eventually the reward from Allah, the most Merciful, is in accordance to the best actions performed by the person. In fact patiently persevering in such a difficult moment may rank as the best of deeds!

Even the worst moment can actually become the best�
In fact not a moment passes by in the life of a Muslim even if a catastrophe befalls him, except that it can be a success and a bonus for the Believer if he bears it patiently! Even while overwhelmed by grief, anxieties and a desire to finish it all with suicide, merely holding on till it passes away even without doing any other good deed in that state can actually turn that depressing moment into one of triumph and sure success so why resort to suicide then? The Messenger of Allah (may the peace and blessings be on him) said, �The case of a believer is amazing! Every affair of his is good for him, and this is not for anyone except a believer: if he experiences something pleasant, he is grateful to Allah and that is good for him; and if he comes across some adversity, he is patiently persevering (i.e. has sabr) and that too is good for him!� [Compiled in Sahih Muslim]

In fact we learn from another hadith that, �When Allah wants well for a slave of His, He hastens the punishment in this world (rather than the severe and eternal Hereafter). And when Allah wants for His slave bad, He withholds from him (the punishment for) his sin until he takes it from him on the Day of Resurrection.� [An authentic hadith collected by Tirmidhi] Thus the one suffering hardship may actually be more beloved to Allah than one who is being left and not punished despite sins and impiety. The Prophet informed, �Nothing strikes a Muslim � no fatigue, illness, worry, grief, hurt nor sorrow; not even a prick of a thorn � except that Allah wipes off due to it some of his sins.� [Collected in Sahih of Bukhari & Muslim]

Even if his world seems to be falling apart�
With a sense of worth for even the smallest good deeds, a believer bears the most trying of hardships reassured that as the Messenger of Allah said, �Verily, the greatness of the reward is with the greatness (or severity) of the trial. Verily if Allah loves a people He tries them (with trials).� [An authentic hadith collected by Tirmidhi]

Thus, what may seem to another as his world falling apart in front of his eyes and nothing to live for, a Believer sees in the same an equally great world of unending bliss and comfort being prepared for him or her in Paradise so long as he bears it with patience for although this life is for being tried repetitively, �Verily along with every difficulty is relief (that comes thereafter).� [Surah Inshirah 94:6]

The relief is near � a guarantee from Allah�
If the relief doesn�t come immediately, it�s not far. This, Allah guarantees, �Or did you think that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) that came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, �When will come the help of Allah?� Yes! Certainly, the help of Allah is near!� [Surah Baqarah 2:214].

So why then would anyone want to commit suicide!!
It is not surprising then, with such compelling reasons to live for and reassurances of help, Allah warned of some of the most severe punishments for the one who ends his own life � a life that in fact belongs to Allah! As the above mentioned hadith of the punishment of the one who committed suicide shows, the self-infliction of the same fatal blow repeatedly in hell-fire again and again, a person who commits suicide hasn�t found an escape from his worries; in fact, it�s just the beginning.

Recommended:
Why Our Prayers and Dua'as are not Answered ?
KNOWLEDGE or WEALTH

The Light of Guidance

2007-10-20T16:17:00.000+05:30

The Light of Guidance
Ahmad ibn Abd al-Rahmaan al-Swiyaan
(Al-Bayaan magazine, issue . 152, Rabee al-Aakhir 1421, pp. 66-67)

I was coming back from a long journey, and Allaah decreed that my seat in the airplane should be beside a group of carefree young men whose loud laughter and voices were too much, and the air was filled with clouds of smoke from their cigarettes. By the wisdom of Allaah, the plane was completely full and I could not change my seat.

I tried to escape from the problem by sleeping, but it was impossible� When I got fed up of their noise, I took out my Mus-haf (copy of the Qur�aan), and started to read what I could of the Qur�aan in a soft voice. Soon after that these young men started to quieten down. Some of them started to read newspapers, and some of them fell asleep.
Suddenly one of them said in a loud voice, even though he was sitting right next to me, �Enough! Enough!�

I thought that I had disturbed him because my voice was too loud, so I apologized to him and carried on reading in a whisper that only I could hear. I saw him holding his head in his hands, then fidgeting in his seat, moving a lot. Then he raised his head and said to me angrily, �Please, stop it, I can�t stand it!!�

Then he got up from his seat and went away for a while, then he came back, greeted me with salaams, and apologized. He fell silent, and I did not know what was going on. But after a while he turned to me with his eyes full of tears and said to me in a whisper, "For three years or more I have not put my forehead on the ground, and I have not read even one aayah!

For a whole month I have been on this trip, and there is no evil action that I did not indulge in. Then I saw you reading Qur�aan, and my world turned black and my heart was filled with despair. I felt as if someone was strangling me� I felt every aayah that you read coming down on my body like a whip.

I said to myself, for how long will this negligence go on? Where will this path lead you? What will happen after all this foolish play? Then I went to the washroom, do you know why?

I had the strong urge to weep, and I could not find anywhere else to hide from the people�s sight!�

I spoke to him in general terms about tawbah (repentance) and turning back to Allaah, then he fell silent.

When the plane landed, he stopped me, and it seemed that he wanted to keep away from his companions. He asked me, with a serious expression on his face, �Do you think that Allaah will accept my repentance?� I said, �If you are sincere and serious in your repentance, then Allaah will forgive all your sins.�

He said, �But I have done terrible things, very terrible.�

I said, �Have you not heard what Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

�Say: O �Ibaadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allaah, verily, Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful� [al-Zumar 39:53]?�

I saw him smiling with joy, with his eyes filled with tears, then he bade me farewell and left. Subhaan Allaah al-�Azeem!

No matter how great a man's evil and sin, in his heart there is a seed of goodness. If only we can reach it and make it grow, it will bear fruit, insha'Allaah.

This seed of goodness is always fighting in man's heart, even when it is covered by layers of whims and desires. When Allaah wills good for His slave, He causes the light of guidance to shine in his heart and guides him to the path of those who are guided. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

�And whomsoever Allaah wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islam; and whomsoever He wills to send astray, He makes his breast closed and constricted, as if he is climbing up to the sky� [al-An�aam 6:125]

Recommended:

Women's Position in Islam

2007-10-17T06:53:00.000+05:30

Women's Position in Islam
Ayman Samy

Praise be to God and may God bless Mohammad His messenger (peace be upon him).

God created both females and males from one origin, and one soul. {It is He Who created you from a single person and made his mate of like nature in order that he might dwell with her (in love)} (Surah Aa’raf 189)

Adam appreciated Eve’s worth and they lived together practicing all the meanings of love, kindness, respect, and appreciation. Then as years passed new generations were brought up away from God’s Law, not guided by Him and their lives not brightened by His message, which led to recurring disasters.

For a long time, women have suffered disrespect to the extent that in some religions, parents have prayed to be blessed with male children.

Then if a girl was born, this meant shame, misery and bitterness for the parents which could only be taken away by burying the daughter alive. If she survived, then the misery survived with her and she lived as a negligible object which could be owned and never own, with no freedom in her actions, hopeless and dispirited. Some religions even allowed her to be sold like a cow is sold, or if they were kind to her, they rented her for a limited period.

In societies where statues were worshiped, if many girls had been borne to a family and they couldn’t support them, they would leave them in fields to be killed by wild animals or die from the night frost without feeling any regret or remorse.

With all of that in mind, what would you expect about educating and culturing them?

Even when it was time for her to be married, she was married to someone she didn’t want, and by the form of Shughar Marriage (which is a form of marriage without a dowry) or exchanged or traded (where a husband may send his wife to another man for the purpose of having a male child) or sold. Then what would the price of the woman be in these societies? It would be the number of bulls being given to her dad.

Then how can she live with the man who bought her for the price of bulls?!

She has to work as a servant, fetching water from the rivers, carrying out the house keeping and with no objections to also helping her husband in his trade. Then if he gets angry for any reason and leaves her, she becomes suspended, neither a wife nor able to remarry. What a bitter life she’s living, away from God’s Law following human decreed laws such as the one written by one of those who had gone astray “The man is the lord, he has to order. The woman is the follower, she has to obey”.

What an unfair judgment.

And if this is the situation of married women, then what about those who are forced into prostitution?

Your forgiveness God, for those who have no respect for God.

And you can imagine a woman from one of the societies sitting and waiting to be burned alive and the crime that she committed is nothing but that her husband has died and she has to follow him with dutiful acceptance, until they buried around 6000 women in 10 years.

All these wrongdoings were asked to be stopped by God’s messengers whenever they were sent because God doesn’t like wrongdoers. And those wicked people who changed God’s Law, did not stop sullying the women with their dirty tricks but also changed the first testimony, adding in that women were something to be ashamed of, all of which God’s Law is totally innocent of. The same thing also happened in changing the bible and even in the 5^th Century when the Makony Group, whom Christians believe are holy, gathered to discuss the origin of the Woman. They discussed whether she is a body with no soul, or whether she has a soul just like men, and the decision was that she does have a soul.

Thank God for that, but the matter hadn’t finished yet! They decided that she had a wicked soul which will not escape punishment with the exception of Jesus’ mother for she is the only woman whom they believed would escape Hell-fire.

O how much suffering have women had to bear?! Until God permitted Islam’s light to brighten the earth by God’s Law and His light and His guidance.

Look and you will see believers (both men and women), and Muslims ( both men and women), near Al Kaaba facing it and prostrating towards it, all together. {And their Lord hath accepted of them, and answered them: “Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female: ye are members, one of another”}(Al-i-‘Imran 195)

Yes, duties to God are for both men and women, with the reward of Heaven, and so men and women are equal. {The Believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey God and his Apostle. On them will God pour his mercy: for God is exalted in power, Wise. * God hath promised to his Believers, men and women, Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in Gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of God: that is the supreme felicity.} (Tauba 71/72)

God is great, His Law which he layed down to people is all light and all goodness. {Should He not know, -He that created? And He is the One that understands the finest mysteries (and) is well acquainted (with them)} (Mulk 14)

God’s Law made man and his sister, the woman, equal in many duties and responsibilities for you are all carers and you are all responsible for those in your care.

And also, God’s Law makes the woman and her brother, the man, completely equal in both rewards and punishments {whoever works evil will be requited accordingly. Nor will he find, besides God, any protector or helper* If any do deeds of righteousness, - be they male or female - and have faith, they will enter Heaven and not the least injustice will be done to them.}(Nisaa 123/124)

Islam gave women rights in this life: human; social; economic and legal rights.

From her human rights:

The right to live; from before she arrives in this world, a baby in her mother’s womb, Islam took care of her rights and banned killing her for God has banned the killing of souls, both of men and women {Nor take life – which God Has made sacred – except for just cause}(Al Isra 33)

And once she is born, Islam banned killing her or burying her alive. {When the female (infant) buried alive, is questioned – for what crime she was killed} (Takwir 8/9)

And ordered for he to be brought up well and promised a great reward for this, such as avoiding the punishment of Hell and the reward of entry to Heaven and being closer to the Apostle (peace be upon him) in there.

The prophet (peace be upon him) said in the hadeeth which has been agreed as truth, from the Hadeeth of Aisha (mother of Muslims) “Whomever is blessed with girls and then does well by them in bringing them up, it will be a protector for him from Hell-fire” (Saheeh Al Targheeb 1968)

And so Muslim says in his recording of the Hadeeth by Anas that God’s prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) said “Whoever looks after 2 girls until they are mature, on the Day of Judgment he and I will be. Then he brought his 2 fingers together” (Saheeh Al Targheeb 1970)

Says Jaaber that the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) said “Whoever has three girls, and gives them a refuge, clothes them, and is kind to them, he will surely be rewarded by Heaven. So one of the men from the land asked him ‘What about 2 girls?’ and he replied “And the same for 2 girls” ( Saheeh Al Adab 58)

And so God made men and women equal in their human pride and so God Almighty says {We have honoured the sons of Adam} (Al Isra 70)

And so He made men and women equal in rewards, both in life and in the after-life, as we have illustrated previously. {Whoever works righteousness, man or woman and has faith, verily, to him We will give a new Life, a life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions} (Nahl 97)

{If any do deeds of righteousness – be they male or female – and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them} (Nisaa 124)

As also He gave her the right to express her opinions and to be consulted.

And the day she complained, God heard her complaint from the top of the seven skies, and sent part of the Quran concerning her situation, which is recited until the Day of Judgment. {God has indeed heard (and accepted) the statement of the woman who pleads with thee concerning her husband and carries her complaint (in prayer) to God: and God (always) hears the arguments between both sides among you: for God hears and sees (all things)} (Mujadila 1)

And as for her social rights:

GOD gave her the right to be educated and to be taught how to behave, exactly like her brother, the man {O ye who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men (i.e. mankind) and stones}(Tahrim 6)

And the Prophet Mohammad had advised of the importance of education, as in the Hadeeth by Anas, recorded by Al Tarmathy that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said “Education is compulsory for every Muslim” (Al Targheeb 72)

And so this Hadeeth shows that there is no difference between a man and woman in this religion when it comes to learning.

So was it confirmed in the true Sunnah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) had advised for a woman (Hafsa) to be educated and insisted on her being taught to write.

And it is the woman’s right over her brother and her father of claiming alimony {But he (the father of the baby following a separation) shall bear the cost of their food and clothing}(Baqara 233)

And when Hind, the wife of Abu Sufyan, complained to the Prophet (peace be upon him) that her husband was mean and tightfisted and didn’t give her enough money for her and her children, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to her “ Take what you need for you and your children” (Al Nisaa’y 5010)

And also it is the woman’s right to pick her own husband who is suitable for her and as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said “ The woman who has been married before has the right to make the decision on her future marriages, and for an unmarried girl, her father must seek her approval and if she is silent then that is a sign of her approval” (The True Series 1807)

And if a father marries one of his daughters without her approval, the Prophet (peace be upon him) nullifies the marriage and this is recorded in Saheeh Al Bukhary.

Islam made the dowry a woman’s right and Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says {And give the women (on marriage) the dower as a free gift} ( Nisaa 4)

And He gave her the right to enjoy her husband and decreed that the maximum length of time a husband can be separated from his wife is 4 months. If he comes back after the 4 months then it is fine, but if he doesn’t then she can take her case to court, and says Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala {For those who take an oath for abstention from their wives, a waiting for four months is ordained; if then they return, God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful* But if their intention is firm for divorce, God heareth and knoweth all things} (Al Bakara 226/227)

And she has the right to live well whether she is a mother {We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents} (Ahqaf 15) or a wife {live with them on a footing of kindness and equity} (Nisaa 19) or even other than that, for she is not forced after marriage to live with a man she doesn’t love, and she has the right to choose to separate from him for a legal reason.

If a married couple are going to separate, then here is shown the woman’s rights over her ex-husband, for she is entitled to alimony during the period of 3 months after the divorce during which she cannot remarry. And it is her right to breastfeed her baby and so Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says {The mother shall give suck to their offspring for two whole years, if the father decides to complete the term} (Bakara 233)

And this right to breastfeed her own babies is definite whether she is married or separated from her husband.

And so it is her right, whether she is married or separated from her husband, the custody of her children.

Islam also gave women her own rights in inheritance {From what is left by parents and those nearest related there is a share for men and a share for women, whether the property be small or large, - a determinate share} (Nisaa 7)

And gave her social rights:

For she owns and sells, buys and gives. In short, women in Islam have their own financial independence.

As for her legal rights:

She is a fully capable human being, who has got rights to appeal or to be a witness.

In the end, we have only touched on this huge topic here, but have you truly ever seen a Law so kind to women as this, or even half of this? But as Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says {Truly it is not their eyes that are blind, but their hearts which are in their breasts} (Hajj 46)

All quotes used from the Quran where taken from the The Holy Qur’an translation and commentary by A. Yusuf Ali, (published by Islamic Propagation Centre International, Durban)

Recommended:

7 Conditions For a Woman's Dress

2007-10-17T06:41:00.000+05:30

7 Conditions For a Woman's Dress
Author : Naseer Ahmad

A Hijab is a word that indicated the following conditions :

1. Clothing must cover the entire body, only the hands and face may remain visible (According to some Fiqh Schools) .

2. The material must not be so thin that one can see through it.

3. The clothing must hang loose so that the shape / form of the body is not apparent.

4. The female clothing must not resemble the man's clothing.

5. The design of the clothing must not resemble the clothing of the non believing women.

6. The design must not consist of bold designs which attract attention.

7. Clothing should not be worn for the sole purpose of gaining reputation or increasing one's status in society.

The reason for this strictness is so that the woman is protected from the lustful gaze of men. She should not attract attention to herself in any way. It is permissible for a man to catch the eye of a woman , however it is haram (unlawful) for a man to look twice as this encourages lustful thoughts.

Islam protects the woman, it is for this reason that Allah gave these laws. In today's society womankind is being exploited, female sexuality is being openly used in advertising, mainly to attract the desires of men and therefore sell the product. Is the woman really free in today's society ? The answer is obviously no, the constant bombardment by the media as to how the ideal woman should look and dress testifies to this.

Islam liberated woman over 1400 years ago. Is it better to dress according to man or God ?

Allah has stated in the Quran that women must guard their modesty.

" Say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty ; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof. " [Quran : 24.31]

" Say to the believing man that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty ; that will make for greater purity for them, and God is well aquatinted with all they do. " [Quran : 24.30]

" And O ye believers turn ye all together toward God, so that ye may attain bliss. " [Quran : 24.31]

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Reviving our sense of Gheerah

Reviving our sense of Gheerah

2007-10-16T09:22:00.000+05:30

Reviving our sense of Gheerah
by Sister Fatima Barakatullah

We live in societies in which most men and women have lost their sense of modesty, women are obsessed with their appearances and wear clothes to be seen by others and to attract the attention of other men even if they are married! They have lost their sense of shame. Marriage is often looked upon as old-fashioned and short term affairs and frivolous relationships are the norm, everyone waiting to attract a better partner and feeling totally justified to dump one partner for another at the drop of a hat. Feminism too has reached its peak and men and women are told to suppress their natural emotions. Men are not even embarrassed when their wives are dressed up and attract the attention of other men, they don’t mind if another man sees, chats, laughs and even dances with their womenfolk and if they do mind, they are told not to be so possessive!

In Islam we have a concept of Gheerah. Gheerah is an Arabic word which means protectiveness or jealousy. It is a good type of jealousy, like when a man feels jealous or protective over his wife or sisters and other-womenfolk and doesn’t like other men to look at them. It is a natural inbuilt feeling Allah has given men and women. The Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wassalam had the most Gheerah for his wives and all of the companions were known for their Gheerah. All Muslim men should have a collective sense of protectiveness for Muslim women as Allah says in the Qur’an, the meaning of which is:

“The Men are the protectors and maintainers of women…” (Surah An-Nisaa, Ayah 34).

Men who do not care about how their women behave and appear in front of other men and don’t enforce hijaab upon their wives or women-folk are called Dayyooth. Being a Dayyooth is a major sin and a detailed description of this evil characteristic can be found in adh-Dhahabee’s book of Major Sins (Kitaab ul-Kabaa’ir).

A story of Gheerah

To further understand the quality of Gheerah, we can look at an incident that Asmaa’ radi allahu anha the daughter of Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq radi allahu anhu and sister of Aisha radi allahu anha relates about herself. Abu Bakr was a wealthy merchant and he married his daughter Asmaa’ to the great companion Az-Zubayr ibn al-‘Awwam radi allahu anhu who was a very poor man but a man of great piety and one of the companions who were promised Paradise. Asmaa’ relates:

“When az-Zubayr married me, he had neither land nor wealth nor slave…”, so Asmaa’ had to work very hard kneading dough, going far off to get water. “And I used to carry on my head,” she continues, “the date stones from the land of az-Zubair which Allah’s Messenger sallallahu ‘alaihi wassalam had endowed him and it was a distance of two miles from Madeenah. One day, as I was carrying the date-stones upon my head, I happened to meet Allah’s Messenger sallallahu ‘alaihi wassalam, along with a group of his Companions. He called me and told the camel to sit down so that he could make me ride behind him. I felt shy to go with men and I remembered az-Zubair and his Gheerah and he was a man having the most Gheerah . The Messenger of Allah sallallahu ‘alaihi wassalam understood my shyness and left. I came to az-Zubair and said: “The Messenger of Allah sallallahu ‘alaihi wassalam met me as I was carrying date-stones upon my head and there was with him a group of his Companions. He told the camel to kneel so that I could mount it, but I felt shy and I remembered your Gheerah.” So Asmaa’ declined the offer made by the Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wassalam. Upon this az-Zubair said: “By Allah, the thought of you carrying date-stones upon your head is more severe a burden on me than you riding with him.” (related in Sahih Bukhari)

Look at the sense of dignity and modesty of Asmaa’! See how she felt shy in front of men? See how careful she was about her husband’s feelings? She knew that her husband had a lot of Gheerah so she didn’t want to upset him by accepting the Prophet’s sallallahu ‘alaihi wassalam help even though the Prophet was the purest of men and even though it meant bringing hardship on herself! And look at az-Zubair radi allahu anhu, even though he had a lot of Gheerah, he didn’t want to inconvenience his wife. What a beautiful relationship they had!

Nurturing our sense of Gheerah

Sometimes Muslim women don’t understand if their men folk want them to cover their faces or if they ask them to change something about the way they dress or speak in public, thinking that the men are being over-protective. But my dear sisters! If your husband asks you not to wear a certain colour of khimaar because it brings out the beauty of your eyes, or if he wants you to cover your face – by Allah, be thankful! Be proud of the fact that your husband has a sense of Gheerah for you and that he values you and cares for your hereafter. He knows what men can be like more than you do and so never try and suppress his Gheerah in these types of matters. And his concern for you should incite your own sense of honour! Why should any man be able to see your beauty and think indecent thoughts about you? We must nurture our own and our menfolk’s sense of Gheerah by behaving and dressing modestly ourselves and paying attention to their valid opinions. We expect certain behaviour from them and they expect it of us. And besides, if our husband asks us to do something that it not Haraam, we must do it.

And Brothers! How can you allow your wife or sister to walk around attracting the attentions and evil-thoughts of other men? How can you not mind if she smiles as she talks to other men. Nobody has the right to enjoy her and her company but you and her Maharim men. You are not being overbearing if you first encourage and then enforce the hijaab on your womenfolk because YOU will be asked about it on the Day of Judgement and it is also a major sin upon YOU! It is upon the men to enforce these things in their homes and you cannot use the excuse that your wife didn’t want to. Women need a firm, balanced, guiding hand from their men, so with wisdom you must enforce hijaab in your home. You are a shepard and are responsible for your flock!

Allah reminds us all in the Qur’an, the meaning of which is:

“Oh you who believe, Protect yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is men and stones.” (At-Tahreem, Aayah 6)

There is a big difference between how Islam values and protects women and how cheaply women are treated outside of Islam! As Muslims we have to be careful that our Hayaa’ (sense of modesty and shame) and Gheerah don’t wear out in a society in which people have lost it.

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Respect for Our Daughters

Respect For Our Daughters

2007-10-16T09:18:00.000+05:30

Respect For Our Daughters

A person's need to feel import is something perfectly natural, something instilled in human nature. It may well be that this feeling is behind many of humanity's greatest inventions, achievements, and noble acts.

This is why Allah mentions to us that Abraham (peace be upon him) said:
“And ordain for me a goodly mention among posterity.” [ Sûrah al-Shu`arā' : 84]

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “If a son of Adam dies, his good works come to an end except for three: charity that keeps providing benefit, knowledge that people still benefit from, and a pious child who supplicates for him.”

This is an indication that people like to feel that they are important, and feel that they will be valued and that their works will endure even after they die. This is why the Prophet (peace be upon him) guided us to continuous charity, enduring beneficial knowledge, and a pious son or daughter who prays on our behalf.

Those who belittle and deride others, and who defame their characters, do not profit themselves anything but pain and bitterness. It makes no difference whether they are officials, educators, parents, or anyone else.

Our society is in need of programs to teach people this basic truth. All too many people have inherited from their cultures – and this is a fact for many societies throughout the world of which some are Islamic societies – contempt for women, looking upon the woman her as if she is a creation of a lesser degree, a second class citizen – and in some cases it seems that they treat her more as if the phrase “tenth class” would be more appropriate.

Up to today, some of us are prisoners to this base mindset, as if they had never heard the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) or benefited from the revelation sent down to us by Allah. Such people are still toiling under the legacy of the pre-Islamic times of ignorance, in spite of the fact that in our present age, many banners are being raised, like those of human rights, women's rights, social justice, and equality. It is so bad that some of us look upon these terms and concepts with bewilderment and suspicion.

This is in spite of the fact that the guarantee of human rights that is at the core of our faith is loftier and nobler than anything set down in any declaration of human rights anywhere in the world. This is as true today as it has been in the past.

The problem here with respect to the issue of women – and to that of the young woman in particular – is the result of the coming together with the ideas of the new ignorance with those of the days of ignorance of old.

First of all, people come with all sorts of biases against women, like the notion that women are inherently treacherous. Then you have the fact that in some cultures, the birth of a daughter is received with ignominy and considered a bad omen.

Thirdly, women are still viewed in some circles as not being entitled to have their own opinions or to make their own decisions. There is a saying: “Consult with them but do not heed what they say.” Some people might even have gotten the notion in their heads that this blatant lie is a saying of our Prophet (peace be upon him)!

Then there is the idea that a woman's place is in the kitchen. Here we have another dubious saying: “Were a woman to reach Mars, she would still wind up in the kitchen.”

These concepts, though prevalent, are from the pagan Arab culture of the times of ignorance. These notions are alien to Islam. They are not from the teachings of our Prophet (peace be upon him).

Allah says: “So their Lord accepted their prayer: That I will not waste the work of a worker among you, whether male or female, the one of you being from the other.” [ Sûrah Âl `Imrân : 195]

Allah also says: “Lo! men who surrender unto Allah, and women who surrender, and men who believe and women who believe, and men who obey and women who obey, and men who speak the truth and women who speak the truth, and men who persevere (in righteousness) and women who persevere, and men who are humble and women who are humble, and men who give alms and women who give alms, and men who fast and women who fast, and men who guard their modesty and women who guard (their modesty), and men who remember Allah much and women who remember - Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a vast reward.” [ Sûrah al-Ahzâb : 35]

We can see in these verses how Allah mentions women alongside men, on parity with one another.

Many of our daughters feel cheated and resentful on account of the unequal treatment given to them in comparison with their brothers. When a girl's brother brings home passing marks from school, everyone gets happy he is congratulated, and rewarded with gifts, even if his grades were not all that good. When she comes home with her diploma after having attained the highest academic distinctions, she is told: “That is not important…what good is it to you?” Things like this are commonplace.

Because of such things, the climate becomes conducive to the call of westernization, which is seen by many young women as a source of salvation from the oppression of the societies in which they live. I listened to a speech given in Egypt by an activist for women's liberation. She spoke of such things. Her stance was a reaction to customs and circumstances that exist in her society which have nothing to do with Islam, but which were really the legacy of the former times of ignorance.

A woman, just like a man, needs to have her importance acknowledged, her grievances heard, and her aspirations fulfilled. If these needs are not met for her with her family and at school, she is going to find ways to fulfill them elsewhere. The media today is giving her all sorts of lessons in this area.

Psychology teaches us that, though you are not necessary going to convince others or change their minds by listening to them, you are going to endear them to you and make them more sympathetic. One of the most notable qualities of great and influential people is their ability to listen to others and to show them proper regard.

A delegation of Mecca 's polytheists once came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) to object to him. They spoke at length until they had nothing more to say. Only then did the Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke up and ask: “Are you done?” When they told him that they were, he began reciting to them some words from the Qur'ân.

The person who speaks to you may feel in his heart that he has been wronged or that he has been disenfranchised. He may have a point of view that he is passionate about and that he wishes to communicate to you. You have to afford him a proper outlet to air his grievances. If you do not give him a proper hearing, his grievances will transform into a deluge or bring about within him destructive psychological problems.

Experience shows us that major problems that face us as individuals, families, and nations, started off as small problems that were not properly acknowledged and addressed. They grew and until they reached critical mass and exploded. Affording due recognition is a safety valve for both the individual and society. When some problem arises that starts to exert pressure, many people forget that it is possible to contain it, and instead toss more fuel upon the fire.

Listening to others effectively demands mastery of a number of skills, which we can enumerate as follows:

The first of these skills is to be able to summarize the ideas that were brought up in the course of the conversation. After hearing what the other party had to say and speaking your own mind, you are able to summarize the matter, accurately stating the other person's point of view and discussing its implications as well as your arguments. This shows the other person that you hold what he says to be important and that you properly understood what he had to say. In this way, you assure him, that you are not putting words into his mouth or misunderstanding his ideas. He knows that you were paying attention to him.

Too often, we do not give others the chance to speak. When they do speak, we are either incapable of understanding their point of view or of convincing them that we have indeed understood them.

The second skill that we need to master is to be able to enter into the world-view of those to whom we listen and with whom we speak. When we listen to two people having a discussion, we can tell whether their relationship is strained or whether there is friendship and cordiality between them. This comes through to us in their body language, how they face each other, make eye contact, and in their hand gestures.

A mother is able to establish a good relationship with her daughter by placing herself on her daughter's level and by expressing herself with heart and with her body language so that the daughter feels safe and trusting. The mother is able to respond to her daughter's feelings, sensitivities, and appreciate her circumstances. In this way, it is possible for the daughter to become confident and overcome her shyness so that she can speak openly and frankly and divulge her concerns. This, however, will only be if she sees that what she has to say is taken seriously.

Many people do not seek a solution to their problems as much as they are seeking a sympathetic heart that feels their pain and in which they can find solace.

Imagine that you are speaking to someone and that person keeps looking at his watch or answering his cell phone or leafing through the newspaper. Or imagine that he suddenly brings up a totally unrelated topic. Would it really matter to you that for all this time he has been looking at you while you speak?

If we are to place ourselves in the world-view of our daughters, this means that we must be able to abide in our young girl's spirit, her heart, her feelings, and her sensitivities. It means for her to know that we are with her, not against her.

The third good listening skill that we need to master is to be able to guide the conversation in the direction that we want it to go. A girl may not be able to speak openly about everything that concerns her, or she may not know how to express herself about some things. She may become confused or say something by mistake. We must not hold her to her mistake or judge her on account of it. Instead, we must help her to communicate to us what she is trying to say. We need to make her feel that the atmosphere is relaxed and normal.

A mother might find it advantageous to talk about her own experiences when she was young and how she went through a lot of the same things.

The girl might need to speak about something that is troubling her but not be able to bring herself to say everything. For this reason, a mother might take the matter too lightly or accuse the girl of not being able to speak, or call her stupid or simple.

I have heard girls say things like: “No one ever understands what I say.”

She might mean that there is no one in her family who agrees with what she wants. In this, her family could well be in the right. However, she might also mean that no one pays any serious attention to what she has to say, and this is a serious problem.

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When Does a Woman Become More Beautiful?

2007-10-16T09:14:00.000+05:30

When Does a Woman Become More Beautiful?

one day, Myself - forever forbidding me from good, and enticing me into evil - asked me, “When does a woman become more beautiful in your eyes?”

I asked, “Why do you want to know?”

Myself said, “If I tell you, will you answer my question? ”

I said, “Yes!”

Myself said, “Satan - our grand teacher - is making a survey of what makes the woman more beautiful in the eyes of men”

I asked, “What's this survey for?”

Myself said, “He wants to make an encyclopedia that will be distributed among the Satans of mankind and Jinn. He wants our approach to be more scientific! Now tell me, when does the woman become more beautiful in your eyes?”

I asked, “Do you have ways of making a woman more beautiful in the eyes of men?”

Myself said, “Yes, there are many ways, mannerisms and looks. Each man has his own inclinations”

I said, “Perhaps you could mention to me some of these and I will choose!”

“OK! Do you prefer a fair or dark woman?” “Neither!”

“Do you like the one with long or short hair?” “Neither!”

“The thin or fat one?” “Neither!”

“Do you like the one who uncovers her hair?” “NO!”

“Do you like the one who wears tight and short clothes” “NO!”

“What about the one who uncovers her shoulders and thighs?” “No way!”

“What about the one who sways from side-to-side while walking, strikes the floor with her high heels and speaks softly to men??” “NO!”

“You didn't like any of the ones I mentioned to you? I can't think of anything else?” “Really? Try to remember!”

....(silence)... then Myself smiled slyly, “YOU WICKED!! You like a woman when she is wearing a bikini?!!”

“Yuck! No!!”

....(silence)... then Myself smiled again, “You evil man!” “What?”

“You like the woman who shuts the door and says come?” “NO!”

“I've run out of suggestions; you tell me what makes a woman more attractive to you?”

“OK! When the woman blushes and goes all red”

“Goes all red? I don't understand?”

“She becomes more beautiful when she lowers her gaze”

“Lowers her gaze?!! What's wrong with you? Speak clearly!”

“The woman becomes more attractive, when she becomes more modest and shy. Modesty is the thing that attracts me and many other men. The more a woman is modest the more attractive she becomes....Do you understand??”

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Ten ways to increase happiness in marriage!

2007-10-16T09:10:00.000+05:30

Ten ways to increase happiness in marriage!

The young and excited bride-and-groom-to-be; ecstatic about the upcoming wedding and marriage and the joy that it will bring. Three to six months later, reality has set in and both spouses realize that marriage is no easy task, but one that takes a great deal of effort and patience. The following are tips for both wives and husbands, to help make the task a little less daunting, and to increase the many rewards that are possible in such a marvelous and complex relationship.

Enter the Marriage with the Right Intention and Renew this Often

Both spouses should enter the marriage with the pure intention of pleasing Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, in order to receive His grace and blessings. The marriage itself then becomes an act of worship and one for which both spouses will be rewarded. Allah will be pleased with them and this will be the most critical element in ensuring peace, stability and happiness throughout the marital life. It is also important to realize that when an act of worship is continued over a long period of time, it becomes necessary to renew one's intention often to remain on the correct path and to obtain the most benefit.

Remember that Your Spouse is also Your Brother or Sister in Islam

Too often Muslims treat other people outside the home with kindness and sincerity, but then behave in a very different manner when it comes to their own spouses. Muslims should always remember that one's spouse is also another brother or sister in Islam and that the rights and duties that apply to the general brotherhood (sisterhood) of Islam, should also form the basis of the marital relationship. Obviously, a spouse has rights beyond these, but there should be a clear understanding of the rights of brotherhood (sisterhood) and adherence to these principles.

Do Not Hold Unrealistic Expectations

Before marriage, people often have unrealistic ideas about their spouse-to-be, expecting perfection in all aspects. This rarely, if ever, plays out in reality and can lead to unnecessary problems and concerns. We should recall that Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, created humans as imperfect beings, which means that many mistakes will be made throughout a lifetime. By turning the table and expecting imperfection, we will be pleasantly surprised and pleased when our spouse is much more than we ever hoped for. This, in turn, will lead to contentment within the marriage.

Emphasize the Best in Your Spouse

Since no one is endowed with all of the best qualities, emphasis should be placed on the positive qualities that a spouse possesses. Encouragement, praise, and gratitude should be expressed on a regular basis, which will strengthen these qualities and be beneficial in developing others. An attempt should be made to overlook or ignore negative characteristics, as the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "A believing man should not have any malice against a believing woman. He may dislike one characteristic in her, but may find another in her which is pleasing." (Muslim)

Be Your Mate's Best Friend

Try to think of what a best friend means and be one to your spouse. This may mean sharing interests, experiences, dreams, failures and upsets. It may involve understanding a spouse's likes and dislikes and attempting to please him or her in any way possible. A best friend is also usually someone that can be confided to trusted, and relied upon. A spouse should be the kind of friend that one would want to keep throughout life.

Spend Quality Time Together

It is not enough to share meals, chores and small talk together. Spouses should also find time to focus on strengthening the relationship. Often couples get busy with their own separate tasks and forget about working on one of the most important elements in life. Quality time may be anything from having a quiet, profound conversation to going for a nice long nature walk, to sharing a special hobby or project. Both spouses should enjoy the particular option chosen and distractions should be kept to a minimum.

Express Feelings Often

This is probably a very "Western" concept and one that some people may have difficulty fulfilling, but it is important to be open and honest about one's feelings, both positive and negative. The lines of communication should always be open and any concerns should be brought to the attention of the other spouse as soon as they arise. The rationale of this is that what begins as a simple concern may grow into a major problem if it is not addressed quickly and properly. The "silent treatment" has never been the remedy for anything.

Admit to Mistakes and ask for Forgiveness

Just as we ask Allah to forgive us when we make mistakes, we should also do the same with our spouses. The stronger person is the one who can admit when he or she is wrong, request pardon from the other, and work hard to improve his/her aspects that are in need of change. When a person is unwilling to do this, there will be little growth and development in the marriage.

Never Bring up Mistakes of the Past

It can be very hurting for another person to be reminded of past mistakes. In Islam, it is generally not recommended to dwell on the past. One may remember errors that were made so that they are not repeated, but this should not be done excessively. Certainly, as humans, we are not in the position to judge another person. Advice may be given, but not in a harmful manner.

Surprise Each Other at Times

This may entail bringing home a small gift or flowers, preparing a special meal, dressing up and beautifying oneself (this is not only for women), or sending a secret note in a lunchbox. A little imagination will go a long way here. The idea is to spice up the marriage and avoid getting into a dull routine that may negatively affect the marriage.

Have a Sense of Humour

This particular aspect can go a long way in preventing arguments and brightening the atmosphere of the home. Life is a constant stream of challenges and tests, and to approach it in a light-hearted manner will help to make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. You may also find that your spouse enjoys this characteristic and looks forward to spending time with you because of it.

Quick Tips for Discussions and Disagreements:

Begin with the intention to resolve the issue. If both spouses have this intention and plan to consult together, it is more likely that there will be a successful resolution.

Remember that it takes two to quarrel. If only one person chooses not to argue, there will be no argument. Generally, the one who is wrong does most of the talking.

Both spouses should not be angry at the same time. If one of the spouses becomes upset, it is best if the other tries to remain calm and collected.

Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire. Of course, house fires do not occur very frequently; yelling should occur at about the same rate.

Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled. This is one of the worst things that can happen in a marriage and should be avoided as much as possible. This allows hurt feelings and thoughts to linger and generally exacerbates the problem.

If one spouse needs to win, let it be your mate. Do not focus on winning yourself; this is the main reason that discussions tend to become heated.

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How to be a Successful Husband

2007-10-16T09:04:00.000+05:30

10 Tips on
How to be a Successful Husband
Prepared by : Muhammad Al Shareef

1. Dress up for your wife, look clean and smell good.When was the last time us men went shopping for designer pajamas? Just like the husband wants his wife to look nice for him, she also wants her husband to dress up for her too. Remember that Rasul Allah - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam - would always start with Miswak when returning home and always loved the sweetest smells.

2. Use the cutest names for your wife. Rasul Allah - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam - had nicknames for his wives, ones that they loved. Call your wife by the most beloved names to her, and avoid using names that hurt their feelings.

3. Don't treat her like a fly. We never think about a fly in our daily lives until it 'bugs' us. Similarly, a wife will do well all day - which brings no attention from the husband - until she does something to 'bug' him. Don't treat her like this; recognize all the good that she does and focus on that.

4. If you see wrong from your wife, try being silent and do not comment! This is one of the ways Rasul Allah - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam - used when he would see something inappropriate from his wives - radi Allahu 'anhunn. It's a technique that few Muslim men have mastered.

5. Smile at your wife whenever you see her and embrace her often. Smiling is Sadaqah and your wife is not exempt from the Muslim Ummah. Imagine life with her constantly seeing you smiling. Remember also those Ahadith when Rasul Allah - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam - would kiss his wife before leaving for Salah, even if he was fasting.

6. Thank her for all that she does for you. Then thank her again! Take for example a dinner at your house. She makes the food, cleans the home, and a dozen other tasks to prepare. And sometimes the only acknowledgement she receives is that there needed to be more salt in the soup. Don't let that be; thank her!

7. Ask her to write down the last ten things you did for her that made her happy. Then go and do them again. It may be hard to recognize what gives your wife pleasure. You don't have to play a guessing game, ask her and work on repeating those times in your life.

8. Don't be little her desires. Comfort her. Sometimes the men may look down upon the requests of their wives. Rasul Allah - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam set the example for us in an incident when Safiyyah - radi Allahu 'anha - was crying because, as she said, he had put her on a slow camel. He wiped her tears, comforted her, and brought her the camel.

9. Be humorous and Play games with your wife. Look at how Rasul Allah - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam - would race his wife Aisha - radi Allahu 'anha - in the desert. When was the last time we did something like that?

10. Always remember the words of Allah's Messenger - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam: "The best of you are those who treat their families the best. And I am the best amongst you to my family." Try to be the best!

In conclusion: Never forget to make Dua to Allah - azza wa jall - to make your marriage successful. And Allah ta'ala knows best !!

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How to destroy your child's mind

2007-10-16T08:58:00.000+05:30

How to destroy your child's mind
Author: Velma Cook

All the love, nurturing and time spent on molding a child to be confident and creative. The first years of life are so important to develop the necessary qualities for success in later life. Knowing this mothers, concentrate on these early years , only in the end, to send to them to school... What took years in the making, takes a short time to undo. Children bounce off to school happily, eager to learn, interested in life, and wanting to do their best. After some time Mothers see a change in their children. They sigh in quiet resignation, a feeling of heaviness and innate tiredness.

The Rote system of education remains in practice in many countries throughout the world. The affect of this is widely felt. Children learn to hate learning, they develop some kind of allergy to books. Often when the school year is over they carry out a ceremonial burning of their books. And spend the next three months of the summer doing absolutely as little as possible.

They learn by way of drills and repetition. Composition is learned by memorizing a paragraph which the teacher has written on the board. In later years teachers start to complain that the children lack creativity and insight. Then the young ones are blamed for their inability to synthesize information, which only adds to their low self-esteem, for they have not been given to chance to see what they can really do on their own.

The by-product of this system is adults who often find it difficult to understand cause and affect , to think openly and rationally. If some new information is not put in front of them, explaining every detail, chances are they won't be able to fill in the missing parts.

This system robs humanity of some of its greatest wealth. Human intellect and the ability to discover new information and put this information into a meaningful context. It's important to note that some of the best doctors and scientists in the world came from the 'Rote system', but they are the exception more than the rule. They succeeded in spite of their education, not because of it.

Broadly speaking it is a system of education that churns out engineers, teachers, doctors and so on, but who remain to some extent ignorant because they accept information as it is presented on the TV, or general media outlets. They are easy prey for governments wishing to brain - wash their population and retain their power. People who have been trained only to look at the surface of knowledge, not underlying causes and hidden agendas.

Little children who spend a whole day in repetition and writing, come home with more written and repetitive homework. It takes a committed effort on the part of parents to provide creative and stimulating outlets for their children to beat the system.

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Zakatul-Fitr Due Before Eid

2007-10-16T08:38:00.000+05:30

Zakatul-Fitr is due before Eid Prayer

Anas (ra), a companion of prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reported that when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated from Makkah to Madinah, the people of Madinah used to have two festivals. On those two days they had carnivals and festivity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked the Ansaar (the Muslims of Madinah) about it. They replied that before Islam they used to have carnivals on those two joyous days. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told them: 'Instead of those two days, Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the days of Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha.' (Hadith)

EID-UL-FITR is celebrated on the first day of Shaw'waal, at the completion of Ramadan. Shaw'waal is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The Eid-al-Fitr is a very joyous day; it is a true Thanksgiving Day for the believing men and women. On this day Muslims show their real joy for the health, strength and the opportunities of life, which Allah has given to them to fulfill their obligation of fasting and other good deeds during the blessed month of Ramadan.

Sunnah of Eid

* Wake up early.

* Prepare for personal cleanliness, take care of details of clothing, etc.

* Take a Ghusl (bath) after Fajr.

* Brush your teeth.

* Dress up, putting on best clothes available, whether new or cleaned old ones. * Use perfume (men only).

* Have breakfast on Eid-al-Fitr before leaving for prayer ground. On Eid-al-Adha, eat breakfast after Salaat or after sacrifice if you are doing a sacrifice. * Pay Zakaat-al-Fitr before Salaat-al-Eid (on Eid-al-Fitr).

* Go to prayer ground early.

* Offer Salaat-al-Eid in congregation in an open place except when whether is not permitting like rain, snow, etc.

* Use two separate route to and from the prayer ground.

* Recite the following Takbir on the way to Salaat and until the beginning of Salaat-al-Eid: Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber. La ila-ha ill-lal-lah. Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber. Wa-lilahill hamd. (Allah is great, Allah is great. There is no god but Allah. Allah is great, Allah is great. And all praises are for Allah). How to offer Eid prayer: Ibn Abbass (ra) reported: " I participated in the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer with the Messenger of Allah (saw), Abu Bakr (ra), Umar (ra) and Uthman (ra), and all of them held Eid prayer before Khutbah, and then the Prophet Muhammad (saw) delivered the Khutbah (sermon).

" ( Muslim ) Who should go to the prayer ground & offer Eid Prayer: Umm Atiyah (ra) reported: "The Messenger of Allah (saw) commanded us to bring out on Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha, young women, hijab-observing adult women and the menstruating women. The menstruating women stayed out of actual Salaat but participated in good deeds and Duaa (supplication). I (Umm Atiyah) said to the Holy Prophet (saw): Oh! Messenger of Allah, one does not have an outer garment. He replied: Let her sister cover her with her garment." ( Muslim )

On the Eid day, every believing man, woman and child must go to the prayer ground and participate in this joyous occasion. Structure of Eid prayer: Eid prayer is wajib (strongly recommended, just short of obligatory). It consists of two Rakaat (units) with six or thirteen additional Takbirs. It must be offered in congregation. The prayer is followed by the Khutbah. The Khutbah is part of the worship and listening to it is Sunnah. During the Khutbah, the Imam must remind the community about its responsibilities and obligations towards Allah, fellow Muslims and the fellow human beings. The Imam must encourage the Muslims to do good and ward off evil. The Muslim community must also be directed to the state of the community and the Ummah at large and the feelings of sacrifice and Jihaad should be aroused in the community. At the conclusion of the prayer the Muslims should convey greetings to each other, give reasonable gifts to the youngsters and visit each other at their homes. Muslims should also take this opportunity to invite their non-Muslims neighbors, co-workers, classmates and business acquaintances to Eid festivities to expose them to Islam and Muslim culture.

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