Sweet Muslimah

How To Perform Fard Salah - Flash Movie

1. Fajr (Dawn Prayer) takes place before sunrise. At moderate latitudes, it begins approximately one hour and twenty minutes before sunrise and ends about ten minutes before sunrise - 2 Rakaat
2. Zhuhr (Noon Prayer) begins just after the sun has passed the meridian. It lasts until shortly before the ‘Asr Prayer begins - 4 Rakaat
3. ‘Asr (Afternoon Prayer) begins when the length of the shadow of an object is equal to the object’s length plus the shadow’s length at noon. It ends about 10 minutes before sunset - 4 Rakaat
4. Maghrib (Sunset Prayer) begins immediately after sunset. At moderate latitudes, it ends before complete darkness approaches - 3 Rakaat
5. Isha’ (Night Prayer) begins at moderate latitudes, when the sky is completely dark and ends just before the Dawn Prayer - 4 Rakaat
Guide On How To Perform Fard Salah

My Islamic History - The 4 Caliphs

Abu Bakr 1st Caliph

Abū Bakr (Arabic: ابو بكر الصديق) (c. 573–August 23, 634/13 AH)was an early convert to Islam and a senior Sahaba (companion) of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

Throughout his life, Abu Bakr remained the closest friend and confidant of Muhammad. Upon Muhammad's death he became the first Muslim ruler (632–634), regarded by Sunni Islam as the first of the Rashidun (four righteously guided Caliphs).

Many Sahaba were in a state of disbelief that Muhammad was dead. Abu Bakr came to the mosque and addressed the people, saying:

“ Whoever amongst you worshipped Muhammad — Muhammad is dead. But whoever worshipped Allah — Allah is alive and will never die. ”

His caliphate lasted two years and three months, during which time he consolidated the Muslim state. Upon the death of the Prophet, some tribes rebelled, and in return he fought the Ridda wars against these Arab tribes to establish the rule of law and peace over all of Arabia. He also conquered the lands of Syria and Iraq.

......... to be continued.

Umar al-Khattab 2nd Caliph

`Umar ibn al-Khattāb (in Arabic, عمر بن الخطاب) (c. 581 – November 7, 644), was an early Muslim convert from the Banu Adi clan of the Quraysh tribe,and a companion of Muhammad.

He became the second Caliph (634 – 644) following the death of Abu Bakr, and is thus regarded by Sunni Muslims as one of the Rashidun (four righteously guided Caliphs). Because of his conquests and political skills he is regarded as a pivotal figure in the history of Islam.

`Umar ibn al-Khattāb is also referred to as `Umar al-Farūq (meaning: Umar the Distinguisher [between Truth and Falsehood]) and Farooq-e-Azam (meaning: Greatest Distinguisher [between Truth and Falsehood]). He is regarded by Sunni Muslims as the second of the four Khulafā' ar-Rashīdīn (meaning: rightfully-guided caliphs). In English, he is also known as Omar or Umar.

During Umar's reign, the Islamic empire grew at an unprecedented rate, taking Mesopotamia and parts of Persia from the Sassanids (effectively ending that empire), and taking Egypt, Palestine, Syria, North Africa and Armenia from the Byzantines. Many of these conquests followed watershed battles on both the western and eastern fronts. The Battle of Yarmūk, fought near Damascus in 636, saw a small Muslim army defeat a much larger Byzantine force, permanently ending Byzantine rule south of Asia Minor. Although Islamic empire grew through battles in first days of its life, but peoples of occupied lands (specially in Pesia) had the most prominent role in improving islamic culture. Most historians believe that Umar was wrong in his war-oriented view.

......... to be continued.

Uthman Ibn Affan 3rd Caliph

‘Uthmān bn ‘Affān (Arabic: عثمان بن عفان) (c. 580 - July 17, 656) was a sahaba (companion) and son in law of the Muslim prophet Muhammad. An early convert to Islam, he played a major role in early Islamic history, most notably as the third Caliph of the Rashidun Empire (644 to death) and the compilation of the Qur'an. Revered by Sunni Muslims as one of the Rashidun (four rightly guided Caliphs) of Islam, he is sometimes criticized by the Shia Muslims.

Umar, on his death bed formed a committee of six people to choose the next Caliph from amongst themselves.

This committee was comprised of:

Ali
Uthman ibn Affan
Abdur Rahman bin Awf
Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas
Al-Zubayr
Talhah

Umar asked, that after his death, the committee should reach the final decision within three days, and the next Caliph should take the oath of office on the fourth day. If Talhah joined the committee within this period, he was to take part in the deliberations, but if he did not return to Medina within this period, the other members of the committee could proceed to make the decision. Abdur Rahman bin Awf withdrew his eligibility to be appointed as Caliph in order to act as a moderator and began his task by interviewing each member of the committee separately. He asked them to whom they will cast their vote. When Ali was asked, he said to Uthman. When Uthman was asked, he said to Ali, Zubayr said to Ali or Uthman and Saad said to Uthman.

After Abdul Rahman consulted the other leaders of public opinion in Medina, who were in favour of Uthman, he arrived at the conclusion that the majority of the people favoured the election of Uthman. On the fourth day after the death of Umar, 11 November 644, 5 Muharram 24 Hijri, Uthman was elected as the third Caliph, with the title, "Amir al-Mu'minin".

......... to be continued.

Ali ibn Abi Talib 4th Caliph

Ali ibn Abi Talib (‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib) (Arabic: علي بن أﺑﻲ طالب) (Thirteenth of Rajab, 24 BH – Twenty-first of Ramadan, 40 AH) (approximately: March 17, 599 or 600 - February 28, 661) was the cousin, son-in-law and one of the Ahl al-Bayt of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Shi'a Muslims glorify him as the first Imam and consider him and his descendants as the rightful successors to Muhammad who are the only legitimate religious and political leaders of the Muslim community and Sunni Muslims revere him as the fourth and final Rightly Guided Caliph, reigning from 656 to 661. This disagreement resulted in the only major split in Islam, into the Sunni and Shi'ite branches.

Ali was born in Mecca. His father was Abu Talib ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib and his mother was Fatima bint Asad but he was raised in the household of Muhammad. When Muhammad reported that he had received a divine revelation, Ali then only about ten years old, believed him and professed Islam. He was the first male to accept Islam. Ali stood firmly in support of Muhammad during the years of persecution of Muslims in Mecca.

Ali migrated to Medina shortly after Muhammad. There Muhammad told Ali that he had been ordered by God to give his daughter, Fatimah, to Ali in marriage. For the ten years that Muhammad led the community in Medina, Ali was extremely active in his service, leading parties of warriors on battles, and carrying messages and orders. With the exception of Tabuk, Ali took part in all the battles fought for Islam during this time.

After the assassination of the third Caliph, Uthman Ibn Affan, the Companions of Muhammad in Medina chose Ali to be the new Caliph. He encountered defiance and civil war (First Fitna) during his reign. Finally while Ali was praying in the mosque of Kufa, a Khawarij assassinated him with a strike of a poison-coated sword. Ali died on the 21st of Ramadan in the city of Kufa in 661 CE.

......... to be continued.

My Islamic Values Can Be Divided In 3 Groups

1. Five Basic Values for All Mankind : Necessities/Dharuriyyat
A) Life (Physical Self)
B) Religion
C) Intellect or Knowledge (Al Aql)
D) Family Life and Offspring (Al Nasab)
E) Wealth (Al Mal)
2. Secondary Values : Conveniences/Al Hajiyyat
Conveniences comprise all activities and things that are not vital to preserve the five foundations, but rather, are needed to remove difficulties or impediments in life. Examples include the use and enjoyment of things that man can do without, but with difficulty, such as the use of some mode of transport (a car), a carpet in winter, etc.
3. Luxury Values : Refinements/Al Tahsiniyyat
This category includes items that are beyond those for convenience. They do not only remove difficulty but improve the comfort. For example, if a car is considered as an item of convenience, than a chauffeur-driven car is obviously a refinement.

10 Things That Take You Outside The Fold Of Islam

1. Shirk - Associating someone or something to Allah
Shirk is to associate anyone or anything to Allah (swt) such as to say Jesus is the son of God, Tony Blair is the legislator, Ruling byKufr law (non-Islamic law) etc. Whether one denies it or not or whether he legalises it or not; anyone who commits Shirk Akbar he will go out of the Millah (Islam) after it is explained to him by an ‘Alim. Allah (swt) says: "Verily! Allâh forgives not (the sin of) setting up partners in worship with Him, but He forgives whom he pleases sins other than that, and whoever sets up partners in worship with Allâh, has indeed strayed far away." [EMQ 4:116]

2. To take an Intercessor between you and Allah
For example, to go to the grave of a dead person and make him an intercessor for whom, the action is kufr and will take him outside of Islam. Another example is to seek such help from any so-called priest. In the time when the ‘Ulema were alive you can ask them for dua, but when they die, even from the Nabi (saw), it is not allowed, the Messenger Muhammad (saw) said: ' Oh Allah! do not make my grave a place of worship.' Rather when we go to the grave we say: 'Peace to the people of the grave, you are the ones who left first and we are following.' You can ask the one alive for dua which is mubah, but if you believe he has power, then this too is Shirk!

3. Whoever does not declare the kafir (non-Muslims) as kafir or doubts that they are kafir or says their religion is correct
There are some moderate 'Muslims' who believe we should not callthe Non-Muslims kafir (even though Allah does!) but rather 'Potential Muslims'. Whosoever doubts or believes the Kuffar are not kafir, they become kafir. At-Takfeer (declaring a person to be a Kafir) is Usul ud-Deen (one of the Foundations of the Deen) and we are obliged to defend this right of Allah (swt). Only Allah (swt) has the right to legislate and no one can claim to do so.

4. The one who thinks any Shari'ah (law and order) is similar or better than the Shari'ah of Islam is a kafir
An example of this is the one who believes British law is as good as, equal to or even better than the law of Islam! Lord Nazir Ahmed is a good example of this. He left the fold of Islam (an apostate) by declaring that Muslims must obey the British law and Shari'ah law.

5. Whoever hates any of the Shari'ah rules (Hukm Shar’ee) is a kafir
For example, those who hate to pray, to fast, to wear hijab, to call people to Islam, to work collectively in a group to establish the Islamic state etc. Allah (swt) says: '...that's because they dislike what Allah has revealed.' [EMQ 47: 9]

6. Whoever ridicules any of the deen of Islam, its rewards or its punishments
Allah (swt) says: 'Are you mocking Allah's Deen , the reward or the punishment? Do not doubt that you are kafir after Islam.' [EMQ 9: 65-66]

7. As-Shir - anyone involving themselves in magic
For example to communicate with the Jinn or to go to the magician or ask for help from the magician.

8. Alliance with the kuffar and supporting them against the Muslims
Allah (swt) says: 'O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Awliya' (friends, protectors, helpers) they are but awliya' of each other. And if any amongst you takes them (as awliya') then surely, he is one of them. Verily, Allah guides not those people who are the Zaalimoun (i.e. Kuffar).' [EMQ5:51]

9. Whoever believes they are not obliged to follow the messenger Muhammad (saw) or believes that they can leave Islam and go to another deen is a kafir
This is self explanatory

10. Whoever turns their back to the deen of Islam
Neither studying nor acting upon it. If someone says 'so and so is haram' we must go and check it. Imam Abu Hanifah (ra) was walking on the bank and he saw a child walking on the bank and he was almost falling in, Abu Hanifah said: 'be careful you may fall in' and in response the child said: 'You too, and if you make a mistake many others will also fall in!' Imam Abu Hanifah went home andreviewed all his ahkaams and said: 'Do not think that what I say today may not be changed tomorrow if I find a hadith' etc.
Allah (swt) says: 'Who is more oppressor than the one who knows the hukm and turns his back, verily he is mujrim (i.e. a kafir).' [EMQ 32:22]

My 10 Ways To Increase Iman

1. Recite and ponder on the meanings of the Quran. Tranquility then descends and our hearts become soft. To get optimum benefit, remind yourself that Allah is speaking to you. People are described in different categories in the Quran; think of which one you find yourself in.
2. Realize the greatness of Allah. Everything is under His control. There are signs in everything we see that points us to His greatness. Everything happens according to His permission. Allah keeps track and looks after everything, even a black ant on a black rock on a black moonless night.
3. Make an effort to gain knowledge, for at least the basic things in daily life e.g. how to make wudu properly. Know the meanings behind Allah's names and attributes. People who have taqwa are those who have knowledge.
4. Attend gatherings where Allah is remembered. In such gatherings we are surrounded by angels.
5. We have to increase our good deeds. One good deed leads to another good deed. Allah will make the way easy for someone who gives charity and also make it easy for him or her to do good deeds. Good deeds must be done continuously, not in spurts.
6. We must fear the miserable end to our lives; the remembrance of death is the destroyer of pleasures.
7. Remember the different levels of akhirah, for instance when we are put in our graves, when we are judged, whether we will be in paradise or hell.
8. Make dua, realize that we need Allah. Be humble. Don't covet material things in this life.
9. Our love for Subhana Wa Ta'Ala must be shown in actions. We must hope Allah will accept our prayers, and be in constant fear that we do wrong. At night before going to sleep, we must think about what good we did during that day.
10. Realize the effects of sins and disobedience. One's imaan is increased with good deeds and our imaan is decreased by bad deeds. Everything that happens is because Allah wanted it. When calamity befalls us- it is also from Allah. It is a direct result of our disobedience to Allah.

Signs Of Weak Imaan

1. Committing sins and not feeling any guilt.
2. Having a hard heart and no desire to read the Quran.
3. Feeling too lazy to do good deeds, e.g. being late for salat
4. Neglecting the Sunnah.
5. Having mood swings, for instance being upset about petty things and bothered and irritated most of the time.
6. Not feeling anything when hearing verses from the Quran, for example when Allah warns us of punishments and His promise of glad tidings.
7. Finding difficulty in remembering Allah and making Dhikr(Remembrance of Allah, either through thought or speech).
8. Not feeling bad when things are done against the Shariah.
9. Desiring status and wealth.
10. Being mean and miserly, i.e. not wanting to part with wealth.
11. Ordering others to do good deeds when not practising them ourselves.
12. Feeling pleased when things are not progressing for others. 13. Being concerned with whether something is haram or halal only; and not avoiding makroo (not recommended) things.
14. Making fun of people who do simple good deeds, like cleaning the mosque.
15. Not feeling concerned about the situation of Muslims.
16. Not feeling the responsibility to do something to promote Islam.
17. Being unable to deal with calamities, for instance crying and yelling in funerals.
18. Liking to argue just for the sake of arguing without any proof.
19. Becoming engrossed and very involved with dunya, worldly things, i.e. feeling bad only when losing something in terms of material wealth.
20. Becoming engrossed and obsessive about ourselves.

My Halal Food

O ye people! eat of what is on earth, lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of the Evil One, for he is to you an avowed enemy. (AL BAQARAH, 2:168)

Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah. that which hath been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by being gored to death; that which hath been (partly) eaten by a wild animal; unless ye are able to slaughter it (in due form); that which is sacrificed on stone (altars); (forbidden) also is the division (of meat) by raffling with arrows: that is impiety. This day have those who reject faith given up all hope of your religion: yet fear them not but fear Me. This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But if any is forced by hunger, with no inclination to transgression, Allah is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. (AL-MAIDAH, 5:3)

They ask thee what is lawful to them (as food). Say: lawful unto you are (all) things good and pure. (AL MA'IDAH, 5:4)

Eat of the things which Allah hath provided for you, lawful and good; but fear Allah, in whom ye believe. (AL MA'IDAH, 5:88)

The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them. (AL MA'IDAH, 5:5)

So eat of the sustenance which Allah has provided for you, lawful and good; and be grateful for the favors of Allah, if it is He Whom ye serve. (AL NAHL,16:114)

"Halal" is a Quranic Term, which means 'Lawful' or 'Permitted'. Sometimes it is translated as 'Acceptable' or 'Not Forbidden'. Halal foods and drinks are permitted for consumption by Allah- the supreme lawgiver. In the Holy Quran, Allah commands Muslims and all of mankind to eat of the Halal things. Eating Halal is obligatory.

The opposite of 'Halal' is "Haram", which means 'Unlawful' or 'Prohibited'. The other words used for Haram is 'Unacceptable' or 'Forbidden'. Haram foods and drinks are absolutely prohibited for consumption by Allah. Eating Haram is forbidden for every Muslim. If a Muslim consumes Haraam foods, he would be sinful.

"Mushbooh" is an Arabic term which means 'doubtful' or 'suspected'. If one does not know the Halal or Haram status of a particular food or drink, such a food or drink is doubtful. A practicing Muslims prevents himself from consuming doubtful things.

The terms Halal and Haram will be used strictly to describe food products, meat products, cosmetics, personal care products, food ingredients, beverages and food contact materials. Which foods are Halal or which foods are Haram, is decided according to the Holy Quran and the Glorious Shari’ah (Islamic Law). Most diets and foods are considered to be Halaal unless Islamic Law specifically prohibits them.

The following products are definitely Halal:

Milk (from cows, sheeps, camels or goats).

Honey.

Fish.

Plants which are not intoxicant.

Fresh or naturally frozen vegetables.

Fresh or dried fruits.

Legumes like peanuts, cashew nuts, hazel nuts, walnuts, etc.

Grains such as wheat, rice, rye, barley, oat, etc.

Animals such as cows, sheep, goats, deer, moose, chickens, ducks, game birds, etc., are also Halal, but they must be Zabihah (slaughtered according to Islamic Rites) in order to be suitable for consumption.

The procedure is as follows: the animal must be slaughtered by a Muslim by putting the animal down on the ground (or holding it if it is small) and slitting it's throat with a very sharp knife to make sure that the main blood vessels are cut. While cutting the throat of the animal without severing it, the person has to recite "Bismillah Allah-u-Akbar".

The following items have been categorically spelled out as being Haram:

Pig/Swine/Pork and its by-products.

Blood and and blood by-products.

Carnivorous animals.

Reptiles and insects.

Halal animals which are not slaughtered according to the Islamic Law.

Animals killed in the name of anyone other than God.

The bodies of dead animals or dead before slaughtering.

Alcohol and intoxicants such as Wine, Ethyl Alcohol, and Spirits etc.

The above mentioned items are Haram and should be strictly avoided by all Muslims.

Foods containing ingredients in the following are example of Mushbooh:

Gelatin.

Enzymes.

Emulsifiers.

Lard.

Glycerol/Glycerin etc.

Muslim should avoid such foods containing Mushbooh or questionable ingredients. Before consuming such items, we have to confirm the source of these ingredients.

My Islamic Eating Manners

On the authority of Abu Huraira (may allah be pleased with him) who said the Messenger of Allah (may blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said,
"Allah, the almighty is pure and accepts only that which is pure. Allah has commanded the faithful to do what which he commanded the messengers, and the almighty has said, `O' ye Messengers! eat of the pure things and do righteous actions.

ISLAMIC ETIQUETTES OF EATING
1. It is sunnah to wash both hands before meals
2. Say 'BISMILLAH' before commencing to eat. The food on which 'BISMILLAH' is not recited, shaytaan also partakes of it.
3. When one has forgotten to say 'BISMILLAH' he should say 'BISMILLAH AWWALUHU WA AAKHIRUHU' when he remembers during the meal.
4. When invited out, before beginning to eat one should say 'BISMILLAH WA ALA BARAKATILLAH'.
5. It is sunnah to have the head covered when having meals
6. It is sunnah to sit on the floor and eat, the sitting posture should be that of the Tashahhud in salaat, or with one thigh raised or to squat.
7. Allah showers his blessing on those who have their meals in company.
8. The food should be on the dining place before sitting down for meals.
9. It is sunnah to eat with the right hand. One should not eat with the left hand without a valid reason, for it is said the Shaytaan eats with his left hand.
10. It is sunnah to eat with three fingers, the thumb, the index finger and the middle finger. The fourth finger should be used when eating very soft foods.
11. Begin by eating the food that is in front or nearest to you. One should not begin by taking from the centre of the plate, where there is a variety of food, sweetmeats and fruit in one utensil one may eat from wherever one wishes.
12. To eat very hot steaming food is against the sunnah.
13. To blow in to the food to cool it is against the sunnah.
14. To lean against the wall or to recline while having meals is against the sunnah.
15. When one does not like some types of food then he should not express that dislike because it is better to remain silent.
16. When we eat a food that has an unpleasant smell e.g raw onions or garlic etc, the mouth should be washed so that no offensive smell is left, especially when in company.
17. If one eats with a person with an infectious disease this Duaa should be read: 'BISMILLAH THIKATAN BILLAHI WATAWAKULAN ALAIHI' meaning In the name of Allah, with confidence in Allah and humbly trusting him.
18. If there is a little food left in the plate, then it shuold be eaten.
19. After the meal the fingers should be licked. First the middle finger, then the index and lastly the thumb.
20. It is sunnah to wash the hands after meals.
21. This Duaa should be said after eating: 'ALHAMDULILLA HILLAZI AT AMAANA WASAKANA WA JA AL NA MINAL MUSLIMEEN'. Which means praise be to Allah, who fed us and gave us drinks and made us muslims.
22. It is sunnah to use a tooth pick after meals.

My Info About Henna

Henna (scientifically known as lawsonia inermis) has been well known for a long time in the Muslim world. It is extensively grown in India and Sudan, and is used mainly for cosmetic purposes.

The plant is sometimes called the "Magic Plant" because it has a great healing effect, contains many healing substances like tannine and other glue-like substances, and it has an anti-microbial and an anti-viral effect. It is natural, inexpensive, and has no known sides effects when taken orally.

Indications for its use are as follows:

Burns:
It is very effective when applied to a first or second degree burn. It:

1-reduces pain.

2-reduces fluid loss from the burn site, which is important if the area is large.
3-has an anti-microbial effect, and so reduces the risk of infection.-sticks on the wound site until healing is complete.
4-is easy to apply either in paste or powder form.
5-is inexpensive and easily available.

Healing Properties:
Henna promotes wound healing, especially chronic wounds and ulcers. The main cause of this is not known, but it may be its nourishing effect on the wound and its anti-microbial properties.

Anti-Hemorrhage Effect:
Henna has proven to be efficient in the management of nose bleeding (epistaxis), providing a long-lasting cure. One dose is generally sufficient. It is more successful than cauterization, which normally has to be repeated and cannot guarantee that there will not be a recurrence of bleeding. The only side effect of henna here is that it can cause slight sneezing. Henna can be used at other sites like a bleeding duodenal ulcer or oesophageal varicose veins, with no known side effects. Its anti-bleeding effect may be due to its coagulation or local burning properties.

Anti-Viral Effect:
Henna has an anti-viral effect. This is evident in its treatment of warts (particularly those that are resistant to liquid nitrogen treatment), Herpes Simplex (applied as a powder, it dries the vesicles at the site, prevents ulceration and crust formation, and prevents secondary infection). This benefit of henna is very promising, and should be explored further. It can also be used to treat AIDS.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

IBLIS - ANGEL OR JINN?

Incidence of Iblis and Angels mentioned in the Quran

The story of Adam and Iblis is mentioned in the Quran in various places in which Allah (swt) says, "We said to the angels bow down to Adam: and they bowed down: not so Iblis".

This is mentioned in:

Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 verse 43
Surah Al ‘Araf Chapter 7 verse 17
Surah Al Hijr Chapter 15 verses 28-31
Surah Al Isra Chapter 17 verse 61
Surah Ta Ha Chapter 20 verse 116
Surah Sad Chapter 38 verses 71-74

But in Surah Al Kahf chapter 18 verse 50 the Quran says:

"Behold! We said to the angels, "Bow down to Adam." they bowed down except Iblis He was one of the Jinns." [Al-Quran 18:50]

Arabic Rule Of Tagleeb

The English translation of the first part of the verse ‘We said to the angels bow down to Adam: they bowed down except Iblis’, gives us the impression that Iblis was an angel. The Quran was revealed in Arabic. In Arabic grammar there is a rule known as Tagleeb, according to which, if the majority is addressed, even the minority is included. If for example, I address a class containing 100 students of whom 99 are boys and one is a girl, and if I say in Arabic that the boys should stand up, it includes the girl as well. I need not mention her seperately.

Similarly in the Quran, when Allah addressed the angels, even Iblis was present, but it is not required that he be mentioned separately. Therefore according to that sentence Iblis may be an angel or may not be an angel, but we come to know from Surah Al Kahf chapter 18 verse 50 that Iblis was a Jinn. No where does the Quran say Iblis was an angel. Therefore there is no contradiction in the Quran.

Jinns have free will and can disobey Allah

Secondly, Jinns have a free will and may or may not obey Allah, but angels have no free will and always obey Allah. Therefore the question of an angel disobeying Allah does not arise. This further supplements that Iblis was a Jinn and not an angel.

Question's about Jinn

Question 1: Who are the jinn?

The jinn are among the creatures that Allah (swt) created. Allah (swt) created angels, jinn, mankind, animals, plants and others. Jinn have some qualities like human beings. These qualities are intellect, discrimination, freedom, and the power to choose between right and wrong, between true and false, as well as between good and bad.

Question 2: When did Allah (swt) create the jinn?

Allah (swt) created the jinn before Adam (pbuh) was created. Both were created in heaven and lived in paradise. One may read in Surah Al-Hijr (The Rocky Tract) [Qur'an, 15:26-27]. However, nothing was mentioned about the duration of time of the jinn's creation before Adam (pbuh).

Question 3: What are jinn created from?

Jinn are created from fire of hot wind [Qur'an, 15:27]; and from smokeless fire [Qur'an, 55:15]. They were originally made from fire and then molded and shaped in the form and shape that Allah (swt) wanted them to be. This means that they do not anymore possess their fiery nature. It is not known therefore, their final shape, form, and chemical composition. Since we cannot see them, therefore, it is not easy to do any analysis of their chemical nature. In contrast, mankind was created from soil, mud, and clay. They were molded as human beings. Our final form is no more mud or clay.

Question 4: Do jinn have bodies?

Yes and no! It depends upon the information that one has. One group of scholars believe that jinn do not have bodies of their own. They also do not inhabit bodies of other creatures. However, they do exist independently by themselves. Therefore, they do not know how they exist without bodies: smoke, flame, fire or what?

The other group of scholars do believe that jinn do have bodies either definite or subtle. If their bodies are definite then they have some density; otherwise, if they are subtle, then they are so fine that our weak eyes cannot see them. One may read Surah Al-A'raf (The Heights) [Qur'an, 7:27]. Even if they are subtle they should have weight and density similar to that of the air itself.

Question 5: Do jinn die?

Yes. Jinn do die. As long as they are creatures created by Allah (swt), they should die. They are creatures that marry, produce children, eat, drink, and die like all other creatures in the universe. One may read Qur'an Surah Al-Rahman (The Most Merciful) [Qur'an, 55:26-28].

Question 6: Do the jinn feel envy of us?

Yes. There are two types of evil eye: human and the jinn. One has to read regularly 'A'oozu Billahi Minash-shaitanir Rajeem. Also, by reading Ayah Al-Kursi and Al-Mu'awwazatain, one will be protected from the evil eyes of both the jinn and mankind.

Question 7: Are there messengers and prophets from within the community of jinn?

Yes. Allah (swt) has sent prophets and messengers to jinn from within the jinn community. Also, Allah (swt) sent Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to mankind, to jinn, and to other creatures. In Surah Al-An'am (The Cattle), Allah (swt) explains that He sent messengers to men and to jinn. See Qur'an [6:130].

Question 8: Do jinn have different religions, sects and denominations?

In Surah Al-Jinn (Ch. 72), Allah (swt) informs us that some jinn accepted Islam, while others refused. Those who refused have deviated, and developed for themselves different methods, different ways of life, and different religions, sects and denominations.

Question 9: Do jinn marry and have children?

Yes. Jinn do marry and they do have children. The way they marry is not known to us yet. We may be able to know the future if Allah (swt) wants us to know.

People never knew about microbes, viruses, and the unseen micro creatures. Now we are able to know many things about their life cycles, their life duration, their methods of duplication or reproduction: sexually and asexually. The mere fact that we do not know how the jinn marry and reproduce does not negate their being married and reproduced. The Qur'an stipulates in Surah Al-Kahf (18:50) that they have offsprings. Similarly, the Qur'an states in Surah Al-Rahman (55:56) that jinn and human beings never touched (married) the ladies of paradise.

Question 10: Can human beings and jinn inter-marry?

Yes and no. It depends upon how one looks at it. It is a known fact in the Qur'an in Surah Al-Israa' (17:64) that jinn may share with us our wealth and our children. The Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) reconfirms this concept when he says that when a man has marital relationship with his wife, he should mention the name of Allah (swt). He should seek refuge in Allah (swt) from the outcast shaitan. Otherwise, shaitan folds himself up in the man's urethra and shall have sexual relations along with him.

Moreover, when a man goes to his wife while she is in her menses, shaitan precedes him. She shall conceive and will bring forth a sterile person (Mukhannath). Such a sterile person is considered to be child of the jinn.

Question 11: Do jinn have animals as pets?

Yes. Jinn do have animals or beasts of their own. The Prophet (pbuh) mentioned that every piece of dung is fodder for the beasts of the jinn. However, we do not know what type of beasts the jinn have. The same thing is to be said as to the varieties of beasts, their number, their shape, their size, their weight and so on.

Question 12: Do jinn have homes of their own?

Yes. The jinn do have homes. They live all over the planet earth. However, there are special places that one may find them in abundance and on a regular basis. These are deserts, ruins, places of impurities such as dunghills, bathrooms and graveyards. They live in houses of human beings too. For those who enter their houses mentioning the name of Allah (swt), the jinn cannot have a place to stay overnight in that house. If the people of the house mention the name of Allah (swt) before eating, then the shaitan will not be able to eat with them.

Question 13: Is it true that animals see jinn and angels?

Yes. Animals do see angels and shaitan. When a rooster sees an angel, it starts crowing. However, when a donkey starts braying it is seeing a jinn.

A CLOSER LOOK AT CHRISTIANITY

Was Jesus sent to be crucified?

One of the fundamental beliefs of Christianity relates that Jesus died and allowed for the shedding of his blood for the sake of granting forgiveness to people. In other words Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. Let us investigate this topic from the Bible, and find out whether Jesus was sent to be crucified and whether he was crucified at all.

Willingness of Jesus Christ to die for our sins

Peter and the two sons of Zebedee were with Jesus Christ before the elders of the people and the chief priests came to take him to be crucified. Jesus at this point talked to Peter and the two sons of Zebedee as in Matthew 26:38 "Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me." Then Jesus went a little further away from them and prayed to God as in Matthew 26:39 "And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."

It is very clear from the above verse in Matthew 26:39 that Jesus had no intention of dying. In this verse it is shown that Jesus was praying strongly (Matthew mentions Jesus repeating this prayer three times) to have this death removed from him. Had Jesus Christ been sent to be crucified, he would not have hesitated to be killed at all.

God answered the prayers at Jesus Christ

After Jesus made the above mentioned prayer he was answered by God according to Hebrews 5:7 "Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared." These words clearly show when Jesus was praying strongly to God, God granted him his request. The words "heard in that he feared" (Hebrews 5:7) mean that God granted him what he requested. So the above verse shows when Jesus asked of God to "let this cup pass from" (Matthew 26:39) him, God responded to his prayer and saved him from death or crucifixion.

Why would Jesus have to die on the cross?

According to the Christian doctrine, Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. Every human is born with sins, or all humans will eventually sin, and therefore it was necessary that someone as pure as Jesus would be crucified to nullify these sins. The question is; why does anyone have to die for our sins when God, the all merciful, could as easily grant us forgiveness if we asked for it? Why does He have to make someone suffer for our sins or for someone else's sins? Isn't that unjust of Him? According to the Bible the way to redemption could be obtained without the need for sacrifice. The Bible says:

Ezekiel 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. Ezekiel 18:21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Clearly the soul that sins shall die. Clearly, no one shall bear the iniquity (sins) of others. So Jesus cannot bear the sins of others either. If one is righteous then it shall be upon him, and if one commits a sin then it shall be upon him, and not on Jesus. Finally, the way to repentance and forgiveness is by turning from all sins, doing what is right, and keeping the commandments.

Also we see the same message given by Solomon. He says in the book of Ecclesiastes 12:13 "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." This is the whole message, and this is the conclusion of messages. It is that one should fear God, keep His commandments, and nothing else.

Again in II Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" This clearly states that to seek forgiveness from God we have to humble ourselves, pray, seek God, and turn away from wickedness.

Finally the Bible says in I Samuel 15:22 "And Samuel said Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." This clearly states that obeying God is better than sacrifice whether this sacrifice is of objects, animals, or humans, or any other type. What God likes is for us to heed and obey Him, and if that is what God likes then it is not of Him to come later and change His mind and His ways. God says in the Holy Qur'an, "Verily God is All-Knowing, All-Wise" (9:28).

Now that we have seen this, Christians say that Jesus has changed some of these laws. Did Jesus come to change laws? Let's look at what Jesus says. In Matthew 5:17 "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." Jesus clearly states that he was not sent to abolish the law, the law of which had already existed. What is mentioned above cannot be discounted. Then Jesus continues to say, in Matthew 5:18 and 19 "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Jesus here asserts that not even as much as a tittle (dot) shall pass from the law. Every thing is kept the way it was. This is why the previous laws cannot be removed or discarded, and those who willfully change these laws "he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven."

Is Jesus the same as God?

In John 10:30 Jesus said, "I and my Father are one" This verse, according to Christians, shows God and Jesus Christ to be same. On the other hand, we read in John 20:17, "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God and your God." Here Jesus stated that there was a distinction between him and God. In other words that Jesus himself had a God. Also, Matthew 27:46 "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Here Jesus Christ cried in loud voice calling for his God.

These are two different and opposite ways Jesus relates himself to God. The first one, he and God are one, and the second; he refers to a higher authority than him, which is God. Now assuming that both are correct statements then we have a contradiction. If, for example, Jesus Christ was God himself as in John 10:30 then it would be more appropriate for him to say " .and to myself and your God." in John 20:17, or "Myself, Myself, why hast thou forsaken me?" in Matthew 27:46. If, on the other hand, one of them is wrong and the other is correct then we have to discard the one we believe to be incorrect! Since God does not make mistakes then we no longer believe the Bible is the word of God (because we believe there is a contradiction of God's words in the Bible).

A third possibility is that we have to look at how we can interpret the words of Jesus in those verses. As far as John 20:17 and Matthew 27:46 it is very clear Jesus had a God whom he prayed to and Whom had a higher authority than his own. We can back this up with other verses from the Bible that say, "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear; I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." (John 5:30) Also Jesus said, "...for my Father is greater than I" (John 14:28). If Jesus and God were the same then he would not have said what he said in the above verses.

Now, the only verse that can be interpreted is John 10:30. It is the only one that does not render itself clear. The only way John 10:30 could be interpreted such that it does not contradict all the other verses is by saying that Jesus meant he and God had something in common.

To find out what the common grounds were, we have to look at the context in which this verse came:

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

As can be seen from John 10:28 and John 10:29 Jesus was telling the Jews that he and God share something in common, and it was: no one can pluck the faithful from either of their hands. This was the common factor between Jesus and God in this case, and not that Jesus was himself God, or that they were exactly the same.

Let us go on to see what Jesus says in John 10:

John 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. John 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? John 10:33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. John 10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? John 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; John 10:36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? John 10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. John 10:38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. John 10:39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, John 10:40 And went away again beyond Jordan ...

In John 10:31 we see that the Jews misunderstood what Jesus had meant by "I and my Father are one." (John 10:30). And in John 10:33 they accused him of blasphemy. Now, had Jesus been God, or had he and God been one in a literal sense then he wouldn't have hesitated to clarify the matter at that point. Jesus at that point said, "Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?" What he was trying to say was that if the Jews called "I and my Father are one" blasphemy then they should call what was written in their law "Ye are gods" blasphemy too.

The reasoning behind this is "Ye are gods" does not mean that you, the Jews, are Gods, it is rather an expression. It just means that you are godly people. The same applies to "I and my Father are one." It does not mean that Jesus is God or that he and God are the same literally. It's just an expression. (The same goes for calling himself "the Son of God." This statement should not be taken literally either).

The Holy Qur'an says, " ... Nothing whatsoever (is there) like the like of Him, and He (alone) is All-Hearing and All-Seeing" (42:11). Nothing at all is like God, not Moses, not Jesus, not Muhammad, and certainly nothing of His creation.

Is Jesus the Son of God?

One of the fundamental beliefs in Christianity is the literal sonship of Jesus Christ to God. This belief comes from the verse in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Also in I John 5:1 "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him." these verses clearly state that Jesus is the only begotten, and born Son of God.

Let us look at other verses from the Bible to find out whether Jesus was the only begotten son of God, or that there were more than one. Also let us investigate whether Jesus was the only one born of God. Finally, let us investigate whether the word begotten is to be taken literally.

Was Jesus the only begotten son of God?

In the book of Psalms 2:7 we find "I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." David, in this verse, is saying that God had told him he was the son of God and God has begotten him. Clearly Jesus is not the only begotten son of God.

Of course, one could say that although Jesus was not the only begotten son of God, he had no human father in contrast to David who had a human father. That is true! Since Jesus had no human father it makes the relationship between him and God a closer one. The question is what about Adam? Adam had neither human father nor a human mother, and according to the Bible he too was the son of God. The Bible says, "And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli" (Luke 3:23) The Bible goes on to mention the supposed genealogy of Jesus Christ. At the end of this genealogy the Bible comes to Adam, and it says, "Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God." (Luke 3:38)

So Adam is also the son of God. According to the assumption: "because Jesus had no human father then he is closer to God than David who had a human father," we can safely conclude that Adam is better than Jesus because he did not have a human father or mother.

The truth is Jesus and Adam do not differ in God's sight. They were a mere creation of God. The Holy Qur'an says in clear terms, "Verily, similitude of Jesus with God is as the similitude of Adam; He created him out of dust then said He unto him BE, and he became." (3:59)

Who was Jesus if not the literal son of God?

According to the Bible in Matthew 21:11 "And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee." This was Jesus. He was a prophet of God, He was sent like other prophets to deliver the message of his ONE and only ONE God (glory be to Him). Also, in Luke 24:19 the Bible says "And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people."

Jesus was a true messenger of God Almighty. He was sent by Him to deliver His will, The Bible says in John 5:30 "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." These are the true characteristics of a prophet. They do as they are commanded. They are sent to deliver a message, and the only difference between them and other humans is their utmost righteousness, "mighty in deed and word" (Luke 24:19) They are the best of all the people of their time. They are the only ones who could bear and act upon the commandments of God completely and fully. They are loved by God because of that, and their nearness to God comes from that.

The same applies to all other prophets. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ismael, Isaac, Jacob, Jonah, Moses, Jesus, Jonas, Muhammad and all the other prophets shared the same qualities. The qualities of those who could withstand all forms of tribulations in God's name. They all fully abided by what God has commanded them. The Qur'an says, "Say: (O' Our Apostle Muhammad!) (unto the People) 'We believe in God and what hath been sent down to us, and what hath been sent down to Abraham and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Tribes, and what was given to Moses, and Jesus and the Prophets from their Lord, we make no difference between any of them, and we unto Him are muslims"' (3:84). (Note that "what was given to Moses, and Jesus" is not the same as the current Bible written by Paul, John, Luke, Matthew, and so on. Rather they were the true books of Moses and Jesus. These are not to be found today.)

Oneness of God

One of the main doctrines in Christianity is the trinity. This idea comes from I John 5:7 "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." This verse indicates that God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are one. These words are John's words and not Jesus words nor God's, but according to the Christians John was inspired by God, and that is the reason for taking his words as the truth. Let us investigate the Bible to see if God is One and only One, or that He is, or they are three in one.

Are Jesus and God the same?

I have already talked about this topic, and showed the difference between God and Jesus. If you have not read that yet please do so.

Let us see what Jesus himself says

One of the scribes asked Jesus, Mark 12:28 "...Which is the first commandment of all?" Clearly from the question the man wanted to know the first of all commandments, and the most important one. Jesus replied to him in the following verse:

Mark 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of oil the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Jesus was not talking to this man only, but he made sure to call the attention of all Israel "Hear O Israel." This indicates the importance of this message.
Jesus says, "the Lord our God." This clearly indicates that God is not only the God of the people Jesus is talking to, but He is also Jesus God ("our").
Jesus continues to say, "is one Lord." This clearly indicates the Oneness of God.
Finally, in Mark 12:30 Jesus reiterates that this is the first commandment "this is the first commandment." A commandment before all others.

Jesus in these verses showed how important this message was by calling the attention of the Israelites, and when he talked about the Oneness of God he excluded himself from that "Oneness" when he said, "our God." He stated that this One God is his God as well as every one else's. Had he been one of the three mentioned in John (according to John) then he would not have said "the Lord our God," but he would have said "the Lord your God."

The Absolute Oneness of God from the rest of the Bible

In many instances in the Bible, God and His prophets mention that God is only One, and not three in one. The following are some of the many verses from the Bible:

Deuteronomy 6:4 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD" God is one and not three in one.
Isaiah 43:10-11 "Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. " God wants us to "know," "believe," and "understand" that He is the LORD, and "beside" Him there is no other. Had there been any other "beside" Him then He would have said it.
Ephesians 4:6 "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
I Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." What makes the devil tremble is the belief that God is one, and not three.
Deuteronomy 4:35 "Unto thee it was showed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.
I Samuel 2:2 "There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God."
Isaiah 44:6 "Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God."
Isaiah 44:8 "Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any."
Isaiah 45:5 "I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me."
Isaiah 45:6 "That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from list west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else."
Hosea 13:4 "Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me."

Some of these verses testify that God is "one," others attest that there is nothing "beside" Him, one of them declares that nothing is "like" Him, and so on. None of the above verses include anything that describes that God is three in one. Jesus did not say that he was one of three, nor did God in His own words.

I am told that although God and Jesus never mentioned the idea of the trinity, yet John who was inspired by God clarified this idea for all of us, the idea that God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are one.

My argument is: God never said that He is three in one, never were any prophets of God ever instructed to say that God is three in one, not even Jesus was instructed to say that, yet John who was not a prophet of God (he was an apostle of Jesus, or a disciple) said that God is really three in one, and the whole world of Christians believe him! I am wondering, who has more authority? What is more powerful? That which was quoted from Jesus mouth and God's words, or the interpretation of John?

Before I end this section, "The Absolute Oneness of God from the rest of the Bible," I would like to raise some points about the idea of inspiration:

If the idea that the Bible is the book of God because it was inspired is to be believed, then we should disregard the book of Luke if we are willing to take Luke for his own words, when we read Luke 1:1-3 "For as much as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus." Luke tells us that he saw it good to write his book. It was his own choice, and not an inspiration.
If we should believe that the Bible is the book of God because it was inspired, then we should also believe in the book "The Book of Mormon, Anther Testament of Jesus Christ." The Author of this book, Joseph Smith, claims he too was inspired by God. Why should we stop at the Bible alone?
There are hundreds of different denominations in Christianity, and many in almost all denominations claim to be inspired by God, yet they are all different in their beliefs and convictions. Who are we to believe? Who is right and who is wrong? Especially when some of these denominations differ with others on the most crucial points in Christianity. Also, why does God deliver different message to each denomination, is God the author of confusion? I Corinthians 14:33 "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."

What about worshiping God through Jesus?

The worship of God should be aimed directly to God. God does not need a medium for prayers to come to Him. This is clear from the Bible. When God says in such a bold manner:

Exodus 20: 1-5 "And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me."

We should not make any images or likeness of any thing that is in the heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth as something to worship. God is the only One that we should bow down to. God, the God of everything, is a Jealous God, and he does not like us to worship anything but Him, not even Jesus. God shows how jealous He is when people worship images in Exodus 34:14 "For thou shalt worship no other God: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God."

Who is Jesus?

If Jesus is not God, not the Son of God, and not one of three (trinity), then who is Jesus? I have briefly discussed this previously "Is Jesus the Son of God?" This time I would like to expand on Jesus life (peace be upon him). I want to talk about Jesus from birth, starting with his mother (peace be upon them both) till the day he was taken up to God.

Who was his mother?

His mother was The Virgin Mariam (Mary) the daughter of Imran (father) and Hinnah (mother). When Hinnah carried Mariam in her womb she vowed to offer Mariam to God by letting her serve Him in one of His houses of worship. When Mariam was born, her mother wrapped her in a piece of cloth, and took her to Al-Aqsa Mosque where she was handed over to the bishops.

When the bishops looked at her, and found out that she was the daughter of their lord and leader Imran they all wanted to take care of her. Although Zachariah the prophet (P.B.U.H.) was the person in charge of sacrificial offerings he was not allowed to take charge of Mariam's matter this time. After a long quarrel over her, they all decided that the person who wins the lottery is the one that takes her in.

Zachariah won, and sponsored Mariam. He gave her a place to live, assigned her a female caretaker and personally watched over her until she was old enough to take care of herself and didn't need the caretaker anymore.

When Zachariah came to Mariam in her place of worship he used to find fruits that would normally grow in other seasons. When he asked her where she acquired these fruits from, she would say that it was from God Almighty. The following verse relates the story of Mariam after she was born and offered by her mother to God:

"So her Lord accepted her with a good acceptance and made her grow up a good growing, and gave her into the charge of Zachariah; whenever Zachariah entered the sanctuary to (see) her, he found with her food. He said: O Mariam! Whence comes this to you? She said: It is from Allah. Surely Allah gives to whom He pleases without measure." (3:37)

Angels used to always come to Mariam and tell her of her purity, and chastity. They also used tell her that God has chosen her above the women of the world, and that He has protected her from all types of corruption. She was constantly inspired to work harder and apply herself more in worship, supplication, and prostration for God. The Qur'an says, "And when the angels said: O Mariam! Surely Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the world. O Mariam! Keep to obedience to your Lord and humble yourself, and bow down with those who bow. (3: 42-43)

How was Jesus born?

The following verses from the Chapter 19 (Mariam) narrate the story of the birth of Jesus Christ the prophet who was born without a father:

And mention Mariam in the Book when she drew aside from her family to an eastern place; So she took a veil (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our spirit, and there appeared to her a well-made man. She said: Surely I fly for refuge from you to the Beneficent Allah, if you are one guarding (against evil). He said: I am only a messenger of your Lord: That I will give you a pure boy. She said: When shall I have a boy and no mortal has yet touched me, nor have I been unchaste? He said: Even so; your Lord says: It is easy to Me: and that We may make him a sign to men and a mercy from Us, and it is a matter which has been decreed.

So she conceived him; then withdrew herself with him to a remote place. And the throes (of childbirth) compelled her to betake herself to the trunk of a palm tree. She said: Oh, would that I had died before this, and had been a thing quite forgotten! Then (a voice) called out to her from beneath her: Grieve not, surely your Lord has made a stream to flow beneath you; And shake towards you the trunk of the palm-tree, it will drop on you fresh ripe dates: So, eat and drink and refresh the eye. Then if you see any mortal, say: Surely I have vowed a fast to the Beneficent Allah, so I shall not speak to any man today.

And she came to her people with him, carrying him (with her). They said: O Mariam! Surely you have done a strange thing. O sister of Haroun (Aaron)! Your father was not a bad man, nor, was your mother an unchaste woman. But she pointed to him. They said: How should we speak to one who was a child in the cradle? He said: Surely I am a servant of Allah; He has given me the Book and made me a prophet; And He has made me blessed wherever I may be, and He has enjoined on me prayer and poor-rate so long as I live; And dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me insolent, unblessed; And peace on me on the day I was born, and on the day I die, and on the day I am raised to life. Such is Jesus, son of Mariam; (this is) the saying of truth about which they dispute. (19:16-34)

This was the story behind Jesus birth. Two of the most magnificent miracles were connected to his birth: the first was the birth to a chaste mother, and without the need for a father. This miracle shows that God has the ability to do anything He wishes. God says after the above verse, It beseems not Allah that He should take to Himself a son, glory to be Him; when He has decreed a matter He only says to it "Be," and it is. (19:35) The idea of Son ship is ambiguous. What does it mean for God to have a son when everything in this world is His creation, and a mere command of His?

The other miracle was that Jesus spoke when he was in the cradle. God gave him the ability to talk to people to fend off any accusations made to his virtuous mother, and to notify the world that he was a prophet of God. That was Jesus. He was sent to tell people about the true God. The One and only One God of this universe. It was people who then changed this idea, and took Jesus as the Son of God. The Qur'an relates, "And surely Allah is my Lord and your Lord, therefore serve Him; this is the right path." (19:36)

Who was Jesus sent to?

Jesus was sent to the entire world. It is known that the total number of prophets that God sent was 124,000. Five of these prophets were considered to be the best, and they were called Ol-ool Al-Azm. These prophets were Nooh (Noah), Ibraheem (Abraham), Mousa (Moses), Eesaa (Jesus), and Muhammad (Peace be upon them all, and Muhammad's progeny). Being one of the five Ol-ool Al-Azm prophets meant that Jesus was sent to the entire world of mankind and Jin (other beings living amongst us that can see us without us seeing them).

Did Jesus have a heavenly book?

Yes, God sent down to Jesus the In-Jeel (the gospel). The book is nonexistent today, and the Bible that we have today is authored by people who came after Jesus (P.B.U.H.). The proof is simple: none of the books in the Bible is named after Jesus (the book of Luke, John, and so forth). All the books were written by people other than Jesus the prophet of God. It is a known fact amongst scholars that not a single word in the Bible was instructed to be written or written by Jesus himself during his time on earth.

What were Jesus miracles?

Jesus (P.B.U.H.) had many miracles. They are mentioned in the Holy Qur'an, and I have already mentioned two of them: the first being his birth without a father, and the other being his speech while he was in the cradle. God says in the Holy Qur'an, "And (make him) a messenger to the children of Israel: That I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I determine for you out of dust like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird with Allah's permission and I heal the blind and the leprous, and bring the dead to life with Allah's permission and I inform you of what you should eat and what you should store in your houses; most surely there is a sign in this for you, if you are believers." (3:49)

He was able to make birds out of clay, and breathe life into them.
He was able to bring back the dead to life.
He was able to predict what people stored of food.
He was able to heal the blind, and the leprous.

He was able to do all this by God's permission and will.

Was Jesus crucified?

No. Jesus (P.B.U.H.) was raised to God.

On the night that Jesus was supposed to be taken up by God he called the 12 apostles for a meeting. He advised them, and told them of what he wanted from them, Then he asked if one of them would volunteer to take his place (form) after he left, God would then make that person look like Jesus. That apostle would have to endure killing, and crucifixion by the Jews, and in return he would be in the same level in paradise as Jesus.

One of the apostles agreed to sacrifice himself, and Jesus was taken up from one of the corners of the house while the apostles were watching. When the Jews came looking for Jesus, God made the volunteer look like him, the Jews took him, and crucified him.

Is Jesus coming back again?

Yes. Jesus will have a second coming. Jews and Christians together will follow him along with Muslims.

PROPHET ISA PBUH

INTRODUCTION

Allah sent many messengers to the humans as a mercy from Him. Allah sent them all to teach the people what is the correct and acceptable worship of Allah--their Creator and the Creator of everything. All the prophets of Allah, the first of whom was Adam and the last of whom is Muhammad, came with one Religion--Islam, one creed--the belief in the Oneness of Allah. They all taught that Allah is attributed with all the perfect attributes and that He does not resemble any of His creations. They taught what Allah ordered us to perform with and refrain from in this life. They taught there is the Judgment Day in which each one of us will be judged as to whether or not we fulfilled our obligations in this life. None of them taught their people what contradicts the belief in the Oneness of Allah. Each one of them ordered their followers to believe in the rest of the prophets. Imam al-Bukhariyy related that Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, said:

The prophets are like brothers from the same father with different mothers. Their Religion is one although their Shariah (rules of the Religion) differed. I am the most deserving of Prophet Isa. There was no other prophet between us.

Allah revealed Prophet Isa (Jesus) as the messenger before Prophet Muhammad. He was one of the five best messengers of Allah, called Ulul-Azm, those with the highest status, who were the most patient. He was Isa, the son of Maryam, the daughter of Imran, from the sons of Israel. Prophet Isa, as all the prophets, was truthful in what he conveyed from Allah, and although today we follow the Shariah of Prophet Muhammad, Muslims respect, love, and believe in Isa and in his prophethood.

MARYAM, THE MOTHER OF ISA

Maryam (Mary), the mother of Isa, was a pious Muslim woman from the offspring of Israel during the time of Prophet Zakariyya. Prophet Zakariyya was a prophet of Allah revealed to convey to the people to follow the Shari^ah revealed to Prophet Musa. In the Qur'an there is a chapter named Maryam referring to Maryam (Mary), the mother of Isa. This chapter talks about Maryam: her birth, her story, and the birth of Prophet Isa, and other things.

Maryam's mother conceived and delivered Maryam when she was an old woman, at an age when women usually can no longer have babies. One day Maryam's mother saw a bird feeding its young and she longed for a baby herself. She made a supplication to Allah to bless her with a child and vowed that she would make him a servant for the Holy House in Jerusalem, dedicated for worship, because she thought the child would be male. Allah answered her supplication and Maryam's mother conceived and delivered a baby girl. She named her "Maryam" and asked Allah to protect her and her offspring from evil.

Since Maryam's father had died, Prophet Zakariyya (who was the husband of Maryam's sister) became Maryam's guardian. From him, Maryam learned the Religion. She grew up as a righteous, pure, and pious Muslim woman worshipping Allah and endeavoring greatly in performing obedience to Him. Before she turned fourteen (14) years old, Maryam was a waliyyah (a very pious woman with a special status). She became the best of the women in the world. It is mentioned in the Qur'an that the angels said Allah chose Maryam and preferred her to the other women of the world. (Al Imran, 42-43).

THE BIRTH OF ISA

Ibn Jarir and others narrated that one day Maryam ran out of water. She asked her cousin, Yusuf, the son of Yaqub to go with her to get some. He declined, saying he had his sufficiency for that day, so Maryam went to fetch water alone. There, she found Jibril, whom Allah had sent to her in the shape of a man. Thinking he was a human who might harm her, she asked refuge with Allah from him. Jibril told her, "I am the Messenger of your Lord to you. I was sent to give you a pious child who is pure from sins." Maryam told him, "How would I have a son? I have no husband, and I am not an adulterer or a fornicator." Jibril told her, "Creating a son without a father is an easy matter to Allah. Allah will make him a sign for the people and an indication of the Power of Allah. He will send him as a mercy from Him and an endowment to the one who follows him and believes in him. Creating him is a matter Allah willed and destined, so it will not be blocked or changed."

Jibril blew the soul of Isa into Maryam and Isa's soul entered into her womb. Maryam became pregnant with Isa, peace be upon him. There is a difference of opinion as to the term of her pregnancy, some said nine months, some said eight, and some said other than that. However, when the signs of pregnancy became apparent on her, her cousin, Yusuf the Carpenter, was disturbed and did not know how to interpret that matter. If he wanted to accuse her he would remember how pious she was. If he wanted to declare her innocence, he would see the signs of pregnancy. So he decided to open the subject with her. He asked her, "Tell me, would plants grow without seeds? Would trees grow without rainfall? Would there be a child without a male?" To all these questions Maryam said "Yes." Then she asked him, "Did you not know Allah made the plants emerge without seeds the day He created them? Did you not know Allah created the trees the first time without rain? Did you not know Allah created Adamand Hawwa' (Eve) without a father or a mother?" Yusuf knew all these things and when she responded in this way, he felt assured of her innocence and that this was something special given to her by Allah.

When the signs of her pregnancy became apparent, Maryam went away from her people. The pangs of birth led her to the trunk of a dead palm tree. Out of her shyness from the people, and fearing they would accuse her of having done something ugly, she wished she was dead and not a trace of her could be found. Jibril called to her, comforting her. He told her Allah made a small river run under her from which she could drink, and should she shake the trunk of the dead palm tree next to her, it would turn green and moist dates would fall down from which she could eat and be nourished. Jibril told her when she faces her people with her son to tell anyone who questions her about him that she had made a vow not to talk to any human for that day. That day, Maryam gave birth to her son, Isa, peace be upon him. Forty (40) days later she carried him back to her people. They accused her of having fornicated. In response, Maryam pointed to her son, meaning to tell them to talk to him. They were angered at this and thought she was mocking them by asking them to speak with a 40-day old baby lying in a small cradle. At this, Allah made Isa speak. He said:

which are verses 30-33 of Surat Maryam and mean: [I am a slave of Allah. He will reveal the Book to me and make me a prophet. He blessed me wherever I am. In the rules revealed to me there will be a special attention given to Prayers and Zakat. Allah predestined that I will be kind to my mother and not a tyrant with a bad ending. Peace was on me the day I was born. Peace will be on me on the day I will die and on the day I am raised alive again.]

When Maryam's people heard that, they refrained from harming her or Prophet Zakariyya, about whom they had made ugly accusations. After Baby Isa spoke these words, he did not speak again until he became at an age when children normally begin to speak. Isa's speaking from the cradle was a preparation and a sign of his creed and coming prophethood, when he would call the people to believe in Allah, the One Who does not have a partner and to believe in the message of Isa--that he was the slave and messenger of Allah. The first words he spoke were, "I am a slave of Allah.

EARLY LIFE OF PROPHET ISA

Lady Maryam took Isa to Egypt where they stayed for a period of time. Then they returned to the countries of ash-Sham--to a city known as an-Nasirah. Isa, peace be upon him, studied the Torah in the schools and memorized it. He spoke Syriac, the language of the people of Palestine at that time, and the language in which the Heavenly Book, called the Injil, was revealed to him. He was a pious worshipper of Allah, following the rules of the Torah revealed to Prophet Musa.

THE REVELATION OF PROPHETHOOD

Allah sent the Revelation of Prophethood to Isa when he was thirty years old. Allah revealed to him new laws which abrogated some of the laws revealed to Prophet Musa. Prophet Isa conveyed the revelation to the people and called them to believe in his message.

Prophet Isa, like all the prophets of Allah, performed miracles. Allah sent all the prophets with miracles as a proof to their prophethood, so the people would witness, know about them, and believe in their prophethood. Many of Prophet Isa's miracles were in curing illnesses, to be a stronger proof of his truthfulness, since the people at his time were famous for being knowledgeable in the field of medicine. Prophet Isa cured those with seemingly incurable illnesses. Prophet Isa cured a man inflicted with leprosy. He put his honorable hand on the face of a man who was born blind and cured his sight. Once Prophet Isa supplicated to Allah to bring back to life one person who had died and was being carried to the burial place, and Allah brought this person back to life.

Prophet Isa had other kinds of miracles also. He formed the shape of bats from clay and then they would fly away a distance. One of the miracles of Isa is mentioned in the Qur'an in Surat al-Maidah, Verses 112-114, which tells about one time when Prophet Isa and the people who were with him reached to a place where there was not enough food for all the people with him. The students of Isa asked him to supplicate Allah for food which would come down on them from the sky. Isa made supplication to Allah and the angels brought down the food on a piece of material before the eyes of the people. Hundreds and hundreds of people ate from that food, and there was no sign the food had diminished in quantity. This miracle increased the belief of the believers. The blasphemers however, claimed Isa had performer sorcery on their eyes.

After his revelation, Prophet Isa lived on earth for about three years. He used to travel from place to place calling people to the proper worship of Allah. He was so detached from the worldly matters that he did not worry that he did not have a house to return to at night. He used to sleep wherever the night would fall on him, whether he was in an open land or in a sheltered place. He wore clothing made out of unwoven wool. He ate from the raw plants of the earth, without desiring to cook them. He did not marry or have children.

THE INJIL(BIBLE)

Isa received a Heavenly Book, the Injil, which contained the Shariah, (rules of the Religion) revealed to him. In it was the prohibition of associating partners with Allah. In it was the prohibition to consume the usurious gain (riba), pig meat, blood, and the meat of animals not slaughtered properly. It contained the order to perform the Prayer (with bowing and prostration) twice a day. It had the order to fast (but other than the month of Ramadan), and the order to perform taharah. Prophet Isa came with a Shariah that contained making permissible some of the things which had been forbidden upon the children of Israel in the Torah. Although what is called "The Bible" today contains some true stories of Prophet Isa, it does not contain the true Injil which was revealed to him.

THE ASCENSION OF PROPHET ISA

When Prophet Isa was 33 years old, the blasphemers among the offspring of Israel plotted to kill him, but Allah saved him from their harm. Ibn AbiHatim and an-Nasa'iyy narrated from the route of Ibn Abbas that he said:

Prophet Isa was in session with twelve of his elite companions in a house. He told them that among them would be who would blaspheme in the future. Then he asked them, "Who among you would want to be made to look like me, be killed in my place, and be my companion in Paradise." The youngest among them stood up and said, "Me." Prophet Isa told him to sit, then repeated his same question. Again, the same young man said, "Me." Again, Prophet Isa told him to sit, then again asked the same question. After the same young man volunteered for the third time, Prophet Isa received the Revelation that this young man would be the one who would be made to look like him and killed instead of him. Prophet Isa was raised to the sky from an opening in the ceiling of the house. When the Jews came after Prophet Isa, they saw that young man, whom Allah made to look like Isa. They took him, thinking he was Prophet Isa, and crucified him.

It should be noted here there are two widespread false stories about this matter. In one, it is claimed that one of Isa's students was paid a great sum of money to lead those Jews to Isa however Allah made him look like Isa, so they though he was Isa and they crucified him. In another, it is said that the person killed in place of Isa was the leader of the Jews. Both of these stories are false.

After Prophet Isa was raised to the sky, his nation lived following his guidance, teaching, and methodology for two hundred (200) years. However, the nation of Prophet Isa did not remain steadfast to Islam. Three hundred (300) years after Prophet Isa was raised to the sky, those who were following the ones who had perverted the teachings of Prophet Isa became very numerous, and those who were truly following the Religion of Islam were few and weak. After some five hundred (500) years, none of the believing Muslims of Isa's nation were left. When Prophet Muhammad was revealed, he was the only Muslim worshipping only Allah from among the people of the earth.

PROPHET ISA'S DESCENT TO EARTH

Prophet Isa, peace be upon him, is still alive--in the second sky--worshipping Allah. He will descend to earth before the Day of Judgment and his descent will be one of the great signs of the nearing of that Day. Prophet Muhammad informed us Isa will descend to earth at a place on the eastern side of Damascus, with his hands on the wings of two angels. He will meet a group of Muslims getting ready to perform the Prayer, with the Mahdiyy as their Imam. The Mahdiyy will ask Prophet Isa to lead them in that prayer, however, Isa will ask the Mahdiyy to stand imam for them--as a sign that Prophet Isa will rule with the rules revealed to Prophet Muhammad. After this one time, Isa will lead the people in prayers because he has a higher status than the Mahdiyy.

After he descends, Prophet Isa will rule the earth with the Shariah of Prophet Muhammad, the Shariah Muslims are ordered to follow until the Judgment Day. He will break the cross, kill the pig, and abolish the jizyah (compulsory payment by the People of the Book to the Muslim state), because in the rules of Prophet Muhammad the jizyah is only applicable until the descent of Isa. He will kill the Dajjal, an ugly, evil blasphemer who claims himself as God, and who misleads many people to blaspheme. Prophet Isa will perform Hajj and travel to visit the grave of the Prophet to salute him, and to greet him by saying, "As-salamu alaykum ya rasulAllah", as narrated by Abu Dawud at-Tayalisiyy and others.

During his time, the people of Ya'juj and Ma'juj will appear and cause great destruction to the earth and devastation to the Muslims. Prophet Isa will take the believers to Mount at-Tur to supplicate Allah there to relieve them from these people. Allah will answer their dua' and destroy all the people of Ya'juj and Ma'juj. After that, Prophet Isa will rule the Muslims and there will be a time when peace, comfort, and safety will prevail. Prophet Isa will live for forty (40) years on earth after he descends. He will marry and have children. Then, he will die and be buried. Adullah Ibn Salam said, "It is written in the original Torah that Prophet Isa will be buried next to Prophet Muhammad" (in the chamber of Lady A'ishah.)

CONCLUSION

Prophet Isa was a messenger of Allah revealed to convey to the people the religion of Islam and to call them to worship Allah, their Creator. Muslims believe in his prophethood and in his truthfulness in conveying that message. Prophet Isa is alive now, living in the second heaven, worshipping Allah. He will return to earth before the Day of Judgment and will rule the Muslims with the Shariah of Prophet Muhammad. Peace be upon this respected, honored and beloved Messenger of Allah.

Praise be to Allah,and Allah knows best.

Verse 33 of Surat Maryam means:
[Peace was on me the day I was born. Peace will be on me on the day I will die and on the day I am raised alive again.]

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Signs Of Hypocrisy

On the authority of Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with them both) that the Prophet (sa) said:

"Four traits whoever possesses them is a hypocrite and whoever possesses some of them has an element of hypocrisy until he leaves it: the one who when he speaks he lies, when he promises he breaks his promise, when he disputes he transgresses and when he makes an agreement he violates it.

Muslim and Bukhari

Other wordings of this same hadith:
"The signs of the hypocrite are three: when he speaks he lies, when he promises he breaks his promise and when he is entrusted he betrays the trust." (Bukhari and Muslim)

"…even if he prays and fasts and imagines that he is a Muslim" (Muslim)

"Among the signs of the hypocrite are three…" (Muslim)
Nifaaq (hypocrisy) in the Arabic language means the general category of deception, scheming and presenting an outward appearance of good while concealing its opposite.
In the Shari’a, nifaaq is of two types:

Greater (An-Nifaaq Al-Akbar): To present an outward appearance of belief in Allah, his Angels, his books, his messengers, the last day, etc. while concealing withing that which negates all or some of that. This is the hypocrisy which the Prophet (sas) confronted during his life and the ones who Allah said in the Qur’an that they are in "

Lesser (An-Nifaaq Al-Asghar) or hypocrisy of action: To present an outward appearance of good and good deeds while concealing within that which negates that. This form of hypocrisy is built on the 5 things mentioned in the hadith at hand.

The actions in this hadith are all part of lesser hypocrisy. One who has these character traits in interaction with other people is most likely to have them with regard to Allah and his Prophet (sa). That is why the existence of them is a ‘sign’ of the existence of greater nifaaq.
Lying. Al-Hassan Al-Basri said: "Nifaaq is the difference between the inner and the appearance, between statement and action and between entering and leaving and it used to be said that the foundation of nifaaq upon which it is built is lying."
Breaking Promises. This falls into two categories:

Making a promise with no intention of keeping it. Al-Awzaa’iy said that one who says "I will do such-and-such isha Allah" without intending to do it has committed both lying and breaking a promise.

Making a promise intending to keep it and then later deciding to break it.

Transgression in Dispute. The main meaning of ‘transgression’ here is to intentionally speak other than truth making truth falsehood and vice versa. Lying ‘calls to’ this as in the hadith: "Beware of lying for lying guides to transgression and transgression leads to the fire." (Bukhari and Muslim). Also, the Prophet (sas) said: "The most hated of men to Allah is the one given to fierce and violent disputation." (Bukhari and Muslim) Also, the Prophet (sas) said about the one who takes what is not his through clever speech has only been given a piece of the fire.
Breaking Agreements. Allah said: {And fulfill your agreements for verily agreements will be asked about} Al-Israa’: 34. And: {And fulfill Allah’s agreement when you have made an agreement and don’t violate your oaths after they have been established and you have made Allah your guardian (therein)} An-Nahl: 91. Also: Aal-Imraan: 77. This applies to Muslim and non-Muslim alike. The Prophet (sas) said: "Whoever kills an individual protected by treaty without right will not even smell the scent of paradise and its scent can be found at a distance of forty years march." The most serious oath to dishonor is the oath of allegiance to the khalifa of the Muslims.
Betraying of Trusts. When a Muslim is entrusted with something, he must do his best to protect it and to render it back to its owner when the time comes. Allah said: {Verily, Allah orders you to render trusts to their rightful owners…} An-Nisaa: 58 Also: Al-Anfaal: 27.
These issues have all been connected to hypocrisy in the Qur’an:

Al-Munaafiqoon: 1-2 (Lying, breaking oaths)

At-Tauba: 73-77 (False oaths, breaking promises (to Allah), lying)

Al-Ahzaab: 72-73 (Betraying trusts)

Umar mentioned the hadith of the Prophet (sas): "The thing from which I fear for you the most is the knowledgeable hypocrite." Umar was then asked: "How can a hypocrite be knowledgeable?" To which Umar answered: "He speaks with wisdom but acts with injustice."
Ibn Umar was told: "We enter the presence of the ruler we speak to him other than what we say after we leave." Ibn Umar said: "We used to consider that hypocrisy." (Bukhari)
Ibn Abi Mulaika said: "I encountered thirty Companions of the Prophet (sa) every one of them fears hypocrisy for himself and Al-Hassan Al-Basri used to say about it: No one fears it but a believer and no one feels safe from it but a hypocrite." (Bukhari)
Another aspect of hypocrisy is to do apparently good deeds with wicked intentions. Allah said: {They set up a masjid for the purpose of harm, kufr, creating division among the Muslims and as an outpost for those making war against Allah and His Prophet before this and they will swear "We only intended good." And Allah bears witness that they are liars.} At-Tauba: 107
Also: {Do not imagine that those who are joyful with what they have done and love to be praised for that which they did not do – do not imagine them to be safe from punishment – and theirs is a painful punishment.} Aal-Imraan: 188
Consciousness will vary and this is not hypcrisy. The Prophet (sas) said to Handhala: "If you were to continue in the state which you achieved in my presence, the angels would greet you in your sittings and in the streets however, O Handhala, there are times and there are times."

Monday, December 14, 2009

50 Signs of the Day of Judgment

The Signs are listed in roughly chronological order, although the order is not necessarily precise, especially for those in the future.

This is a brief summary of the signs; there are many books, articles, cassettes etc. which discuss these in greater detail. May Allah enable us to recognise and heed the Signs, and strengthen us in the times of tribulation.

"Are they waiting for anything except the Hour, to come to them suddenly? But its Signs have already come!" (Al-Qur’an, Surah Muhammad)

Past

Splitting of the Moon.
Death of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.
A form of death which will kill thousands of Muslims. (Understood to refer to the plague of Amwas during the caliphate of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab.)
A major fighting in Madinah (understood to refer to the battle of al-Harrah during the caliphate of Yazid, 63 AH).
The Muslim conquest of Jerusalem.
The Muslim conquest of Constantinople.
Two large groups of Muslims will fight in war.
A war between the Muslims and a reddish people with small eyes, wearing sandals made of hair (understood to refer to
the Mongol Tatar invasion of the Islamic lands)
A peace agreement between the Muslims and non-Muslims from the yellow race (Chinese, Mongols, etc.)
Thirty impostors (dajjal) will appear, each thinking he is a prophet.

Present

Naked, destitute, barefoot shepherds will compete in building tall buildings.
The slave-woman will give birth to her master or mistress.
A trial (fitnah) which will enter every Arab household.
Knowledge will be taken away (by the death of people of knowledge), and ignorance will prevail.
Wine (intoxicants, alcohol) will be drunk in great quantities.
Illegal sexual intercourse will become widespread.
Earthquakes will increase.
Time will pass more quickly.
Tribulations (fitan) will prevail.
Bloodshed will increase.
A man will pass by the grave of another and wish he was in the latter’s place.
Trustworthiness will be lost, i.e. when authority is given to those who do not deserve it.
People will gather for prayer, but will be unable to find an imam to lead them.

Future

The number of men will decrease, whilst the number of women will increase, until for every man there are 50 women.
The Euphrates will reveal a treasure of gold, and many will die fighting over it, each one hoping to be the one who gains the treasure.
The Romans (Europeans) will come to a place called A’maq or Wabiq, and an army of the best people will go forth from Madinah to face them.
The Muslim conquest of Rome.
The Mahdi (guided one) will appear, and be the Imam of the Muslims.
Jesus Christ will descend in Damascus, and pray behind the Mahdi.
Jesus will break the cross and kill the swine, i.e. destroy the false christianity.
The Antichrist (al-masih al-dajjal, the false christ) will appear, with all his tools of deception, and be an immense trial. He will be followed by 70,000 Jews from Isfahan (present-day Iran).
The appearance of Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog), and the associated tribulations.
The emergence of the Beast from the Earth, carrying the Staff of Moses and the Seal of Solomon, who will speak to the people, telling them they did not believe with certainty in the Divine Signs.
A major war between the Muslims (including Jews and Christians who truly believe in Jesus after his return) led by the Imam Mahdi, and the Jews plus other non-Muslims led by the Antichrist.
Jesus will kill the Antichrist at the gate of Ludd (Lod in present-day Israel, site of an airport and a major Israeli military base).
A time of great peace and serenity during and after the remaining lifetime of Jesus.
Wealth will come so abundant that it will become difficult to find someone to accept charity.
Arabia will become a land of gardens and rivers.
Society will then decay.
The buttocks of the women of the tribe of Daws will again sway in circumambulation (tawaf) around the idol Dhul-Khulsah.
A great fire in the Hijaz, seen by the inhabitants of Busra.
Three major armies will sink into the earth: one in the east, one in the west, one in Arabia.
An Abyssinian leader with thin shins will destroy the Ka’bah.
The huge cloud of smoke.
The sun will rise from the west (its place of setting).
A gentle wind which will take the souls of the believers.
There is no-one left on the earth saying, "Allah, Allah" or "There is no god except Allah."
Eventually the Day of Judgment is established upon the worst of the people, who copulate like donkeys in public.
The blowing in the Trumpet by the Angel Israfil, upon which everyone will faint except as Allah wills.
The second blowing in the Trumpet, upon which everyone will be resurrected.

Friday, December 11, 2009

The Message " The True Story Of ISLAM "

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Language : English + Subtitle: English
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This video is the world renowned epic film about the birth of Islam in Mekah and the message of the prophet. The Message also known as "Mohammad Messenger of God", is an epic in the true sense of the word, it took six years to prepare and 1 year to film. To capture the story of Prophet Mohammad and the riotous, violent period with its idol worshipping demagoguery, producer-director Moustapha Akkad assembled an international cast and crew - Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas, Michael Ansara, Johnny Sekka, Michael Forest and more ...

Mecca, the 7th Century AD. Mohammad receives a message from the Angel Gabriel, which forms the basis of a new faith called Islam. Mohammad defies the rich and powerful rulers of Mecca and demands that the people worship the one true God, not the many idols that they do worship. Following on from previous prophets such as Abraham and Jesus, Mohammad soon attracts a following...

There are many films about the life of Jesus and the birth of Christianity, so it was inevitable that someone would attempt to make a similar film about the founding of Islam. That someone was Syrian-born Moustapha Akkad, better known as the executive producer of Halloween and its sequels. The Message (aka: Mohammad: Messenger Of God) is a large-scale, foursquare epic of the old school, taking three years to make, and with the literal cast of thousands that would nowadays be CGI extras. In accordance with the precepts of Islam, there is no visual or audible representation of Mohammad. Akkad gets round this prohibition by subjective camera, or by having Mohammad just off screen, and using a narrator to fill some gaps in the storyline. This adds a strange note of avant-gardism to what is otherwise a thoroughly old-fashioned epic. It's a device that reminds one of the otherwise entirely different Salvatore Giuliano, Francesco Rosi's film of 1962, in which the Sicilian gangster of the title is never seen except as a corpse at the beginning.

The Message is the type of film that isn't made any more, and remains watchable throughout its three-hour running time, with plenty of spectacle (not to mention a couple of battles) holding the interest. It was shot simultaneously in two versions, English and Arabic languages. Both versions are available in this two-disc DVD set. The second-unit work is the same, but the principal cast is different (Abdallah Gheith, Mona Wassef). As I don't speak Arabic and there are no subtitles provided on either version, my review comments are restricted to the English version.

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Over 500 Islamic & Ramadan HQ Wallpapers

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My Tought Of The Day - Hadith

THE EXCELLENCE OF ADHAN

Sa’d bin Abu Waqqas(Razi allahu) reported:

The Prophet(peace be upon him) said,
”He who says after the Adhan:

‘Ash-hadu anla ilaha illallah Wah-dahu la sharika Lahu; wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa Rasuluhu, radhitu Billahi Rabban,wa bil Muhammadin Rasulan, wa bil Islami Dinan’

[I testify that there is no God except Allah Alone; He has no partners and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His slave and Messenger; I am content with Allah as my Rubb, with Muhammad as my Messenger and with Islam as my Deen],

his sins will be forgiven” [Muslim].

My Poem's

"THE WAY I AM DRESSED"

You look at me and call me oppressed,
Simply because of the way I'm dressed,
You know me not for what's inside,
You judge the clothing I wear with pride,
My body's not for your eyes to hold,You must speak to my mind, not my feminine mold,

I'm an individual,
I'm no mans slave,
It's Allah's pleasure that I only crave,
I have a voice so I will be heard,
For in my heart I carry His word,

"O ye women, wrap close your cloak,
So you won't be bothered by ignorant folk",
Man doesn't tell me to dress this way,
It's a Law from God that I obey,

Oppressed is something I'm truly NOT,
For liberation is what I've got,
It was given to me many years ago,
With the right to prosper, the right to grow,

I can climb mountains or cross the seas,
Expand my mind in all degrees,
For God Himself gave us LIB-ER-TY,
When He sent Islam, To You and Me!

Rewards Of Reading Qu'ran

1. Surah Al-Fatihah
By reading it 3 times, it is equivalent to the reward of reading 2 qurans.
2. Aayatul Qursi
By reading it 4 times, it is equivalent to the reward of reading 1 quran.
3. Surah Al-Qadr (inna anzalnaah)
By reading it 4 times, it is equilent to the reward of reading 1 quran.
4. Surah Al-Zilzal (izaa Zulzilathil)
By reading it 2 times it is equivalent to the reward of reading 1 quran.
5. Surah Al-Aadeeyat (Al-aadeeyathi Dubha)
By reading it 2 times, it is equivalent to the reward of reading 1 quran.
6. Surah Al-Thakaathur
By reading it once, it is equivalent to the reward of reading 1000 aayaths.
7. Surah Al-Nasr (itha jaa)
By reading it 4 times, it is equivalent to the reward of reading 2 quran.
8. Surah Al-Kaafiroon
By reading it 4 times, it is equivalent to the reward of reading 1 quran.
9. Surah Al Ikhlas (Qul huwallahu ahad)
By reading it 3 times, it is equivalent to the reward of reading 1 quran.
10. Surah Yasin
Prophet Muhammed(SAW) said: the person who reads it every night will be pardoned, will die as a shaheed. Prophet Muhammed(SAW) said: All thing have a heart, the heart of the Quran is surah Yasin. The person who reads surah Yasin(once), Allah will record for its reader a thawab(reward) the Quran10 times. Whoever reads the surah Yasin in the holy month of Ramadhan will receive the reward of reading 10 Qurans.
11. Surah Sajdhah
Read surathus-sajdhah everynight, Jaabir says that Prophet Muhammed(SAW) would not sleep until he would read Surathus-Sajdhah. Prophet Muhammed(SAW) said: The persons who reads surah sajdhah and surah mulk between Magrib and Isha, the reward for reading those surahs will be as though the reader had stood awake during the night of laylatul-Qadr.
12.Surah-Alwaaqiah
Prophet Muhammed(SAW) said: The one who reads Surah-Al-Waaqiah every night, poverty will not befall him. Prophet Muhammed(SAW) said: Surah waaqiah is Surathuk Ghinaa(the surah of wealth).
13. Surathul Mulk
Prophet Muhammed(SAW) said: A surah from the Quran consisting of thirty aayats interceded for a person until he was pardoned(by Allah), and that was Thabarakallathee Biyadhil Mulk(Surah Mulk). Abu Huraira narrates that suratul mulk will continue interceding on behalf of its reader, until the reader is pardoned by Allah. Prophet Muhammed(SAW) said: The Surah Al-Mulk is the great protector and deliverer, it protects and frees one from the Azzabul-Qadr(the punishment of the grave.

Thoughts of Allah At All Times

1. When You Meet a Muslim Assalamu Alaikum (Peace Be Upon You)
2. When a Muslim Greets You (a Muslim) First Walaikum Assalam (and Peace Be Upon You)
3. When Starting To Do Something Bismillah (In the Name of Allah)
4. When Intending To Do Something Insha-Allah (If Allah Wills)
5. When Taking An Oath Wallah Billah (Swearing to Allah)
6. When Something Is Being Praised Subhana-Allah (Glory Be To Allah)
7. When In Pain and Distress Ya-Allah (O' Allah)
8. When Expressing Appreciation Masha-Allah (That Which Allah Wills)
9. When Thanking Someone Jazak Allah Khair (May Allah Reward)
10. When Awakening From Sleep La-Ilaha-Ill Allah (There is None Worthy of Worship Except Allah Alone)
11. When Sneezing Alhamdu-Lillah (All Praise Be To Allah)
12. When Someone Else Sneezes Yar-Hamuk-Allah (May Allah Bestow His Mercy On You)
13. When Repenting Of A Sin Astagh-Ferrullah (May Allah Forgive)
14. When Giving To Charity Fi-Sabi-Lillah
15. When Having Love For Someone Lihub-Billah
16. When Getting Married Aman-To-Billah
17. When A Problem Appears Tawak-Kalto Al-Allah (I Trust In Allah)
18. When Unpleasantness Occurs Audhu-Billah (I Seek Refuge With Allah)
19. When Pleasantness Appears Fata-Barak-Allah
20. When Participating In Prayer Ameen (May Allah Answer)
21. When Parting From Someone Fi-Aman-Allah (May Allah Protect)
22. When Death Message Is Received Inna-Lillahi-Wa-Inna-Ilaihi Rajiun (To Allah We Belong And To Him We Shall Return)

My 10 Angels And Their Responsibilities

1. Jibril/Jibra'il جبرائيل/جبريل Angel responsible for revealing the Qur'an to Muhammad, verse by verse. Jibra'il is known as the angel who communicates with (all of) the Prophets that Muslims accept.
2. Mikail ميكائيل Angel of mercy who is responsible of bringing rain and thunder to Earth. He is also responsible for the rewards doled out to good persons in this life.
3. Israfil إسرافيل is the Angel responsible for signalling the coming of Judgment Day by blowing a horn and sending out a Blast of Truth.
4. Izrail عزرائيل the Angel of Death who along with his helpers is responsible for parting the Soul of the human from the Body. The actual process of separating the Soul from the Body depends on the person's history or record of Good or Bad deeds.
5. Mungkar/Munkar منكر is the Angel who interrogate a person in the grave about his Good and Bad deeds.
6. Nakir نكير is the Angel who interrogate a person in the grave about his Good and Bad deeds.
7. Ridhwan رضوان Gate keeper of Heaven, responsible for Heaven and welcomes the Heaven members.
8. Malik مالك Gate keeper of Hell, responsible for Hell and welcomes the Hell members.
9. Raqib رقيب is the Angel who records the Good deeds of a person.
10. Atid عتيد is the Angel who records the Bad deeds of a person.

My 5 Important Islamic Norms

1. Self Interest vs Selfsacrifice :
While the present economic order, right from a small level player to Trans National Companies, is self-centered, Islam advocates the concept of selfsacrifice. It accepts that secret of progress lies in self-sacrifice, and in holding the nation's benefit above personal benefits. Every Muslim should expend all his effort and energy for the society he belongs to. Such efforts of his would be rewarded by Allah not only in this world but hereafter also. 'Should I die, let my community live, for I have an everlasting life in my community’.

2. Extravagance vs Frugality :
The present economic world order generates profit as well as consumer in a cyclic manner. It has produced a society, which believes and practices a wasteful or extravagant life-style and considers it their right to "use" because they "have" it. This is in total contrast to Qur’anic model of modesty, simplicity and frugality.
The All-Compassionate Creator desires Thanks in return for the bounties He bestows on mankind, while wastefulness is contrary to thanks, and slights the bounty and causes loss. Frugality, however, shows respect for the bounty and is profitable. Yes, frugality is both a sort of thanks, and shows respect towards the Divine mercy manifested in the bounties, and most definitely is the cause of plenty.

3. Greed vs Contentment :
"Excess and wastefulness lead to greed, and greed has three consequences:" The First is dissatisfaction. As for dissatisfaction, it destroys endeavor and enthusiasm for work, and causes the dissatisfied person to complain instead of giving thanks, and makes him lazy. Such a person abandons possessions which though few in number are licit and seeks possessions which are illicit and free of trouble. And he sacrifices his self-respect on that way, and even his honor. The Second Consequence of Greed is disappointment and loss. The greedy person drives away what he wishes for, is found disagreeable, and is deprived of assistance and help. He even confirms the saying: 'The greedy person is unsuccessful and suffers loss.' The Third Consequence: Greed destroys sincerity and damages actions in regard to the Hereafter. For if a God-fearing person suffers from greed, he will desire the regard of others. And someone who considers the regard of others cannot have complete sincerity. This consequence is extremely important and worth noticing.
Excess and wastefulness leads to lack of contentment. And lack of contentment destroys enthusiasm for work; it causes laziness, opens the door to complaining about life, and makes the dissatisfied person complain continuously.

4. Generalizing a Crime vs Personality in Criminal Law :
The “fundamental norm” in Islam that is explained the Qur'anic verse: ‘No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another’ which he used in its meaning of “No one is answerable for another’s faults or errors’. One of the most basic principles of “some human politics”, was “Individuals may be sacrificed for the good of the nation and society. Everything may be sacrificed for the sake of the country.” This “fundamental human law” had resulted in appalling crimes throughout history, including the two World Wars this century, which had “overturned a thousand years of human progress”, and had given the license for the annihilation of ninety innocents on account of ten criminals. Whereas the verse taught the principle that no one was responsible for another’s crimes. And no innocent person could be sacrificed without his consent, even for the whole of humanity. It establishes true justice for mankind.
We must not forget what the Qur’an states: "Namely, that no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another" (6: 164). There is a universal rule of law: No one can be punished without evidence. Another important rule: Freedom from guilt is principal, i.e. everybody is innocent unless the opposite is proved. The Prophet is reported to have said, "A believer remains within the scope of his religion as long as he doesn't kill another person illegally."

5. Peace and Forgiveness :
In first step, Islam treats of peace in the eschatological sense, as the ultimate goal of human life, almost synonymous with salvation. A second way in which the Islam looks at peace might be called the psychological sense, as tranquility and peace of mind, an inner confidence born of faith that enables the religious believer to face adversity without anxiety or despair. Particularly when one is facing the approach of death, the believer can attain a peace of mind, which will enable the person to overcome spiritual turmoil and fear. A third aspect of peace is universal peace. It reflects the widespread conviction of the time that humankind can sink no lower in criminality towards its own kind and expresses the hope for a time of peace and prosperity for all mankind. According to Sayings for our Prophet, the virtues of civilization will prevail, the face of the earth cleaned of filth, and universal peace be secured.
Islam commands that “one believer should not be vexed with another believer for more than three days,” and that so long as there is no reconciliation, both sides perpetually suffer the torments of fear and revenge.” Islam advices us like that: ‘Look at the defect in your own soul that you do not see or do not wish to see. Deduct a share for that. As for the small share which then remains, if you respond with forgiveness, pardon, and magnanimity, in such a way as to conquer your enemy swiftly and safely, then you will have escaped all sin and harm.’ Thus, self-awareness should lead to repentance, repentance to forgiveness, forgiveness to reconciliation and the seeds for a lasting peace are laid.

25 Ways to Deal with Stress and Anxiety

Stress is life. Stress is anything that causes mental, physical, or spiritual tension. There is no running away from it. All that matters is how you deal with it.

1-Ask Him. He Listens: Dua
Turn each anxiety, each fear and each concern into a Dua (supplication). Look at it as another reason to submit to God and be in Sajdah (prostration), during which you are closest to Allah. God listens and already knows what is in your heart, but He wants you to ask Him for what you want.
Prophet said: Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything
"Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loveth not those who trespass beyond bounds. Do not make mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing (in your hearts): for the mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good" (Quran 7:55-56).

2-Tie your Camel: Do your Part
Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, "Why don't you tie down your camel?" The Bedouin answered, "I put my trust in Allah." The Prophet then said, "Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah"

3-Remember that human responsibility is limited
While we need to carry out our duty to the best of our abilities, always remember that you don't control the outcome of events. Even the Prophets did not control the outcome of their efforts. Regardless of the results of your efforts, you will be rewarded for the part you have played.

4-Leave the world behind you five times a day
Use the five daily prayers as a means to become more Hereafter-oriented and less attached to this temporary world. Start distancing yourself as soon as you hear Adhan, the call to prayer.
When you perform Wudu, keep repeating Shahada, the declaration of faith, as water drops slip down your face, hands, arms, and hair.
When you stand ready to pray, mentally prepare yourself to leave this world and all of its worries and stresses behind you.
Of course, Shaytan will try to distract you during prayer. But whenever this happens, go back and remember Allah. The more you return, the more Allah will reward you for it.

5-Seek help through Sabr
Sabr is often translated as patience but it is not just that. It includes self-control, perseverance, endurance, and a focussed struggle to achieve one’s goal.Unlike patience, which implies resignation, the concept of Sabr includes a duty to remain steadfast to achieve your goals despite all odds.
Being patient gives us control in situations where we feel we have little or no control. ‘We cannot control what happens to us but we can control our reaction to our circumstances’

6-Excuse Me! You are Not Running the World, He is.
It is important to remind ourselves that we don’t control all the variables in the world. God does. He is the Wise, the All-Knowing. Sometimes our limited human faculties are not able to comprehend
His wisdom behind what happens to us and to others, but knowing that He is in control and that as human beings we submit to His Will, enriches our humanity and enhances our obedience towards him.
Familiarize yourself with God's 99 Names, which are also known as His Attributes. It is a powerful way of knowing Him.
Prophet recommended reading this verse, known as Ayat al kursi, after each prayer

7-Birds Don’t Carry their Food
Allah is al Razzaq (the Provider). "How many are the creatures that carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah Who feeds them and you, for He hears and knows all things (Quran 29:60)
As Allah says in the Quran: "And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if anyone puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish His purpose. Verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion (Quran 65:3).

8-God controls Life and Death
If you fear for your physical safety and security, remember that only Allah gives life and takes it back and, that He has appointed the time for it. No one can harm you except if Allah wills. As He says in the Quran: "Wherever you are, death will find you out, even if you are in towers built up strong and high!" (Quran 4:78).

9-Remember that life is short
It's easy to get caught up in our own stress and anxiety. However, if we remember that our life is short and temporary, and that the everlasting life is in the Hereafter this will put our worries in perspective. More importantly, if we handle these tests with patience, Allah will reward us for it.

10-Do Zikr, Allah, Allah!
"… without doubt in the remembrance (Zikr) of Allah do hearts find tranquility" (Quran 13:28).
If you commute, use your time in Zikr. Pick any Tasbeeh and do that instead of listening to the radio or reading the newspaper. Maybe you can divide it up between Zikr and planning.
When your heart feels heavy with stress or grief, remember Allah and surround yourself with His Zikr.
Zikr refers to all forms of the remembrance of Allah, including Salat, Tasbeeh, Tahmeed, Tahleel, making supplication (Dua), and reading Quran.
"And your Lord says: ‘Call on Me; I will answer your (prayer)…" (Quran 40:60)
"Remember Me, and I shall remember you; be grateful to Me, and deny Me not" (Quran 2:152).
11-Relying on Allah: Tawakkul
When you awaken in the morning, thank Allah for giving you life after that short death called sleep. When you step out of your home, say 'in Your Name Allah, I put my trust in Allah, and there is no power or force except with Allah' (Bismillahi Tawakal to al Allah wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah). At night, remember Allah, with His praises on your lips. "When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah" (Quran 3: 159).

12-Connect with other human beings
You are not alone. Muslims are not alone. We are not suffering in silence. There are millions of good people who are not Muslim with beautiful hearts and minds.
We must think of them, talk to them, connect with them, and pray for them. Through our connections, we will break the chain of isolation that leads to depression and anxiety.

13-Compare your dining table with that of those who don't have as much as you do
The Prophet said: Whenever you see someone better than you in wealth, face or figure, you should look at someone who is inferior to you in these respects (so that you may thank Allah for His blessings)
Next time you sit down to eat, eye the table carefully. Check out the selection of food, the quality, the taste, the quantity, and then think of the millions of others who don't have even half as much.
Also remember that the Prophet only encouraged us to compare ourselves to others in two respects: in our Islamic knowledge and level of belief in God (Deen). In these two areas, we should compare ourselves with those who have more than what we do.

14-Say it Loud: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar: Takbirat & Adhan
Find a corner of a lake, go out in the wilderness, or even stand on your lawn at your home and call the Adhan with your heart. While driving, instead of listening to the same news over and over again, say Allahu Akbar as loudly as you can or as softly as you want, based on your mood.

15-Pray in congregation (Jamat)
Pray with other people instead of alone. If you can't pray all five prayers in congregation, at least find one or two prayers you can pray with others.

16-How is your Imam's Dua?
loud or silent..ask him to pray for others

17-Work for the Unity of Muslims
Bringing Muslims together will not only help the Muslims, but it will also encourage you to focus your energies on something constructive versus zeroing in on and consistently fretting about difficulties you are going through.

18-Sleep the way the Prophet slept
End your day on a positive note. Make Wudu, then think of your day. Thank Allah for all the good things you accomplished, like Zikr and Salat. Ask yourself what you did today to bring humanity together and what you did to help Muslims become servants of humanity.
For everything positive, say Alhamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah). For everything negative say Astaghfirullah wa atoobo ilayk (I seek Allah's forgiveness and I turn to You [Allah]).
Recite the last two chapters of the Quran, thinking and praying as you turn on your right side with your hand below your right cheek, the way the Prophet used to sleep. Then close your day with the name of Allah on your tongue. Insha Allah, you will have a good, restful night.

19-Begin the Day on a Positive Note
Get up early. Get up thanking God that He has given you another day. Alhamdu lillahil lazi ahyana bada ma amatana, wa ilaihin Nushoor (Praise be to Allah Who gave us life after death and unto Him will be the return).
Begin with the name of Allah, with Whose name nothing in the heavens or the earth can hurt you. He is the Highest and the Greatest. (Bismillahillazi la yazurru maa ismihi shaiun fil arze wa la fis samae, wahuwal Alee ul Azeem). The Prophet used to say this after every Fajr and Maghrib prayers.

20-Avoid Media Overexposure: Switch from News to Books
Don't spend too much time checking out the news on the radio, television or internet. Spend more time reading good books and journals. It's important to know what's going on but not to an extent that it ruins your day or your mood.

21-Pray for Others to Heal Yourself.
Praying for others connects you with them and helps you understand their suffering. ....either muslims or non-muslims

22-Make the Quran your Partner
Reading and listening to the Quran will help refresh our hearts and our minds. Recite it out loud or in a low voice. Listen to it in the car. When you are praying Nafl or extra prayers. Connecting to the Quran means connecting to God. Let it be a means to heal your heart of stress and worries.
"O humanity! There has come to you a direction from your Lord and a cure for all [the ills] in men’s hearts - and for those who believe, a Guidance and a Mercy" (Quran 10:57).

23-Be thankful to Allah
"If you are grateful, I will give you more" (Quran 14:7).
Counting our blessings helps us not only be grateful for what we have, but it also reminds us that we are so much better off than millions of others whether that is in terms of our health, family, financial situation, or other aspects of our life.
And being grateful for all we have helps us maintain a positive attitude in the face of worries and challenges we are facing almost daily.

24-Ideals: One step at a time
Ideals are wonderful things to pursue. But do that gradually. Think, prioritize, plan, and move forward. One step at a time.

25-Efforts not Results Count in the Eyes of Allah
Our success depends on our sincere efforts to the best of our abilities. It is the mercy of Allah that He does not demand results, Alhamdu lillah.
He is happy if He finds us making our best sincere effort. Thank you Allah!

Sweet Muslimah

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Thursday, February 17, 2011

IBLIS - ANGEL OR JINN?

A CLOSER LOOK AT CHRISTIANITY

PROPHET ISA PBUH

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Signs Of Hypocrisy

Monday, December 14, 2009

50 Signs of the Day of Judgment

Friday, December 11, 2009

The Message " The True Story Of ISLAM "

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