Teaching children good manners

Just as a child should be taught ritual acts of worship, he should
also be taught good habits and etiquettes until they become second
nature to him.
The Prophet said: "The believers who have the most perfect faith are
those who have the best manners." [Abu Daawood]
Good manners are an acquired trait that must be adopted from a young
age. Of such manners arethe following:
Being respectful and dutiful to parents:
The first person from whom a child learns good manners is the father.
If a child is raised in a good Islamic home, then it would be natural
for him to treathis parents respectfully.
Allaah Says (what means): "And your Lord has decreed that you worship
none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them
or both of them reach old age in your life, never say 'uff' (an
expression of displeasure), nor shout at them but address them in
terms of honour. And humble yourself to them out of mercy and say, 'My
Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercyas they did bring me up when I was
small.'" [Quran, 17:23,24]
Maintaining good relations with relatives:
Sound cultivation also stipulates teaching children to maintain good
relations with their relatives.
Allaah Says (what means): ''Worship Allaah and associate none with Him
in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the needy, the
neighborwho is near of kin, the neighbor who is a stranger, the
companionby your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves)
whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allaah does not like such as
are proud and boastful. " [Quran, 4:36]
The fulfillment of this Divine command can be accomplished only by
sound cultivation which makes them grow attached to their relatives
out of obedience to Allaah.
Since relatives are an extension ofthe family, then strengthening ties
with them strengthens the whole family and it is like strengthening
the whole community and this reflects an Islamic community that enjoys
a cohesive structure. The Prophet said: "The example of the believers
in their reciprocal love and mercy is like a human body, when one of
its organs suffers, the rest of the body remains awake and suffers
fever." [Muslim]
Inculcating brotherly love:
Brotherly love and believers' solidarity must be embedded in
children's minds and that the believers are brothers-in-faith. For
example to follow the pious predecessors, the Muhajireen andthe Ansaar
whose brotherly love and altruism Allaah commands in His Book.
Giving a friendly gesture or a happy greeting to Muslim brothers
generates friendliness intheir hearts and, strengthens the love among
the believers. This indeed is a fine trait, which is instructed by
Allaah, the Exalted. He describes the believers by saying (what
means): "Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah, and those who are with
him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves…"
[Quran, 48:29]
Allaah also addressed His Messenger saying (what means): "Had you been
severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you…"
[Quran, 3:159]
Guarding the tongue:
Giving a good word is a type of remembrance of Allaah, telling the
truth, guarding one's own tongue against slandering other Muslims are
good deeds. The bestMuslim, according to the Prophet is the one from
whose tongue the Muslims feel safe.
Parents should make their children aware of the gravity of abusing
others with their tongueand of the fact that the tongue is a
double-sided and dangerous weapon. Therefore, they should be warned in
particular against abusing it.
· Warning children against backbiting and slandering:
Children should be taught that backbiting is speaking slanderously
about an absent person. The Prophet said: "Doyou know what back biting
is?" They (companions) said: "Allaah and His Messenger know best." He
said: "It is to attribute to your brother what he dislikes." He was
asked: "What do you think if what I say about my brother is true?" He
said: "If what you attribute to him is true,then you have backbitten
him, and if it is not true, then you havelied about him." [Muslim]
While talebearing is to circulate slanderous rumors between two
persons to damage or sever the ties between them. The Prophet said:
"Talebearer will not be admitted to Paradise." [Muslim]
Deriding people in their presence by making negative facial
expressions or by hand gestures while they are unaware is also
forbidden in Islam.
· Warning children against lying:
Children must be taught to tell the truth and to keep away from lying,
which is the most horrible habit. The Prophet said: "There are four
traits whoever possesses them is a sheer hypocrite, and he who
possesses one of them, possesses a trait of hypocrisy unless he quits
it. They are: when he speaks, he lies; and when he enters into an
agreement, he acts unfaithfully; when he promises, he breaches his
promise; and when he litigates, he behaves treacherously. While the
liar receives the anger of Allaah on the Day of Resurrection."
[Al-Bukhaari]
Parents should not take this evil habit lightly, or consider it funny
when their children tell lies because later on, it becomes easyfor
them to lie without any compunction.
· Abusing others:
Among the worst of manners is reviling people and swearing at them. If
this bad habit is not redressed while the child is growing up, it
becomes hard for him to avoid it later on.
Islam enjoins guarding the tongues. The Prophet said: "He who
guarantees, what is in between his jaws (tongue), and what is in
between his thighs (private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him."
[Al-Bukhaari]
This means guarding one's own tongue against uttering anythingthat
displeases Allaah, and guarding one's own private partsagainst
committing illicit acts or fornication.

Smile to Make Your Children Happy

Lines from the diary of a child speaking about his happy childhood,
"My father was always cheerful and his smile never left his face, even
in the most difficult situations. This smile meant a great deal to us
as it revealed how much our father loves us. This smile used to force
us to behave properly and avoid mistakes so as not to anger our father
and miss his smile even fora second.
My father's smile was the source of our psychological balance. It
provided us with warmth, confidence, frankness and courage in the face
of hardships. May Allaah reward him with the best."
Protagonists of the frowning approach:
Some parents and educators adopt the frowning method in dealing with
their children. Hence, they avoid speaking with them cordially or
smiling at them. They believe that there should be strict limits
between parents and their children so thatthey can succeed in their
upbringing.
They think that smiling and cheerfulness with children will spoil
them, while frowning and sullenness represent the discipline and
resolve that are necessary for any successful upbringing.
Unfortunately, we are sorry to tell such people that this is the
approach of the weak, who have not mastered the art ofentering into
the hearts, even thehearts of the closest people to them: their
children!
People with great souls are the only ones who can always be cheerful
with their children, while they control the process of upbringing in
such a way that ensures their children are close enough to learn from
them and obey their orders within a warm family environment.
The wise educator can direct his child through his smile and look,
embrace him compassionately, and treat his mistakes with patience.
This little smile may be of great importance and influence on the
child, especially that he receives itfrom his source of protection
androle model.
Cheerfulness is from the guidanceof the Prophet :
The guidance of the Prophet regarding cheerfulness, is amazing. He was
always cheerful and used to smile at his Companions. Jareer bin
'Abdullaah Al-Bajali said, "Whenever the Prophet saw me after I had
embraced Islam, he would receive me with a smile." [Al-Bukhaari]
This was not confined to Jareer as 'Abdullaah bin Al-Haarith said, "I
have never seen anyone who smiles more than the Prophet ."
[Al-Albaani: Saheeh]
Umm Ad-Dardaa' said, "Abu Ad-Dardaa' used to smile whenever he spoke.
So I told him to stop doing this for fear that people may think that
he was simple minded. However, Abu Ad-Dardaa' said, 'I have never seen
or heard the Prophet speaking without smiling.'" Hence, he used to
smile whenever he spoke in imitation of the Prophet .
The Prophet was very, caring, thoughtful and compassionate towards
children. It was never reported that he frowned at any child
throughout his life; rather, whenever he met them, he would smile at
them even if he was accompanied by his honorable Companions.
In a Hadeeth (narration) on the authority of Jaabir he said,"We were
with the Prophet when we were invited to have food. On our way, we saw
Al-Husayn playing with the boys in the street. The Prophet hurried and
opened his arms. Al-Husayn started running here and there while the
Prophet was laughing with him. The Prophet took him and put one of his
hands on his chin and the other between his head and ears, then, he
embraced and kissed him and said: 'Husayn belongs to me and I belong
to him, may Allaah The Almighty love whoever loves him. Al-Hasan and
Al-Husayn are two of the noblest of men.'" [At-Tabaraani] [Al-Albaani:
Hasan]
The Prophet also taught us that a smile may sustain others, especially
those who are under our care. The Prophet said: "You cannot please all
people with your money, but you could do this through your
cheerfulness and good morals." [Muslim]
Is there any of us who does not need to please his children through
his cheerfulness and good morals? Is there anyone who does not need to
do so today, when he sees that the educator's mission has become one
of the most difficult on earth? The protection of children against
immorality and other social problems have become issues that require a
great deal ofsupplication and great balance in the personality of the
educator, to be able to sustain his children and establish a
successful relationship with them. This relationship serves as gravity
thatalways attracts them to their good origins and strengthens them in
the face of the wild storms of immorality that blow from all
directions.
This is the default principle in dealing with one's children:
Smiling at our children is the default principle as we learned from
the Prophet while frowning should be an educational punishment that
should be used wisely and only when necessary. Certainly, cheerfulness
strengthens the relationship between the educator and the child, while
frowning causes the child to dislike his parent and weakens their
mutual love.
'Umar bin Al-Khattaab said, "One should be like a young boy among his
family, but when he is needed as a man, he should be so." The meaning
is that cheerfulness and good morals as well as joking with one's
family and children is the best way to lead them, provided that this
does not affect the parent's respect.
You may even use what is called (the angry smile) when you punish or
blame your child as a form of silent-yet-effective punishment. The
Prophet taught us how to use the smile even when we are angry. Ka'b
binMaalik narrated his story when he did not participate in the Battle
of Tabook without a valid excuse. He said, "When news reached me that
the Messenger of Allaah was on his way back from Tabook, I was greatly
distressed… I greeted him, he smiled, and there was a tinge of anger
in that. He then said to me: 'Come forward' . I went forward and I sat
in front of him. He said to me: `What kept you back?'" [Al-Bukhaari
andMuslim] Therefore, smile, dear educator!
Cheerfulness and smiling is important to have a calm child:
A sense of humor helps children get rid of the feelings of anger and
embarrassment. It also spreads happiness in the house and warmth in
the heart in addition to providing children with a feeling of safety
that they would miss if their educator was one of those who adhere to
the frowning method.
Good growth:
German psychiatrists' studies proved that laughter from the bottom of
the heart has a deep influence on the child's growth during his early
years. Based on the results of these studies, psychiatrists confirmed
that laughter is as important as food and that the child who laughs
much grows well.
Educational excellence:
Psychiatrists always stress the positive influence of a smile on the
educational process. They saythat fun creates a psychological
environment full of happiness and satisfaction, and this releasesthe
mental abilities to learn easily. That is because joyfulness prepares
the mental abilities to expand and grow contrary to the environment of
sadness and pessimism that gives a despondent impression about life.
Smiling attaches the child to his parents:
If your smile springs from your heart and expresses true love for and
admiration of your child, then it will have a good psychological
impact on the childand provide him with happy memories and strong love
for his parents, particularly if they use eye contact to convey their
true love and appreciation to him.
Dear readers and educators, this shows us that the more a parent is
cheerful, the stronger his relationship with his children willbe, and
vice versa. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Andif you had been
rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from
about you.} [Quran 3:159]
Do not forget to smile at your child when he enters upon you… when you
leave the house…when he leaves the house…when you receive him upon
returning from school…when you enter upon him returning from work…do
notforget to smile when you wake him up and let him see your smile
before anything else.
When you put him to bed, do notforget to smile at him to have thebest
dreams ever. Smile when you ask him about his faults so he can feel
safe and tell you the truth. Finally, smile to immunize your children
against feelings of fear and sadness and to turn yourrelationship with
them into an uninterrupted and wonderful series of successful
communication. In such a case, they will respond to your directions
and long to meet you. They will never think of doing anything that
angers you, because they do not want to loseyour sweet smile for any
reason.

Responsibilities of parents

Parents' responsibilities for the care and upbringing of their
children are mentioned in severalverses of the Quran, as well as in
the Hadeeth.
Allaah Almighty Says (what means ( : "O you who have believed, protect
yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and
stones… " [Quran 66:6]
How do we ward off that fire from our families? We need to show to
them the right way and to teach them the difference between right and
wrong. An excellent example of this is foundin the words of Luqmaan to
his son, related in the Quran, where he admonishes him:
1. Not to ascribe divine powers toanything other than Allaah.
2. To be good and kind to parents.
3. To obey parents unless they command what is wrong.
4. To understand that all our deeds, however minor, are recorded and
will be brought to light.
5. To be constant in prayer.
6. To enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.
7. To bear what befalls him with patience.
8. To avoid pride, arrogance and boastfulness.
9. To be modest in manner and speech.
This is a model example of parental responsibility and advice. Luqmaan
guides his own son on the path to paradise with simple but memorable
words.
Children are a trust given to the parents. Parents will be held
accountable for this trust on the Day of Judgment. Parents are
essentially responsible for the moral, ethical and the basic and
essential religious teachings of their children.
If parents fulfill this responsibility, they will be free of the
consequences on the Day of Judgment. The children will become better
citizens and a pleasure to the eyes of their parents, first in this
life, and in the Hereafter.
Allaah, Almighty Says (what means): "And those who believedand whose
descendants followedthem in faith – We will join with them their
descendants, and We will not deprive them of anythingof their deeds.
Every person, for what he earned, is retained... " [Quran 52:21]
This parental responsibility belongs not only to the father. The
Prophet is reported to have said: "Take care! Each of you is a
shepherd and each of you shall be asked concerning his flock; a leader
is a shepherd of hispeople, and he shall be asked concerning his
flock; and a man isa shepherd of the people of his house, and he shall
be asked concerning his flock; and a woman is a shepherd of the house
of her husband and over their children, and she shall be asked
concerning them." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Indeed the mother's role may be even greater: while the children are
young they are very close to her and dependent upon her, andthey spend
more time with her than with anyone else. There is an Arabic saying:
"The mother is the first school" . She may be a good school, an
indifferent or even a bad school. She may even be unaware that she is
serving asa role model in her behavior, and her attitudes. Every
mother should be conscious of her role and do her best to make it
beneficial for the development of her children as they set out on the
journey of life.
Parental care and guidance are fundamental to child upbringing. Some
parents nowadays become so preoccupied with their jobs or with making
money or with theirsocial lives that children are oftenneglected. They
may be ignored or left for hours with the television or computer or
they may be sent to day-care centers at a very early age to be cared
for in groups by other people.
The parents' right to respect from their children is dependent upon
the children's right to loving care and guidance of their parents.
It is related that a man once came to 'Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, the
second Khaleefah (Caliph) of Islam complaining of his sons'
disobedience to him. 'Umar summoned the boy and spoke of his
disobedience to his father andhis neglect of his rights. The boy
replied: "O Ameer al-Mu'mineen (Prince of believers)! Hasn't a child
rights over his father?"
"Certainly", replied 'Umar.
"What are they, Ameer al-Mu'mineen?"
"That he should choose his mother, give him a good name and teach him
the Book (the Quran)."
"O Ameer al-Mu'mineen! My fatherdid nothing of this. My mother was a
Magian (fire worshipper). He gave me the name of Julalaan (meaning
dung beetle or scarab) and he did not teach me a single letter of the
Quran."
Turning to the father, 'Umar said: "You have come to me to complain
about the disobedienceof your son. You have failed in your duty to him
before he has failed in his duty to you; you havedone wrong to him
before he haswronged you."
Education and bringing up in Islam
Allaah Almighty Says (what means): "This day I have perfected for you
your religion and completed My favor upon youand have approved for you
Islam as religion... " [Quran 5: 3]
Education is the process by whichchildren are nurtured as they grow up
to develop the Islamic worldview and the Islamic virtues.
Education means to look after, tonurture, to nourish, to help growand
flourish. It implies certain sensitivity towards the child under your
care, his emotional and physical needs and capacities. It implies the
ability toinspire confidence. It implies the courage to allow and
promote creativity and innovation. It implies the ability to trust and
not to stifle, to be firm when needed and even to impose sanctions
when necessary.
The starting point for education is the example of parents. Small
children take their parents as models. If parents are lazy and
careless, the children will also take laziness and carelessness as
normal. If they tell lies, children will regard lying as normal and
acceptable. The same applies to smoking, drinking, rude manners,
swearing and all other bad habits. There is no way parents can
motivate their children to practice the Islamic virtues if they
themselves do not respect the values and try to practice them also. As
children grow up, they will only perceive the inconsistency or even
hypocrisy in their parents' approach.
It is important not to crush a child's spirit and joy about life by
terrorizing him/her, whether physically or psychologically. Children
must play. It is the way they learn, and is not in itself something
bad. Parents should give the child opportunities to play and to
experience the excitement of exploration, of learning and of growing
up.
At the same time, parents shouldteach children Islamic manners and
etiquette in accordance with the beautiful example of the Prophet .
Such habits include truthfulness and honesty, gentleness, politeness,
consideration for others, helpfulness, cleanliness and tidiness.
They also include:
1. Time management and doing things at the right time.
2. Physical exercise for fitness.
3. Mental exercise and developingan appetite for knowledge,
understanding and skills.
4. Learning to read and recite the Quran from an early age when the
child's memory finds it easy.
5. Development of regular performance of Prayer between the ages of 7 and 10.
6. Taking on responsibilities in the family.
7. Taking on responsibilities in the wider community as children grow up.
Above all, correct education should ensure that children develop a
love for Islam, a love for Allaah and His Prophet and that they
develop a feeling ofpride in being Muslim and willingness to strive
for the good of others. They need to realize the benefits of Islam,
the foundations on which it is based and their need for Islam. They
need to value Islam and live by Islamic values.
It is the responsibility of the parents to experiment with various
ways of achieving those goals.
Islamic education and Muslim schools
If parents are to get the best results for their children in Muslim
schools, they must know what the Muslim school is trying to do.
Parents need to understand that while the schoolbasically may be
following a National Curriculum (which in some countries may be
compulsory), the teaching approach is expected to be holistic.
Therefore it is not just a matter of teaching Islamic Studies, Quran
and Arabic under the same roof as Arts and Sciences, but of developing
an integrated Islamic perspective onall forms of knowledge right
across the curriculum. At the same time, the school is trying
tocultivate good attitudes, behaviorand manners in accordance with the
teachings of Islam.
'Aishah is reported to have said of the Prophet that: "His behavior
was the Quran (in practice)". [Ahmad] To take the Prophet as a
"beautiful example" means not just to imitate his outward actions or
practices but also to base our own motivation and actions on the Quran
as he did, in a way thatis appropriate to the place and time in which
we happen to live.
The approach of a modern Muslim School, which may be located in a
modern "secular" or non-Islamic type of environment, cannot be like
that of Islamic education of the recent past, when teaching relied
much on repetition and memorization anduncritical acceptance of the
teachers' word. The Islamic teaching must relate with the society in
which the pupils live, with the state of modern knowledge and with the
beliefs of other people (probably the majority) in the country where
the school is located. If Muslim children are to grow up as witnesses
to the truth in a non-Muslim society, they need to understand that
society and to develop an objective and critical approach, so that
they can appreciate whatever is good in it,avoid its evils and reach
out to the non-Muslims, presenting the truths of Islam in a way they
can understand Islam and relate to it.

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Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) was the daughter of Abdullah ibn Al-Harith.The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) called her the Martyr, as she prayed for death in the cause of Allah (S.W.T) . At the battle of Badr, she asked the Holy Prophet's (

Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A)
Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) was the daughter of Abdullah ibn
Al-Harith.The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) called her the Martyr, as she
prayed for death in the cause of Allah (S.W.T) . At the battle of
Badr, she asked the Holy Prophet's (S.A.W) permission to join the
Muslim army in order to treat the wounded for she might win the
Martyrdom.
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said to her; "Allah wouldgrant you Martyrdom.
Stay home you are a Martyr."
She (R.A) was a learned Scholar and a pious and modest lady, who was
well known amongst thefemale companions (R.A) as one who spent her
nights and days in prayer and meditation. She had memorised the Holy
Quran by heart,
The Beloved Prophet (S.A.W) would sometimestake along some Sahabah
Ikraam to visit the home of Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) . He would tell
them to accompany him to the house of the lady who was a living
Martyr. Nobody could understand how this would take place with her
sitting in her house, but they were sure it would definitely happen,
as this news had been given by Holy Prophet (S.A.W) .
Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) herself waited patiently for this auspicious
event, which would be the fulfilment of her greatest dream. During
this time Holy Prophet (S.A.W) passed away from this world and Hazrat
Abu Bakr Siddique (R.A) succeeded and became the first Caliph, he
(R.A) also passed away from this world and Hazrat Umar eFarooq (R.A)
had now became the 2nd Caliph.
Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) had two slaves (male and female) working for
her and she (R.A) told them that they will be freed after she has
passed away. The two slaves got together and decided that they were
tired of waiting forthis old lady to die. They planned to kill her in
hersleep and escape to freedom. They were so tempted by the thought of
freedom that they forgot to consider their future as well as their
life in the Aakhiraah. In the dead of night as Hazrat Umm Waraqa (R.A)
lay asleep, they killed her, covered her body with a sheet and crept
away from the house silently.
In the morning Hazrat Umar (R.A) said, "By Allah (S.W.T) , I did not
hear the recitation of aunt Umm Waraqa last night".Hazrat Umar (R.A)
went to Hazrate Umm Waraqa's (R.A) home to check on her and found that
she had been murdered. Then He (R.A) saw that both the slaves were
missing and realised that they must be the criminals.
Hazrat Umar (R.A) said, Rasoolullah (S.A.W) was truthful when He
(S.A.W) used to say, "Let us go tovisit the Martyr".
Hazrat Umar (R.A) ordered the killers to be brought before him. They
confessed their crime. Thus, he sentenced them to be crucified. They
were the first people to be crucified in Madina Shareef. May Allah
(S.W.T) have mercy on Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) who won the Martyrdom,
which she had asked for. (Related in Ibn Hajar in Isbah, Asbahani in
Helyat al Awliya and al-Hakim in Mustadrak)

H azrat Zubair Bin Al Awam (R.A)

Hazrat Zubair bin Al Awam (R.A) is amongst the ten Companions of Holy
Prophet (S.A.W) , who were given glad tidings of Paradise by the
Beloved Prophet (S.A.W) and are widely known as Ashrah Mubasharah.
Hazrat Zubair was the son of Hazrate Safiyyah bint Abdul Muttalib
(R.A) ,the paternal aunt of HolyProphet (S.A.W) . He (R.A) was also
the nephew of Hazrate Khadija (R.A) .
He (R.A) embraced Islam at the age of Twelve or Fifteen. His uncle
became furious when heheard about his conversion and decided to force
him to return to the path of his ancestors by tormenting and torturing
him.
Hazrat Zubair (R.A) used to be wrapped up in a rug with a rope tied
around him and then have smoke inserted into his (R.A) nostrils till
his breath was suffocated. His uncle would then comment that if he
(R.A) wishes to escape the torment, he must refute Muhammad. He (R.A)
always, very firmly replied in his roaring voice, "No, not at all! I
shall not return to the path of my ancestors at any cost".
He (R.A) was also elected as one of the member of the advisory
council, constituted by Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.A) to elect the Caliph
after him. He (R.A) was also one of those early Sahabah Iqraam who
migrated to Ethiopia andthen to Madina Shareef.
Hazrat Zubair (R.A) was also the most successful commanders of the
Rashidun army and served under the Rashidun Caliphs Hazrat Abu Bakr
Saddique (R.A) and Hazrat Umar (R.A) .
Hazrat Zubair (R.A) had the honour to be the first to draw out his
sword in the way of Islam for Jihad; he participated in all Ghuzwat
(Holy war) during the period of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) and during
the orthodox Caliphate. He (R.A) also participated in conquests of
Yarmouk and Hazrat Zubair (R.A) was the most successful field
commander during the Muslim conquest of Egypt.
Hazrat Zubair (R.A) passed away from this world at the age of sixty
seven. (Muhammad Rasool Allah, P.78, SheikhMuhammad Raza)

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California: The Ultimate Dream Vacation

From its spectacular citiesand storybook-perfect coast, to its
dazzling theme parks and breathtaking natural wonders, California is
one of those vacation spots where if you can't find something to see
or do, you're probably not looking very hard.
CALIFORNIA TRAVEL AND TOURISM COMMISSION / BLAISE
Where else in one day can you—with a healthy dose of California-style
enthusiasm and a good strong cup of coffee—surf ocean breakers in the
morning and hit the ski slopes before sunset? Admittedly, you might
want to chill a bit more than that on vacation, so you can just stash
the list of things you didn't get to this time for the next time you
come. In fact, it's not unusual to bump into Californians who haven't
seen everything in their home state—it's that big and that diverse.
Tapping into the wild side, and a golden past
As the third-largest state in the U.S., California has a huge variety
of natural features in its 150,000 square miles/389,000 square
kilometers. The state's renowned coastline stretches roughly 840
miles/1,352 kilometers—even more ifyou add bays and inlets. Over 400
recreational lakes sparkle across the state. Nature has left her mark
here in beautiful ways, with glaciers creating enormous granite
monoliths trimmed by waterfalls in Yosemite National Park . Towering
volcanoes jut into the sky in the state's northeastern corner.
Dramatic deserts like Death Valley and Anza-Borrego stretch across the
state's southeastern corner, while the jagged Sierra Nevada range
forms a granite backbone near the Nevada border. This is a land of
extremes, with the continental U.S.'s tallest mountain, 14,492-foot
(4,417-meter)Mt. Whitney, and lowest point, Death Valley's Badwater,
282 feet (86 meters) below sea level, within about 100 miles (161
kilometers) of each other, as the vulture flies.
Californians treasure these natural riches: roughly one-fourth of the
state is protected against development, with well over 5 million acres
set aside as state or federal parkland. That's not to say folks
haven't historically taken advantage of some of these treasures—most
notably gold. The precious metal was found in the Sierra foothills in
1848, sparking an almost rabid wave of emigrants to descend on the
aptly named "Gold Country" in search of their fortune. While flecks of
gold and the occasional nugget still turn up in creeks andrivers
there, the best wayto mine the region's rich history is to visit its
excellent state parks, such as Marshall Gold Discovery State Park in
Coloma and Columbia State Historic Park in Sonora , which commemorate
this fascinating and raucous time in California's history.
Perhaps California's most distinctive natural feature—and one that
draws millions of visitors every year—is its remarkable coastline,
ranging from the romantic wildness of the Mendocino Coast in the
northwest to the spread-out-the-beach-towel perfection of San Diego's
flawless sandy crescents. In between are hundredsof miles showcasing
secret coves, soaring ocean bluffs, and broad beaches, as well as
unforgettable road trips, like the S-curve thrills of Big Sur .
Charming beach towns up and down the coast put out a sandy welcome
mat. Whether it's the kickback surf scene in towns like Santa Cruz or
Huntington Beach, the relaxed luxury of Spanish-tiled Santa Barbara,
or the movie-star sexiness of Malibu, there's a town that will suit
your style—and evenyour dog's (beach towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea are
paws-down some of the most pet-friendly places anywhere).
World-class cities & magical attractions
But California is a lot more than a pretty, suntanned face. With
cities as drop-dead gorgeous as San Francisco, as exciting as
star-studded Los Angeles, and as diverse and inviting as sun-and-surf
San Diego, California can serve up plenty of urban action. Top chefs
create meals so amazing you'll be posting photos on Facebook as soon
as you're served. In California, it's all about celebrating every
flavor and style of cooking, as long as it's fresh and local—and
paired with elegant California wines, of course. Museums drawcrowds
with exhibits ranging from classical and modern artworks to intriguing
science displays and even living rooftops. Shops beckon with
everything from designer outfits and sparkling Tiffany diamonds to
unusual handmade crafts for the perfect souvenir. Theater,music,
dance, and nightlife keep things lively once the sun goes down.
And of course there are the 100-percent California attractions,
likeSouthern California's Disneyland Resort , whereyou'll never forget
seeinga child's joy when she first hugs Mickey or Minnie. Also in the
southlands you can experience the excitement of SeaWorld San Diego,
home to leaping orcas and splashing dolphins and the charm of Legoland
California and its remarkable cityscapes made of millions of tiny
plastic blocks. At the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park ,
you can take exotic adventures todiscover animals from far-away lands.
And in Los Angeles, you can get a glimpse of movie-making magic at
Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros, and Paramount Studios , and
even slip your hands into the tiny prints made my Marilyn Monroe in
thecement courtyard fronting Hollywood's Graumann's Chinese Theatre .
Along the Central Coast is the Monterey Bay Aquarium , with tanks as
tall as buildings swirling with sea life—don't be surprised if you
find yourself swaying with the soaring strands of underwater kelp as
they pulse to the natural ebb and flow of the nearby ocean. The
California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco also lets you explore
the natural world, including a four-story rainforest, an all-digital
planetarium, and an undulating roof carpeted with wildflowers.
Exploring the road less traveled
There's a whole other world to explore beyond California's gateway
cities and big attractions.Indulge in a romantic getaway at a
luxurious wine-country resort in the Napa or Sonoma Valleys , or a
find a cozy mountain hideaway overlooking lapis-blue Lake Tahoe .
Follow a country road in the Central Valley , the state's agricultural
heartland, to visit friendly farm stands overflowing with just-picked
fruits and vegetables, and other local products, like artisan olive
oils and sweet preserves (sometimes even a baked-that-morning
fruitpies). Float over vineyards and valleys in ahot-air balloon in
Temecula , east of San Diego. Lean back and look way, way up to
experience the staggering beauty of 1,000-year-old coastal redwood
trees, the world's tallest living things, in parklands dotting
California's lush northwest corner. Or head to Sequoia/Kings Canyon
National Park , onthe southwestern flanks of the Sierra east of
Visalia. Here you can wander among the world's largest living
trees—the giant sequoia,measuring 40 feet/12 meters wide and living
over 2,000 years.
Pick your time to visit
Choosing a best time to visit California is like picking a treat from
your favorite box of chocolates—each season has its own charms and
surprises. In spring, discover waterfalls tumbling into Yosemite
Valley and wildflowers painting the coastal hills. Come summer, watch
surfers along Southern California beaches and relax on a warm evening
at a rooftop restaurant indowntown L.A. Summer also fills those farm
stands with juicy peaches, plums, berries, and cherries. In autumn,
take part in harvest time at vineyards north to south (check for local
festivals and events). In winter, look for migrating whales along the
coast, or schuss downSierra ski slopes. Snow is virtually guaranteed
in the Sierra Nevada during the winter months. Mammoth Mountain has
one of the longest skiing seasons in North America,with really big
years stretching from October to July or even August. Or dodge the
snow and indulge in the poolside splendor and golf-greensluxury of
Palm Springs, the ultimate desert oasis.
Much of California enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with sunny, warm
summers and wet, fairly mild winters, although weather varies greatly
throughout the state. There are five main climate zones: coastal,
valley, foothill, mountain,and desert. Average summer highs on the
coast are 70º to 80ºF (about 21º to 27ºC), with temperatures rising as
you head south. San Francisco is famous for itschilly summer fog,
while Los Angeles typically basks in sunshine most ofthe year. Inland
areas and foothills tend to be hot and dry in summer; desert
temperatures soar well over 100ºF (37ºC). Travelers to mountain
regions can expect snowy winter conditions from November through April
or May.
While the blue Pacific canlook tempting, there's a reason surfers wear
wetsuits year-round: it's cold out there, particularly in the north,
with an annual average water temperature of only 48º to 55ºF (9º to
13ºC). Southern Californiawaters tend to be a bit warmer: 57º to 68ºF
(14º to 20ºC).
So stick your toes in the California sand, or carve fresh tracks in
the Sierra snow. Ride a bike across the Golden Gate Bridge , or take
in the grandeur of Yosemite. Search for movie stars in Hollywood,or
buy mouse ears for your kids at Disneyland . And when you're done with
all that, don't be surprised if there are still another thousand
things on your California bucketlist that you'll already be scheming
to check off thenext time you visit.

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Bristlecone Pine - World's Oldest LivingTrees

The bristlecone pines are a small group of pine trees (Family
Pinaceae, genus Pinus, subsection Balfourianae) that are thought to
reach an age far greater than that of any other singleliving organism
known,up to nearly 5,000 years.
The oldest (acknowledged) living organism known is a bristlecone pine
tree nicknamed"Methuselah" (after Methuselah, the longest-lived person
in the Bible). Methuselah is located in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine
Forest in the White Mountains of eastern California, however its
precise location is undisclosed by the U.S. Forest Service to protect
the tree from vandalism. The age of Methuselah was measured by core
samples in 1957 to be 4,789 years old.
Bristlecone pines grow in isolated groves at and just below the
treeline. Because of cold temperatures, dry soils,high winds, and
short growing seasons, the trees grow very slowly. The wood is very
denseand resinous, and thus resistant to invasion by insects, fungi,
and other potential pests. As the tree ages, much of its vascular
cambiumlayer may die. In very old specimens, often only a narrow strip
of living tissue connects the roots to a handful of live branches.

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Naatsharif Taqleed or The Following of the Imams

1. After the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), the
Sahaba-e-Kiraam and the Taabi'in, the most excellent are the four
Imams of the Ahle Sunnat Wa Jamaat. They are such great Imaams that
they are known as "Mujtahideen Fi Shara'" . They are Imam-e-Azam Abu
Hanifa, Imam Maalik, Imam Shafi'i and ImamAhmed bin Hambal (radi
Allahu anhum).
2. Taqleed means to follow one of the four Imaams of religion
concerning the commandments of Islamic Law (Shari'ah).
3. Today, Muslims throughout the world follow the Taqleed of these
four Imaams. In the Masa'ile Furoo'iya, there is no other fourth
Madhab. The difference of opinion of the four Imaams is only in the
laws of Furoo' (actions) and not in beliefs (Aqaa'id).
4. The followers of the four Madhabs are commonly known as Hanafi,
Maaliki, Shafi'i and Hambali.
5. It is necessary (Waajib)to follow one of them, eg. to perform
Salaah, or perform Saum, Zakaah, etc. as per what they have
prescribed. This is known as Taqleed Shakhshi .
6. These Imams have not made a rule on their own accord but have
explained the meaningof the Holy Quran and Hadith, which a
normalperson or even an Alimcould not understand. Therefore, to follow
these Imaams is really following the Holy Quran and Hadith.
7. Whoever follows one Imaam cannot follow another Imaam, for example,
to follow some rules of one Imaam and other rules of another Imaam is
not allowed. It is necessary to firmly follow only one Imaam.
8. A person is not allowedto change from one Imaam to another, e.g. to
become a Hanafi after following the Shafi'i way. You have to follow
your Imaam and continue following him.
9. It is also a joint agreement by all Ulema that you cannot follow
another Imaam or a Mujtahid (religious director) except for one of
thesefour Imaams.
10. The following verses are proofs from the Holy Quran on Taqleed:
1. The Holy Quran says: "Guide us on the Right Path, the Path of those
on whom you have showered blessing". (Surah Fateha: 5) The verse may
be taken as the argument in favour of Absolute (Mutlaq) Taqleed as
well as the Taqleed of Mujtahids. Those on the Right Path are the
Mufassirin (Commentators of Quran), Muhaddiseen (Scholars of the
Ahadith), Jurists, Awliya Allah, Ghaus, Qutub, Abdal, etc. They were
all Muqallids proving there by that Taqleed is the Right Path.
2. The Holy Quran says: "Allah does not put burden on a person which
he cannot bear." (Surah Baqarah:286) This verse shows that Allah does
not cause hardships to a man which he cannot endure. It means that the
man who is incapable of Ijtihad, is unable to extract problems
(masail) fromthe Qur'an as it amounts to over-burdening him if he is
restrained from Taqleed and to expect him to derive problemsfrom the
Qur'an is not justifiable.
3. The Holy Quran says: "And the first and foremost among the
Muhajireen and Ansar and those who followed them with good intentions
these are those with whom Allah was pleased and they were pleased with
Allah." (Surah Tauba: 100) It means that Almighty Allah is pleased
with those who followed the footstepe of the Muhajirs and the Ansar.
This is nothing but Taqleed.
4. The Holy Quran says: "Obey Allah the Almighty and obey the Holy
Prophet and thosewho wield authority inthe land." (Surah Nisa: 59) In
thise verse there is the command to obey Almighty Allah (Holy Quran)
the Holy Prophet (Hadith), the person holding authority to command the
Ulama versed in Fiqah (Jurisprudence) and Istimbat (Knowledge of
deriving problem fromthe Quran and Hadith).
5. The Holy Quran says: "Ask (enquire) from the persons of learningif
you do not know." (Surah Nahal: 43) The verse points to seekingadvice
and knowledge from the persons of learning if the common men do not
know the real meaning or nature of any command. The men of learning
explicitly refer to the Mujtahids.
6. The Holy Quran says: "And follow the man who leads (people) unto
Me." (Surah Luqman: 15) The verse indicates that the following
(Taqleed) should be done of those persons who have devoted themselves
to AlmightyAllah. Here there is no restriction on the nature of
matters in which guidance is needed.
7. The Holy Quran says: "And those who say: O our Lord! Provide us the
coolness of our eyes from our wives and children and makeus the leader
of the right ous people." (Surah al-Furqan: 25) The verse also demands
that the Taqleed or following the men of Almighty Allah is on
obligation.

The Malaaikah (Angels) ofAllah (S.W.T)

1. Angels are the creation of Allah Ta'ala, made from "Noor" (Light).
2. Angels are "Masoom" (sinless). They are pure from all types of
small and large sins.
3. Malaa'ikah are obedient servants of Allah Ta'ala. They do what
Allah Ta'ala commands them.
4. They are countless in number. Only Allah Ta'ala knows how many
Angels there are. Allah Ta'ala has also shown their exact numbers to
his special servants like the Ambiya (Prophets) and Awliya (Saints).
5. Angels are neither malenor female.
6. They have been given the strength by Allah Ta'ala to turn into
whatever shape or form they wish, whether it be of a human or of
another creation.
7. Allah Ta'ala has given the Malaa'ikah many types of duties: some
Angels have a fixed duty of taking out the soul, some to give rain,
some have been given the task to create the face of a child in the
mother's womb, some to write the deeds of an individual, writing our
daily actions, attending Islamic functions like Zikr, Moulood-un-Nabi
(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) , Urs Shareef, sending Durood and
Salaams upon our Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahualaihi wasallam) , and
taking our Durood and Salaams to him. Some are in the constant
position of Sajdah, Ruku, and Qiyaam and are busy remembering Almighty
Allah Ta'ala all the time, etc.
8. There is a river in Heaven wherein whenever Jibraeel (alaihis
salaam) submerges his wings and shakes it, small droplets of water
drip from it. From each droplet, an Angel is created. Indeed, one
cannot estimate the droplets of water that drip from the wings of
Hazrat Jibraeel (alaihis salaam) . Why? Simply, because Hazrat
Jibraeel (alaihis salaam) has 600 wings and each wing isso huge that
when it spreads out, it casts a shadow over the entire sky.
9. Hazrat Jibraeel (alaihis salaam) is the Leader of the Angels.
10. The names of the four famous Angels are: Hazrat Jibraeel
(alaihissalaam), Hazrat Mikaaeel (alaihis salaam), Hazrat Izraeel
(alaihis salaam), and Hazrat Israfeel (alaihis salaam).
11. The names of a few more Angels are: Kiraaman Khaatibeen, Munkar
and Nakeer, Ridwaan and Maalik.
12. To believe that the Malaa'ikah as "Kadeem" (always have been in
existence or always will be in existence) orto believe them as the
creators is Kufr.
13. The slightest form of insult for an Angel is also Kufr.
14. Some people call their enemies or oppressorsas "the Angel of
death". To say such things is not allowed and close to Kufr
(infidelity).
15. To reject the existenceof Angels or to say that the strength of
allgood is known as Angels and that there are no such things as Angels
are both acts ofKufr

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Amr ibn al-Jamuh - Biographies of the Companions (Sahabah)

Amr ibn al-Jamuh was one of the leading men in Yathrib in the days of
Jahiliyyah. He was the chief of the Banu Salamah and was knownto be
one of the most generous and valiant persons in the city.
One of the privileges of the city's leaders was having an idol to
himselfin his house. It was hoped that this idol would bless the
leader inwhatever he did. He wasexpected to offer sacrifices to it on
special occasions and seek its help at times of distress. The idol of
Amr was called Manat. He had made it from the most priceless wood. He
spenta great deal of time, money and attention looking after it and he
anointed it with the most exquisite perfumes.
Amr was almost sixty years old when the first rays of the light of
Islam began to penetrate the houses of Yathrib. House after house was
introduced to the new faith at the hands of Musab ibn Umayr, the first
missionary sent out to Yathrib before the hijrah. It was through him
that Amr's three sons--Muawwadh, Muadh and Khallad--became Muslims.
One of their contemporaries was the famous Muadh ibn Jabal. Amr's
wife, Hind, also accepted Islamwith her three sons but Amr himself
knew nothing of all this .
Hind saw that the peopleof Yathrib were being won over to Islam and
that not one of the leaders of the city remained in shirk excepther
husband and a few individuals. She loved her husband dearly and was
proud of him but she was concerned that he should die in a state of
kufr and end up in hell-fire.
During this time, Amr himself began to tell uneasy. He was afraid that
his sons would give up the religion of their forefathers and follow
the teaching of Musab ibn Umayr who, within ashort space of time, had
caused many to turn away from idolatry and enter the religion of
Muhammad. To his wife, Amr therefore said:
"Be careful that your children do not come into contact with this man
(meaning Musab ibn Umayr) before we pronounce an opinion on him."
"To hear is to obey," she replied. "But would you like to hear from
your son Muadh what he relates from this man?""Woe to you! Has Muadh
turned away from his religion without my knowing?" The good woman felt
pity from theold man and said: "Not at all. But he has attended some
of the meetings of this missionary and memorized some of the things he
teaches." "Tell him to come here," he said. When Muadh come,he
ordered: "Let me hearan example of what this man preaches." Muadh
recited the lalihah (the Opening Chapter of the Quran):
"In the name of God, the most Gracious, the Dispenser of Grace. All
praise is due to God alone, the Sustainer of all the worlds, The most
Gracious, the Dispenser of Grace. Lord of the Day of Judgment!
You alone do we worship and to You alone do we turn for help. Guide us
on the straight way, the way of those upon whom you have bestowed Your
blessings, not of those who have been condemned by You, nor of those
who go astray."
"How perfect are these words, and how beautiful!" exclaimed the
father. "Is everythinghe says like this?"
"Yes indeed, father. Do you wish to swear allegiance to him? All your
people have already done so" urged Muadh.
The old man remained silent from a while and then said, "I shall not
do so until I consult Manat and see what he says.""What indeed would
Manat say, Father? It is only a piece of wood. It can neither think
nor speak." The old man retorted sharply, "I told you, I shall not do
anything without him."
Later that day, Amr wentbefore Manat. It was the custom of the
idolators then to place an old woman behind the idol when they wished
to speak to it. She would reply on behalf of the idol, articulating,
so theythought, what the idol had inspired her to say. Amr stood
before the idol in great awe and addressed profuse praises to it. Then
he said:
"O Manat no doubt you know that this propagandist who was delegated to
come to us from Makkah does not wish evil on anyone but you. He has
come only tostop us worshipping you. I do not want to swear allegiance
to him in spite of the beautiful words I have heard fromhim. I have
thus come to get your advice. So please advise me."
There was no reply from Manat. Amr continued:
"Perhaps your are angry.But up till now, I have done nothing to harm
you... Never mind, I shall leave you for a few days to let your anger
go away."
Amr's sons knew the extent of their father's dependence on Manat and
how with time he had become almost a part of it. They realized however
that the idol's place in his heart was being shaken and that they had
to help him getrid of Manat. That must be his path to faith in God.
One night Amr's sons went with their friend Muadh ibn Jabal to Manat,
took the idol From its place and threwit in a cess pit belonging to
the Banu Salamah. They returned to their homes with no one knowing
anything aboutwhat they had done. When Amr woke up the following
morning, he went in quiet reverence to pay his respects to his idol
but did not find it.
"Woe to you all," he shouted. "Who has attacked our god last night"
There was no reply from anyone. He began to search for the idol,
fuming with rage and threatening the perpetrators of the crime.
Eventually he found the idol turned upside down on its headin the pit.
He washed and perfumed it and returned it to its usual place saying.
"If I find out who did this to you, I will humiliate him." The
following night the boysdid the same to the idol. The old man
recovered it, washed and perfumed it as he had done before and
returned it to its place. This happened several times until one night
Amr put a sword around the idol's neck and said to it: "O Manat, I
don't know who is doing this to you. If you have any power of good in
you, defend yourself against this evil. Here is a sword for you."
The youths waited until Amr was fast asleep. They took the sword from
the idol's neck and threw it into the pit. Amrfound the idol Lying
facedown in the pit with the sword nowhere in sight. At last he was
convinced that the idol had no power at all and did not deserve to be
worshipped. It was not long before he entered the religion of Islam.
Amr soon tasted the sweetness of Iman or faith in the One True God. At
the same time hefelt great pain and anguish within himself at the
thought of every moment he had spent in shirk. His acceptance of the
new religion was total and he placed himself, his wealth and his
children in the service of God and His Prophet.
The extent of his devotion was shown during the time of the battle of
Uhud. Amr saw his three sons preparing for the battle. He looked at
the three determined young men fired by the desire to gain martyrdom,
success and the pleasure of God. The scene had a great effect on him
and he resolved to go out with them to wage jihad under the banner of
the messengerof God. The youths, however, were all against their
father carrying out his resolve. He was already quite oldand was
extremely weak.
"Father," they said,"surely God has excused you. So why do you take
this burden on yourself?"
The old man became quite angry and went straight away to the Prophet
to complain about his sons: "O Rasulullah! My sons here want to keep
me away from this source of goodness arguing that I am old and
decrepit. By God, I long to attain Paradise this way even though I am
old and infirm."
"Let him," said the Prophet to his sons."Perhaps God, the Mighty and
the Great, will grant him martyrdom."
Soon it was time to go out to battle. Amr bade farewell to his wife,
turned to the qiblah andprayed: "O Lord, grant me martyrdom and
don'tsend me back to my family with my hopes dashed." He set out in
the company of his threesons and a large contingent from his tribe,
the Banu Salamah.
As the battle raged, Amr could be seen moving in the front ranks,
jumping on his good leg (his other leg was partially lame), and
shouting, "I desire Paradise, I desire Paradise."
His son Khallad remainedclosely behind him and they both fought
courageously in defense of the Prophet while many other Muslims
deserted in pursuit of booty. Father and son fell on the battlefield
and died within moments of each other.

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Ch 11: Test of Faith

Continuing her talk Isabella said: Christ has no power to perform
miracles as it has been proved from the Bible. Now I say that Jesus
Christ was as powerless in everything as any other man. If he were God
he could not have been so helpless and he would have been free to do
anything like the Almighty God and could not have felt the need of
seeking the help of others. (Opening the Bible) Jesus Christ says:
"Foras the Father has life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to
have life in himself; and hath given him authority to exercise
judgment also, because he is the Son of man."[ John, 5 : 26-27.] That
is even the life of Jesus Christ was not his own but given by God and
it was He Who gave him authority to do justice. Without God's grace he
could not do even justice and the argument given was that Jesus was
human and a human being could not do anything without the help of God.
Christ also says: "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear I
judge and my judgmentis just." [Ibid., 5:30] Further he said: "I came
down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent
me."[Ibid. 6:38] Thus it is proved that Christ was quite powerless
like other men, and who is dependent on others cannot be God, and so
Jesus also was not God.
Peter (to Michael): Do yousee how unbending is this girl ? Muslims
have taught her well to become so talkative. Now, can you believe that
she will come to the right path? I think it is useless to have any
further talk with her as she has lost faith and has become very
disobedient.
Michael: I am also convinced that she is wholly under the control of
Satan. (To Isabella Allthe arguments produced by you have obvious
replies and you have alsoread them in the lessons on theology. There
are also other replies which you cannot understand at all. Now,
instead of replying to you, I should like to hear your ideas so that
we can come to the decision easily about you. You have clearly stated
your views about the Divinity of Christ and Atonement. Now what have
you to say further?
Isabella: I have neither denied the Bible nor Jesus Christ. But what I
say is that, according to the teaching of the Bible,neither Christ is
proved to be God, nor any basis of atonement. All this is the
invention of Christians.
Michael: It means that all Christians are liars and allChristians have
united against the Holy Bible. Accursed and hellish girl, if you
cannot understandanything, just accept the judgment of your elders.
Does your father, who is the head priest and has full authority to
pardon sins, also consider these things wrong 7 Are all hispopes,
monks, Christian divines and savants of Christianity on the wrongpath?
Isabella: Just as the Bible does not prove the Divinity of Christ and
Atonement, in the same wav the Christianity of the so-called
Christians oftoday is not established according to the Bible and so
their opinions cannot be my guide.
Michael: Wonderful! That we are unreal and false Christians, and you
are a real and true Christian. Unlucky girl, what has become of your
senses? You have discarded even your elders. After all whatis your
proof that we are not true Christians?
Isabella: There is no reason for losing temper.The matter is quite
obvious. If you could prove from the Bible thatmodern Christians are
true Christians, then I willwholeheartedly accept their decision and
will not press any argument against them from the Bible. So, you just
prove from the Bible that Christians of today are true Christians.
Michael: There are Christians all over the world, and you say that
they are not Christians according to the Bible. What is its proof? Is
it notproof enough that we believe in the Bible, in the Divinity of
Jesus and his crucifixion?
Isabella: Do not Muslims believe in the Bible? Can you call them
Christians? As to believe in the Divinity of Christ and Atonement, it
is not any argument for Christianity.On the other hand, it proves that
such persons are not at all Christians asthere is no trace of such
beliefs in the Bible.
Peter : O worthless girl, why are you doubting our Christianity? If we
arenot Christians, then it is for you to give proof of true
Christians. Just say where in the world do real and true Christians
live.
Isabella : You may be as much angry as you like, but the truth cannot
be concealed. If you want the proof from me, then Ideclare candidly
that Christians of today are not at all followers of Christ, and who
can be a true Christian I am prepared to prove from the Bible itself.
Michael: O accursed girl, why talk and talk? Why not come out with your proof?
Isabella : Well, then, listen. The signs of the true Christians are
mentioned in the Bible asfollows: "And these signs shall follow them
that believe. In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak
with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any
deadly thing, itshall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick,
and they shall recover." [Mark, 16 : 17-18.] At another place the sign
of the believing Christian is stated as follows: "Then came the
disciples to Jesus and said, Why could we not cast him [evil spirit]
out ? And Jesus said unto them,Because of your unbelief,for verily I
say unto you, If ye have faith as a grainof mustard seed, ye shall say
upon this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place ; and it shall
remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." [Matthew. 17 :
19-20.]
Now, from these two passages of the Bible, thefollowing six signs of
Christians have been established:
(1) driving out evil spirits
(2) speaking new languages without learning them
(3)lifting up poisonous snakes
(4) taking the cup of poison without injury
(5) curing the sick by the touch of their hand and
(6) moving away mountains.
So, anyone who claims tobe a Christian must first prove these six
signs in him. You are also a Christian. Leave aside all the six signs
and cure a sick man with your touch; mountain, of course, you cannot
move.Here is just a stone; moveit away only ten or twenty yards, so
that your Christianity is proved by the Bible.
Michael: True, it is all in the Bible, but where is it written that
anyone who is unable to do such miracles is not a Christian? Besides,
all these signs are peculiar to Disciples and not to Christians in
general
Isabella : Both these statements are wrong. The Bible clearly says
thatany Christian who has an atom of faith in him will move away the
mountainby his bidding. It follows that anyone who has not even an
atom of faith in him will not be able to move the mountain. Thenit is
also wrong to say that these signs are for the Disciples only as it is
clearly said in the Bible that these miracles will be among the
believers. If these signs are intended for the Disciplesonly, then
belief is also for the Disciples only which means that no
trueChristian was born after the Disciples.
Peter: Unlucky girl, that iswhy I say that you cannotunderstand the
mysteriesand inner meanings of the Bible. Foolish girl, these miracles
relate to spiritual matters, that is, by Illness is meant spiritual
illness, poison means disbelief which means that Christians, even if
they are attacked by unbelievers, will not degrade from faith and so
on.
Isabella: Just think beforeyou reply. You call me foolish; the cap may
fit on you. Look, Jesus Christ says: "He that believeth on me the
works that I do shall he do also."[ John, 14 : 12.] If by miracles Is
meant spiritual matters, then it will follow that Christ neither
revived a dead, nor did he give sight to the blind, nor cured a sick,
but he just cured spiritually dead, exorcised the evil spirits, and
created in them the light of faith. But you people will never admit
this interpretation about Christ. Then why do you concoct this new
rule for others ? Christ said: "the works that I do," so whatever he
did and in whatever manner, believers should also do and in the same
manner, otherwise they will not be believers.
Peter: It is difficult to make this unbelieving girl understand. Her
remedy is not exhortation but the samepunishment which the Inquisition
decides (after whose decision the guiltyis tied to the stock). (To
Michael.) You turn her out of the house and tell holy father (the head
priest) that she is past remedy and some other device must be adopted.
Michael and Peter then rose and went to anotherroom and consulted
among themselves. Michael's daughter Mirano told Isabella to leave at
once otherwise there might be trouble for her there. But it was agreed
that Isabella and her friends must assembleat the famous garden of
Cordova in the evening and think about the future. Isabella went out
of Michael's house and took the way to her home. But although she was
going to her house her steps faltered and she pondered as to what was
she going to meet at her home.
Anyhow she reached her home and, on the insistence of her mother, also
ate something, but in the worried state of her mind she could not
decide about her future and, waiting for the evening, she retired to
her room. She looked at her library and other things and cast gloomy
eyes at every corner of the house fearing that she might have to leave
it. Who will use her things and read her books, she thought. So
thinking she abruptly alerted and said: Let anyone live in this house
and use my things and read my books. I was in search of truth, which I
have got. My Allah has guided me. Thousands of thanks to Him Who has
granted me the wealth of truth and nothing could be greater than it.
Thousands of such houses may be sacrificed for the boon of Islam . So
saying she fell down to prostrate and thank the Almighty Allah.
Isabella – A girl of Islamic Spain

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Praying with tayammumis better than praying with a previous wudoo’ done using water when one is desperate to relieve oneself

I entered the mosque one day and there was water in my house to do
wudoo' for prayer, but I still had my wudoo'. However the need to
relieve myself was pressing and I could not find any water, and I was
afraid that I would miss the prayer in congregation, so I joined the
prayer.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
It is makrooh for the worshipper to start praying when he is
suppressing the need to defecate or urinate, because the Prophet
(blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) forbade doing that, because
of what it results in of failing to attain complete focus and
contemplation in prayer.
See the answer to question no. 8603
Secondly:
If the worshipper is suppressing the need to urinate or defecate and
he cannot find any water with which to do wudoo', it is better for him
to relieve himself then do tayammum and pray.
His praying with tayammum whilst having proper presence of mind and
focus is better than praying afterdoing wudoo' with water but without
proper focus, because the heart and essence of the prayer is proper
focus (khushoo'), so it is essential to maintain it.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked:
Which is better: praying with wudoo' whilst suppressing the need to
relieve oneself or to relieve oneself then do tayammum due to lack of
water?
He replied:
Praying with tayammumwithout suppressing the need to relieve oneself
isbetter than praying withwudoo' whilst suppressing the need to
relieve oneself, because praying when suppressing the need to relieve
oneself is makrooh and is not allowed, and there are two opinions
concerning its validity. But praying with tayammum is valid and there
is nothing makrooh in it, accordingto scholarly consensus.
End quote from Majmoo'al-Fataawa, 21/473
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said: If
someonewere to ask: A man has wudoo' but is suppressing the need to
urinate or pass wind, but if he does so he doesnot have any water
withwhich to do wudoo'. Should we tell him to relieve himself and do
tayammum for prayer, or should we tell him to pray whilst suppressing
the need to urinate or pass wind?
The answer was:
You should tell him to relieve himself and do tayammum; he should not
pray whilst suppressing the need to urinate or pass wind. That is
because praying with tayammum is not makrooh, according to scholarly
consensus, but praying whilst suppressing the need to urinate or pass
wind is not allowed and is makrooh. And some of the scholars regarded
it as haraam and said: Prayer whilst suppressing the need to urinate
or pass wind is not valid, because the Messenger (blessings and peace
of Allah be upon him) said: "There isno prayer in the presence of food
or when suppressing the need to urinate or defecate." End quote from
ash-Sharh al-Mumti', 3/236
So the prayer that you offered is valid, in sha Allah, and you do not
have to repeat it.
And Allah knows best.

Ruling on the takbeers of movement (in the prayer) and the du‘aa’ between the two prostrations

According to Hanafi madhab, is it wajib or sunnah to say a dua in
jalsa? Like saying"rabbighfirli" 3 times or any other dua.
I just recently found out about this and am confused on whether it is
sunnah or wajib.
If it is wajib, will all my past salah count?
Also, is it wajib or sunnah to say takbeer when changing posturesin
salah (i.e. qiyam to ruku, ruku to sujood etc...)
Praise be to Allah.
Firstly:
The scholars differed concerning the ruling onthe takbeers of movement
in the prayer and on saying between the two prostrations, "Rabb ighfir
li (Lord forgive me)." There are two opinions:
The first opinion, which is the view of the majority of Hanafis,
Maalikis and Shaafa'is, is that the takbeers of movement and saying
"Rabb ighfir li (Lord forgive me)" between the two prostrations come
under the headingof the Sunnahs of prayerand are not obligatory parts
of the prayer.
The second opinion is that they are obligatory parts of the prayer.
This is the view of the Hanbalis.
Ibn Qudaamah (may Allah have mercy on him) said in al-Mughni (1/298):
The well known view narrated from Ahmad is that the takbeer said when
going down and comingup, the tasbeehs of bowing and prostration,saying
"Sami' Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbanawa laka al-hamd (Allah hears those
who praise Him, our Lord to You be praise)", saying "Rabb ighfir li
(Lord forgive me)", saying "Rabb ighfir li (Lord forgive me)" between
the two prostrations, and the first tashahhud, are all obligatory. It
is also the view of Ishaaq and Dawood.
And it was narrated fromAhmad that it is not obligatory, which is the
view of most of the fuqaha', because the Prophet (blessings and peace
of Allah be upon him) did not teach it to the one who prayed
improperly, and it is not permissible to delay explaining something at
the time when it becomes necessary. Moreover, Ibn Qudaamah quoted a
number of things to indicate that it is obligatory:
1. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) enjoined
it, and his instruction indicates thatsomething is obligatory.
2. He did it and he said: "Pray as you have seen me praying."
3. Abu Dawood (856) narrated from 'Ali ibn Yahya ibn Khallaad from
his paternal uncle that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be
upon him) said: "The prayer of one of the people is not complete
unless he does wudoo' …Then he says: Allahu akbar, then bows." Classed
as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.
4. Because the points at which these adhkaar are recited are
pillars or essential parts of the prayer, dhikr at these points is
obligatory, just as there are words to be recited when standing.
With regard to the hadeeth about the one who prayed improperly, it is
mentioned in the hadeeth that we narrated that he (the Prophet,
blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) taught him that. It is
something additional that must be accepted [[cxn??] The Prophet
(blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) did not teach you all the
obligatory parts of the prayer, based on the factthat he did not
teaching the tashahhud or the salaam. So it is to be understood as
meaning that he limited it to teaching him only that which he had seen
him doing improperly. End quote.
It says in al-Mawsoo 'ah al-Fiqhiyyah (4/40):
When sitting between the two prostrations, it is Sunnah to pray for
forgiveness, according to the Hanafis, Maalikis and Shaafa 'is, and it
is one opinion that was narrated from Ahmad. The basis that is to be
found in the report narrated by Hudhayfah, according to which he
prayed with the Prophet(blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and
he used to say between the two prostrations: "Rabb ighfir li, Rabb
ighfir li (Lord forgive me, Lord forgive me)."
However, asking for forgiveness here is not obligatory, because the
Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) did not teach it to
the one who prayed improperly. The well-known view of the Hanbalis is
that it is obligatory. This is also the opinion of Ishaaq and Dawood,
and aqallahu one time [??]. End quote.
This is a matter concerning which there is a difference of opinion
among the scholars. The most that can be said is that the view of the
Hanbalis, that the takbeers of movement are obligatory, is more
likelyto be correct, because ofthe evidence mentioned above, and
because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:
"The imam hasbeen appointed to be followed, so when he says takbeer,
then say takbeer…" Narrated by Muslim, no. 411.
With regard to the du 'aa' between the two prostrations, the opinionof
the majority, which is that it is mustahabb, is more likely to be
correct,because there is no evidence to clearly indicate that it is
obligatory.
For more information please see the answers to questions no. 130981 and 134965
Secondly:
it is better for the worshipper to recite du 'aa's that have been
narrated in the texts between the two prostrations. With regard to
adding to the du 'aa's that have been narrated, or saying a du 'aa'
that was not narrated, what appears to be the case is that it
ispermissible.

Can he say du ‘aa’ between the two prostrations in words other than those narrated from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)?

Is it wajib or sunnah to say a dua in jalsa? Like saying
"rabbighfirli" 3 times or any other dua. I just recently found out
about this and am confused on whether it is sunnah or wajib.
If it is wajib, will all my past salah count?
Praise be to Allah.
It is better for the worshipper to say du'aa'between the two
prostrations in the words narrated from theProphet (blessings and
peace of Allah be upon him), as it was narrated by an-Nasaa'i (1145)
from Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet
(blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to say between the two
prostrations: "Rabb ighfir li, Rabb ighfir li (Lord forgive me, Lord
forgive me)."
Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan an-Nasaa'i.
At-Tirmidhi (262) narrated from Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with
him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used
to say between the two prostrations: "Allahumma aghfir li wa'rhamni
wa'jburni wa'hdini wa'rzuqni (O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me,
console me, guide me and grant me provision)."
Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan at-Tirmidhi.
With regard to adding tothe du'aa' that was narrated from the Prophet
(blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) or using words other than
those that were narrated, what appears to be the case is that it is
permissible, because this is a posture (of the prayer) in which du'aa'
is allowed. However it is preferable – as stated above – to limit it
to what was narrated from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be
upon him), and to say du'aa' in words other than those which were
narrated when prostrating or before saying the salaam at the end of
the prayer. Muslim (479) narrated from Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allah be
pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be
upon him) said: "and as for prostrating, strive in du'aa', for it is
deserving of a response (from your Lord)."
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Then he should
rise from prostration and say, "Rabb ighfir li, Rabb ighfir li, Rabb
ighfir li (Lord forgive me, Lord forgive me, Lord forgive me)," as the
Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to do. And
it is mustahabb to say along with that: "Allahumma aghfir li wa'rhamni
wa'hdini wa'jburni wa'rzuqni wa 'aafini (O Allah, forgive me, have
mercy on me, guide me, console me, grant me provision and grant me
well being)," because it is proven that the Prophet (blessings and
peace of Allah be upon him) used to say that. And if he wants to add
to that, there is nothing wrong with it, such as saying: O Allah,
forgive me and my parents; O Allah, admit me to Paradise and save me
from the Fire; O Allah, rectify my heart and my deeds, and so on. But
he should offer a lot of du'aa' for forgiveness between the two
prostrations, as was narrated from the Prophet (blessings and peace of
Allah be upon him).
End quote from Majmoo'Fataawa ash-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 11/36
Shaykh Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Mukhtaar ash-Shanqeeti (may Allah
preserve him) said: The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon
him) used to ask for well-being between the two prostrations, because
this is the place of du'aa'. The scholars had two opinions concerning
that. Some of them said: It is a placefor du'aa', so it is prescribed
for a person to offer whatever du'aa' he likes concerning his affairs
in this world and in the Hereafter. Others said: He should limit it
towhat has been narrated (from the Prophet (blessings and peace of
Allah be upon him)), andthis view is stronger. Butif he has not
memorised it, such as if he is one of the ordinary people, there is
nothing wrong with him saying whatever du'aa' he can.
The reason why he may say whatever du'aa' he can is that the Sunnah is
two things: the first is saying du'aa' and the second is the specific
wording. If he is not able to say the specific wording, then the
Sunnah is to ask of Allah.This is the view of the majority, as more
than one scholar attributed it to them. So if he is not able to
memorise the wording that was narrated, or he does not know it, and he
says whatever du'aa' he is able to, such as offering du'aa' for
himself and his parents, there is nothing wrong with that. But it is
preferable and better to say the du'aa' that was narratedfrom the
Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
End quote from Sharh az-Zaad.
And Allah knows best.

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Signs of Allah in Our Eyes

What comes to your mind first when you hear the word "eye"? Are you
aware that one of the most crucial things in life for you is your
ability to see? Even if you are, have you everthought what other signs
your eye bears?
The eye is one of the most manifest pieces of evidence that living
creatures are created. Allsight organs, including animal eyes and the
human eye, are extremely striking examples of perfect design. This
exceptional organ is so overwhelmingly complex that it surpasseseven
the most sophisticated man-madedevices in the world.
In order for an eye to see, all of its parts have to co-exist and work
in harmony. For instance, ifan eye happened to have lost its eyelid,
but still had all the other parts such as the cornea,conjunctiva,
iris, pupil, eye lenses, retina, choroid, eye muscles, and tear
glands, it wouldstill be greatly damaged and soon lose its seeing
function. In the same manner, even if all its organelles were
present,if the tear production were stopped, the eye would soon dry
out and become blind.
"The chain of coincidences" posited byevolutionists loses all its
meaning against the complex structure of the eye. It is not possible
to explain the existence of the eye other than as a matter of special
creation. The eye has a multi-sectioned complex system and, as
discussed above, all of these individual sections had to come into
existence atthe same time. It is impossible for a half-developed eye
to function at "half capacity". In such a circumstance, the act of
seeing can by no means take place. An evolutionist scientist admits to
this truth:
The common trait of the eyes and the wings is that they can only
function if they are fully developed. In other words, a
halfway-developed eye cannot see; a bird with half-formed wings cannot
fly.
In this case, we again face that very important question: who created
all of the components of the eye all at once?
The owner of the eyes is obviously not the one who makes the decision
about their formation. For it is impossible for a being devoid of the
knowledge of what seeing is like, to desire to have a seeing organ and
have it attached to his body. So we have to accept the existence of
aPossessor of superior Wisdom Who has created living beings with
senses such as seeing, hearing, and so on. Another claim is that
unconscious cells gainedconsciousness-requiring functions such as
seeing and hearing by their own desire and effort. It is crystal clear
that this isimpossible. In the Qur'an, it is stated that seeing has
been bestowed upon living beings by God:
Say: He it is Who broughtyou into being and made for you the ears and
the eyes and the hearts: little is it that yougive thanks. (The
Qur'an,67:23)
Article 2
Our eyes are taking 10 pictures per second. So on a daily basis, the
eyesare constantly taking 576,000 pictures if a person sleeps for 8
hours. Which camera in this world can continue to function for years
andyears without being electronically charged like the eyes? Indeed,
the creations of Allah aresomething to think about.
In addition, an average eye blinks 12 times a minute. That's an
amazing 11,520 blinks a day if a person sleeps for8 hours. There are
diseases which prevent aperson from blinking by causing the eye lids
not to open or close. The people suffering from such diseases trully
understand the value of blinking. Let us thank Allah for allowing us
to blink over 10,000 times aday without paying a dollar.

Signs of Allah in the Colorful Nature

It is a favour from our Lord that we live in a vibrant multi-coloured
world. Every colour we see in nature, the perfect harmony of living
beings' colours areall signs of the matchlessart and unique creation
of Allah. The colours of a flower, or a bird and theharmony of these
colours or the soft interplay between colours, the fact that nothing
disturbs our eyes in nature, that, for instance, the colours of the
seas, the sky, and thetrees are in tones that give us peace and do
notexhaust our eyes, show the perfection of Allah's creation.
Reflecting on all these, we come to understand that everything we see
around us is a work of the infinite knowledge and omnipotence of
Allah.

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Dua to relieve oneself from stress and depression

It was narrated that Anas ibn Maalik said: The Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say:
"Allaahumma inni a'oodhu bika min al-hamm wa'l-hazn wa'l-'ajz
wa'l-kasal wa'l-bukhl wa'l-jubn wa dala' al-dayn wa ghalbat al-rijaal
(O Allaah, I seek refuge with You from distress, grief, incapacity,
laziness,miserliness, cowardice, the burden of debt and from being
overpoweredby men)."
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6008.
It was narrated that 'Abd-Allaah ibn Mas'ood said: The Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There is
no-one who is afflicted by distress and grief, and says:
'Allaahumma inni 'abduka ibn 'abdika ibn amatija naasyati bi yadika,
maada fiyya hukmuka, 'adlun fiyya qadaa'uka. As'aluka bi kulli ismin
huwa laka sammayta bihi nafsaka aw anzaltahu fi kitaabikaaw 'allamtahu
ahadan min khalqika aw ista'tharta bihi fi 'ilm il-ghayb 'indaka an
taj'al al-Qur'aana rabee' qalbi wa noor sadri wa jalaa' huzni wa
dhihaab hammi
(O Allaah, I am Your slave,son of Your slave, son of Your maidservant;
my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed
and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every name belonging to
You which You have named Yourself with, or revealedin Your Book, or
You taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the
knowledge of the Unseenwith You, that You make the Qur'aan the life of
myheart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and
a release for my anxiety),'
but Allaah will take away his distress and grief, andreplace it with joy."
He was asked: "O Messenger of Allaah, should we learn this?" Hesaid:
"Of course; everyone who hears it should learn it."
Narrated by Ahmad, 3704; classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in
al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 199.

Stand firm against evil thoughts

Stand firm against evil thoughts
Stand firm against evil thoughts, for if you fail todo so, they will
become ideas, if you do not, they will become desires, so fight
against them. If youdo not, they will become a form of determination
and intention, if you do not resist, they will become actions, and if
you do not follow them up with their opposite, they will become habits
that will be hard to quit.
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim

Did you ever stop for a while and asked yourself

"اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ، وَمِنْ عَذَابِ
جَهَنَّمَ، وَمِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْمَحْيَا وَالْمَمَاتِ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ
فِتْنَةِ الْمَسِيحِ الدَّجَّالِ".
1. Did you ever stop for a while and asked yourself
2. What is going to happen to me the first night in my grave?
3.What have I prepared for death?
Will I be in heaven or Hellfire?
How often do I remember death?
Think about the moment your body is being washed and prepared to enter
your grave…
4.Think about the day people will be carrying you to your grave..
and your families crying..think about the moment you are put in your
graveJust imagine.. imaging yourself in your grave..down there in
thatdark hole…
5.ALONE… it's too DARK… you cry for help, but there is no answer…
Nobody can help you… it's too NARROW.. your bones are squashed…
6.You regret all the bad things you've done during your life… you
regret missing the 5 PRAYERS
you regret listening to music
You regret your disrespectful manners towards everyone, especially
your parents..
you regret not wearing your hijab
You regret ignoring the orders of ALLAH..
YOU REGRET IGNORING THE KNOWLEDGE OF ISLAM
YOU REGRET ALL THE BAD THINGS YOU'VE DONE..
THERE IS NO ESCAPE.. YOU WILL FACE YOUR PUNISHMENT FOR EVERY LITTLE
THING YOU'VE DONE…
You are ALONE in your grave only with your DEEDS..no money, no
jewelries, nothing.. ONLY YOUR DEEDS..
7. AND WHEN IT IS SHUT, YOU FEEL LIKE SCREAMING AND TELLING EVERYONE
NOT TO GO.. TO STAY BESIDE YOUR GRAVE
BUT, YOU CAN'T BE HEARD.. THEY LEAVE YOU AND GO AND YOU HEAR THEIR
FOOTSTEPS.. AND HEAR THEM CRYING THEY WALK AWAY … AND THEN TOTAL
SILENCE
8. YOU THOUGHT YOU WOULD LAST FOREVER IN THIS WORLD, YOU THOUGHTYOU
WILL STAY WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES FOREVER… YOU THOUGHT YOU WILL
HAVE FUN FOREVER… NO
YOU WERE WRONG!!!
9. THEY LEFT YOU ALONE…
JUST SPEND FEW MINUTES AND LOOK AT YOUR FUTURE HOMES… AND SPEND THE
WHOLE OF YOUR LIFE PREPARING FOR THEM
10. YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO IGNORE THIS, YOU NEED TO REMEMBER THIS EVERY
MINUTE, EVERY HOUR, EVERY DAY..
EVERYTIME YOU ARE ABOUT TO COMMIT A SIN, REMEMBER THE DESTROYER OF PLEASURES:
DEATH!!!
(Don't forget ALLAH/GOD IS WATCHING YOU)

When in any difficult Recite:

When in any difficult
Recite:
اللَّهُمَّ رَحْمَتَكَ أَرْجُو فَلَا تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ
عَيْنٍ وَأَصْلِحْ شَأْنِيكُلَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
"O Allah, I hope for Your mercy, do not leave me for even the duration
of an eye blink (duration) and correct my total condition. Besides You
there is none worthy of worship".
(Hisnul Hasin)
Alternate dua
حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ
"Allah is sufficient for us and He is the Best Guardian".
(Quran, Surah Al-Imraan)
Alternatively recite
اللَّهُ اللَّهُ رَبِّي لَا أُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئَاً
"Allah is my Lord, I do notascribe anything unto Him".
(Hisnul Hasin from Abu Dawood)
or recite
يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ
"O Alive and everlasting One, I beseech You by Your mercy".
(Mustadrak Hakim)
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
"O Allah, there is none worthy of worship besides You. You are Pure,
definitely I have oppressed my soul by sinning".
The Qur'an states that these words were recitedwhen Yunus (A.S.)
called upon Allah from the belly of the fish. Prophet Mohammad
(S.A.W.) stated in a hadith that when any Muslim makes this dua via
these words to Allah, then Allah surely accepts his duas.
(Tirmidhi etc)
It is stated in a hadith that
لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ
is the medicine for 99 ailments, the least of which is depression.
(Baihaqi in Dawatul Kubra)
It means that these words are so beneficial and useful that big/great
grievances, depression and sorrow are easily removed in its stride.
Abdullah bin Abbas (R.A.) narrates that Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.)
stated that if a person constantly makes "Astaghfar", then Allah
removes every difficulty, frees him from every sorrow and makes a
means for him to receive sustencance from places that he never thought
of.

IGNORANCE…

Bismillah.
Ignorance is a state of being uninformed (lack of knowledge).
Jahiliyyah (Arabic: جاهلية) is an Islamic concept of "ignorance of
divine guidance" or "the state of ignorance of the guidance from God"
or "Days of Ignorance" referring to the condition Arabs found
themselves in pre-Islamic Arabia, i.e. prior to the revelation of the
Qur'an to Muhammad. By extension it means the state of anyone not
following Islam and the Qur'an.
[Source: Wikipedia]
Volume 1, Book 2, Number 29:
Narrated Al-Ma'rur:
At Ar-Rabadha I met Abu Dhar who was wearing a cloak, and his slave,
too, was wearing a similar one. I asked about the reason for it. He
replied, "I abused a person by calling his mother with bad names." The
Prophet said to me, 'O Abu Dhar! Did you abuse him by calling his
mother with bad names? You still havesome characteristics of
ignorance. Your slaves are your brothers and Allah has put them under
your command. So whoever has a brother under his command should feed
him of what he eats and dress him of what he wears. Do not ask them
(slaves) to do things beyond their capacity (power) and if you do so,
then help them.'
Did you know how Abu Dhar had abused his slave? By calling him 'son of
a black woman'. For anaverage person today, this might not even sound
abusive. We use much worse language, don't we?
Even our language represents our Deen. The kinds of words we use, and
our way of talking. Everything counts.
Two definitions are givenon the top. Ignorance, generally, is lack of
knowledge. But when wetalk about the term 'Jahiliyyah', it refers to
ignorance from Islam.
So, abusive language canonly be expected from a person who lacks
knowledge of Islam. We have enough, Alhamdulillah. Enough to know that
we're Muslims.We should show it as well. ◕‿◕
Wassalam.