Ramadan - The Blessed Month

Ramadan - The Blessed Month

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the month during which the Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Muslims spend Ramadan fasting, offering voluntary prayers apart from the mandatory 5 times prayer each day, giving charity (Zakah) and reciting the Qur'an.

It is a month of self discipline and a time for refinement of the soul to enable us to be better human beings.

The Holy month of Ramadan

Allah chose the month of Ramadan to send down the Glorious Qur’an to bring mankind out of darkness and oppression into light and guidance. It is a month in which the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, the Shaytaan is chained, the rewards of good deeds are multiplied, people rise to higher levels in Jannah (paradise), and evil deeds and sins are forgiven.

Muslims are required to fast during the day making sure that they avoid the things which would invalidate it- from vain talk and idle play to backbiting, spreading tales, and lying. Muslims are required to bring life to the nights of Ramadan through prayer and reciting Qur'an. In this month, extra care should be taken of the poor and needy by giving charity and showing them other forms of righteousness. They are required to strive against their own selves by increasing deeds of obedience and avoiding all sinful acts.

Allah says : "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil)".

The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 183

 Allah says in the Qur'an

"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must observe sawm (fasting) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe sawm (fasting) must be made up) from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him".
[ The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 185 ]

                       The Virtue of the Qur’an
Allah said: "…a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)".

Here Allah praised the Qur’an, which He revealed as guidance for the hearts of those who believe in it and adhere to its commands. Allah said: and clear proofs meaning, as clear and unambiguous signs and unequivocal proof for those who understand them. These proofs testify to the truth of the Qur’an, its guidance, the opposite of misguidance, and how it guides to the straight path, the opposite of the wrong path, and the distinction between the truth and falsehood, and the permissible and the prohibited.

The Obligation of Fasting during Ramadan
Allah said: "So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasting) that month".

This verse requires the healthy persons who witness the beginning of the month, while residing in their land, to fast the month. When Allah ordered fasting, He again mentioned the permission for the ill person and the traveler to break the fast and to fast other days instead as compensation.

Allah said: "…and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe sawm (fasting) must be made up) from other days".

This verse indicates that ill persons who are unable to fast or fear harm by fasting, and the traveler, are all allowed to break the fast. When one does not fast in this case, he is obliged to fast other days instead.

Allah said: "Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you".

This verse indicates that Allah allowed such persons, out of His mercy and to make matters easy for them, to break the fast when they are ill or traveling, while the fast is still obligatory on the healthy persons who are not traveling.

Remembering Allah upon performing the Acts of Worship

Allah’s statement: "....and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you"
means: So that you remember Allah upon performing the act of worship.

This is similar to Allah’s statement: "So when you have accomplished your Manasik (rituals) remember Allah as you remember your forefathers or with far more remembrance. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 200
and: "and glorify the praises of your Lord, before the rising of the sun and before (its) setting. And during a part of the night, glorify His praises, and after the prayers. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 50, Verse(s) 39-40

Similarly, several scholars have stated that reciting Takbir(i.e. saying Allahu Akbar) during ‘Id-ul-Fitr was specified by the verse that states: "(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you..."

Allah’s statement: "so that you may be grateful to Him". means: If you adhere to what Allah commanded you, obeying Him by performing the obligations, abandoning the prohibitions and abiding by the set limits, then perhaps you will be among the grateful.

Therefore, it is the duty of every muslim to make full utilization of the month of Ramadan by devoting his/her time to prayers, reciting of the Qur'an, performing righteous deeds and abstaining from evil deeds and praising Almighty Allah for all the favours that He has bestowed upon us and seeking His blessings and pleasure so that he/she may rise in rank in the eyes of Almighty Allah as Allah states that the only criteria to distinguish men is piety and righteousness and not race, wealth, social status or any of the other things which are serve as distinguishing criteria in the eyes of humans.

"O Mankind!
Most certainly, it is We( God Almighty) who have Created you all
From a single (pair) Of a male and a female,
And it is We (God almighty) who have made you into Nations and tribes,
That ye may recognise each other (Not the ye may despise each other.)
Verily the noblest of you In the sight of Allah Is (he who is) the most Righteous of you."
[The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 49, Verse 13 ]

                          Ramadan approaches

A couple of days are left till the blessed month of Ramadan begins. Ramadan is a month in which the Holy Quran was revealed. It is important to go over the importance and blessings of this month. I hope this piece does motivate the Muslims to give maximum time to worship and abstinence while to the non-Muslims it serves as a quick guide regarding the holy month of Ramadan.

"Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful". – [Quran 2:185]

As Muslims it is compulsory for us to submit to Allah(swt), the Lord and Creator of the heaven and earth. In Ramadan we only follow His command and fast all day till sunset keeping away from food, water and other temptations that a man might be exposed to. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the 5 pillars of Islam and it if farz i.e. compulsory for all Muslims to observe fast:

Narated by Ibn Umar: Allah's Apostle (s) said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):

1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Apostle.

2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.

3. To pay Zakat. (i.e. obligatory charity)

4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca)

5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.

[Sahih Bukhari, Vol.1, Book 2, #007]

Fasts were also observed by the other prophets of Allah(swt) like David(as) who would fast on alternate days (Sahih Bukhari). We are informed in the Quran that fasting was also prescribed for those before us:

"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint",- – [Quran 2:183]

Fasting serves as a shield and prevent us from indulging into activities with which Allah(swt) is not pleased. We are to refrain from any fights or verbal abuse:

Narated By Abu Huraira: The Prophet (s) said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)" – [Sahih Bukhari, Vol.3, Book 31, #127]

This month brings us a chance to be forgiven for all the sins that we have committed, hence Muslims should completely devote their time to fast, worship Allah and ask for forgiveness. If a man fasts in the month of Ramadan, all his sins would be forgiven although fasting does not mean that one only starves himself till sunset while sitting in an air-conditioned room all day long thinking that all his sins will be forgiven. A Muslim’s day in Ramadan is no different than any other day where he continues to work and interact with people whether it is a hot scorching day in summer or a cold chilly day of the winters. Moreover it is of vital importance that a Muslim does not pray or fast to show off. Such an intention would render his actions fruitless.

Narated By Abu Huraira: The Prophet (s) said, "Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." –

                            [Sahih   Bukhari, Vol.3, Book 31, #125]

Ramadan enables us to learn how to abstain from the wrongdoings. Moreover we also get to undergo the experience of hunger and thus sympathy develops for the poor. As a result it increases our capacity to help the needy. With countless blessings in the month of Ramadan, we should try our best to spend time worshipping Allah(swt) and asking for forgiveness. This month comes once a year so let’s not be lazy with Salaat or Fast.

Lets-prepare-for-month-of-RAMADAN

Ramadan, the blessed month is about to come. It is time to improve the self; Ramadan is the month which puts us in a situation that we must act rightly so that our fasting would be accepted by Allah (swt). This is why we are more serious when the blessed month of mercy arrives. But before we start preparing for the month of Ramadan we must allow ourselves to continue an act that we have done in Ramadan, at least one or two to carry this characteristic within you. The month of Ramadan is a chance to purify yourself from the ills that you may have done, it is a chance to carry this gift of Dhikr till the day you die! 

Allah Almighty said: {O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (pious)} [Surat Al-Baqarah: 183]

Some people spend their Ramadan sleeping and eating too much…That’s soo sad, wasting all this blessed time with food, tv, sleeping! That’s a shame and a waste! We should take this as a chance of asking Allah (swt) for forgiveness. But not only do some people eat and sleep too much, they also just pray in Ramadan, or decide to pray only on Fridays, till Ramadan has passed , you would see some forgetting the importance of the Ibadaah instead of continuing it. May Allah (swt) forgive us all, Ameen.

Intention

First and foremost, Niyah matters. Intention plays an important part in our lives as you will have this tendency to do this act for the sake of Allah (swt) seeking his pleasure alone and not for anyone else. Before any preparation, let’s make this sincere intention to Allah (swt), let's achieve Ikhlas (sincerity, being true with Allah (subhana wa ta'ala and seeking his pleasure alone), let’s plan but never expect that the next day you will be alive. Spend a time at night alone when no-one would see you to prepare for the month of Ramadan, make Dua (supplication) so the light of humbleness will enter your heart. Remember that Allah (swt) bestows his grace to whomever he wills. Seek Allah’s grace by trying to start tomorrow with remembering Allah (swt). When you eat, remember that Allah (swt) has given this food so that we can satisfy our hunger. When you drink, remember that Allah (swt) has given us this drink to quench our thirst. In many things you can praise your Lord! So, in every deed that you have done would be with sincerity because of your remembrance of Allah (swt). Indeed, Allah (swt) knows what’s in the hearts of mankind.

Enlist your bad habits, and practices

To be able to clear out, I think this is what we must be looking at first. The bad practices that hardens the heart, it can end up to corrupt you, so this is the first thing that you must get rid of. If you really want to improve for a lifetime, List down some bad habits or practices that you do, or you think you do.  For example:

Back-biting, tale bearing and lying

Smoking, drugs and alcohol

Watching pornography over the internet or TV channels

 Undutiful to parents and cutting ties of kinship

Negligence of prayers

MAY  ALLAH MAKE US THIS RAMADAN A WAY TO PARADISE-AMEEN

The LIGHT of the TRUTH

What Is Life?

Man's existence in this world and the creation of this entire universe are not mere accidents or products of a fortuitous nature. This universe, every single atom of it, manifests and leads us to the realization of a Loving, Merciful and All-powerful Creator. Without a Creator, nothing can exist. Every single human being is aware that their existence is dependent upon a Creator. He knows for sure that he cannot create himself. Therefore, it is his duty to know his Master, the Creator.

Humankind

Man is a unique creature. Allaah, the Most Exalted, established man as His representative or deputy, to govern over all other creatures in this world. He is endowed with the faculty of reason, which sets him apart from all other animals. Together with this faculty to discriminate and discern, man has been given the freedom to choose for himself a way of life worthy of his position as Allaah's representative, or to fall lower than the lowest of all animals or creations. Almighty Allaah Says in the Noble Quran (what means):

"And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it. And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness. He has succeeded who purifies it. And he has failed who instills it [with corruption]." [Quran 91: 7-10]

Man is born pure and sinless and has been given the choice to do righteous deeds or indulge in sins. Prophet Muhammad said in an authentic Hadeeth (narration):  "No babe is born but upon Fitrah (innate nature, which is Islam). It is his parents who make him a Jew or a Christian or a Magian." [Muslim]

Divine Guidance

The Creator, out of His abundant Love and Mercy for mankind has not left us in darkness to discover the right path by trial and error alone. Coupled with our intellectual capability to reason, our Creator bestowed upon us Divine Guidance that outlines the Criterion for Truth, knowledge, as well as the reality of our existence in this world and the Hereafter.
Revelations
From the beginning of mankind, our Creator sent Prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, to convey His Revelation and to invite human beings to the Path of true peace and obedience to the one true God. This is Islam. This message has been conveyed to man in successive generations through the different prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, who invited mankind to the same Path. However, all the earlier messages or revelations from Allaah Almighty were distorted by people of later generations.

As a result, the pure Revelation from our Creator was corrupted with myths, superstitions, idol worship and irrational philosophical ideologies. The religion of Allaah, the Exalted, in a sense was lost in a plethora of religions. Human history is a testament of man's drift between light and darkness, but Allaah, out of His Abundant Love for mankind, has not forsaken us.
Final Revelation
When mankind was in the depths of the Dark Ages, our Creator sent His final Messenger, Prophet Mohammed to redeem humanity with the final Revelation, which represents the ultimate and permanent source of guidance for the whole world.

Criteria for Truth

The following criteria can best serve as a gauge to find out the authenticity of the last Revelation (the Quran), the Word of Allaah:

1. Rational teachings

Since our Creator bestowed reason and intellect upon us, it is our duty to use it to distinguish the truth from falsehood. True, undistorted Revelation from Almighty Allaah must be rational and can be reasoned out by all unbiased minds.

2. Perfection

Since our Creator is All-Perfect, His Revelation must also be perfect and accurate, free from mistakes, omissions, interpolations and multiplicity of versions. It should be free from contradictions in its narration.

3. No myths or superstitions

True Revelation is free from myths or superstitions that degrade the dignity of our Creator or man himself.

4. Scientific

Since our Creator is the Creator of all knowledge, True Revelation is scientific and can withstand the challenge of Science at all times.

5. Factual prophecy

Our Creator is the Knower of the past, present and future. Thus, His prophecies in His Revelation will be fulfilled as prophesied.

6. Inimitable by man

True Revelation is infallible and cannot be imitated by man. Allaah's true Revelation is a Living Miracle, an open book challenging all mankind to see and prove for themselves its authenticity or veracity. Almighty Allaah Says in the Noble Quran (what means):

"Then do they not reflect upon the Quran? If it had been from [any] other than Allaah, they would have found within it much contradiction."

[Quran 4:82]

YRC

Tony Blair reads the Quran every day

London:  Former British prime minister Tony Blair has become "increasingly open" about the importance of religion, and reads the Quran every day to be "faith-literate".
Blair, who reportedly said he was not interested in religion, converted to Catholicism after leaving No.10 Downing Street in 2007.
The former Labour Party leader now says reading the Islamic holy book ensured he remained "faith-literate", reports the Daily Mail.
"To be faith-literate is crucial in a globalised world, I believe. I read the Quran every day. Partly to understand some of the things happening in the world, but mainly just because it is immensely instructive," he said.

Blair said a knowledge of the faith was important for his role as an envoy for the Quartet of the UN, US, European Union and Russia.
Blair earlier reportedly praised the Muslim faith as "beautiful". He said Prophet Mohammed had been "an enormously civilising force".
The former prime minister said the Quran was a "reforming book, it is inclusive. It extols science and knowledge and abhors superstition. It is practical and way ahead of its time in attitudes to marriage, women and governance".


Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/tony-blair-reads-the-quran-every-day-112037?cp

Mirror Mirror on the Wall..... The Obsession of Good Looks

For many bride hunters, an extra ordinary beautiful girl has become a status symbol. There are marriage centers in Mumbai.. where the match makers charge higher fees for finding out a very good looking  girl !There was this sister who attended Islamic classes which were conducted for college girls during vacations. Somebody spotted her taking contact numbers of fair  and slim girls from the crowd. Some one asked her the reason. She replied, "I am looking for some good girls for my nephew...!" One of the lady rightly protested " Excuse me! Kindly dont do this  hunting here.. there are other girls here  who may not be very beautiful and they may get terrible complexes for not being good looking."

 A very rich person I know, stays in a south Indian Metropolitian city, has a daughter, and when she was around 20 they started looking for a rich boy to suit the status of the family. His girl, probably, was average looking as almost  all of the girls in the world are.  Many rich families discarded the proposal upon finding the girl to be average looking and found her too orthrodox in hijab. They wanted a girl  who wore colourful hijab and could look good even in hijab. That was the status factor perhaps they were also  looking for. 

   The hunt went on for two and a half years, and the more proposals got rejected the more worried the girl's parents got. Some well wishing females advised her to wear colourful  hijab and scarf  and apply  some good make up while attending some one's marriage so that she can be spotted by women looking for daughters in law. The girl was simple so she choose simplicity. One day she announced before her parents : Daddy Mummy ! I  give you two months to find out a prospective groom for me, after that I will give my bio data to so and so Dawah Center and I ll get married to any good guy without asking how much he earns, if I find him on deen.. The shocked parents speeded up the search and today the girl is married to a very good boy from the richest family of another city in South India. The family is on Qur'an and Sunnah. I am not mentioning even the name of the cities , to hide the identity of the family and the girl. 

   Many boys choose girls with a vision of displaying them like trophies where ever they go, be it a marriage ceremony or some other social gathering. A boy would be happy to note that other females in the gathering found his wife to be the most beautiful in the crowd!  Some mothers of grooms love for comments like " Wow you daughter in law looks like .......!" Some one once passed a comment after recieving compliments about her daughter in law " She looks awesome like "Aishwariya Ray". This reflects that even wives and husbands arebeing taken up like status symbols.

   This is one of the reasons that make me uncomfortable when I happen to find my self in a wedding reception where the husband and the wife sit together and all types of men come on the stage and  look at the bride and congrajulate the husband. Then there is a camera man standing on the stage recording all these happenings as if the angels are not recording anything. These camerman's lens move on the bride with close ups and other angels and the husband, nor the Wali of the bride nor any person among the crowd get a feel of gheerah (self respect). I  would say this is a sin in congregation, or rather sin approved as normal culture.

 Some one rightly said to me, " if you want to judge the attitude of  Muslim families  towards the deen attend their marriages" 

The most common places people look for grooms and brides are marriages of  other people. They say," In one marriage there are many marriages taking place..." It is right. Men look for good looking young men for their daughters and neices and women look for young girls appearing pretty (yes appearing pretty through the  layers of make ups) and moving here and there being introduced to other ladies. The message though un announced yet very clear, "my daughter is very smart and beautiful and we are looking for some awesome guy for her...."

 My words of advice to my brothers who are getting ready for marriage or ready for marriage but not yet getting ready.... Selection of your spouse should not be on the basis of what people will say but it should be on how much peace will you get and affection will follow in our marriage life. As the Qur'an says : And among His signs are, He created spouses for you in  THEM YOU FIND SOLACE AND HE HAS MADE AFFECTION AND MERCY BETWEEN THEM...   IN this  are signs for people who reflect  (Surah ar Room ch 30, verse 21).. Will you reflect in this?

Source

[Peace for Humanity]

-Author : Nisaar Nadiadwala writes and speaks on socio-educational issues from Islamic view point.

  

The universal Da’wah

The Da’wah of the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, was not restricted to a particular time or place, rather it was a universal Da’wah; one to last until the end of time.

There is much evidence to substantiate this and some wonderful examples can be found in the Qur’an. Allah clarifies the timeless prophetic role of Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, in the following verses (which mean):

“And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a giver of glad tidings and as a warner to all mankind.” [Qur’an 34:28]

“Say (O Muhammad): ‘O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah.” [Qur’an 7:158]

“Blessed be He Who sent down the criterion (of right and wrong, i.e., this Qur’an) to His slave (Muhammad) that he may be a Warner to the ‘Aalameen (mankind and Jinn).” [Qur’an 25:1]

There is a Hadith in which the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “I have been given superiority over the other Prophets in six respects: I have been given words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning; I have been helped by terror (in the hearts of enemies); spoils have been made lawful to me; the earth has been made for me clean and a place of worship; I have been sent to all of mankind and the line of Prophets is closed with me.” [Muslim]

The proof that the Da’wah (call) of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, was also for the Jinn is manifested in the statement of Allah Almighty (which means): “And (remember) when We sent towards you (O Muhammad ) Nafran (three to ten persons) of the Jinns, (quietly) listening to the Qur’an. When they stood in the presence thereof, they said: ‘Listen in silence!’ And when it was finished, they returned to their people, as warners. They said: ‘O our people! Verily, we have heard a Book (this Qur’an) sent down after Moses, confirming what came before it, it guides to the truth and to a Straight Path (i.e., Islam). O our people, respond (with obedience) to Allah’s caller, and believe in him (i.e., believe in that which Muhammad has brought from Allah and follow him). He (Allah) will forgive you of your sins, and will save you from a painful torment (i.e., Hell-fire).’” [Qur’an 46: 29-31]

Thus, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, spread his Da’wah outside of his own people, and indeed, outside the Arab world entirely. The introduction of Islamic Da’wah spread globally after a truce was made with the Quraysh in the treaty of Hudaybiyyah. He, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, sent messengers and wrote letters to the various kings of his time. The first of these messengers according to Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, was ‘Amr ibn ‘Umayyah ad-Dimry, may Allah be pleased with him, who was sent to Negus, King of Abyssinia (Ethiopia). He carried a letter, rather an invitation, which stated: “Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him; and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims.”

Thus, the king and whoever was with him believed in the message.

The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, also sent ‘Abdullaah ibn Huthayfah, may Allah be pleased with him, to Chosroes, ruler of Persia, with a letter that stated: “In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Most Merciful, from Muhammad, Messenger of Allah to Chosroes, Shah of Persia. Peace be upon those who follow the truth, who believe in Allah and His Prophet and who testify that there is no divinity but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger. I call you with the Call of Allah, because I am His Messenger, sent that I may give warning to him who is living, and that the Word (charge) may be justified against the disbelievers, that if they do not accept His Message, they must live with the consequence. Become Muslim and you will be safe. If you refuse, then upon you is the sin of the Magians.”

When Chosroes read this, he tore the letter up, so the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “May Allah also tear up his kingdom.”

The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, also wrote a letter to Heraclius, the ruler of the Byzantine, in which he said: “In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. This letter is from Muhammad the slave of Allah and His Messenger to Heraclius, the ruler of the Byzantine. Peace be upon those who follow the right path. Furthermore, I invite you to Islam and if you become a Muslim you will be safe, and Allah will double your reward, and if you reject this invitation of Islam you will be committing a sin by misguiding your subjects. And I recite to you Allah’s statement (which means): “Say (O Muhammad): ‘O people of the Scripture: Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah.’ Then, if they turn away, say: ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.’” [Qur’an 3:64]

The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, similarly sent numerous messages to other kings, each conveying an identical meaning as those above.

These letters re-affirm an understood reality -- that Islam is a universal religion, for all creation. Thus, it was a duty upon the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, to convey the pure message of Islam, calling everyone he knew, by every means available at that time with beautiful preaching in its purest form.

Courtesy: www.islamweb.net

How To Become a Muslim?

Praise be to Allaah.

All praise be to Allah, the lord of the universe. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon Mohammad, His last messenger.

The purpose of this hand-out is to correct a false idea spread among those willing to adopt Islam as their faith. Some people have a wrong notion that entering into the Islamic fold requires an announcement from the concerned person in the presence of high ranking scholars or shaikhs or reporting this act to courts of justice or other authorities. It is also thought that the act accepting Islam, should, as a condition, have a certificate issued by the authorities, as evidence to that effect.
We wish to clarify that whole matter is very easy and that none of these conditions or obligations are required. For Allah, Almighty, is above all comprehension and knows well the secrets of all hearts. Nevertheless, those who are going to adopt Islam as their religion are advised to register themselves as Muslims with the concerned governmental agency, as this procedure may facilitate for them many matters including the possibility of performing Hajj (Pilgrimage) and Umrah.

If anyone has a real desire to be a muslim and has full conviction and strong belief that Islam is the true religion ordained by Allah for all human-being, then, one should pronounce the “shahada”, the testimony of faith, without further delay. The Holy Qur’an is explicit on this regard as Allah states :
“The Religion in the sight of Allah is Islam” (Qur’an 3:19)
in another verse of the Holy Qur’an, Allah states :
“If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (Submission to Allah), Never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (their selves in the hell fire).” (Qur’an 3:85)

In addition, Islam is the only religion prevailing over all other religions. Allah states in the Holy Qur’an :
“To thee We sent the Scripture in the truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety :…. (Qur’an 5:48)

Mohammad, the Prophet of Allah (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him), said :
“The superstructure of Islam is raised on five (pillars) : testifying that there is no God (none truly to be worshipped) but Allah, and that Mohammad is the messenger of Allah, performing the prayer, paying the Zakah (poor-due), fasting the month of Ramadan, and performing Hajj.”

The Shahada can be declared as follows :
 “ASH-HADU ANLA ELAHA ILLA-ALLAH WA ASH-HADU ANNA MOHAMMADAN RASUL-ALLAH”.

 The English translation is :
“I bear witness that there is no deity (none truly to be worshipped) but, Allah, and I bear witness that Mohammad is the messenger of Allah.”

However, it would not be sufficient for anyone to only utter this testimony oraly either in private or in public; but rather, he should believe in it by heart with a firm conviction and unshakeable faith. If one is truly sincere and complies with the teachings of Islam in all his life, he will find himself a new born person.

This will move him to strive more and more to improve his character and draw nearer to perfection. The light of the living faith will fill his heart until he becomes the embodiment of that faith.
What would be next after declaring oneself a Muslim ? one should then know the real concept underlying this testimony which means the oneness of Allah and meet its requiremants. One must behave accordingly, applying this true faith to every thing one speaks or does.

What do the words of the “Shahada” signify? The significant point which every Muslim must know very well is the truth that there is no God (deity) to be worshipped other than Allah. He-glory be to Him – is the only true God, Who alone deserves to be worshipped, since He is the Giver of life and Sustainer and Nourisher of mankind and all creation with His unlimited bounties. Man must worship Allah, Who alone is worthy of worship.

The second part of the Shahada “i.e., Wa Ash-hadu anna Mohammadan abduhu wa rasuluh” means that Prophet Mohammad (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) is the servant and chosen messenger of Allah. No one must have two opinions about this matter. In fact the Muslim has to obey the commands of the Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him), to believe him in what he has said, to practise his teachings, to avoid what ha has forbidden, and to worship Allah alone according to the message revealed to him, for all the teachings of the Prophet were in fact revelation and inspirations conveyed to him by Allah.

What is the meaning of worship? It simply means rendering sincere service, showing reverence for Allah. In a deeper shade of meaning, it implies total submission and complete obedience to Allah’s commandments both in utterances and actions of man whether explicit or implicit.
Worship fall into two categories :
Visible (manifest or outward). Invisible (concealed or inward).
Visible worship includes acts such as uttering the two parts of the “Shahada”, performing prayers, giving Zakah (the poor-due), recitation of the Holy Qur’an, supplication, adoring Allah by praising Him, purifying our bodies before prayers, etc.

This type of worship is associated with movement of the parts of the human body.
Invisible worship is to believe in Allah, in the Day of Judgement (in the Hereafter), in the Angels, in the Books of Allah, in the Prophets of Allah, in the Divine Decree of destiny (that good and bad are determined by Allah alone).

This type worship does not involve movement of parts of the body but it surely has bearing on one’s heart which subsequently affects one’s  way of life.
It should be borne in mind that any worship not dedicated to Allah alone will be rejected as one form of polytheism and this causes apostasy from the Islamic fold.

The next step for a newly revert to Islam is the purify himself by taking a cmplete bath. He should then resolve to comply with the principles and rules of Islam in their entirety. He should disown all forms of polytheism and false beliefs. He should reject evil and be rigtheous. Such rejection of evil and being righteous is one of the requisites of the motto of Islam – that is, Laa ilaha illallah.
Allah states in the Holy qur’an :
“…whoever rejects evil and believes in the Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy Hand-hold, that never breaks…” (Qur’an 2:256).

We have to consider that when declare from our heart that “ there is no god (deity) worthy to be worshipped but Allah”, it implies on our part love, devotion,  faith and obedience to the rules of Islamic legislations which are legally binding on all Muslims. It is a requiremant of  “there is no god worthy to be  worshipped but Allah” to love for the sake of Allah and to reject for the sake of Allah.

We conclude with a humble prayer to Allah that may He cleanse the hearts and souls of those who are genuine seekers of truth and may He bless the community of believers.
Aameen.

Keep sharing this with others. JazakALLAH

Sex education or Sexy Education !

A few months back, a local school in Mumbai conducted a surprise inspection of schools bags. It was a shock for the authorities to discover bundles of DVDs and pictures related to Pornography. What surprised the authorities more were the number of children who possessed the material and the number of children who shared with them.

Every time such news of sexual adventures of children appears in the media, a dead debate is brought back to life. Should sex education be compulsory in the schools? The orthodox Gujaratis, Marwaris, Muslims and some Marathi families resist the very idea of sex education and they seek refuge in the shade of local political parties. They are blamed for remaining in the closets like turtles in their shell. So you are answerable to those who are for sex education in schools. Here is what I found when I tried to peep into the methods and the syllabus of sex education floated by some schools.

A male or a female teacher can be teaching to a class mixed with boys and girls discussing about anatomy and other sex related topics. An experienced teacher noted: There were more giggles in the class than in a dark cinema hall where a hot movie is shown. This was the only subject which the children awaited with excitement.

The syllabus includes acts of sex, how to use condoms, how to avoid unwanted pregnancies, how to calculate safe dates……

There would be no exams on this subject but yet the results are out.

In the western countries, sex is marketed as widely as colas and the age of consent in countries like Sweden is as low as 13 years. Latest BBC news report that some manufacturers have come out with extra small size condoms exclusively for young boys of 13. According to reports from the British media there are no less than 2000 schools in the UK having wet nurses. The duty of these wet nurses would be to help get rig of unwanted pregnancies, without letting the parents know. A civilization, where adulterous fornicators, pedophiles, gays and lesbians swarm like bacteria in curd, give a wide option for children in their early teens to venture into a morally dangerous zone

In Islamic syllabus there is no term like sex education, but a variety of issues related to sex, anatomy, sexual hygiene and above all moral and ethics of sexual life are highlighted in a civilized manner. Maintaining hijab through modest dressing, avoiding intermingling with opposite sex are the most important chapters taught from an early age. Children who have reached the age of puberty are not allowed to enter the bedroom of parents without seeking permission, an excellent right of privacy for the parents. Husbands and wives are not permitted to discuss their bedroom details with their relatives and friends and if some does it then, it is compared to sex performed by a male and female devil in the middle of the market place.

The other main difference between the so called sex education and Islamic education of morals and values, is that Islam permits marriage at an early age to allow the satisfaction of sexual desires legally where as the so called sex educators do not touch this subject, they focus more on safe affairs, and sex outside marriage opening more doors of moral decay for an already sexually rotted society.

Source Peace For Mankind

Those busy with remembrance

Fear Allah – O Servants of Allah, and give the greatest importance to His Commands and avoid that which He has prohibited. O Muslims, Allah The Most High says which translates as: “So when you have finished the rites of Haj then remember Allah as you remember your forefathers yet even more in remembrance. But of mankind there are those who say O our Lord give us in this life and yet in the next life they will have nothing. And from them are those that say O Our Lord give us in this life good and in the next good and save us from the punishment of the hellfire. For them there will be an allotted share for what they have earned, and Allah is swift at reckoning” (Al-Baqarah: 200-202). Every nation has something that makes them proud. Their pride stemming from their limited ideologies and achievements. They have no great message or high aspirations. They follow neither a great earthly message nor a message from the heavens. The nation of the Arabs was from this type, gathering after the Haj in the marketplaces and social groups, to boast of their ancestors, and to claim greatness for themselves through their lineage. Islam came and annulled theses ideas, enlightened the intellect, and it brought them forth in a new manner. It took its followers upon a path of might which cannot be competed with, and directed them to unequaled majesty. It brought to them the Book, and revelation was revealed to them, so there was then for them a remembrance, Allah says which translates as: “We have revealed to you a book, in it is your remembrance, Won’t you then think?” (Al-Anbiya: 10). “And verily it is a reminder/ remembrance for you and your people, and you will be questioned concerning it” (Az-Zukhruf: 44). In this remembrance and this book they were give the scale: “O Mankind We have created you from a male and female and made you into many tribes and nations so as to know one another, verily the best of you with Allah is the most pious of you, Surely Allah is All-Knowledgeable All-Informed” (Al-Hujarat: 13). The measure of true dignity, honor and pride is remembrance, piety and one’s connection with Allah, - his occupying himself with remembrance, gratitude and righteous actions. If this is the situation, then who has the biggest claim to remembrance and gratitude than the people of Islam? Those whom Allah has perfected for them his favor and completed for them his Deen, and placed it as a guardian and a seal over all of the religions. Allah says which translates as: “Remember Me, and I will remember you, give thanks to Me and do not be ungrateful” (Al-Baqarah: 152). Our duty, we the people of Islam, is that we ponder the concept of remembrance, so that its meaning becomes clear to us, and that we may perhaps fulfill its right. Allah says which translates as: “So when you have finished the rites of Haj than remember Allah” (Al-Baqarah: 200). Remembrance, O beloved brothers is encompassing, it cannot be constrained to certain areas, or placed in general precepts of statements and actions, ideas and beliefs. Remembrance is not an hour of calling out to your Lord; limited to the morning or the evening, in the mosque or in a Mihrab (niche), and after which, the servant travels about in all places of the earth heedlessly, doing as he wishes and acting as he pleases. The one alive with the remembrance of his Lord, who is truly practicing his Deen, realises that his Lord is watching him in every situation, wherever he may be. His path of actions and activities being in accordance with the commands of his Lord and his prohibitions, he acknowledges his human weakness, and therefore seeks the assistance of his Lord in everything that befalls and worries him. Concerning this, Saeed bin Jubair (may Allah have mercy upon him) said: “Everyone who performs an action out of the obedience to Allah then he is one who remembers Allah the Most High”. Ataa’ said: “The sittings of Remembrance are: Prayer, Fasting, Hajj, the sittings of the lawful and the prohibited, buying, selling, marriage, and divorce”. The Muslim who remembers Allah, - awakes and sleeps, sits and stands, leaves in the morning and returns in the evening, and in him there is a deep feeling that the beating of his heart, and the rotation of his eyes and the movement of his limbs, - all are in the grasp of Allah and under his control. In him there is a deep feeling of faith, that the coming of the night and the approach of the day, the breath of dawn and the setting of the twilight, the movements of creation and the orbits of the planets … all of that is by the power of Allah and through his decree. Allah says which translates as: “Those that remember their lord standing sitting and upon their sides, and ponder the creation of the heavens and the earth with the thought: Oh our lord not for and foolish purpose did you create all of this, Glory to you, grant us salvation from the punishment of the fire” (Aal-‘Imran: 191). A man feels no true pleasure in life, nor tastes any true happiness except a man who loves Allah, is loved by Allah, and loves for the sake of Allah. Such a man’s heart is tranquil due to his remembrance of Allah. He is happy about the good, which occurs to the creation and feels their pains. He helps others in fulfilling their goals, while his tongue remembers Allah saying: “O Allah, never has a blessing come to me or anyone from your creation except that it is from you alone, You have no partners, You alone deserve all praise and gratitude” (Al Nisa’i, Ibn Hibban, Abu Dawood). O Muslim brothers, the angels of The Most Merciful glorify Him and yet feel no fatigue doing so, but man eats and sleeps, works and gets tired, but even with this; they are still in ‘competition’ with the angels. When they stand to perform their acts of worship and seek their sustenance, when they are planting and harvesting, toiling and struggling, in the name of Allah and from Allah and to Allah. The time mankind spends in these acts are equal to the time spent by the angels glorifying, praising and declaring the majesty of Allah. Why is this? Because they believed in their Lord and followed His Way, and realized His power and pondered over His Blessings, and recognized His Blessings of food, clothing, and housing, - the blessing of safety and security. Those who remember Allah sincerely live for their Lord, praying, praising Him, struggling in His Cause, and acting for His Sake. They have distanced themselves from the deceptions of this temporary life, and the attractions of this earth, and they have traveled on the path towards the pleasure of Allah, seeking His Face, remembering His Name at all times and in all situations. Allah says which translates as: “Say: verily my prayer and my sacrifice, my life and my death are for Allah the Lord of the worlds. He has no partner, and with this I have been ordered and I am the first of the Muslims” (Al-An’am: 162-163). The situation comes to a point where their Lord boasts of them in front of his angels. Muslim narrates in his Sahih from the Hadith of Muaawiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) he said: that the messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) came out upon a circle of his companions and said: “What made you all sit here? They said: We sat to remember Allah and to praise him for his guiding us to Islam and the favor he showed upon us through that. He (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: I ask you in the name of Allah, nothing made you sit here except that? They said: Nothing except that. He (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) then said: As far as my questioning you and asking you in the name of Allah, then I did not do that out of contempt of you, But Jibreel had come to me and informed me that Allah the glorious and majestic boasts of you to the angels”. As you know, O Brothers – this boasting of Allah to his angels about the pilgrims on the plain of Arafat, does not happen except by way of the remembrance, supplication and worship of the slaves to their Lord, and their good way of turning to Allah - the Lord of the Worlds. The Muslim who remembers Allah, possessing a pure heart, submitting to Allah, and on the other hand he nobly toils, his feet dusty, and his hands straining in the arena of work, with no impatience nor weakness, with no humiliation nor pride, humbly working for Allah, and saying: “O Allah I seek refuge in you from incapacity, laziness, cowardice, decrepit old age, and stinginess. I seek refuge with you from the punishment of the grave and the trials of life and death”, and in the narration of Al-Bukhari “and the burden of debt, and the coercion of men” (as narrated by Anas and reported by Muslim). O Brothers, here is a practical glimpse of the day of a Muslim who remembers his Lord, - a Muslim who follows the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). The Islamic day starts from the faint light of dawn, or a little before that, and it stretches the day’s length, turning through the late morning and afternoon, through the night and early morning, the Muslim awakes with the rise of dawn, starting his day with this supplication: “All praise to the one who gave my body health, and return to me my soul, and permitted me to remember him” (Reported by Tirmidhi as narrated by Abu Hurairah). “We have awaken upon the fitrah of Islam and the statement of sincerity and upon the Deen of Our Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and upon the way of our father Abraham turning to the oneness of Allah as a Muslim and he was not from those that commit shirk” (Ahmad, Tabarani). During this, O Brothers – the veil of silence is torn, split by the beautiful sound of clear words and of pristine meanings and objectives, - the sound of the Mu’adhdhin calling to The Oneness of Allah and to success, in statements - all of which are remembrance, being repeated after him by the Muslims. The Islamic day starts with footsteps of tranquility and peace, to the mosque in the dark of the morning, so that the Muslim may stand devoted and fearful in front of his Lord five times a day; Allah says which translates as: “and establish the prayer for my remembrance” (Taa Haa: 14). “And establish the prayer verily Prayer prevents lewdness and evil and the remembrance of Allah is greater” (Al-Ankabut: 45). This fearful Muslim says when leaving his home for the prayer: “O Allah place in my heart light, and in my sight light and in my hearing light and on my right side light and on my left light and over me light, and below me light and in front of me light and behind me light, and make this light great for me” (Bukhari, Muslim). When his feet come closer to the mosque then he calls out with another remembrance, for the messenger of Allah (Salla Allahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) has said: “when one of you enters the Masjid then he should send blessing upon the prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), then say: O Allah open for me the gates of your mercy. In addition, when he leaves he should say: O Allah I ask you from your blessings” (Muslim, Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah). On the authority of Haywah Ibn Shuraih who said: I met Uqbah Ibn Muslim and I said to him: I have heard that you have narrated a Hadith from Abdullah Ibn Amru Ibn Al-Aas from the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) that when he would enter the Masjid he would say: “I seek refuge with Allah the Great, and with His Glorious Face, and His Eternal Authority, from the accursed Satan. He said: Is that all? I said yes. He said: So when you say that Satan says: He has been protected from me for the rest of the day” (Abu Dawood). Brother Muslim, when you ponder all of this, you will realise the secret connection between neglecting prayers and following one’s desires. O Muslims, this long Islamic day is mixed with supplications for eating and drinking, traveling and returning, sleeping and wakefulness, tiresome and difficult times, health and sickness, supplications for this life and its worries, debts and its payments, seeking ones sustenance, relationship with one’s family, and the righteousness of children. Supplications, statements of praise, together with utilising the proper means and legislated efforts in this life, so that the Muslim can fulfill the duty of leadership as he should; Faith and practice, belief and method in apprehensive beginnings. Allah says which translates as: “Our Lord give us in this life good and in the next life good and save us from the punishment of the fire” (Al-Baqarah: 201). I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan: Allah says which translates as: “Those who believe and their hearts are tranquil from the remembrance of Allah, Is it not through the remembrance of Allah that the hearts feel tranquility? Those that believed and did good deeds, paradise is for them and the best of Abodes” (Ar-Ra’d: 28-29). O Brothers in Islam, those who were ignorant of their Lord, and forgot the remembrance, became nothing but a destroyed people, acted with no guidance, and tumbled through this life being driven by desires, they plotted great plots and did not hope for a reward from Allah, What fruits have they picked? What have they gained? Look to those who have struggled from the mentally elite of the east and the geniuses of the west. They have extracted everything from the earth inwardly and outwardly, they have learned from the science of space whatever they have learned, but their efforts were directed to nothing but weapons of mass destruction, creating fear and terror in the future. The nations of the earth run behind them, seeking that which will just suffice then in this miserable life, this is the misfortune of being heedless of Allah, this is the consequence of those forgetting the remembrance of Allah, even if they were the most intelligent of people, and no matter how civilized and technologically advanced they are, as Allah says which translates as: “And he who rejects my remembrance then he will have a constricted life, and we will resurrect him on the day of Judgment blind.” (Ta Ha: 124). What will be the situation, O Brothers, if all of these tiresome efforts and intensive struggles to achieve more provisions in our lives and secure for ourselves livelihood, were accompanied by etiquette with Allah, and a pure objective in seeking after his pleasure, and was accompanied with loving and desiring good for people? If this was to be, then that person would achieve the pleasure of this world and the success of the hereafter, and in the Hadith: Whoever had this life as his sole concern then Allah will disperse his affairs and place poverty right before his eyes, and nothing would come to him except that which is written for him, and whoever had the next life has his intention, Allah will gather for him his affairs, and place richness in his heart, and this life will come to him, falling upon (Ibn Majah, Tirmithi, Ibn Hibban). So fear Allah – may he have mercy upon you - and fulfill the right of Allah and his remembrance. Khutbah by Saalih Ibn Humaid Source: alminbar.com

The Story Of ZAMZAM

Zamzam is a water both natural and spiritual significance to much of humanity. It is the oldest drinking water well found on Earth today, still flowing freely day and night within Makkkah
Prophet Muhammad.s.a said, "Zamzam is sacred and it fulfils your intention; if you are drinking for a cure, you will be cured. If you are drinking to be full, your stomatch will be full. If you are drinking quench your thirst, you will no longer be thirsty".
(Ibn Majab)

Qualities of the Zamzam well

The Zamzam well has provided a nearly continuous supply of water for 4000 years and is a living miracle.
Zamzam has kept its mineral and salt content almost consistent, a high quality drinking water that is clear even after long storage.
Pilgrims never complain of illness after drinking Zamzam
The water in most wells often becomes undrinkable because of plant and animal, parasites but not so the well of Zamzam whose water remains remarkably clear and neutral tasting
Zamzam water has not been found to be affected by evaporation that concentrates salt in water.
Zamzam has ben found to be high in its proportions of magnesium and calcium- giving Pilgrims greater nourishment-as well as appearing to contain anti-germ fluorides in very well balanced proportions.

THE STORY FLOW OF ZAMZAM WATERIbrahim (a) brought the nursing infant Ismail and his mother, and left them by a big tree above Zamzam. There was no plants in Makkah and no water. He left with her a bag containing dates and an old water skin filled with water, then he turned to leave. The mother of Ismail follwed him, and said, "Where are you going and leaving us in this valley where there is nobody and nothing?" She said that to him several times, and he did not turn towards her. Then she said, "Has Allah commanded you to do this?" He said, "Yes. "She said, "Then Allah will not forsake us."

Then she went back, and Ibrahim (a) left. When he reached Ath-Thaniyah (mountain path), where they could not see him, he turned to face the House and prayed in the following words, raising his hands:
   "O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable valley by Your Scared House (the Ka'bah at Makkah) in order, O our Lord, that they may perform the Prayers. So fill some hearts among men with men with love towards them, and (O Allah) provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks."
[Holy Qur'an Surah 14.37]

The mother of Ismail started to breastfeed Ismail and drink from that water, untill it ran out and her son became thirsty. She started to watch him writhing or rolling in the dust and writhing then she went she went away, unable to look at him. She found As-Safa which was the closest mountain of the land nearby. She stood on top of the mountain and turned to face the valley, looking if she could see anyone, but she did not see anyone. Then she came down from As-Safa.

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