Amazed By Muslim Women’s Dress

An American Female Finds Islam

I am an American who grew up in a strict religious Christian family. By the time I was 16 I became very devout and religious myself. The church was like a home away from home. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

I had read and studied the Bible on a regular basis. All the while I was noticing many errors in the Bible. Many conflicting stories. So I would ask my grandmother or the pastor of the church about it, but would never get a solid answer.

I was told to just brush it off and not worry about these little details that weren’t adding up. So for a time I did.

Backbiting and Slander

And why did you not, when you heard it, say? “It is not right of us to speak of this: Glory to God, this is a most serious slander” (Quran 24:16)

A commentary on one of the most destructive of major sins

Islam is a religion of peace, love and compassion. Lies, suspicion, back biting, slander and gossip are totally alien to Islam. In fact they are considered amongst the most destructive of major sins. This is so because these sins sow enmity and discord among the Muslim Ummah and lead to its destruction. They cause hostilities between people of the same household, and between neighbors, friends and relatives.

The Other Doors

Our 4 year old son has some fairly serious health problems, so we are “frequent fliers” at the local children’s hospital. Two weeks ago, our son was there for several days having surgery.

As stressful as that was for us, my visits to that hospital almost always leave me feeling grateful. Why? Because of “the other doors.”

As I walk the corridors of that hospital, I pass doors leading to many different departments. I pass the department where surgeons reconstruct children’s faces. I pass the department where specialists treat children who have been tragically burned. I pass the department where children with cancer spend their childhoods battling a disease that terrifies most adults. Every day, people walk through those doors. I keep walking.

Sehri/Suhoor

It is related by Anas that the Apostle of Allah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “Eat sehri for there is blessings in it.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Commentary: A common practice of sehri is that it sustains the person who fasts and helps in mitigating the rigours of fasting while the other, the inner and exceptional, aspect what has been indicated in the tradition quoted in Musnad-i-Ahmad, on the authority of Abu Sa’eed Khadri(R.A.). It says:“There is auspiciousness in sehri. Do not forgo it. If nothing else, a drought of water should be taken at that time; for Allah bestows mercy upon those who eat sehri and angels pray for their well being.”

It is related by Amr bin-el-‘Aas that the Apostle of Allah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: ” What distinguishes our fasting from the fasting of the other people of the scripture is the eating of sehri.” (Muslim)

This May Be Your Last Ramadaan…!

All praise is due to Allah Ta’ala, may peace and salutations be upon His Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), his household and companions. We are once again blessed with the Honourable month of Ramadaan. A month for renewing our faith, strengthening our willpower, and seeking forgiveness, a unique opportunity to strengthen the bond of love with our Creator, through fasting, recitation of the Quran, Taraweeh salaah, and through acts of charity.

People approach Ramadaan in different ways. Ramadaan means different things to different people. Some people view Ramadaan as a period of expressing their undying love for the Beloved. For them, Ramadaan is a valuable, precious, and rare occasion. They spend all their time doing good, convinced that the reward of each act is multiplied manifold. Patience, sympathy, and generosity beautify the demeanour. They guard their tongues and remain preoccupied in chanting Laa ilahaa illallah, seeking forgiveness, begging for Jannah, and seeking protection from Jahannam. They are driven by the words of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) that say:

Things Which Shaytaan Flees From

One of the ways of avoiding falling into riyaa’ is to know the things which Shaytaan flees from:

1. When you say: La ilaha illAllaah – wahdahu laa shareeka lahu – lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu – wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.[There is none worthy of worship except Allah alone. He has no partners. To Him belongs the Dominion, to Him belongs all praise and He is capable over all things] a hundred times a day.

The evidence is what has been reported in the Saheeh of al Bukhaari and Muslim from Abu Hurayrah (radhi Allaahu anhu) that Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu alaihi wa Sallam) mentioned the above words and then said: “He will receive the reward of setting free ten slaves, a hundred good deeds will be written for him and a hundred bad deeds will be erased from him. It will be a sanctuary from Shaytaan for him on that day until he reaches the evening. No one will come with something better except one who increases beyond that”.

10 Tips to create an Islaamic Environment around you.

1) Put together a small Islaamic Library at home with Islaamic Books, Magazines, Audio Lectures, Etc

2) Copy Authentic Islamic Talks onto CD and listen to them in your car, if you spend a lot of time on the road, or if you are going on a long journey. You can also load them onto your cell-phone or any other suitable electronic device

3) Watch your company. Try and keep away from bad company and try and make friends who are pious, and have good character. Also watch who your spouse and children associate with.

4) Encourage your house members to perform Salaah, Fast and give Charity as a means of increasing faith. Have a box at home for donations to the poor and needy: whatever is put in the box belongs to them, because it is their vessel in the Muslim home.

The Myth of Population Crisis

By: Khalid Baig

I remember when the day, when a hippopotamus gave birth at the “world famous” San Diego Zoo in California. They celebrated the born for weeks. At the zoo, it is always a joyous occasion at the born of a panda, a kangaroo, an elephant, or what have you. You are assured that each arrival has enriched the world!

Now contrast this with the birth of a child in any LDC(Less Developed Country). An unbelievable assortment of “experts” would immediately tell you that it is a moment of great sorrow. That the world is somehow impoverished by the birth of each child.

Blond with Blue eyes

A True Story Of A Niqabi Sister In France

This is a story for us to reflect on…

After picking groceries in the supermarket, the Niqabi sister stood in the line to pay. After few minutes, her turn came up at the checkout counter. The checkout girl who was non Hijabi Arab Muslim girl started to scan the items of the Niqabi sister one buy one and then she looked at her with arrogance and said :

” We have in France many problems, your Niqab is one of them!! We, immigrants, are here for trade and not to show our Deen or history! If you want to practice your Deen and wear Niqab then go back to your Arab country and do whatever you want!! “

The Niqabi sister stopped putting her grocery in the bag and took off her Niqab from her face… The checkout girl was in total shock! The Niqabi girl who was blond with blue eyes told her:

” I am a French girl, not an Arab immigrant! This is my country and THIS IS MY ISLAM!! You born Muslims sold your Deen and we bought it from you! “

End of story

This is a fact! Many revert Muslims have stronger faith than born Muslims! SuhanAllah!

“Islam began as something strange, and it will return to being something strange, so give glad tidings to the strangers.” (Muslim)

The Inevitable

All praises are for Allah who has given us life, the air to sustain us and has made us from amongst the best of mankind.

 

Preparation! So much preparation. Everyday we prepare, either for a ceremony or a special occasion or just for our routine household activities in general. But we forget that there is an inevitable day that is coming. A day which we should be preparing for. A day we neglect to prepare for. When is that day and what time is that day is not known. It is different for each and every person, but it will definitely happen. It is a day in which a person will experience agony and pain more severe than all the agonies ever experienced in this world.

 

7 Tips on Dawah (Calling Non-Muslims to Islam)

1) Our etiquette, dressing, behaviour and dealings reflect on Islam. We are all ambassadors of Islam- willingly or unwillingly! The manner in which we conduct ourselves with all those around us speaks volumes!

 

2) Verbal discussions and a display of exemplary character (Akhlaaq). When preaching, tolerance, perseverance and wisdom are required.

 

3) You could also support Dawah organizations financially, or by spending time with them to assist them.

 

Kindness to the Wife brings Joy to Life

In Islam a husband is required to treat his wife with affection, respect her feelings, and show her kindness and consideration. The husband should not show the wife any aversion or subject her to suspense or uncertainty. These guiding principles are established from the Quran and Sunnah and when implemented, bring about a great deal of peace and harmony in marriage.

Wife as a Source of Peace

Allah says in the Noble Quran “And among His signs is that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find contentment in them, and He has instilled between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for people who reflect”. (Quran 30:21)

For a wife to become a source of peace and contentment she has to be in a peaceful relationship. Therefore the treatment of the husband to the wife is of great significance in realizing this purpose.

Seize the Day, Tomorrow is not Yours!

By Sumayyah bint Joan

Upon hearing about the death of a fellow Muslim, it suddenly struck me how very fleeting life is, and that I was only a twinkling of an eye away from where he is now.
Death is the reality from which none of us can escape. It draws nearer every day, every hour, every minute. So I had to ask myself, if I were to die today, would I have done all that I could to ensure Allah’s Favor, and to evade His Wrath? Unfortunately for me, the answer was a resounding NOOO.

At the end of the day, I ask myself, what good have I sent ahead for the benefit of my soul? And again, the answers usually, very little. Time, it seems, is moving by so quickly. It seems just like yesterday that we started the “New Year,” yet we’re already almost a third of the way through it. A month seems like a week, a week seems like an hour and an hour feels like just minutes. This is why I’ve resolved to try my utmost, with the aid of Allah to take advantage of every opportunity to do good deeds, and not to put off until later, what I can do now. Death is coming, are you ready?

Promises, Promises

No two words can invoke as much hope and confidence as, “I promise.” As children we are taught that promises are unbreakable pledges which cannot be defaulted on under any circumstances. But, as we grow older, the old adage of, “promises were meant to be broken,” more often justifies the lack of commitment and follow-through placed behind these two words. Sometimes we forget that a promise, is like a pledge or a vow, and that it should be given only if we are absolutely sure that we can fulfill it.

As Muslims, our word should be our bond, and if we make promises, then we should also make sure that we keep them, for Allah says, ”surely every promise shall be questioned about.” (17:39)

 

Verily, After Hardship Comes Ease

 At a time in which the Muslims are beset with trials from every periphery, it is a time when Muslims should continue being Muslims, only better Muslims. I would say to my dear brothers and sisters in Islam “don’t be Sad”; if you are on the true religion – believing in One God and all the Messengers sent to mankind, then don’t be sad.

“…Bear with patience whatever befalls you….” (Qur’an 31:17)

and “Be not sad, surely Allah is with us.” (Qur’an 9:40)

Our Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said: “Verily, if Allah loves a people, He makes them go through trials. Whoever is satisfied, for him is contentment, and whoever is angry upon him is wrath.” (Tirmidhi)

How you Live…..is how you Die.

‘To tell the truth, he looked like he was staring into the eyes of death’

A police officer in a Muslim country wrote the following letter to a Shaykh describing the events that led to his return to Allah. He recalls:

Seeing accidents and crash victims was a normal part of my day, but one incident was different.

My partner and I had parked on the shoulder of the highway and began to chat. In a random second, the scene shattered to the hideous sound of metal bodies becoming one. We threw our heads back to see what had happened: a head-on collision, the result of a vehicle slipping into the lane of the oncoming traffic.

At the face of Death

 by Amatullah.

A heart-touching story… learn from it.

This is something that is very personal and important to me. I hope that you will learn and benefit from it. Let me begin by saying “Bismillah.” When I first started University, I had met another Muslim brother. We had become good friends, but this friendship was not like any other ordinary friendship, I would have done anything for him, he was like my real brother.

 

During our last year of University, this brother of mine announced that he was engaged and that he was to be married after he graduates this year and finds himself a job. I was glad for him and so was he. He talked non stop about getting married, I was sort of getting jealous of him, because the brother had it made for him, finishing school, getting married and especially coming from a wealthy family.

 

Jealousy and Envy

Rasoolullah (Sallallhu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “Beware of jealousy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood.” (Abu Dawood)

Zubayr bin al Awwaam (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates that the Rasoolullah (Sallallhu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “There has come to you the disease of the nations before you, jealousy and hatred. This is the ‘shaver’ (destroyer); I do not say that it shaves hair, but that it shaves (destroys) faith”. This is a hadith hasan, (Jami ut Tirmidhi (2434))

Nikah – Choice of a spouse

Islam is a complete code of life which is the single formula that will bring us bliss and joy in this world and the eternal life of the hereafter. It is the system designed by our creator, Allah Ta’aala Who alone has complete and perfect knowledge of the intricacies of human nature. On no issue of importance to our daily life is the Shariah silent. Every aspect has been addressed where we have been given such guidelines that are simple yet all encompassing. The critical institution of Nikah has also been graced with these beautiful guidelines. The choice of your partner in marriage is absolutely crucial since your entire future and that of your offspring rests on it. We have been given such beautiful guidelines in this matter which are sure to bring great joy, if only we could subject ourselves to it. The brevity of this article does not allow us to discuss the wealth of information on this subject. However, we will suffice with just two Ahadith.

Spending in the Way of Allah Ta’ala

Say: “Truly, my Lord enlarges the provision for whom He wills of His slaves, and (also) restricts (it) for him, and whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allâh’s Cause), He will replace it. And He is the Best of providers.”[Surah Saba, Verse 39]
 
Abu Hurayrah Radhiyallahu Anhu said that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:“ Allah has said: ‘O Son of Adam! Spend, I will spend on you!” [Sahih Muslim (2/690)]
 
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:“There is not a single day in which a servant wakes that two angels come down (from the Heavens). One of them says, O’ Allah! Give to the one that spends a substitute (for what he has spent). And the other one says, ‘O Allah! Give to the one that withhold some (his money) destruction!” [Al-Bukhari #1442]

Tolerance and Forgiveness

Nura’s eyes blurred with tears as she heard the Imam proclaim, “The Prophet, (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) said, “Do not sever relations. Do not indulge in mutual enmity. Do not entertain rancour and jealousy against one another, and not be jealous of others. Be brethren among yourselves and become Allah’s slaves. It is not permissible for a man to have severed his relations with any of his brethren for more than 3 days.” (Bukhari)

She realized then that almost six months had passed since the last time she spoke to Aisha, and now she could not even remember what their fight had been about.

The Excellence of Generosity

Generosity is a virtuous trait that every Muslim should strive to attain. As for the believer who closely adheres to the teachings of Islam, kindness and giving from what he has become part of his good character.

Whatever is given for Allaah Ta’ala’s Sake will never decrease one’s wealth in the slightest; rather, it will bless, purify and increase it, as the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: “Charity does not decrease wealth.” (Muslim)

Whatever is given in charity will be recorded with The One Who has full knowledge of all things. Allaah, Almighty, Says (what means): “…And whatever you spend of good – it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.’‘ (Quran 2: 272)

Message of Ramadaan

We observe Ramadan every year. Do we also listen to it?

Ramadan is the most important month of our calendar. It is a tremendous gift from Allah in so many ways. In our current state of being down and out, it can uplift us, empower us, and turn around our situation individually and collectively. It is the spring season for the garden of Islam when dry grass can come back to life and flowers bloom. But these benefits are not promised for lifeless and thoughtless rituals alone. They will be ours if our actions are informed by the message of Ramadan.

Today the message of Ramadan tends to get drowned out by much louder voices of the pop culture that have an opposite message. We have become so accustomed to them that many of us remain enslaved to them even during Ramadan.

Parents: Precious Blessings in our Life

Allaah The Almighty has made our parents the means of giving us life and made them the source of providing us with unparalleled love and a sound upbringing. However, when we grow up, we tend to forget the period of our infancy and childhood and disregard their efforts. What ingratitude can be worse than this?

 

The very least we can do for our parents is to show goodness and kind treatment towards them while they are alive, and supplicate for them, offer charity and other righteous deeds on their behalf after their death.

 

Allaah The Almighty mentions the virtues of being good to one’s parents in conjunction with worshipping Him alone when He Says (what means): {“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you are dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour. And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: `My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was young.’“}(Quran, 17: 23-24).

 

‘My Dream Came True’

Angelene McLaren is a journalist who works for a Wisconsin(USA)-based Islamic magazine while living in Detroit. A prolific writer and PR woman, Angelene has worked for various magazines and PR firms in the US during the last one decade. She recited the Kalima some six years ago and took the new name Sumayyah bint Joan. Here she records her encounter with Islam

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Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always had a profound relationship with God. Even though I was raised a Catholic, with all its ambiguities, contradictions and confusion, I did my best to stay God-focused and not to give in to the teachings of the Church, because even to me as a child, they seemed to go against the grain somehow. During my high school days, I made a conscious decision to apply myself more thoroughly to my faith. I attended mass twice a day, every day, went to the confessional at least once a week, and did all the ritual practices my priest insisted upon; all in an effort to draw closer to a God. The church failed to me to answer all of life’s most pressing questions; who am I, who and what is God, why am I here, and what should be my relationship with this superior being who created the universe? How am I supposed to live my life? Who is my role model, and how should I follow him or her? Why does God need to have a son now, when He was alone in the creation of all that is, and need no partner or intercessor before? My priest was unable to answer my questions, beyond stating that I should have faith, and that it did not all have to make sense as long as my faith was strong enough. This did not satisfy me, and on finishing high school, I left the church and set out on a quest to find the correct way, belief and religion.

Pornograpahy: Why it is Haram & How to deal with it?

 Definition of Pornography?

Pornography is defined in the English language as an indecent form of art or literature. Islam also views it as indecent and terms it as faahisha in the Quran.

Allah Ta’ala says (what means): “Say: The things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are: shameful deeds whether open or secret…”(Qur’an 7:33)

Faahishah is translated as “shameful deeds” because it refers to every bad deed that is noticeably ugly to human beings. In many places in the Quran, Allah (Subhaanahu WaTa’ala) refers to zinaa, adultery and fornication as a faahishah. In another verse, Allah (Subhaanahu WaTa’ala) refers to the marrying of one’s father’s wife also as being a faahishah because, like adultery, anyone with a pure nature will clearly see it as hideous. Allah (Subhaanahu WaTa’ala) also calls the crime of the people of Lut (Alaihis Salaam), homosexuality, a faahishah. Likewise to view pictures of nudity, sexual suggestion, intimacy between two people, or a person of the opposite gender who is improperly covered (Islamically) is also an ugly sin to anyone who wishes to adhere to piety.

Islam is not a Religion of Extremism

Allah says:

“…Whosoever kills an innocent human being, it shall be as if he has killed all mankind, and whosoever saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind…”Qur’an 5:32

Islam… an extreme religion?

“Islamic terrorists!” “Muslim fundamentalists!” “Extremists!” “Radical Islamists!” These are just some labels that have been wrongly applied to Muslims and certain Muslim groups in recent years.

The media’s portrayal of Islam often misleads those whose knowledge of the religion is limited, into making negative assumptions about this very peaceful and tolerant way of life.

Peter Manning, a journalist of over 30 years, states in his book, “Us and Them”: “My experience tells me there’s a vast gulf between the realities of the daily lives of Arab and Muslim Australians and how they are represented in our [Australian] media.

Truthfulness

Truthfulness is very closely related to trustworthiness and can perhaps be regarded as its twin quality. Like trustworthiness, it was also the second distinguishing feature of our Prophet, Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam as he was called As-Saadiq (the truthful) for his immaculate truthfulness. Similar to trustworthiness, it is intertwined with Islamic faith (Eemaan). It is inconceivable that a believer (Muslim) will not be truthful, or that a liar can be a believer.

In terms of graveness and abomination, the Holy Qur-aan equates telling lies to worshiping idols. In Soorah Hajj, it says:

“Keep away from the filth of the idols and keep away from telling lies, dedicating yourselves purely and uprightly to Allaah, without equating anyone with him.” (Al-Hajj 22:30-31)

The Disease of Idiots

The following quote is by a South Asian scholar of the past:

To cast lustful glances is the disease of idiots. You neither give, nor receive. All you do is put your own heart in turmoil. You can stare at a girl forever, but you will never get her. You will only get the person that Allah has decreed for you as halal. Since this is a matter which has already been decided by Allah, that is why this is the disease of idiots

Therefore, let us remember next time we look at a girl (or at a boy if it is a sister looking) that we are indulging in the disease of the idiot.

“Where are the brothers you once knew?…..”

 “Where are the brothers you once knew?

Where are the companions you once knew?

They have reached where they were meant to go, having been met by the deeds they performed in their days gone by. They reside there (in the Hereafter) either in misery or happiness.

Where are the arrogant tyrants who built the townships and encircled them with walls?

They are now underneath stones and wells.

Where are those whose faces were beautiful full of light, those who were impressed by their youth?

Where are the kings?

Why do I wear Hijab

 I probably do not fit into the preconceived notion of a “rebel”.  I have no visible tattoos and minimal piercing.  I do not possess a leather jacket.  In fact, when most people look at me, their first thought usually is something along the lines of “oppressed female.”  The brave individuals who have mustered the courage to ask me about the way I dress usually have questions like: “Do your parents make you wear that?” or “Don’t you find that really unfair?”
 
A while back, a couple of girls in Montreal were kicked out of school for dressing like I do.  It seems strange that a little piece of cloth would make for such controversy.  Perhaps the fear is that I am harboring an Uzi underneath it!  Of course, the issue at hand is more than a mere piece of cloth.  I am a Muslim woman who, like millions of other Muslim women across the globe, chooses to wear the hijab.  And the concept of the hijab, contrary to popular opinion, is actually one of the most fundamental aspects of female empowerment.

Tattoos in Islaam

Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) cursed the maker and wearer of a wig and the tattooer and the one who is tattooed.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Importance of Kinship

By Khalid Baig

 

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain the bonds of kinship” (Bukhari)

 

The young man went to attend the weekly hadith lecture of Sayyidna Abu Huraira, Radi-Allahu anhu but the routine opening announcement stopped him. “If anyone sitting here has severed any ties of kinship (qata-ur-rahim), he should leave.” He recalled that an aunt lived in the town with whom he had not been on speaking terms. The young man quietly left the gathering and went straight to his aunt’s home. He asked for forgiveness for his past behavior and sought rapprochement. When the aunt inquired about the reason for this change of heart, he narrated the entire incident. She accepted the apology but asked him to inquire from Abu Huraira, Radi-Allahu anhu, the reason for this unusual announcement. Why did he leave all the other major sins and focus only on this? What was so special about ties of kinship? Sayyidna Abu Huraira replied that he had heard from the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalam) that our deeds are presented to Allah every Thursday night and anyone who has severed family ties has all his good deeds rejected. He did not want any such person sitting in his gathering, which was held on the same night, for fear that it could deprive the entire gathering of blessings. Another hadith explains further the reason for this fear: “Allah’s mercy will not descend on people among whom there is one who severs ties of kinship.” (Baihaqi, Shuab Al-Iman)

 

Beyond Elected Government. Just Government

By Khalid Baig

“Surely, Allah commands you to fulfill trust obligations toward those entitled to them and that when you judge between people, judge with fairness.” [An-Nisa 3:58]

This is an essential verse of the Qur’an to be consulted by anyone who wants to understand Islam’s teachings about governance and government. While it talks about discharging trust obligations and being just in all situations, it has special implications for staffing and running public office.

Amanah (discharging one’s trust obligations) and Adl (Justice) are highly stressed attributes of believers. Sayyidna Anas, Radi-Allahu unhu, says: “It must have been a rare sermon in which the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, did not say the following words: ‘One who has no amanah has no iman (faith) and one who breaks promises has no religion.’ ”

 

What Does Islam Teach About Justice?

 
‘Neither love nor hatred can be allowed to compromise justice.‘
By Khalid Baig
Source : http://www.albalagh.net
 
There is one word that captures the essence of all Islamic laws and all Islamic teachings; one word that describes the overriding value that permeates all Islamic values. Justice. The Qur’an says: “We sent aforetime our messengers with clear Signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance, that men may stand forth in Justice.” [Al-Hadeed 57:25]
 
The sole purpose of sending the prophets was to establish Justice in the world and end injustice. Broadly speaking, doing justice means giving everyone his due. But this simple statement camouflages all the complexities of life in their myriad and ever-changing relations; all the temptations; all the apprehensions and concerns; all the conflicts and dilemmas. To guide the people, Allah sent down the prophets with clear signs, the Book, and the Balance. The Book contains the revelations that spell out what’s fair and unfair or right and wrong. The Balance refers to our ability to measure and calculate so we can follow the path shown by the Book and explained by the Prophets.

From Where to Where

A person who was taken aback by the honour given to Luqman (alaihis salaam) once approached him and asked: “Are you the very same Luqman who was a slave of the Banu Has-haas tribe?” Luqman (alaihis salaam) replied: “Yes!”
 
The man then asked: “Are you the very same person who used to herd sheep?” Luqman (alalais salaam) replied: “Yes!”
The person asked yet again: “Are you the very same person with a dark complexion?” Luqan (alaihis salaam) replied: “My dark complexion is quite visible and clear to one and all, but what is it that really astonishes you regarding me?”

The Husband Who Was Too Shy To Look At His Wife

 ….So I said to him: “And the likes of her truly deserve that from you.”….

This story was recounted by Prof. Khalid Al-Jubeir, consulting cardiovascular surgeon, in one of his lectures:

 

Once I operated on a two and a half year old child. It was Tuesday, and on Wednesday the child was in good health. On Thursday at 11:15 am – and I’ll never forget the time because of the shock I experienced – one of the nurses informed me that the heart and breathing of the child had stopped. I hurried to the child and performed cardiac massage for 45 minutes and during that entire time the heart would not work.

 

Views of Reverts About Islam

 

Moderation and temperance are keynote of Islam

The simplicity of Islam, the powerful appeal and compelling atmosphere of its mosques, the earnestness of its faithful adherents, the confidence inspiring realization of the millions throughout the world who answer the five daily calls to prayer – these factors attracted me from the first.

The broad-minded tolerance of Islam for other religions recommends it to all lovers of liberty. Muhammad admonished his followers to treat well the believers in the Old and New Testament; and Abraham, Moses, Jesus are acknowledged as co-Prophets of the One God. Surely this is generous and far in advance of the attitude of other religions.

Moderation and temperance in all things, keynote of Islam, won my unqualified approbation.

Col. Donald S. Rockwell
U.S.

Object of Ramadhaan

On a sweltering hot day your throat has become parched. You are in the privacy of your home and the refreshingly cool water is within hand’s reach. You desire to drink it, but you do not. Why? Simply because you are fasting and while fasting you cannot eat and drink. If somebody prompts you to nevertheless drink it and says: “Nobody is watching,” you will immediately rebuke him with the words: “But Allah is watching!”

ALLAH  TA’ALA IS WATCHING!

Subhanallah! Allah Ta’ala is watching. Allahu Akbar! Allah Ta’ala is All Hearing, All Knowing, He is Omnipresent. He sees and knows when we cheat while fasting, thus we resist all temptations of food, drink and lawful conjugal relations from dawn to dusk. We have learnt the lesson of Taqwa. We have learnt that lesson which the fasting was meant to teach us. Allah Ta’ala is watching! Yes, Allah Ta’ala is Watching! Every time there is an urge to eat or drink while fasting, the voice from within cries out: “Allah Ta’ala is watching!” Dozens of times daily for an entire month this reality is reaffirmed. Allah Ta’ala is watching. So deeply is it embedded in the heart that by the time Ramadhaan is over, a person becomes conscious of Allah Ta’ala to such an extent that he is now guided by an inner force that propels him in the direction of righteousness and turns him away from sin.

The Pleasures of Paradise

…’Wish,’ and he will wish and wish…

Allah Ta’ala has said in the Quran (translation of meaning):

“And give good news (O Muhammad) to those who believe and do good deeds, that they will have gardens (Paradise) in which rivers flow….” (Quran 2:25)

Allah Ta’ala has also said (interpretation) :

“Race one with another for forgiveness from your Lord and for Paradise , whose width is as the width of the heavens and the earth, which has been prepared for those who believe in God and His messengers.. ..” (Quran 57:21)

Living to Die or Dying to Live

Death is a harsh and fearful reality faced by everyone who lives. No one has the power to avoid it, nor does anyone around a dying person have the ability to prevent it. It is something that happens every moment and is something encountered by the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak. They are all the same in that they have no plan, nor any means of escaping it, no means of intercession, no way to prevent it, nor to delay it.

 

Allâh – the Most High – says:“Say: Indeed, the death from which you flee will surely meet you, then you will be sent back to Allâh, the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. And He will then tell you what you used to do.” [Sûrah al-Jumu’ah 62:8]

 

“Every soul shall taste death. And We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good, and to Us will you be returned.” [Sûrah al-Anbiyâ 21:34-35].

 

A Muslim Believer’s Attitude During Times of Difficulties and Calamities

“…So, one may wonder how to distinguish whether a person is being simply tested by Allah Ta’ala or being punished for one’s sins…”

As part of our Islamic faith, we believe that all matters are in the hands of Allah Ta’ala. However, for some of us our faith can get shaken during times of trials and hardships. It is during those times though that we should remind ourselves that a believer’s position and rank is raised in front of Allah Ta’ala and that such a hardship may very well be a sign of Allah’s love for the believer. This can help us in maintaining and even strengthening our faith.

 

Great Rewards Associated with Great Calamities

 

It was narrated from Anas ibn Malik that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:

 

“Great reward comes with great trials. When Allah loves a people, He tests them, and whoever accepts it attains His pleasure, whereas whoever shows discontent with it incurs His wrath.” Narrated and classed as hasan by at-Tirmidhi (2396)

 

How to Clean The Heart

 

The sin of malice and discord is serious. Even on auspicious occasions despite Allah’s abundant mercy, we always find one particular class of people that are deprived; those who harbour ill-feelings in their hearts towards others. In addition to this, some narrations state that such people’s salah is not accepted by Allah. (At-Targheeb, vol.3 pgs.455-462)

 

Hereunder are a few prescriptions (from the hadith and advice of seniors) to remove ill-feelings from the heart:

1. Recite the following ayah in abundance:

“Rabbanagh fir lana wa li ikhwaninal lazheena sabaquna bil iman, wala taj’al fee quloobina ghillal lillazheena amanu Rabbana innaka Raoofur Raheem”

(Surah: 59 Ayah: 10)

 

Joy Forever, Grief Forever

‘…it is impossible to fix this world by ignoring the Hereafter…’

By Khalid Baig

 

All through the centuries Allah sent down thousands of messengers, dozens of books, and one Message. This central Message has three components. 1) Allah is the Creator and the Master of the universe. He is the One we must worship and obey. 2) He sent down guidance through messengers and books. 3) Just as death is certain in this world, so is resurrection in the Hereafter. Then everyone will face everlasting consequences of their response to Allah’s commands: joy forever or grief forever

 

It is this last part that can bring immediate clarity and concentration to our minds and change the call of the messengers from “interesting” to immensely serious and urgent. The messengers do not do philosophy or present theories. They have News for us and it is extremely urgent. That is why the Qur’an refers to the messengers as nadhir (warners) and describes this as their primary mission: “We have sent emissaries only as heralds and warners while those who disbelieve idly argue away so they may refute the Truth by means of it. They treat My signs and what they are warned of as a joke!” [Al-Kahf 18:56]

On Religious Tolerance

By Khalid Baig

 

While on his deathbed, Sayyidna Umar ibn al-Khattab, Radi-Allahu unhu, dictated a long Will consisting of instructions for the next Khalifah. Here is the last sentence of that historic document: “I instruct you on behalf of the people who have been given protection in the name of Allah and His Prophet . [That is the dhimmis or the non-Muslim minorities within the Islamic state]. Our covenant to them must be fulfilled, we must fight to protect them, and they must not be burdened beyond their capabilities.”

 

At that time Sayyidna Umar was lying in pain because of the wounds inflicted on him by a non-Muslim who had stabbed him with a dagger soaked in poison while he was leading the fajr prayer. It should also be remembered that he was the head of a vast empire ranging from Egypt to Persia. From normal rulers of his time or ours, we could have expected vengeance and swift reaction. (The enlightened rulers of today have sent bombers even on suspicion of murder conspiracy). From a very forgiving head of state we could have expected an attempt to forget and forgive — and that would be considered noble. But a command to protect the minorities and take care of them?

Why am I still not married?

by S Farooq

I remember the chagrin and inner turmoil of being single and hopeful of marriage, back during my early twenties!

 

Even after almost a decade of marriage, I still vividly remember the constant roller-coaster of emotions that the heart experiences every time a marriage proposal is negotiated.

One thinks: Is this the one?

Will this family/person be my future spouse/in-laws?

Sometimes the marriage negotiation process painstakingly goes on for months, only to culminate in nothing. Up go one’s dreams, hopes and aspirations about the future into thin air! Once again, it is back to square one.

 

BEST DEEDS

 

It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him), who observed:
“I asked Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) which deed was the best.” He (the Holy Prophet) replied: ‘The Prayer at its appointed hour.’ I (again) asked: “Then what?” He (the Holy Prophet) replied: ‘Kindness to the parents.’ I (again) asked: “Then what?” He replied: ‘Earnest struggle (Jihad) in the cause of Allah.‘ I refrained from asking any more questions for fear of annoying him. (Sahih Muslim: 120)

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) was asked about the best of deeds. He observed: “Belief in Allah.” He (the inquirer) asked: ‘What next?’ He (the Holy Prophet) replied: “Jihad (struggle to the utmost) in the cause of Allah.” He (the inquirer) again asked: ‘What next?’ He (the Holy Prophet) replied: “Pilgrimage accepted into the grace of the Lord.” (Sahih Muslim: 118)

Destination the Hereafter – Have you packed your suitcases?

…”Dad was now becoming more worried about me. I’ve never cried like that before”…

 

Her cheeks were worn and sunken and her skin hugged her bones. That didn’t stop her though; you could never catch her not reciting Quran. Always vigil in her personal prayer room Dad had set up for her. Bowing, prostrating, raising her hands in prayer. That was the way she was from dawn to sunset and back again, boredom was for others.

 

As for me I craved nothing more than fashion magazines and novels. I treated myself all the time to videos until those trips to the rental place became my trademark. As they say, when something becomes habit people tend to distinguish you by it. I was negligent in my responsibilities and laziness characterized my Salah.

 

A Fleeting Enjoyment

 
By Imaam Ibn Kathir .
“Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) like a rain (Ghayth), thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment, and (there is) forgiveness from Allah and (His) pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.” [57:20]

Allah the Exalted degrades the significance of this life and belittles it by saying “that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children.”

A Mother in Ramadaan

Ramadhaan is the most important month of the Islamic year. It is in this month that the family worships Allah and practices Islam more fervently and with greater enthusiasm. The Muslim family spend precious moments of their time together during Iftaar and Suhoor. These two meals provide the fuel and blessing that grant a Muslim the physical and spiritual strength to fast.

The food Muslims consume plays a critical role in their worship. Allah mentions in the Quran : “Eat what is wholesome and do good deeds.[23:51]” In other words, wholesome and halaal food promotes good character and actions. The responsibility of ensuring that wholesome meals are provided for the family rests on the father and mother. The father earns pure and halaal sustenance. The mother ensures that the food that is consumed is wholesome and halaal.

How Scores will be Settled on the Day of Resurrection

“….The man turned away and started to weep…”

When the Day of Resurrection comes, a man’s hasanaat (good deeds) will be his capital. If he had done wrong to any people, they will take from his hasanaat to the extent that he mistreated them. If he does not have any hasanaat, or if his hasanaat run out, then some of their sayi`aat (bad deeds) will be taken and added to his burden.

Death, an indispensable reality

…You claim to love Paradise, yet you do not work for it…

HOW often do we remember death? Yes death, a harsh and fearful reality that escapes no living person. None can avoid it. The people around a dying person don’t have the ability to prevent it. Death happens every moment and it does not discriminate between the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak. Everyone is equal in front of death, because no one has any means to escape it or use intercession to avoid it or even delay it.

Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an:

“Say: Indeed, the death from which you flee will surely meet you, then you will be sent back to Allah, the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. And He will then tell you what you used to do.” (Qur’an, 62:8)

“Every one is going to taste death. And We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good, and to Us will you be returned.” (Qur’an, 21:35)

STORY: WAS I BEING UNGRATEFUL?

25th December 2015 Farhad

Streaks of sunlight streamed in through the red velvet curtains. Lost in her thoughts, Sameera was busy scribbling away in a diary.

“The lonely rose,
Jolted in misery and gloom,
Darkness all around,
My fate is never to bloom…”

She loosely constructed some verses of poetry to empty out the cries of her aching heart. She could no longer bear it. “Why are my prayers not answered? Why am I destined to never achieve what I desire? Why?” There were so many unanswered questions circling inside her mind. She had racked her brain on the monthly budget this time to manage saving for a few extra things she wanted. Three new sweaters and a pair of sandals for Bilal, a new dress and handbag for herself, a cutlery set and a few other accessories; the list of things she had made will have to be postponed for yet another month. Bilal, her two year old son was down with fever and all her savings ended up with some clerk in the medical stores.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: WHEN IT’S MORE THAN JUST THE BABY BLUES

The first apartment where my husband and I lived had six stories, and we lived on the sixth floor. I remember this clearly because in the months after my first son was born, I spent way too much time hanging out laundry and hoping that somehow, just somehow, I would accidentally fall off our sixth floor balcony and die.

Astaghfirullah – there wasn’t anything really wrong with my life, and I had no reason to contemplate suicide even in such an indirect way. My husband was loving and supportive and adored our new son. I had very few responsibilities other than taking care of the baby, the house, and myself. I had enough food, enough money, and comfortable shelter over my head, but unfortunately, I also had postpartum depression.

Our well-meaning, traditional matriarchs might ask what all this postpartum depression nonsense is all about. After all when your baby is a newborn you’re SUPPOSED to be miserable – they call that the baby blues. You’re sleep-deprived, learning how to feed your baby for the first time, constantly worried about temperature, safety, illness, and of course, the routine running of the household. You can be expected to feel a little challenged – that’s what new motherhood is all about – but suicidal?

HAVE YOU SPOKEN TO YOUR CHILD TODAY?

 

By Dr. Aisha H

Have you had a meaningful conversation together? Do you know what your child accomplished today, how he may be feeling, whether or not he has any concerns? Does your child know that you care about him?In Islaam, the ties of kinship and family are very strong and something that will always be present throughout our lifetime. There are very serious consequences for someone who decides to break these ties.

Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) says, {Then, is it to be expected of you, if you were put in authority, that you will do mischief in the land, and break your ties of kith and kin? Such are the men whom Allah has cursed for He has made them deaf and blinded their sight.} (Qur’aan, [47]:22-23)

The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever severs the bonds of kinship will not enter Paradise.” (al-Bukhari and Muslim).