Letter from a Reader

Salaam brother,
I have been browsing your website for several weeks now, just reading
through various articles. I just felt the need to thank you and let
you know how truly inspiring you are.
The past few months have been a tremendously difficult for me, and
reading your post about heartbreak really uplifted me in a significant
way. Your insight is truly amazing, and reading your work soothes my
pain amazingly well. Your words are further adorned with the truth
about Allah, the Beloved Messenger andthe reality of love and life. It
is truly a gift that you have been blessed with, and may Allah reward
you for sharing it with us.
I pray Allah blesses you with His eternal Love, Mercy and Kindness –
and that He keeps us all on the loving and noble path of the Beloved
Messenger, ourLeader Mustafa, upon him be peace.
Hope you and your daughter Salma are well, and that you are having a
great Ramadan.
Keep me in your prayers. Stay blessed, always!
Wasalaam

Love Can Change the World

Bridges are more beautiful than bombs are
Bridges are more beautiful than bombs.
Listening is louder than a lecture
Listening is louder than a shout
But Love – Love can changethe world.
Oh do we still believe that
Love – Love can change theworld.
An open hand is stronger than a fist is
An open hand is stronger than a fist
Wonder is more valuable than Wall Street
Wonder is more valuable than gold.
Repeat chorus
May we never stop this dreaming
Of a better world
May we never stop believing
In the impossible.

Letting Go of Material Illusions

As infants, our first seeming victory is being able to grasp – a
finger, a toy, or anything bright. Only later do we realize that the
dunya (the material world) is constantly grasping at us, trying to get
us to buy, eat,feel, possess, own. Forces of greed are trying to get
us to pour our souls down the drain of disposable consumerism, and
poison our planet in the process.
Believers realize at that point that the real struggleis to give up
our love for material things, and let go. To take what we need,
andenjoy the simple pleasures,and not let ourselves be corrupted by
waste.
Doesn't Allah say that the wasters are the brothers ofthe devils?
"And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the
traveler, and do not spend wastefully. Indeed, the wasteful are
brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord
ungrateful." (Quran, Al-Israa' 17: 26-27)
Modern society, and Western society in particular, is based on waste.
Everything is disposable, everything is plastic, everything is
buriedin landfills where it seeps into the drinking water, or dumped
into the ocean where it poisons the marine ecosystem. Knowing this,
how are we to regard modern society in view of Allah's statment that
the wasters are the brothers of the devils? And what is our role in
this massive assault on planet earth?
Things are not always as they seem. Consumerism is a spiritual desert,
and the happiness that we think will come from buying this,or owning
that, is a mirage.Buying the latest flat screen TV or data phone will
not make us happy. Owning a McMansion in thesuburbs will not bring us
inner peace. Having a pile of money in the bank will not bring us
closer to Allah,or save our souls, or extendour lives one moment
beyond what has been written, regardless of our insurance plans. In
fact, all those things are balls and chains that bind ours soul and
create stress and worry.
The Messenger of Allah (sws), is reported to have said, "That which is
little yet sufficient is better than that which is much and diverts
man from his goal as a result."
What is the goal? It is the worship of Allah, working
fee-sabeel-illah, and the ultimate goal of Jannah. In the Bible, Jesus
(peace be upon him) asks, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall
gain the whole world,and lose his own soul?" If you own the most
beautiful furniture, the most expensive clothing, and the coolest
cars, yet you fail in your mission of achieving Jannah, then what have
you achieved? You have ruined yourself.
Let go of these material illusions. We're not infants anymore, trying
to grab any pretty thing and put it in our mouths. We can think
critically. The "reality"that is flashed in our eyes athousand times a
day by commercials, billboards, movies and TV is a lie. See things as
they are. All that matters is Allah. Above all is Allah. Success lies
in our relationship with Allah. Peace and happiness come from being in
harmony with Allah's teachings, which in turn brings us in harmony
with all creation.
Buy less, own less, don't use disposable products, don't throw away
things that can be repaired, re-sold or donated. Hand things down,
pass them on.The best fun is free: playing sports or word games with
your children, walking in the park, swimming at the beach or the
public pool, enjoying tea with friends. Don't worry about owning the
latest gadget. Forget aboutbrand names. The only brands we need are
Muslim, Mu'min, Ummah, Deen. Keep your eyes open,think for yourself,
and don't be fooled by bright illusions.

BLESSED OLIVE TREE

`Umar ibn al-Khattab narrated that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said:
"Eat olive oil and apply it (as lotion) for it comes from a blessed tree".
Moreover, the olive tree and its oil are mentioned inthe Glorious
Qur'an seven times. Allah, the Almighty swears by the figs and the
olives,
"By the fig, and the olive"
Surat At-Tin (The Fig): 1.
Allah, Glorified be He also referred to the olive tree insurat
Al-Mu'minun (the Believers):
"And a tree (olive) that springs forth from Mount Sinai, that
grows(produces) oil , and (it is a) relish for the eaters."
Surat Al-Mu'minun (The Believers): 20
The oil mentioned in the verse is olive oil. This same tree is praised
by Allah in a third verse:
"… lit from a blessed tree , an olive , neither of the east (i.e.
neither gets sun-rays only in the morning) nor of the west (i.e. nor
it gets sun-rays only in the afternoon, but it is exposed to the sun
all day long), whose oil wouldalmost glow forth (of itself), though no
fire touched it."
Surat An-Nur (The Light): 35
Explanation of the Hadith
The Olive Tree is an evergreen tree, which has ahigh tolerance of
dryness. It is a perennial plant that might live even for more than
1000 years. The cultivated olive (Olea europaea) is grown throughout
the eastern Mediterranean region and in other parts of the world that
have Mediterranean-t ype climates especially in Asia and Africa. The
olive tree has been known since the times of the most ancient
civilizations as one of the most important oil producing plants.
It has been proven lately that the amount of fatty acids in olive oil
is very lowand that it only contains unsaturated fats. That is why it
is considered very healthy, as it is free of the substances that lead
to arteriosclerosi s and even tothe occlusion of the arteries. Through
an accurate survey it has beenfound that eating olive oil regularly
helps protect the body from many diseases including the occlusion of
the coronary arteries, the increase in the ratio of harmful fats in
the blood, the increase in blood pressure, diabetes, some carcinogenic
diseases (e.g. cancer of the stomach, the colon, the breast, the
uterus and the skin), in addition to protection fromulcers of the
digestive system.
One of the main body fats is "Cholesterol", a white crystalline fat
which is present in high amounts in the brain, the spinal cord and the
liver. It is normally synthesized in the liver, theintestine and the
skin, and is important as a mediator in many vital processes. The most
important one of these processes is the synthesis of vitamin E and
many other hormones. Nevertheless, eating excessive amounts of fatty
animal meat, may lead to increasing the level of cholesterol in the
body. Part of this cholesterol will pass to the blood forming a fat
globule that may leadto the obstruction or occlusion of the blood
vessels, and may consequently lead to arteriosclerosi s.
It is well known that the oxidation of cholesterol is one of the
factors that helpaccelerate the hardening ofthe arteries and their
consequent narrowing. It has lately been discovered that olive oil
plays an important role in preventing this oxidation process from
occurring, as it contains vitamin E and other Polyphenolic Compounds,
which inhibit the auto-oxidation of the oil. It also prohibits the
oxidation of harmful cholesterol known as LDL (Low-density
lipoprotein), and purifies the body from the dangers of the Lipid
Peroxides as well as the dangers of other harmful substances.
Therefore, eating olive oil regularly helps lower the total ration of
cholesterol in the blood generally, and reduces the ratio of the
harmful types of cholesterol in particular. The low cancer rate, which
is detected in the Mediterranean region, is attributed to the fact
that the inhabitants of this region regularly have largeamounts of
olives and oliveoil (especially the raw one produced from the first
squeezing process and free from any chemical treatment).
Olive oil is a yellow liquid, rich in Oleic Acids, used in cooking and
as a salad dressing. It is also used in producing many
medicines,medical ointments, hair oilsand soaps. Moreover, because of
its ability, it produces a clear flame when ignited. Olive oil was
used in lighting lamps, especially in large mosquessuch as Aqsa
Mosque, we pray Allah, the Almighty, tohelp us set it free from the
debauchery of the Jews.
In addition to the above-mentioned healthy advantages of the olive
tree and its oil, olives constitute a relish for eaters, a nourishing
food, and an appetizer, and they could be stored through preservation
in salt, which increases their economic value.

Sufism or taṣawwuf

practitioner of this tradition is generally known as a ṣūfī (صُوفِيّ).
Classical Sufi scholars have defined Sufism as "a science whose
objective is the reparation of the heart and turning it away from all
else but God". [ 4 ] Alternatively, in the words of the Darqawi Sufi
teacher
Ahmad ibn Ajiba , "a science through which one can know how to travel
into the presence of the Divine , purify one's inner self from filth,
and beautify it with a variety of praiseworthy traits". [ 5 ]
Classical Sufis were characterised by their attachment to dhikr (a
practice of repeating the names of God) and asceticism . Sufism gained
adherents among a number of Muslims as a reaction against the
worldliness of the early Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE [ 6 ] ). Sufis
have spanned several continents and cultures over a millennium, at
first expressed through Arabic, then through Persian, Turkish and a
dozen other languages. [ 7 ] "Orders" ( ṭuruq ), which are either
Sunnī or Shī'ī or mixed [ 8 ] in doctrine, trace many of theiroriginal
precepts from the Islamic Prophet Muhammad through his cousin 'Alī ,
with thenotable exception of the Naqshbandi who trace their origins
through the first Caliph , Abu Bakr . [ 9 ] Other exclusive schools of
Sufism describe themselves as distinctly Sufi. [ 10 ] Modern Sufis
often perform dhikr
after the conclusion of prayers. [ 11 ]
Some mainstream scholars of Islam define sufism as simply the name for
the inner or esoteric dimension of Islam. [ 1 ] René Guénon in
Insights into Islamic Esoterism and Taoism (Sophia Perennis 2003)
contended that Sufism was the esoteric aspect of Islam supported and
complemented by exoteric practices and Islamic law. However,
accordingto Idries Shah , the Sufi philosophy is universal in nature,
its roots predating the rise of Islam and the other modern-day
religions, save for perhaps
Buddhism and Jainism ; likewise,some Muslims consider Sufism outside
the sphere of Islam. [ 1 ] [ 12 ]

Ruling on eating fromthe husband's ill-gotten gains

Question
I have two sisters; the husband of one of them works as a driver at a
bank while the other works in the maintenance department at a hotel
that serves wine. My two sistersrefrain from eating from the money of
their husbands. Is the work of their husbands, and their gains,
unlawful? Do they (my sisters) have the right to do so? If yes, is it
permissible for me to give them some of my money from Zakaah
(obligatory charity) to eat from?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify
that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad
, is His Slaveand Messenger.
First of all, we would like to thank your sisters for their keenness
to free their liability and eat from lawfully earned sustenance. The
earnings ofthese two husbands are ill-gotten gains. The one who works
as a driver at a bank is worse than the other one as Riba (usury)
isworse than intoxicants andthe driver carries the Riba-based
contracts and other things and takes his salary from the bank in
return for doing this. As for the other man who works at the
maintenance department of a hotel that serves intoxicants, his gain is
suspected and he will bear a sin as his work is part of preparing this
place.
To conclude, these two jobs are counted among the ill-gotten gains.
Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):
· {O you who have believed,eat from the good things which We have
provided for you} [Quran 2:172]
· {and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them
the evil} [Quran 7:157]
They are also cooperating in sin and aggression. Allaah The Almighty
Says (what means): {but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.}
[Quran 5:2]
We should all fear Allaah asmuch as we can. Allaah TheAlmighty Says
(what means): {And whoever fears Allaah - He will make for him a way
out} [Quran 65:2]
In fact, the one who sincerely seeks lawfully earned sustenance will
be guided by Allaah The Almighty to find it.
If they do not accept the advice and continue with their work, and
your sistersneed money to buy food and the like, you might paythem
what is sufficient for them from the Zakaah that is due on your
property.
Allaah Knows best/

Her husband forces her to live in the same house with his brother

Question
My question is my husbandis forcing me to stay with his married
brother ,I had told him about the hadiths mentioning that "brother in
law is death" living together may cause many problems,but he doesnt
seems to listen,he says thatI just have to maintain my Hijab thats
all.Wht can I do?since his wife is also a nonmehram to him that will
be a probs.As a muslimwomen I dont get my rights from my husband,he
doesnt agrees to the rights of women in Islam.Please advise.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify
that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad
, is His slaveand Messenger.
It is your right as a wife to get a separate accommodation where
youwould be safe from any harm and where you would not be embarrassed.
Besides, it is not permissible for you to obeyyour husband in dwelling
with your brother-in-law inthe same house whose amenities are not
separate,where his brother could see you (without Hijaab) orbe in
seclusion with you, orwhere there is any other matter that might lead
to temptation.
Even if we presume that you can take the necessary measures to avoid
these prohibitions and always wear Hijaab, then this may cause much
hardship to you. So, your husband has no right to oblige you to live
in such a situation. For more benefit, please refer to Fatwa 84608 .
Based on this, it is permissible for the wife to ask for divorce as a
way of repelling harm off herself ifher husband does not provide her
with an accommodation that is Islamically acceptable.
There is no doubt that yourhusband is also obliged to abide by the
Islamic conditions in dealing with the wife of his brother as she is a
non-Mahram to him. Therefore, we warn against being lenient in such
kind of dealings within one family as this is one of the major reasons
ofcorruption. The Hadeeth that is mentioned in the question which
reads 'the male in-law is death itself' is the best evidence in this
regard. The text of the Hadeeth is as follows: Uqbah Ibn 'Aamer
narrated that the Prophet said: " Beware of entering upon women"; a
man from the Ansaar asked: 'O Messenger of Allaah, what do you say
about the male in-law (the woman's husband's male relative like his
brother, uncle, cousin, etc.)?' He replied: "He is death itself (i.e.
his seclusion with her is as serious and dangerousas death) . "
[Bukhaari and Muslim] For more benefit, please refer to Fatwa 154373 .
As regards what you mentioned about your husband that he does not
agree with the women's rights in Islam, then this needs more
clarification [aswe do not know exactly what you mean] For general
information in this regard, please refer to Fataawa 81205 and 88304 .
Allaah Knows best./

A ‘New Look’ for the Spirit

'New look' is a widespread term today. It is mainly concerned with the
outward appearance and how to change it.
However, it seldom refers to deeds and actions whichenable both the
woman and the man to create a new look for their lives by viewing life
from a new perspective. Renewing the appearance is desirable and
important; however, it should be done in a positive way. We need a new
look for the spirit first to cast splendor and light on the outward
appearance.
Actors' Innovation
Marwah Muhammad Ahmad, a translator, says, "Change is a basic feature
in man's life, for permanence is only for Allaah The Exalted. Hence,
man always tries to make changes in his life, including his
appearance. Change of appearance has usually been known as 'fashion',
which differs fromone year to another. Today,however, a new name and
style of change, which is called the 'New Look', has emerged. It was
originally invented by actors and artists. It seems to express their
desire to combat boredom and renew their youth, as they say. To them,
this New Look means a change in the color of hair and hairstyle, the
color of complexion as well as the style of dressing." She further
said, "Nowadays, the youth are afflicted with blind imitation and seek
to have a new character through the New Look that is restricted to
external change. I do not know howthe external change can have a
significant effect on life. It is the internal change that lasts and
is more beneficial. Hence, the concept of a New Look should be viewed
differently in a way that makes the change related, for example, to
one's lifestyle and way of treating others."
Saamiyah Sayyid, a working woman, says, "TheNew Look has spread widely
among artists recently. There is an artist who is over sixty years old
but looks as if he were onlytwenty. This is, of course, only in his
appearance as the organs of the body experience no renovation, for
Allaah The Exalted wants man to experience that stage, and this is the
norm of life. Man should enjoy every stage of his lifewithin the
limits of what Allaah The Almighty destined for him of childhood,
youth and old age."
The Need for Renewal
Sawsan Bahaa', a BA in Instantaneous Translation, says that the
definition of 'New Look' is to have a new appearance. In this context,
renewing one's appearance is desirable and preferred from time to
time.
As mankind is keen on possessing new things, he is also happy to renew
and change his feelings from sadness to happiness and to experience
different feelings when shifting fromone stage of life to another. It
is like his feelingwhenever he undergoes a new experience, meets new
people or visits new places. Thus, renewal is considered a permanent
and necessary need for every person to drive him/her forward.
However,some people may exaggerate in seeking a new look or a new
appearance. The desire for renewal may prompt one to seek an
eye-catching appearance even if this appearance contradicts the
general taste or customs ofthe society or even the teachings of one's
religion.
This reveals the importanceof caution and wisdom when choosing new
things to avoid the diminution of one's credit of esteem and
admiration in people's eyes, which might be caused by an unrestrained
pursuit of new things. Caution and wisdom also help one maintain the
features which distinguish his character. Therefore, there must be
balance between one's desire and what he has to achieve of the noble
objectives which please him when he fulfills them.
Heba Salaah, a university lecturer, confirms that the New Look is a
widespread phenomenon that focuses on one's outward appearance, and
that is why scholars of religion must be consulted first whether this
is lawful or not before changing one's shape and appearance.
'Ula 'Abdul-Ghani 'Ali, a government employee, says, "There is
something that has a close meaning tothe New Look; which is changing
one's features by having cosmetic surgery which gives the person a new
appearance and features like changing the size of the nose or the
mouth. The other, more distant, meaning of the New Look refers to the
person's direction towards new thought that springs from the person
himself as he wants to change his character with respect to his views
and principles in life. Sometimes, one's views change when he leaves
his place of residence and meets new people with whom he did not deal
before. One may experience some crises which polish his character and
make it stronger and firmer.
"However, many people donot prefer to make outward changes in their
appearance. They prefer to keep the appearance with which Allaah The
Almighty created them. Also, it is difficult to change the character
of some people regardless of the external effects to which they are
exposed."

HADEES :- ~

Salam alaikum, I have read this story on a website andwould like to
know, if this story is known and authentic? 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, radi
Allahu anhu, said that a man cameto his house to complain about his
wife. On reachingthe door of his house, he hears 'Umar's wife shouting
at him and reviling him. Seeing this, hewas about to go back, thinking
that 'Umar himselfwas in the same position and, therefore, could
hardlysuggest any solution for hisproblem. 'Umar, radi Allahuanhu, saw
the man turn back, so he called him and enquired about the purpose of
his visit. He saidthat he had come with a complaint against his wife,
but turned back on seeing the Caliph in the same position. 'Umar, radi
Allhu anhu, told him that he tolerated the excesses of his wife for
she had certain rights against him. He said,"Is it not true that she
prepares food for me, washes clothes for me and suckles my children,
thus saving me the expense of employing a cook, a washerwoman and a
nurse, though she is not legally obliged in any way to do any of these
things? Besides, I enjoy peace of mind because of her and am kept away
from indecent acts on account ofher. I therefore tolerate all her
excesses on account of these benefits. It is right that you should
also adopt the same attitude." (Quoted in Role of Muslim Women in
Society: Afzular Rahman, page 149)

HEALTH - -

* use translator to read :->
சருமத்தை காக்கும் கற்றாழை ஜெல்பேக்!
வீட்டுத்தோட்டத் தில் வளர்க்கப்படும் சோற்றுக்கற்றாழை முக அழகை
பாதுகாக்கும் அழகு சாதனப்பொருளாக பயன்படுகிறது. கோடைகாலத்தில் சருமம்
வறட்சியடையாமல் பாதுகாப்பதோடு கொப்புளங்கள், முகப்பரு போன்றவைஏற்படாமல்
தடுக்கிறது. கற்றாழையை உபயோகித்து காசு செலவில்லாமல் சருமத்தை
பாதுகாப்பதற்கு அழகியல் நிபுணர்கள் கூறும் ஆலோசனையை படியுங்களேன்.
கோடை கொப்புளங்கள்
கோடைகாலத்தில் சருமத்தில் ஆங்காங்கே கொப்புளங்கள் ஏற்படுவது இயல்பு.
இதனால் வலியும் எரிச்சலும் ஏற்படும். இதற்கு கற்றாலை சிறந்த
மருந்தாகசெயல்படுகிறது. கற்றாழையை பறித்து அதனை பிழிந்து சாறு எடுத்து
அதில் சில துளிகள் எலுமிச்சை சேர்த்து கலக்கவும். இதனை ஒரு பருத்தி
துணியில் தொட்டு முகத்தில் நன்றாக அப்ளை செய்யவும். பத்து நிமிடம்
கழித்து வெதுவெதுப்பான நீரில் கழுவி விடலாம். இதனால் சருமம் பொலிவாகும்.
சருமம் வறட்சி நீங்கி ஈரப்பதத்தை தக்கவைக்கலாம்.
மூலிகை பேக்
கற்றாழைச் செடி அனைத்து சருமத்திற்கும் ஏற்ற சிறந்த மூலிகை யாகும். இதனை
ஜெல் போல செய்து முகத்தில் பூசி வர சருமம் ஜொலிக்கும். கற்றாழை செடியை
பறித்து நன்றாக அரைத்து அதனுடன் ரோஸ் வாட்டர் சேர்க்கவும் கண்களைத் தவிர
பிற பகுதிகளில் திக்காக பேக் போல போடவும். பின்னர் நன்றாக மூன்று
நிமிடங்கள் வரை மசாஜ் செய்யவும். இதனால் முகத்தில் உயிரிழந்த செல்கள்
உதிர்ந்து விடும். பதினைந்து நிமிடங்கள் கழித்து முகத்தை கிளன்சர் கொண்டோ
அல்லது குளிர்ந்த நீரிலோகழுவி விடலாம். வாரம் ஒருமுறை இவ்வாறு செய்து வர
முகம் பொலிவாகவும் மென்மையாக இருக்கும்.
முகப்பரு வராது
கற்றாழையை பறித்து அதை நன்றாக கொதிக்கும் நீரில் போட்டு வேக வைக்கவும்.
இதனை எடுத்து நன்றாக அரைக்கவும் அதனுடன் தேன் சேர்க்கவும். இந்த கலவையை
நன்றாக முகம் முழுவதும் அப்ளை செய்யவும். நன்றாக காயவிட்டு பின்னர்
குளிர்ந்த நீரில் கழுவவும். இதனை வாரம் ஒருமுறை செய்து வர முகப்பரு
இருந்தால் மறைந்து விடும். முகப்பருவே வடுக்களோ ஏற்படாது. சென்சிடிவ்
சருமம் உள்ளவர்கள் கற்றாழையுடன்வெள்ளரிக்காய், தயிர் சேர்த்து அரைத்து
பேஸ்ட் போல செய்யவும். பதினைந்து நிமிடம் ஊறவைத்து நன்றாக குளிர்ந்த
நீரில் கழுவ முகம் புத்துணர்ச்சியோ டு இருக்கும்.

Fasting the month of Rajab

Question:
I'm in Cote d'Ivoire and people are fasting for themonth of Rajab. Is
it a true Ibadaat or a Bid'ah? Please answer with any helpful
information to get the right position.
Fatwa:
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify
that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad
is His slave and Messenger.
There is disagreement among scholars concerning fasting the month of
Rajab. Some scholars believe it is desirable to fast the month of
Rajab for the following:
A) General arousal of an interest in fast. This, in fact, is a
comprehensive rule with so many proofs.
B) Special arousal of an interest in fasting the sacred months, i.e.
Rajab,Thul Qi'dah, Thul Hijjah and Muharram. In addition to that, the
majority of Muslim scholars believe that is recommendable to fast
those months, especially Rajab. They based their opinion on the
following Ahadeeth.
1) Mujeebah al-Baahili reported from his father (or uncle) that the
Prophet told him: "Fast during the sacred months and leave (fasting),
fast during the sacred months and leave" [Ahmad and Abu Dawoodand the
words of this Hadeeth are of Abu Dawood's narration.]
2) From Usaamah Ibn Zaid who said: "O Allaah's Messenger! I never find
you fasting in any month like you do during the month of Sha'baan'.
The Prophet said: "That is a month the people neglect. It comes
between Rajab and Ramadhaan.It is a month in which the deeds are
raised to the Lord of the Worlds. I love that my deeds be raised while
I am fasting" [Ahmad and al-Nasaa'i].
ash-Shawkaani said: 'As for the apparent meaning of words; Sha'baan is
a month the people (the Prophet's companions) neglect. It is between
Rajab and Ramadhaan;they mean that it is desirable to fast Rajab since
it appears that the Prophet's companions honorSha'baan with fasting as
they honor Ramadhaan and Rajab (with fasting). It is also possible
that those words mean that the Prophet's companions honorSha'baan with
fasting as they honor Rajab with sacrifices, since it was a habit of
people before Islam to honor it with sacrifices as proven in the
Sunnah. But, we think the first opinion is more correct. And Islam
effaced the habits and traces of the pre-Islamic period. But, the goal
is to state the legality of fasting Rajab from thegeneral and special
points of view. In general, there are manyAhadeeth that urge Muslims
to fast during the sacred months, and Rajab is one of them. And there
are many Ahadeeth concerning legality of unfixed fasts.'
Then, ash-Shawkaani mentioned some Ahadeeth concerning excellence of
fasting Rajab as recorded by al-Tabaraani, al-Baihaqi, Abu Nu'aim and
Ibn 'Asaakir .
He added: 'as-Subki related from Muhammad Ibn Mansoor al-Sam'aani who
said that 'There is no strong narration in the Sunnah concerning
desirability of fastingRajab. Then, all narrations that were related
in this matter were weak. According to a narration of Ibn Abi Shaibah
thatUmar used to beat the hands of people to put them in bowls and
say: 'Eat! It is a month that was honored before Islam.' Another
narration by Ibn Abi Shaibah from Zaid Ibn Aslam who said: 'Allaah's
Messenger was asked about the fasting of Rajab and he said: "Why don't
you fast in Sha'baan?" Another narration from Ibn 'Umar indicates that
it is disliked to fast Rajab.
ash-Shawkaani added: 'It is clear that if special narrations do not
constitute a proof to the desirability of fasting during Rajab,
general narrations constitute such an evidence, since there is no
proof that makes fasting disliked. As for Abu Dawood's narration from
Ibn 'Abbaas that the Prophet Interdicted fasting Rajab. We state that
this narration is weak. Here, we state that al-'Iz Ibn 'Abd-us-Salaam
dispraised those who prevented people from fasting the month of Rajab
as cited from him by IbnHajar al-Haitami .'
However, some scholars believe that it is disliked to fast during the
month of Rajab and al-Hanabila are among them depending on the
above-mentioned narration of the Hadeeth of Ibn 'Abbaas about 'Umar
asking people to eat and stop fasting in that month. Imaam Ibn
Qudaamah said: 'It is disliked to single out Rajab with fasting.'
As for fasting the sacred months, al-Hanaabilah agreed the majority
concerning the desirability of fasting during these months. Then,
al-Hanaabilah believe if a person leaves fasting one day of Rajab,
then the reprehensibility of its fasting is vanished. al-Mirdaawi, may
Allah's Mercy be upon him, said: 'It is disliked to single out Rajab
with fasting. This is the opinion of Hanbali school, and it is one
ofthe school's issues that are not agreed upon with others.'

HADEES - ~

On the authority of Abu al-Abbas Abdullahibn Abbas (radiyallahuanhum) who said: One day, I was riding behind the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wa sallam) and he said tome, "O young man, I shall teach you some words (of advice). Be mindful of Allah and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, ask of Allah. If you seek help, seek help in Allah. Know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not be able to benefit you with anything except what Allah has already recorded for you. And if they gather to harm you bysomething, they would not be able to harm you by anythingexcept what Allah has already recorded against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried." (at-Tirmidi)

Moving Beyond Blame

I wrote the piece above over ten years ago. It has taken me almost
these entire ten years to learn to forgive myself. I still sometimes
see someone on the street who looks like Joe, and I have a moment of
excitement, then I remember that he is gone. But I don't blame myself
anymore. I made a mistake, but I'm not responsible for Joe putting a
needle in his arm. With everything he had to live for, he had no
excuse. If having a family, friends and freedom wasn't enough of a joy
for him, then it's unlikely that anything I said would havemade a
difference.
I don't want to blame Joe either. He lost the battle against his
internal demons, and that's enoughfor me to say. I still love him. I
guess I've gotten beyond blame, to a place of understanding or
acceptance. I'm able to think of Joe with gratitude,and with no
bitterness or regret to color it. I originally titled this piece,
"Trying to Remember the Good Times", but if I had written it today I
might callit, "Remembering a Kind Soul."
That's the miracle and glory of the human heart. That is one of the
countlessblessings of Allah. He gives us hearts that heal, and spirits
that forgive, and Time, our dear friend, who carries away all wounds
in the gentle sweep of its current.
"Allah said: 'Sons of Adam inveigh against [the vicissitudes of]
Time,but I am Time, in My hand is the night and theday.'" (hadith
qudsi, agreed upon)
If Allah is Time, and Allah isAr-Rahman ir-Raheem (TheMerciful and
Mercy-Giving), then time is a mercy and ablessing. The passage of
time is a balm and a cure.
I try to do better now in reaching out to anyone I care about who
might be in pain. I try to express something about the deen to the
non-Muslims in my life. I don't preach, but I share my enthusiasm for
Islam in small ways, and I offer a perspective that includes Allah.
If I could go back, what would I do differently? I have come to
realize that the question serves no purpose. The Polk Street festival
is a memory, a day in history, an image on a fading photo. Agonizing
over it does not help.
A better question is, what will I do differently today? What will I do
differently tomorrow, when the California sun comes up blazing, and
the world is new again, and I am blessed beyond belief with another
opportunity to redeem my soul, and to love my family and friends,and
to prostrate to Allah, and to change the world?

Recognising computer addiction in adolescents

When trying to determine whether a child is addicted to computer games
or the Internet, parents should not only consider the amount of time
the child spends at it.
This is according to Klaus Woelfling, co-director of the Outpatient
Gambling Addiction Department at Mainz University Medical Centre's
Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy.
More important, said Mr. Woelfling in an interview with DPA , are the
situations, in which adolescents sit in front of acomputer screen —
"for example, when they're stressed or have personal problems." Some
addicts spend a constant amount of time in front of a computer, but
that period is of heightened intensity.
"This means they feel an urge to use their computer on a particular
occasion, or always at the same time," said Mr. Woelfling, adding
there was no clear-cut line between addiction and non-addiction.
A further sign of addiction is preoccupation. If parentsfeel their
child's life revolves around computer games or online chats,
theyshould speak to the child about it, he said.
"If, when out with their child, parents realise the child is getting
restless andbadly wants to go home tothe computer, they should ask,
'Why is it so importantto you right now?'" Mr. Woelfling advised.
Parents should not be reproachful. This increases their chancesof
gaining insight into howthe child thinks.
Computer addicts display withdrawal symptoms when denied access to a
PC. "Parents might receive threats if the PC is removedfrom the
child's room," Mr. Woelfling noted. This previously unknown side of
the child shocks parents,he said.
Confronted with their addiction, addicts typically deny that they have
a problem. So parents shouldproceed cautiously and describe their
impressions only. It is better to say, "I think you've got an
addictive disorder" than "You've got a real addiction," Mr. Woelfling
said.
If signs point to an addiction, parents should try to take their child
to a counselling centre. A conversation will then determine whether
the child is ready for treatment. "You can't treat anyone against his
or her will, though," Mr. Woelflingsaid.

Good Morning tips

Lines by a depressed hearti don't know why life teaches me so many
lessons, when i am not interested in learning.good morning
]
Unbeaten thought ever take what ever u can fromur life.. bcoz.. when
life starts taking from u.. it takes even ur last breath.good morning
]
May you rise each texting day with fully charged cell phone in your
hand, Inspiring message in your mind, me in your heart Good Morning
]
morning shows the day destination shows the way don't u under stand
what i say hey good morning
]
Friendship need no promises No demands Andno expectations it just
needs two people ONE COOL LIKE ME AND ONE SWEET LIKE YOU Good Morning

Mosques Around The Globe

Faisal Mosque construction:In 1969, an international competition was held in
which architects from 17 countries submitted 43 proposals. After four
days of deliberation, Turkish architect Vedat
Dalokay's design was chosen.

* * 27th of Rajab and 14th of Sha'baan

* * Question:
I have to question concerning the month of Rajab and Sha'ban.
Somepeople say that the 27th Rajab and 14th of Sha'ban nights of
worship. Please explain in detail, so I can help myPakistani community
to understand this, because in our country they said that it is a
special night and I don't see any evidence in the Hadeeth why they
said that also. Is there is a difference in belief?
Fatwa:
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify
that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad
is His slave and Messenger.
There are several kinds offasting. Among these kinds are:
1) Obligatory: observing the fast during the wholemonth of Ramadhaan
is an obligation for all Muslims.
2) Supererogatory: this category embraces fasts on particular
occasions such as the 9th and 10th days of Muharram, the day of
Arafah, fasting three days each month, fasting of Monday and Thursday
each week. It is Sunnah to observing fasting on those days.
As for fasting on the day of al-Israa and al-Mi'raaj, it is not proved
in the Sunnah of the Prophet . If it was recommendable, the Prophet
would have stated so as we have seen concerning supererogatory
fasting.
Thus, it is not correct to observe fasting on this specific day. Then,
there is difference among scholars concerning specifying the day of
al-Israa. Ibn Hajar in al-Fat'h mentioned that there are more than ten
opinions in this concern. This disagreement indicates that this day
has no special significance for fasting orspending its night in
performing prayers. If so, the Prophet and his companions would not
have missed it.
Basing on the above-mentioned, we state thatit is Bid'ah (innovation)
to fast this day as an observance since there is no correct Prophetic
narration in this concern. But, if fasting on this day coincides with
any supererogatory fasting orone's regular fasts (Monday or day after
day)then it is legal to fast thisday (the 27th Rajab).
As for spending the nightof 15th of Sha'baan in prayers and other
forms of worship, there are several Ahadeeth (Prophetic narrations) in
this concern, but there is disagreement among scholars concerning the
authenticity of these Ahadeeth. Some scholars consider those Ahadeeth
weak; other scholars consider them sound. Thus, according to some
Fuqahaa (jurists), it is desirable to spend this night in optional
forms ofworship such as prayer …
According to Ibn Taymiyyah some of as-Salaf (our righteous
predecessors) were used to spending this night (15th of Sha'baan) in
prayers and other forms of worship. But, some of as-Salaf disliked
gathering people at Mosque for this night andconsidered that as
Bid'ah(innovation). Nowadays, many Muslims perform a special prayer
with special recital on this night. This form certainly is Bid'ah.
Imaam al-Nawawi said: 'A prayer that is known asSalaat ar-Raghaa'ib,
which is of 12 Raka'hs, performed between al-Maghrib and al-Ishaa at
the 1st Friday night of Rajab and a prayer of the 15th of Sha'baan
(100 Raka'hs) are two forms of Bid'ah and are abominable actions. We
should not observe them... Then, their Hadeeth is false.'
The Hadeeth that indicated to by al-Nawawi in the above paragraph is
as follows: 'Whoever prays a 100 Raka'hs at the night of 15th of
Sha'baan, Allaah will send a hundred angels for him. Thirty ones give
him glad tidings concerning Paradise; thirty others give him more
confidencethat he will be safe from entering the Hell; thirty keep him
safe from the evils of this present life; the last ten ward the wiles
of the devil off.' This Hadeeth is invalid, al-Nawawi said.
Finally, a Muslim is required to adhere to obedience at this night
(15th of Sha'baan) and allother nights, to avoid all forms of
polytheism and to pardon his brothers sothat he may gain the
bestexcellence and favor. Then, he is required to avoid all forms of
Bid'ah, since good lies in following the Sunnah and evil lies in
innovations.
Allaah knows best./

Innovations during the Month of Rajab

Allaah Almighty bestows favors and grants bounties upon His slaves,
during all times, to help expiate their sins, elevate their ranks and
make up for their shortcomings. Allaah Almighty legislated for us a
month during which we observe fasting, another which we perform
pilgrimage in, and one or two extra days to fast during the remaining
months. He also legislated prayer during the night and the Witr
prayer, the Ud'hiyah ('Eed sacrifice), and the'Aqeeqah, (birth
sacrifice) and many other virtuous deeds. All of these are ways of
opening different channels for righteous deeds and methods to energize
us by shifting from one form of worship to another, and therefore, not
become weary, but continue to worship Allaah Almighty. This is indeed
a great favor from Allaah upon us.
Moreover, we find that any act of worship which causes the people to
come closer to Allaah Almighty is mentioned in His Book or in the
Sunnah of His Prophet . The problem is in those people who try to come
close to Allaah and gain His reward by looking outside these two
sources, and thus, divert from the right path.
The Prophet sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam said during his farewell
pilgrimage, "I have left with you that, which if you adhere to, you
will never go astray, the Book of Allaah".
And Allaah Says (what means): "… And whatever the Messengerhas given
you – take; and what he has forbidden you – refrain from. And fear
Allaah; indeed, Allaah is severe in penalty." [Quran: 59:7]
Allaah Almighty dispraised the Arabs during the pre-Islamic period
because they interfered in that which they had no right in, and
started changing what is lawful to unlawful, and what is unlawful to
lawful, and recommending that which Allaah Almighty did not. They used
to shift around the times ofthe sacred months and change the names of
the months because they did not want to wait for this long period to
finish.
Ibn Katheer said, "Dealing with the legislations of Allaah with one's
corrupt mind and reasoning, and changing the rulings of Allaah
according to their desires, and deeming lawful what is unlawful, were
some of the things for which Allaah dispraised the disbelievers."
The Arabs had also forbidden upon themselves slaughtering certain
animals, by setting somelaws which Allaah Almighty did not legislate,
so Allaah Almighty dispraised them for that. Thus we know that
worshipping Allaah Almighty is something which is not permitted except
through that which He The Most High has legislated Himself and through
His messenger . Anyone who wants to draw closer to Allaah and gain His
reward, love and pleasure through other channels, will get the
contrary result, because Allaah Almighty does not accept from people
except that which He legislated for them.
During the month of Rajab, which is one of the sacred months, some
Muslims make some wrong practices through which they intend to come
closer to Allaah Almighty and gain His forgiveness, love and pleasure.
But they seek that through acts of worship which He did not permit nor
legislate, and although they are seeking something good, they do not
achieve it.
The point is not only in having a sincere and good intention, but the
deed itself must be legitimate, or else it will be rejected. Who dare
say that a deed is rejected by Allaah Almighty? Who told him that
thedeed is rejected? The one who told us this is the truthful Prophet
Muhammad who said: "He who introduces any deed into our matter (Islam)
which is not from it then it is rejected." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
'Aa'ishah narrated that the Prophet said: "He who performs any deed
which is not according to what we are upon (i.e., the Prophet and his
Companions) then it is rejected." [Muslim] Therefore, any deed which
is not in accordance with what Islam has come with is rejected.
One of the practices during the month of Rajab which was done during
the pre-Islamic period, is to offer sacrifices and call it 'Far'a and
'Ateerah. The Muslimsscholars said Islam voided this practice. Abu
Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet said: "No Fara'. No 'Ateerah."
[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Ar-Raghaa'ib prayer is another thing which people innovated which was
never legislated by Allaah nor His Messenger . The scholars said,
"There isno authentic Hadith regarding a special prayer during the
month of Rajab, and all the narrations concerning Ar-Raghaa'ib prayer
are fabricated lies." They also said, "This prayer was innovatedafter
the fourth century and wasnever known before that, and no one from the
scholars during the first virtuous generations ever mentioned it."

the Root of Evil and Sins

There is no doubt that a virtuousperson does not find it easy to utter
obscenities lest he or she expose him/herself to the Wrathof Allaah
The Almighty and disgrace in the eyes of people. Although vulgarity is
certainly dispraised and forbidden, foul words indeed abound.
Motives behind this behavior
Obscenity originates from wickedness and ignobility. It is either
motivated by the intention of harming others or isa habit acquired
from socializingwith evil and debauched people,who are accustomed to
insultingothers. Whatever the case, Allaah The Almighty has forbidden
crude language in the verse (which means): {Allaah does not like the
public mention of evil except by one who has been wronged. And ever is
Allaah Hearing and Knowing.} [Quran 4:148]
Moreover, in His Book, He illustrated obscenity as characteristic of
hypocrites, describing their conduct with believers, saying (what
means): {But when fear departs, they lash you with sharp tongues,
indisposed toward [any] good.} [Quran 33:19]
A believer does not imitate the insolent and crass people, preferring
to stick to chivalry for the sake of preserving his or her honor. It
was said in this regard,"Tolerating an abusive man is better than
being like him and forgiving the ignorant is better than copying him."
Examples of obscenity
There are many situations and times when people of weak faith and bad
manners resort to vulgarity. Imam Al-Ghazaali exemplified that by
saying: "Situations of obscenity are various. They can generally be
limited to any state that a person feels ashamed to overtly divulge.
In this case, explicit words are considered obscenity. Therefore, one
must discuss such issues in vague terminology." Most of the relevant
examples would be those concerning sexual intercourse and its related
matters. While wicked people employ graphic and crass words when
speaking about this, the righteous avoid such crude language and
express themselves with figurative speech. Are we not aware that even
Allaah The Almighty spoke indirectly about sexual intercourse,
mentioning instead,words like touching, entering with [women] and
companionship?
There is also obscenity in making remarks about women or defects in
men that they may be ashamed of, such as a limp orbaldness. Any such
comments, if necessary, should not be explicitly referred to.
The Prophet classified obscenity as a branch of hypocrisy and said,
"Indeed, Allaah hates the indecent and obscene person." Moreover, he
mentioned that vulgarity leads to Hell, when he said: "Modesty is from
faith, and faith is in Paradise; [whereas], obscenity is from
severity, and severity is in Hell."

HADEES :- ~

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar(R.A):
Allah's Apostle said, "Not towish to be the like except of two men. A
man whom Allah has given the knowledge of the Book and he recites it
during the hours of the night, and a man whom Allah has givenwealth,
and he spends it in charity during the night and the hours of the
day."
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 6, Book 61, Number 543/