Worth of Women in Islam

Worth of Women in Islam
The Prophet's narrationsspeak of women with praise and respect. He once said:
"The world and all things in it are precious, and the most precious
thing in the world is a virtuous woman." (Ahmad and Muslim)
He also said:
"Shall I not inform you about the best treasure a man can have? It is
a virtuous woman who pleases him when he looks at her, who obeys him
when he commands her, and who guards herself when he is absent from
her."
The Prophet said:
"Made beloved to me from your world are women and perfume, and the
coolness of my eyes is in prayer." (Ahmad and An-Nasa 'i)

Biologically Men and Women are two different sexes but complementary to each other

One may well ask that if there is such a complete and comprehensive
spiritual equality between the two sexes, why is this identical
treatment not found in other rights, duties and privileges. Muslims
and especially non-Muslims question why men go out to work while women
are encouraged to stay at home, why women have to wear the Hijab
(veil), why a brother receives a largershare of inheritance than his
sister, why a man can be a ruler but a woman can not, etc., and they
then conclude that Islam treats women as inferior beings. Laws can
never be discussed without being explainedfirst, so we must first
consider the fundamental Islamic ethos that men and women are two
different yet complementary sexes. It is an established medicalfact
that men and women have different biological compositions and
temperaments. Allahthe All-Mighty created and knows this biological
difference better than we do, and has thus assigned to men and women
the roles that each excels in due to its nature. Neither gender is
inferior or superior to the other; instead they complement each other
like the two halves of a whole. In everyday life we see that society
consists of many different kinds of people, all of whom playtheir
particular roles to keep society intact. The farmer and the doctor
make different contributions to the society, but both are equally
important. Each excels in his own field, and each provides a service
for the other. Similarly, men and women are different sexes and play
vital rolesin their own areas of excellence.

The Purpose of Creation of Men and Women

The Purpose of Creation of Men and Women
The Muslim accepts that the main purpose behind the creation of jinn
and mankind was that they should worshipAllah, struggle against the
forces of Satan and live their life according to Allah' s Commandments
in orderto achieve eternal bliss in Paradise.
"And I (Allah) created notthe jinn and men except they should worship
Me (Alone)." (V. 51:56)
Also Allah said:
"Nay! But worship Allah, and be among the grateful." (V. 39:66)
At another place He said:
"Say (O Muhammad !): 'Verily, I am commanded to worship Allah by
obeying Him and doing religious deeds sincerelyfor His sake only." (V.
39: 11)
Equality of Men and Women as regards Religious Obligations and Retribution
In this spiritual regard, Islam makes no distinction between menand
women. Both have asoul, both were created for the same purpose in
life, both have a duty to fulfill their religious obligations, both
will be judged by the All Mighty,and both will be rewarded or punished
according to their individual actions. Whenever the Qur�aan mentions
those fortunate beings who will enter the Gardens ofBliss because of
their piety and good deeds, it mentions men and women together.
"And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a
(true) believer (Muslim)],such will enter Paradise and not the least
injustice, even to the size of a Naqira (speck on the back of a date
stone), will be done to them." (V. 4:124)
"Whoever works righteousness whether male female while he (orshe) is a
true believer (ofIslamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a
good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful
provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to
the best of what they used to do (i.e., Paradise in the Hereafter)."
(V.16: 97)
"The believers, men and women, are Auliya ' (helpers, supporters,
friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin(on the people)
Al-Ma'r�f(i.e., Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to
do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e., polytheism and
disbelief of all kinds, andall that Islam has forbidden); they offer
their prayers perfectly (Iqįmat-as-Salat), and give the Zakat, and
obeyAllah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them.
Surely, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise." (V.9: 71)
"Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam) men and
women, the believers men and women (who believe in Islamic
Monotheism), the men and the women who areobedient (to Allah), the men
and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and
the women who are patient (in performing all the dutieswhich Allah has
ordered and in abstaining from all that Allah has forbidden), the men
andthe women who are humble (before their Lord Allah), the men and the
women who give Sadaqat (i.e., Zakat and alms), the men and the women
who observe Saum (fast) (the obligatory fasting during the month of
Ramadan, and the optional Nawafil fasting), the men and the women who
guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and the
womenwho remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues (while
sitting, standing, lying, etc.); Allah has prepared for them
forgiveness and a great reward (i.e., Paradise)." (V. 33:35)
There can thus be no doubt that in the Hereafter, men and women will
both be judged, each individual bearing the burden of its own acts,
each soul will be punished for its transgressions and each will be
rewarded for its obedience to Allah.

Difference between Mahdi and messenger

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The term "messenger" used while referring to the coming of the
blessed Mahdi is not meant in the sense of "prophet." As revealed
inthe verse "… [Muhammad is] the Messenger of Allah and the Final Seal
of the Prophets" (Surat al-Ahzab, 40) our Prophet Muhammad (saas) is
the final prophet sent by Allah to mankind.
The term "messenger" used in reference to the blessed Mahdi, who we
are told will appear in the End Times, is employed in the sense
of"communicator of the word," as revealed in the Qur'an. In the
Qur'an,each and every Muslim isheld responsible for performing this
duty of communicating Allah's word. In this sense, therefore, every
Muslim is a messenger of Allah. Like all Muslims, the blessed Mahdi is
in the position of a communicator carrying out that duty. He calls
onpeople to display excellent moral virtues, admonishes with the
Qur'an, and tells them things about the Qur'an of which they are
unaware. He is a means by which Islamic moral values will come to
prevail on Earth and will assume the spiritual leadership of all
Muslims.
However, the role of messenger to be assumed by the blessed Mahdi is
not one bestowed by way of revelation. His is not the role of
messenger revealed by Divine revelation, but of communication of the
word of Allah. It is in anycase impossible for anyone to claim that he
is a revelation-based messenger in the Qur'anic sense unless it
isrevealed by Allah. Since it will not be so revealed, and since no
other Divine Book will be sent down after the Qur'an, such a thing is
completely out of the question.
But every Muslim is a messenger in the sense of being a communicator
of the word. The word "messenger," meaning "an envoy who preachesthe
faith of Allah," can also be used to refer to the blessed Mahdi in
thatsense. Like all Muslims, the blessed Mahdi is a messenger of Allah
charged with preaching the message of the Qur'an. He is one who tells
people of Allah and the Qur'an. In that sense,the blessed Mahdi may be
referred to as a messenger, in the same way as all other Muslims.

Genuine believers feelnot a shred of doubt intheir faith

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The believers are only those who have believedin Allah and His
Messenger and then have had no doubt and have strived with their
wealth and themselves in the Way of Allah . Theyare the ones who are
true to their word. (Surat al-Hujurat, 15)
When they listen to whathas been sent down to the Messenger, you see
their eyes overflowing with tears because of what they recognise of
the truth . They say, 'Our Lord, we believe! So write us down among
the witnesses.' (Surat al-Ma'ida, 83)
[Those who guard against evil are] those who believe in what has been
sent down to you and what was sent down before you, and are certain
about the hereafter. (Surat al-Baqara, 4)
GENUINE BELIEVERS HAVE A PROFOUND AWE OF ALLAH
those who fear their Lord in the Unseen and are apprehensive about the
Hour. (Surat al-Anbiya', 49)
whose hearts quake at the mention of Allah , and who are steadfast
inthe face of all that happens to them, those who establish salat and
give of what We have provided for them. (Surat al-Hajj, 35)
… They only intercede onbehalf of those with whom He is pleased,
andeven they are apprehensive out of fear of Him. (Surat
al-Anbiya',28)
… They outdid one another in good actions,calling out to Us in
yearning and in awe, and humbling themselves to Us . (Surat
al-Anbiya', 90)
Among the people of theBook there are some who believe in Allah andin
what has been sent down to you and what was sent down to them, and who
are humble before Allah . They do not sell Allah's Signs for apaltry
price. Such peoplewill have their reward with their Lord. And Allah is
swift at reckoning. (Surah Al' Imran, 199)
GENUINE BELIEVERS FEAR ALLAH
[Prophets are] those who conveyed Allah's Message and had fear of Him
, fearing no one except Allah. Allah suffices as a Reckoner. (Surat
al-Ahzab, 39)
[Believers are] those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord.
(Surat al-Ma'arij, 27)
Those who fear their Lord in the Unseen will have forgiveness and an
immense reward. (Surat al-Mulk, 12)
The believers are those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned,
whose faith is increased when His Signs are recited to them, and who
put their trust in their Lord. (Suratal-Anfal, 2)
...There are some rocks from which rivers gush out, and others which
split open and water pours out, and others which crash down from fear
of Allah . Allah is not unaware of what you do. (Surat al-Baqara, 74)
GENUINE BELIEVERS SINCERELY SUBMIT TO ALLAH
The steadfast, the truthful, the obedient , the givers, and those who
seek forgiveness before dawn. (Surah Al' Imran, 17)
As for those who believe and do right actions and humble themselves
before their Lord , they are the Companions of the Garden, remaining
in it timelessly, for ever. (Surah Hud, 23)
GENUINE MUSLIMS HOLD ALLAH ABOVE ALL THINGS
[There are men who are]not distracted by trade or commerce from the
remembrance of Allah and the establishment ofprayer and the payment of
alms; fearing a day when all hearts and eyeswill be in turmoil. (Surat
an-Nur, 37)
But those who had been given knowledge said, 'Woe to you! Allah's
reward is better for those who believe and act rightly . But only the
steadfast will obtain it.' (Surat al-Qassas, 80)
[Believers are] those to whom people said, 'The people have gathered
against you, so fear them.' But that merely increased their faith
andthey said, ' Allah is enough for us and the Best of Guardians .'
(Surah Al' Imran, 173)
Some people set up equals to Allah, loving them as they should
loveAllah. But those who believe have greater love for Allah … (Surat
al-Baqara, 165)
You who believe! If any of you renounce your religion, Allah will
bring forward a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble to the
believers, fierce to the unbelievers, who strive in the Way of Allah
and do not fear the blame of any censurer . That is theunbounded favor
of Allah which He gives to whoever He wills. (Surat al-Ma'ida, 54)
GENUINE BELIEVERS LIVE THEIR WHOLE LIVES FOR ALLAH'S SAKE
Say: ' My prayer and my rites, my living and my dying , are for Allah
alone, the Lord of all the worlds.' (Surat al-An'am,162)
And among the people there are some who giveup everything, desiring
the good pleasure of Allah . Allah is Ever-Gentlewith His servants.
(Surat al-Baqara, 207)
They [the believers] give food, despite their love for it, to the poor
and orphans and captives. (Believers say,) 'We feed you only out of
desire for the Face of Allah . We do not want any repayment from you
or any thanks. ' Truly We fear from our Lord a glowering, calamitous
Day.' (Surat al-Insan, 8-10)
[those] desiring only the Face of their Lord Most High. They will
certainly be satisfied. (Surat al-Layl, 20-21)
… Whatever good you give away is to your own benefit, when you give
desiring only the Face of Allah . Whatever good you give away will be
repaid to you in full….(Surat al-Baqara, 272)
GENUINE MUSLIMS STRIVE ON ALLAH'S PATH WITH ALL THEIR MIGHT
But the Messenger and those who believe alongwith him have strived
with their wealth and with themselves . They are the people who will
have the good things. They are the ones who are successful. (Surat
at-Tawba, 88)
The believers are only those who have believedin Allah and His
Messenger and then have had no doubt and have strived with their
wealth and themselves in the Way of Allah . Theyare the ones who are
true to their word. (Surat al-Hujurat, 15)
THEY NEVER WEARY OF DIFFICULTIES IN THE STRUGGLE ON ALLAH'S PATH
Many a Prophet has been fought, when there were many thousands with
him! They did not give up in the face of what assailedthem in the Way
of Allah, nor did they weaken, nor did they yield . Allah loves the
steadfast. (Surah Al'Imran, 146)
Those who who did good and guarded against evil among thosewho
responded to Allah and the Messenger after the wound had been
inflicted will have an immense reward. (Believers are) those to whom
people said, 'The people have gathered against you, so fear them.' But
that merely increased their faith andthey said, 'Allah is enough for
us and the Best of Guardians.' (Surah Al'Imran, 172-173)
Those who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'We belong to Allah and to
Him we will return.' (Surat al-Baqara,156)
GENUINE BELIEVERS ARE HEROIC AND STEADFAST AND NEVER FEAR FOR THE FUTURE
Say: 'Everyone is waitingexpectantly so wait expectantly. You will
soon know who are the Companions of the Right Path and who is is
guided .' (Surah Ta Ha, 135)
Say: ' What do you await for us except for one of the two best things?
But what we await for you isfor Allah to inflict a punishment on you
either directly from Himself or at our hands. So wait, we are waiting
with you!' (Surat at-Tawba, 52)
Say: ' Call on your partner-gods and try all your wiles against me and
grant me no reprieve. ' (Surat al-A'raf,195)
He [Pharaoh] said, 'Have you believed in him before I authorised
you?He is your chief who taught you magic. But you will soon know! I
will cut off your alternate hands and feetand I will crucify every one
of you.' They said, 'We do not care! We are returning to our Lord.'
(Surat ash-Shu'ara', 49-50)
If anyone argues with you about him after the knowledge that has come
to you, say, 'Come then! Let us summon oursons and your sons, our
women and your women, ourselves and yourselves. Then let us make
earnest supplication and call down the curse of Allah upon the liars.
' (Surah Al'Imran, 61)
Say to those who have no faith: ' Do as you think best. That is what
we are doing .'(Surah Hud, 121)
[Jethro said,] 'We would be inventing lies against Allah if we
returned to your religion after Allah has saved us from it. We could
never return to it unless Allah our Lord so willed. Our Lord
encompasses everything in His knowledge. We have put our trust in
Allah… (Surat al-A'raf, 89)
Recite to them the story of Noah when he said to his people, 'My
people, ifmy standing here and reminding you of Allah's Signs has
become too much for you to bear, know that I have put my trust in
Allah. So decide, you and your gods, on what you want to do and be
open about it . Dowith me whatever you decide and do not keep me
waiting. (Surah Yunus, 71)
THEY NEVER PERMIT THOSEWITH A HYPOCRITICAL CHARACTER TO REMAIN AMONG THEM
If Allah returns you to a group of them, and they ask you for
permission to go out, say, ' You will never go out with me, nor will
you ever fight an enemy with me.' You were happy to stay behind the
first time, so stay behind with those who are left behind. (Surat
at-Tawba, 83)
When you go out to get the booty, those who remained behind will say,
'Allow us to follow you,' desiring to alter Allah's words. Say: ' You
may not follow us. That is what Allah said before.' They will say, 'It
is only because you envyus.' No indeed! How littlethey have
understood! (Surat al-Fath, 15)
THEY TAKE ONLY ALLAH AND OTHER BELIEVERS AS THEIR FRIENDS
You will not find people who believe in Allah andthe Last Day having
love for anyone who opposesAllah and His Messenger, though they be
their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their clan. Allah has
inscribed faith upon such people's hearts and will reinforcethem with
a Spirit from Him and admit them intoGardens with rivers flowing under
them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever… (Surat al-Mujadala, 22)
THEY TRUST SOLELY IN ALLAH, NOT IN POWER ANDMEANS
…But those who were sure that they were going to meet Allah said,' How
many a small force has triumphed over a much greater one by Allah's
permission ! Allah is with the steadfast.' (Surat al-Baqara, 249)
GENUINE BELIEVERS ARE NEVER HESITANT IN LIVINGBY THE RELIGION
As for those who believe and do right actions , He will pay them their
wages in full and will give them increase from His favour. As for
those who show disdain and grow arrogant , He will punish them with a
painful punishment. They will not find any protector or helper for
themselves besides Allah.(Surat an-Nisa, 173)
ALLAH PROTECTS HIS GENUINE SERVANTS
[Say:] 'My Protector is Allah Who sent down theBook. He takes care of
the righteous. ' (Surat al-A'raf, 196)
But anyone who does right actions, being a believer, need fear no
wrong or any belittlement. (Surah Ta Ha, 112)
Those with faith, those who are Jews, and the Christians and Sabaeans,
all who believe in Allah and the Last Day and act rightly, will have
their reward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and will know no
sorrow . (Surat al-Baqara, 62)
GENUINE FAITH AND BEHAVIOR ARE WHAT IS ACCEPTABLE IN THE SIGHT OF ALLAH
Wealth and sons are the embellishment of the lifeof this world. But,
in your Lord's sight, right actions which are lastingbring a better
reward and are a better basis for hope . (Surat al-Kahf, 46)
ALLAH LOVES HIS GENUINE SERVANTS
As for those who believe and do right actions, the All-Merciful will
bestow His love on them . (Surah Maryam, 96)
ALLAH BESTOWS A FINE LIFE ON HIS GENUINE SERVANTS
Anyone who acts rightly,male or female, being a believer, We will give
them a good life and We will recompense them according to the best of
what they did. (Surat an-Nahl, 97)
ALLAH PROMISIES DOMINION TO HIS GENUINESERVANTS
We wrote down in the Psalms, after the Reminder came: 'It is My
servants who are righteous who will inherit the earth . Certainly
there is a transmission in this for people who worship. (Surat
al-Anbiya', 105-106)
Allah has promised thoseof you who believe and do right actions that
He will make them successors in the land as He made those before them
successors, and willfirmly establish for them their religion with
which He is pleased and give them, in place of their fear, security.
'Theyworship Me, not associating anything with Me.' Any who disbelieve
after that, such people are deviators. (Surat an-Nur,55)
GENUINE MUSLIMS ARE THEMOST AUSPICIOUS OF ALL CREATION
But those who believe and do right actions – they are the best of
creatures. (Surat al-Bayyina, 7)
GENUINE MUSLIMS CONSTANTLY REMEMBER ALLAH, AND THEIR HEARTS TREMBLE
WHEN ALLAH IS REMEMBERED
The believers are those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned,
whose faith is increased when His Signs are recited to them, and who
put their trust in their Lord (Surat al-Anfal, 2)
[People with intelligenceare] those who remember Allah, standing,
sitting and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation ofthe
heavens and the earth: 'Our Lord, You have not created this
fornothing. Glory be to You!So safeguard us from thepunishment of the
Fire.'(Surah Al 'Imran, 191)
those who believe and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance of
Allah . Only in the remembrance of Allah can the heart find peace.'
(Surat ar-Ra'd, 28)
[There are men who are]not distracted by trade or commerce from the
remembrance of Allah and the establishment ofprayer and the payment of
alms; fearing a day when all hearts and eyeswill be in turmoil. (Surat
an-Nur, 37)
whose hearts quake at the mention of Allah, and who are steadfast
inthe face of all that happens to them, those who establish prayer and
give of what We have provided for them. (Surat al-Hajj, 35)
GENUINE BELIEVERS REALIZE THEIR HELPLESSNESS IN THE FACEOF ALLAH
They said, 'Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. If you do not forgive
us and have mercy on us, we will be among the lost .' (Surat al-A'raf,
23)
… 'Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget ormake a mistake !
Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one You placed on those
before us! Our Lord, do not place on us a load we have not the
strength to bear! And pardon us; and forgive us; and havemercy on us.
You are ourMaster, so help us against the people of the disbelievers.'
(Surat al-Baqara, 286)
Say: 'No one can protect me from Allah and I will never find any
refuge apart from Him. (Surat al-Jinn, 22)
Say: ' I possess no power to help or harm myself, except as Allah
wills. If I had had knowledge of the Unseen, I would have sought to
gain much good and no evil would have touched me.I am only a warner
and abringer of good news to people who believe.' (Surat al-A'raf,
188)
THEY ARE NOT PROUD
The people who truly do believe in Our Signs are those who fall to the
ground prostrating when they are remindedof them, and glorify their
Lord with praise, and are not arrogant. (Surat al-Sajda, 15)
The servants of the All-Merciful are those who walk lightly on the
earth and, who, when the ignorant speak to them, say, 'Peace'. Surat
al-Furqan, 63)
THEY DO NOT PERSIST IN THEIR ERRORS
[People who guard against evil are] those who, when they act
indecently or wrong themselves, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for
their badactions (and who can forgive bad actions except Allah?) and
do notknowingly persist in what they were doing . (Surah Al 'Imran,
135)
Do not ever stand in it (amosque set up to create division among the
believers). A mosque founded on performing one's duty from the first
day has a greater right for you to stand in it. In it there are men
who love to purify themselves . Allah loves those who purify
themselves. (Surat at-Tawba, 108)
GENUINE MUSLIMS TRUST IN AND DEPEND ON ALLAH
[Believers are] those to whom people said, 'The people have gathered
against you, so fear them.' But that merely increased their faith
andthey said, ' Allah is enough for us and the Best of Guardians .'
(Surah Al 'Imran, 173)
[Their Messengers said,] 'And why indeed should we not put our trust
in Allah when He has guided us to our ways? We will be steadfast
however much you harmus. Those who trust put their trust in Allah .
(Surah Ibrahim, 12)
But if they turn away, say, ' Allah is enough for me . There is no god
but Him. I have put my trust in Him . He is the Lord of the Mighty
Throne.' (Surat at-Tawba, 129)
THEY KNOW THAT HELP COMES FROM ALLAH ALONE
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, the All-Merciful, the
Most Merciful, the King of the Day of Judgment. You alone we worship.
You alone we ask for help . (Surat al-Fatiha, 1-4)
They then produced his shirt with false blood on it. He said, 'It is
merely that your lower selves have suggested something to you which
you did; but beauty lies in showing steadfastness. It is Allah alone
Who is my Help in face of the event that you describe.' (Surah Yusuf,
18)
GENUINE MUSLIMS ARE POWERFULLY BOUND TO THE QUR'AN
Those to whom We have given the Book, who recite it in the way it
should be recited , such people believe in it… (Surat al-Baqara, 121)
As for those who hold fast to the Book and perform prayer, We will not
let the wage of the righteous be wasted. (Surat al-A'raf, 170)
THE VERSES OF THE QUR'ANINCREASE THEIR FAITH ANDFEAR OF ALLAH
Say: 'Believe in it or do not believe in it.' Certainly, when it is
recited to them, those who were given knowledge before it fall on
their faces in prostration, saying, 'Glory be to our Lord! The promise
of our Lord is truly fulfilled!' Weeping, they fall to theground in
prostration, and it increases them in humility. (Surat al-Isra',
107-109)
[Believers are] those who, when they are reminded of the Signs oftheir
Lord, do not turn their backs, deaf and blind to them ; (Surat
al-Furqan, 73)
The believers are those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned,
whose faith is increased when His Signs are recited to them, and who
put their trust in their Lord. (Suratal-Anfal, 2)
THEY KNOW THAT ALL THEIR ATTRIBUTES COME FROM ALLAH
[Joseph said,] 'My Lord, You have granted powerto me on earth and
taught me the true meaning of events. Originator of the heavens and
earth, You are my Friend in this world and the Next . So take me as a
Muslim at my death and join me to the people who are righteous.'
(Surah Yusuf, 101)
He taught Adam the names of all things. ThenHe arrayed them before the
angels and said, 'Tell me the names of these if you are telling the
truth.'They [the angels] said, 'Glory be to You! We have no knowledge
except what You have taught us. You are the All-Knowing, the All-Wise
.' (Surat al-Baqara, 31-32)
He [Joseph] said, 'No meal to feed you will arrive before I have
informed you what they mean. That is part of what my Lord taught me .
For I have left the religion of a people whoclearly have no faith in
Allah and who refuse to acknowledge the truth of the world to come.'
(Surah Yusuf, 37)
THEIR IS NO POLYTHEISM IN GENUINE FAITH
Allah has promised thoseof you who believe and do right actions that
He will make them successors in the land as He made those before them
successors, and willfirmly establish for them their religion with
which He is pleased and give them, in place of their fear, security. '
Theyworship Me, not associating anything with Me .'…(Surat an-Nur, 55)
except those who repentand put things right and hold fast to Allah and
dedicate their religion to Allah alone ; they are with the believers.
Allah will give the believers animmense reward. (Surat an-Nisa', 146)
Say: 'Mankind! If you are in any doubt about my religion, I do not
worship those you worship besides Allah. Rather I worship Allah Who
will take you back to Him and I am commanded to be one of the
believers'. (Surah Yunus, 104)
GENUINE BELIEVERS HAVE AN ABSOLUTE BELIEF IN DESTINY
Say: ' Nothing can happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us
. He is Our Master. It is in Allah that the believers should put their
trust.' (Surat at-Tawba, 51)
THEY STRIVE TO DRAW CLOSE TO ALLAH
[Believers are] those who say, 'Our Lord, give us joy in our wives and
children and make us a good example for those who guard against evil'
. (Surat al-Furqan, 74)
Such people are truly racing towards good things , and they are the
first to reach them. (Surat al-Mu'minun, 61)
THEY COMMAND GOOD ANDFORBID EVIL
[Believers are] those who, if We establish them firmly on the
earth,will perform prayer and give the alms, and command what is right
and forbid what is wrong. The end result of all affairs is with Allah.
(Surat al-Hajj, 41)
You are the best nation ever to be produced before mankind. You enjoin
the right, forbid the wrong and believe in Allah . If the People of
the Book were to believe, it would be better for them. Some ofthem are
believers but most of them are deviators. (Surah Al'Imran, 110)
They believe in Allah andthe Last Day, and enjoin the right and forbid
the wrong , and compete in doing good. They are among the righteous.
(Surah Al'Imran, 114)
THEY ALWAYS BEHAVE WELL AND PROPERLY
Those who listen well to what is said and follow the best of it , they
are the ones whom Allah hasguided, they are the people of
intelligence. (Surat az-Zumar, 18)
… They outdid one another in good actions ,calling out to Us in
yearning and in awe, and humbling themselves to Us. (Surat al-Anbiya,
90)
Those who repent, thosewho worship, those whopraise, those who fast,
those who bow, those who prostrate, those who command the right,those
who forbid the wrong, those who preserve the limits of Allah: give
good news to the believers. (Surat at-Tawba, 112)
THEY DO NOT ACT IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR EARTHLY DESIRES
[Joseph said,] 'I do not say my self was free from blame. The self
indeed commands to evilacts – except for those my Lord has mercy on .
My Lord, He is Forgiving, Merciful.' (Surah Yusuf, 53)
THEY ARE NEVER UNGRATEFUL TO ALLAH
He who possessed knowledge of the Book said, 'I will bring it to you
before your glance returns to you.' And when he saw it standingfirmly
in his presence, hesaid, ' This is part of my Lord's favor to test me
tosee if I will give thanks or show ingratitude . Whoever gives thanks
only does so to his own gain. Whoever is ungrateful, my Lord is Rich
Beyond Need, Generous.' (Surat an-Naml, 40)
THEY LOOK TOWARD THE HEREAFTER
We purified their sincerity through sincereremembrance of the Abode .
(Surat as-Sad, 46)
Allah has bought from the believers their selvesand their wealth in
return for the Garden. They fight in the Way of Allah and they kill
and are killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the Torah, the
Gospel and the Qur'an and who is GENUINE to his contract than Allah?
Rejoice then in the bargain you have made… (Surat at-Tawba, 111)
Indeed we are returningto our Lord ! (Surat az-Zukhruf, 14)
THOSE WHO ARE INSINCEREWILL REGRET IT IN THE HEREAFTER
When death comes to one of them, he says, ' My Lord, send me back
again so that perhaps I may act rightly regarding the things I failed
to do! ' No indeed!It is just words he utters. Before them there is an
interspace until the Day they are raised up. (Surat al-Muminun,
99-100)
If only you could see the evildoers hanging their heads in shame
before their Lord: 'Our Lord, we have seen and we have heard, so send
us back again and we will act rightly . Truly we now have certainty.'
(Surat al-Sajda, 12)
Give from what We have provided for you before death comes to one of
you and he says, 'My Lord, if only you would give me a little more
time so that I can give charity and be one of the righteous !' (Surat
al-Munafiqun, 10)
ALLAH TELLS HIS GENUINE SERVANTS OF THEIR HAPPINESS IN THIS WORLDAND
THE HEREAFTER
Those who believe and do right actions, happiness will be theirs and a
wonderful Homecoming. (Surat ar-Rad, 29)
As for those who hold fast to the Book and perform prayer, We will not
let the wage of the righteous be wasted . (Surat al-A'raf, 170)
Give the good news to those who believe and do right actions that they
will have Gardens with rivers flowing under them. When they are given
fruit there as provision, they will say, 'This is what we were given
before.' But they were only given a simulation of it. They will have
there spouses of perfect purity and willremain there timelessly, for
ever. (Surat al-Baqara, 25)
As for those who believe and do right actions, We will pay them their
wages in full. Allah does not love wrongdoers. (Surah Al'Imran, 57)
Anyone, male or female, who does right actions and is a believer, will
enter the Garden. They will not be wronged by so much as the tiniest
speck. (Surat an-Nisa, 124)

Whom one is allowed to marry

Marriage is the most essential social bond that maintains human
society. It is the key step to establishing a family, which is the
nucleus of society. Since the ultimate goal of creating human beings
is to worship Allaah Almighty, a Muslim has to look at marriage as a
means of 'producing' human beings who will be future worshippers of
Allaah, which is a religious commitment, apart from being a physical,
social and psychological need.
When planning for marriage, one has to ask himself who he shouldmarry.
Allaah mentions most of the categories of women involved in this
question in the following verses, (which means): "And do not marry
those [women] whom your fathers married, except what has
alreadyoccurred. Indeed, it was an immorality and hateful [to
Allaah]and was evil as a way. Prohibited to you [for marriage] are
your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your father's sisters,
your mother's sisters, your brother's daughters, your sister's
daughters, your [milk] mothers who nursed you, your sisters through
nursing, your wives' mothers, and your step daughters under your
guardianship [born] of your wivesunto whom you have gone in. But if
you have not gone in unto them, there is no sin upon you. And [also
prohibited are] the wives of your sons who are from your [own] loins,
and that you take [in marriage] two sisters simultaneously, except for
what has already occurred. Indeed, Allaah is ever Forgiving and
Merciful. And [also prohibited to you are all] married women except
those your right hands possess [i.e., slaves or war-captives who had
polytheistic husbands]. [This is] the decree of Allaah upon you. And
lawful to you are [all others] beyond these, [provided] that youseek
them [in marriage] with [gifts from] your property, desiring chastity,
not unlawful sexual intercourse..." [Quran 4:22-24]
Those who are Permanently Forbidden in Marriage
This category includes those whom one is forbidden to marry due to a
blood relationship as well as those who are forbidden due to marital
relations:
Those Permanently Forbidden due to Blood Relations
Descendants due to a relationship with a woman, regardless of how far
(a man's daughter, granddaughter, etc.).
Ascendants of women, regardlessof how far (mother, maternal
andpaternal grandmother, etc.).
Descendants from a man's parents, regardless of how far (sisters, half
sisters, sister's children, etc.)
Siblings of male and female ascendants, regardless of how far(paternal
and maternal aunts, great aunts, etc.).
One may notice that of these, the grandmother was not explicitly
mentioned in the verse. This is because frequently in Arabic and in
the Quran (as in some of the verses on inheritance), the term 'mother'
includes the grandmother and all her ascendants.
Those Permanently Forbidden due to Marital Relations
Wives of ascendants, regardless of how far (the father's wife,
grandfather's wife, etc.). Consummation is not a condition;the mere
completion of the marriage contract makes this marriage forbidden
forever.
Wives of descendants, regardless of how far. Again, the mere marriage
contract is what is considered here with or without consummation.
Ascendants of wives (such as the mother-in-law), regardless of whether
the marriage was consummated or not.
Descendants of wives (step-daughters and their children) only if the
man consummated the marriage with the wife in question. The phrase
(which means) '…Under your guardianship…' was mentioned here only to
portray the usual case and not as a condition. The ruling holds
whether the step-daughter was ever under hiscare or not. This is the
opinion of the majority of scholars.
Those Permanently Forbidden due to Breast Feeding
The verse actually mentions 'mothers' and 'sisters' by breast feeding.
From these two, others can be derived based on the Hadeeth
(narration) of the Prophet : "Breast feeding makes forbidden what is
forbidden through blood relations." [Muslim]
The Prophet was asked to marry the daughter of his uncle Hamzah but
his response wasto say: "She is not permissible forme. She is the
daughter of my brother through breastfeeding. And breastfeeding
forbids what is forbidden through blood relations." [Al-Bukhaari &
Muslim]
The brother of a woman who hadbreastfed 'Aa'ishah came to visit her.
She refused to let him inuntil she asked the Prophet if it was
permissible to do so, and he said: "Give him permission, forhe is our
uncle." [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim]
The Minimum Requirement for Breast Feeding
There is a wide variety of opinions on how many 'sessions' of
breastfeeding create the prohibition including one, three, five, seven
and ten sessions. A common opinion is that the childmust have nursed
on three separate occasions; this is based on the Hadeeth: " The
prohibitionis not established by one suck or two."
The strongest opinion is that of Imaams Maalik and Abu Haneefah and
'Ali bin Abu Taalib, 'Abdullaah bin 'Umar, and 'Abdullaah bin 'Abbaas
and others, which is that a single session is sufficient. This is the
strongest opinion because it is consistent with the apparent meaning
of the word Ridhaa'ah (breastfeeding) in the above-mentioned verses as
well as the related Hadeeths; also, the above Hadeeth could be easily
taken to refer to 'sucks' and not 'sessions.'So, in other words, if
the baby merely sucks once or twice, it does not count unless the baby
completes the 'session', drinking to satisfaction.
Women Included in this Category
One's female ascendants throughnursing. This includes the womanwho
nursed him and her mother,etc. The husband of the wet nurse is
considered the 'cause' of the milk involved. So, for example, if a
girl is nursed by a woman, that woman's husband becomes forbidden to
her just as her own biological father is.
Descendants through nursing. The man who is the 'cause' of themilk is
forbidden from marrying the one his wife nursed or their children,
etc.
Descendants of 'parents' throughnursing, (i.e., the 'sisters'). One
cannot marry any of the children (either by blood or nursing) of the
wet nurse or her husband.
Siblings of ascendants by nursing (i.e., brothers and sisters of the
wet nurse or her husband). This does not include their children
('cousins' by nursing).
Note the following important point as stated by Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen
: "The relatives of the child that is nursed, exceptfor his/her
children, have no relation to the breastfeeding mother [or her
husband] and there is no effect on them from that nursing. So, it is
allowed for a boy's blood brother to marry his brother's wet nurse or
her daughters. However, the children of the child who was nursed will
become like the children of the wet nurse and her husband in the same
way that their father (the one originally nursed) was a 'child' (by
nursing) to those two."
Those Forbidden for Temporary Reasons
The second category of women a man is forbidden to marry consists of
those forbidden for temporary reasons. If the reason ceases to exist,
marriage between them becomes lawful. They include the following:
While being married to a woman,a man cannot marry her sister or any of
her aunts (paternal or maternal). The first was mentioned in the
verses previously mentioned and the second is mentioned in the
following Hadeeth:
"The Prophet prohibited joining (in marriage at the same time) a woman
and her paternal aunt or a woman and her maternal aunt." [Al-Bukhaari
& Muslim]
If a person divorces his wife threetimes, it is not allowed for him
tomarry her again until and unless she marries someone else (but not
as a trick in order to marry him again), consummates that marriage and
that marriage is subsequently legally ended.
Any woman if a man already has four wives.
Marrying a slave girl when one is already married to a free woman.
Marrying a woman who is alreadymarried or who is in 'Iddah (waiting
period). A woman in 'Iddah due either to her husband's death or
divorce is notallowed to marry until it is finished.
A woman upon whom a man has made Li'aan, unless he confesses to having
made it up. Al-Li'aan in Arabic is when the husband accuses the wife
of adultery but cannot bring witnesses, so he swears that it occurred
and the two are separated after the wife swears that she is innocent.
He can never marry her again unless he confesses that he was lying
about it.
A woman who is neither Muslim nor Jewish nor Christian.

The ruling of theft in Islam

Theft is Haraam (forbidden) according to the Quran, Sunnah [sayings of
Prophet Muhammad ] and Ijmaa' (scholarly consensus). Allaah, the Most
Exalted, has condemned this action and decreed an appropriate
punishment for it. The Hadd [i.e. the legal punishment prescribed by
the Sharee'ah (Islamic law)] for a thief is to cut off thethief's
hand. Allaah Almighty Says in the Noble Quran (what means):
"[As for] the thief, the male and the female, amputate their handsin
recompense for what they earned [i.e. committed] as a deterrent
[punishment] from Allaah. And Allaah is Exalted in Might and Wise."
[Quran 5:38]
The Prophet said:
"The hand (of the thief) should becut off for (the theft of) a quarter
of a Dinar or more." [Al-Bukhaari]
The Prophet cursed the thief because he is a corrupt element in
society, and if he is left unpunished, his corruption will spread and
infect the body of the Ummah (Muslim community). He said:
"May Allaah curse the thief who steals an egg and has his hand cut
off, or steals a rope and has his hand cut off." [Al-Bukhaari]
What indicates that this ruling is definitive is the fact that a
Makhzoomi noblewoman (from the tribe of Makhzoom) stole at the time of
the Prophet and Usaamah Ibn Zayd wanted to intercede for her. The
Prophet became angryand said:
"Do you intercede concerning oneof the Hadd set by Allaah? Those who
came before you were destroyed because if a rich man among them stole,
they would let him off, but if a lowly person stole, they would carry
out the punishment on him. By Allaah, if Faatimah Bint (daughter of)
Muhammad were to steal, I would cut off her hand." [Al-Bukhaari]
This is the ruling of Allaahconcerning theft; that thehand should be
cut off from the wrist joint.
Al-Nawawi said in his commentary on Saheeh Muslim (Hadeeth
collection): Al-Shaafa'i, Abu Haneefah, Maalik and the majority (of
scholars) said: "The hand should be cut off from the wrist, where
thehand meets the forearm."Al-Qurtubi said: "All the scholars said:
The hand should be cut off from the wrist, not as some of the
innovators do when they cut off the fingers and leave the thumb."
Because cutting off the hand is a serious matter, it should not be
done for just any case of theft. A combination of conditions must be
fulfilled before the hand of a thief is cut off. These conditions are
as follows:
1- The thing should have been taken by stealth; if it was not taken by
stealth, then the hand should not be cut off, such as when property
has been seized by force in front of other people, because in this
case the owner of the property could have asked for helpto stop the
thief.
2- The stolen property should be something of worth, because that
which is of no worth has no sanctity, such as musical instruments,
wine and pigs.
2- The value of the stolen property should be above a certain limit,
which is three Islamic Dirhams or a quarter of an Islamic Dinar, or
their equivalent in other currencies.
3- The stolen property should have been taken from a place where it
had been put away, i.e., aplace where people usually put their
property, such as a cupboard, for example.
4- The theft itself has to be proven, either by the testimony of two
qualified witnesses or by the confession of the thief twice.
5- The person from whom the property was stolen has to ask for it
back; if he does not, then(the thief's) hand does not have to be cut
off.
If these conditions are fulfilled, then the hand must be cut off. If
this ruling was applied in the societies which are content with
man-made laws and which have castaside the Sharee'ah of Allaah and
replaced it with human laws, this would be the most beneficial
treatment for this phenomenon. But the matter is as Allaah Says (what
means):
"Then is it the judgement of [the time of] ignorance they desire? But
who is better than Allaah in judgement for a people who are certain
[in faith]." [Quran 5:50]

* He is Debating with a Christian and is Asking: Does God Have a Spirit?.

** |
I am debating with a Christian and he said to me that God has a
spirit. My question is: does Allaah have a spirit (a spirit like the
spirit of man, angels and all other creatures). Is the spirit
something that is created or what?.
Praise be to Allaah.
No one has the right to describe Allaah except inthe way in which He
has described Himself or His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) has describedHim, because no one knows more about Allaah
than Allaah, and no created being has more knowledge of his Creator
than the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him). Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Say, Do you know better or does Allaah?"
[al-Baqarah 2:140]
"And follow not (O man, i.e., say not, or do not, orwitness not) that
of which you have no knowledge. Verily, the hearing, and the sight,
and the heart of each of those ones will be questioned (by Allaah)"
[al-Isra' 17:36]
The spirit or soul is not one of the attributes of Allaah, rather it
is one of the things that have been created by Allaah. It is mentioned
in conjunction with Allaah in some texts by way of honouring, for
Allaah is its Creator and Sovereign, He takes it (indeath) whenever He
wills and He sends it whenever He wills.
What we say about the spirit is the same as what we say about the
"House of Allaah", the "she-camel of Allaah", the "slaves of Allaah"
and the "Messenger of Allaah". All of these created things are
mentioned in conjunction with Allaah by way of honouring.
Among the texts in which the spirit is mentioned in conjunction with
Allaah is the verse (interpretation of the meaning):
"Then He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him the
soul [lit. "His soul"] (created by Allaah for that person)"
[al-Sajdah 32:9]
This is speaking of Adam (peace be upon him).
Allaah also says concerning Adam (interpretation of the meaning):
"So, when I have fashioned him completely and breathedinto him (Adam)
the soulwhich I created for him [lit. "My soul"], then fall (you)
down prostrating yourselves unto him"
[al-Hijr 15:29]
And Allaah says:
"She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to
her Our Ruh [angel Jibreel (Gabriel)], and heappeared before her in
the form of a man in all respects.
18. She said: 'Verily, I seek refuge with the Most Gracious (Allaah)
from you, if you do fear Allaah.'
19. (The angel) said: 'I am only a messenger from your Lord, (to
announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.'"
[Maryam 19:17-19]
Here the word "rooh" (spirit) refers to the slaveand Messenger of
Allaah Jibreel, whom He sent to Maryam. Allaah mentionshim here in
conjunction with Himself in the phrase roohuna (Our rooh or spirit) by
way of honouring him. Here He is mentioning a created being in
conjunction with his Creator.
In the lengthy hadeeth about intercession it says: "Then Moosa will
come and will say: 'I am not able for it; rather go to 'Eesa for he is
the spirit of (i.e., created by) Allaah and a Word from Him.'"
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 7510; Muslim, 193.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him)
said:Simply mentioning something in conjunction with Allaah does not
mean that that thing is a Divine attribute, rather specific created
things may be mentioned in conjunction with Allaah and their
attributes are not divine attributes, according to scholarly consensus
- as in the phrases, "the House of Allaah", the "she-camel of Allaah",
the "slaves of Allaah". The same also applies to the phrase "the
spirit (rooh) of Allaah" according to the earliest generations of the
Muslims and their imams and their common folk. But if something that
is one of His attributes and is not an attribute shared by anyone else
is mentioned in conjunction with Him, such as the Speech of Allaah,
the Knowledge ofAllaah, the Hand of Allaah, and so on, then this is
one of His attributes.
End quote from al-Jawaab al-Saheeh, 4/414.
This principle was mentioned by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah in
several places. The point is that things which are mentioned in
conjunction with Allaah are of two types:
1 - Entities which exist separately. These are mentioned in
conjunction with Allaah by way of honouring, such as the House of
Allaah and the she-camelof Allaah, and also the spirit (rooh) of
Allaah, which is not a divine attribute, rather it is something that
exists separately. Hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) said, according to the lengthyhadeeth of al-Bara' ibn 'Aazib
which describes how man dies and his soul or spirit (rooh) comes out:
"It comes out flowing like a drop of water from the mouth ofa vessel...
and he (the Angel of Death) takes it, and when he takes it they (the
angels) do not leave it in his hand for an instant but they take it
and put it in that shroud with that perfume... and there comes out from
it a smelllike the finest fragrance of musk on the face of the earth,
and they ascend with it..."
See the report of this hadeeth in Ahkaam al-Janaa'iz ib by al-Albaani, p. 198
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "When
the soul (rooh) is taken, the eyes follow it." Narrated by Muslim,
920.In other words, when the soul is taken the eyesfollow it, watching
to see where it goes. All of this indicates that the soul is something
that exists separately.
2 - Attributes that do notexist separately, rather they need an entity
to belong to, such as knowledge, will and power. If it is said, "the
Knowledge of Allaah", the "Will of Allaah" and so on, this is
mentioning the attribute in conjunction with the One to Whom it
belongs.
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in his book al-Rooh:
... Does the rooh exist from eternity or is it something that is created?
Then he said: This is an issue which some scholars got wrong and many
groups of the sons of Adam went astray concerning it, but Allaah has
guided the followersof His Messenger to the clear truth concerning
it.The Messengers (blessings and peace be upon them) are unanimously
agreed that the soul is created and taught and trained. This is a
basic belief in the religion of the Messengers (blessings and peace be
upon them), just as it is a basicbelief in their religion that the
universe is created, and that physical bodies will be resurrected, and
that Allaah alone is the Creator and everything besides Him is
created.
Then he quoted al-HaafizMuhammad ibn Nasr al-Marwazi as saying: There
is no dispute among the Muslims concerning the fact that the souls
(arwaah) that are in Adam and his sonsand 'Eesa and other sonsof Adam
are all created by Allaah, who created them and fashioned them and
made them, then He mentioned themin conjunction with Himself as He
mentioned all His creation in conjunction with Himself, as He says
(interpretation of the meaning):
"And has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and all that is
inthe earth"
[al-Jaathiyah 45:13] End quote from al-Rooh, p. 144
Some people may be confused about what Allaah says about 'Eesa (peace
be upon him) in the verse (interpretationof the meaning):
"The Messiah 'Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a
Messenger of Allaah and His Word, ("Be!" -- and he was) which He
bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Rooh) created by Him [lit.
from Him]"
[al-Nisa' 4:171]
They think, as the Christians do, that the word min (lit. from)
implies being part of Him and that the Rooh (spirit) is a part of
Allaah.In fact the word min here implies that this Spirit comes from
Allaah,its starting point and origin is with Allaah, because He is its
Creator and Controller.
Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
The words in the verse and hadeeth, "a Spirit (Rooh) from Him" are
like the verse (interpretation of the meaning):
"And has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and all that is
inthe earth; it is all as a favour and kindness from Him"
[al-Jaathiyah 45:13]
"From Him" means that itis created by Him and comes from Him, not from
Him in the sense of being part of Him, as theChristians say. Rather it
isreferring to the starting point of that soul, as in the first verse
quoted. Mujaahid said that the phrase "And a Spirit from Him" means a
Messenger from Him. Others said that it meanslove from Him, but the
former is more correct, which is that he is a created being from a
created soul, and the soul is mentioned in conjunction with Allaah by
way of honouring, just as the she-camel andthe House are mentioned in
conjunction with Allaah in other verses (interpretation of the
meaning):
"This she-camel of Allaahis a sign unto you"
[al-A'raaf 7:73]
"and sanctify My House for those who circumambulate it"
[al-Hajj 22:26]
And it says in the saheeh hadeeth: "Enter upon myLord in His House";
it is mentioned in conjunction with Allaah by way of honouring. All of
this is of the same type and comes under one heading.
End quote from Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 1/784
Al-Aloosi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:It is narrated that a
skilled Christian doctor of al-Rasheed debated with 'Ali ibn al-Husayn
al-Waaqidi al-Marwazi one day and said to him:"In your Book there is
something which indicates that 'Eesa (peace be upon him) is part of
Allaah," and he recited this verse to him (interpretation of the
meaning):
"The Messiah 'Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a
Messenger of Allaah and His Word, ("Be!" -- and he was) which He
bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Rooh) created by Him [lit.
from Him]"
[al-Nisa' 4:171]
Al-Waaqidi recited the verse (interpretation of the meaning):
"And has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and all that is
inthe earth; it is all as a favour and kindness from Him"
[al-Jaathiyah 45:13]
and said: Then that means that all things must also be a part of Him,
exalted and glorified be He. The Christian ceased his arguments and
became Muslim, and al-Rasheed rejoiced greatly.
And he said (may Allaah have mercy on him): The Christians have no
proof for their claim to be honouring 'Eesa (peace be upon him) with
regard to the Spirit being mentioned in conjunction with God, because
this is also mentioned with regard to things other than him.In the
Gospel of Luke it says that Jesus said to hisdisciples:
"...how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to
those who ask him"
Luke 11:13 (NIV)
In the Gospel of Matthewit says that John the Baptist was filled with
the Holy Spirit when he was in his mother's womb.
In the Old Testament it says that God said to Moses:
"Bring me seventy of Israel's elders ... I will take of the Spirit that
is on you and put the Spiriton them."
Numbers 11:16-17 (NIV)
It also says concerning Joseph:
"So Pharaoh asked them,'Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom
isthe spirit of God?'"
Genesis 41:38 (NIV)
It also says in the Old Testament that the spirit of God descended
upon Daniel... and there are other such verses.
End quote from Rooh al-Ma'aani, 6/25.
It says in the Gospel of Luke:
"and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit"
Luke 1:41 (NIV)
"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and
devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy
Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die
before he had seen the Lord's Christ [Messiah].
Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts"
Luke 2:25-27 (NIV)
This clearly shows that the Spirit is an angel who brings revelation,
and that 'Eesa (peace be upon him), the "Lord's Christ (i.e.,
Messiah)" is a servant of God. God is the One Who anointed him and
made him the Christ or Messiah.
And Allaah knows best.

What are the guidelines concerning names whichmay correctly be attributed to Allaah, mayHe be exalted? .,Names and Attributes of Allaah,-

Is it correct to call Allaah al-Mutakallim (the One Who speaks) or
al-Baatish (the One Who seizes) because it is narrated that He does
those actions?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Praise be to Allaah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of
Allaah (S) and his family and companions.
All the names of Allaah are tawqeefi, i.e., we should accept what is
narrated in the Qur'aan and Sunnah and not addor subtract anything.
Based on this, it is not correct to call Allaah by any name other than
those by which He has called Himself in His Book or those that His
Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) called Him by in
the saheeh ahaadeeth, because the human mind cannot work out the names
thatAllaah deserves, so we must stop at what is mentioned in the
texts, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And follow not (O man, i.e., say not, or do not, orwitness not) that
of which you have no knowledge. Verily, the hearing, and the sight,
and the heart of each of those ones will be questioned (by Allaah)"
[al-Isra' 17:36]
Calling Allaah by a name that He has not called Himself, or denying a
name by which he has called Himself is a transgression against the
rights of Allaah. So we should observe the proper etiquette and adhere
to that which is narrated in the texts.
With regard to words which are mentioned in the Qur'aan and Sunnah
only by way of description or information, and it is notnarrated that
Allaah is called by these names, it is not correct to call Him by
them, because some of the attributes of Allaah have to do with His
actions, and the actions of Allaah have noend, just as His words have
no end.
For example, some of theattributes of Allaah that refer to His actions
describe Him as coming, bringing, taking, withholding and seizing
etc., as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And your Lord comes with the angels in rows"
[al-Fajr 89:22]
"He withholds the heaven from falling on the earth except by His Leave"
[al-Hajj 22:65]
"Verily, (O Muhammad) the Seizure (punishment) of your Lord is severe
and painful"
[al-Burooj 85:12]
So we attribute these characteristics to Allaah as they are mentioned,
but we do not call Him by them (i.e., we do not make names out of
them), so we do not say that among His names are al-Jaa'i (the Comer),
al-Aati (the Comer), al-Mumsik (the Withholder) or al-Baatish (the
Seizer), etc. Rather we say that this is what He does and attribute
those actions to Him.
And Allaah knows best.
See al-Qawaa'id al-Mathla fi Sifaat-Illaahi wa Asmaa'ihi al-Husna, 13,
21, by Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him).

Names and Attributes of Allaah,- Al-Dahr is not one of the names of Allaah.

I read a hadeeth which says that Allaah says "I am al-Dahr (time)."
Does this mean that al-Dahr is one of the beautiful names of Allaah?.
Praise be to Allaah.
The hadeeth referred to in the question was narrated by al-Bukhaari
(4826) and Muslim (2246) from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with
him) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) said: "Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, says:
'The son of Adam inveighs against Me, he inveighs against [the
vicissitudes of] Time(al-Dahr), and I am Time, in My hand are all
affairs, I alternate the night and the day."
This hadeeth does not indicate that al-Dahr is one of the names of
Allaah, rather what the hadeeth means is that Allaah is the One who
controls time.
Al-Khattaabi said:
What this means is: I am the Owner of Time, the Controller of all
affairs that they attribute to time, so whoever inveighs against time
because it does these things, is in effect inveighing against his Lord
Who is the One whodoes them.
Al-Nawawi said:
What is meant by saying "Allaah is al-Dahr (Time)"is that He is the
One Whocauses things to happen,the Creator of all things that exist.
And Allaah knows best.
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
Al-Dahr is not one of the names of Allaah, and whoever claims that is
erring for two reasons:
1 – His Names are the most perfect and beautiful, they should refer to
the most eloquent and beautiful meanings. Hence we do not find any
name among the names of Allaah that does not refer to any attribute.
Al-Dahr is such a word, and it cannot mean anything other than time.
2 – The context of the hadeeth renders that impossible, because He
says, "I alternate the night and the day"; night and day are time, so
how can the thing that is controlled be the one that controls them??
Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen, 1/163.

Where Believers Live inParadise

Where Believers Live in Paradise
Allah has promised the men and women of the believers Gardens with
rivers flowing under them, remaining in themtimelessly, forever, and
fine dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. And Allah's good pleasure is
even greater. That is the great victory. (Surat at-Tawba: 72)
As we said earlier, the houses where believers live their earthly
lives are "places in which Allah has permitted to bebuilt and in which
His name is remembered" (Surat an-Nur, 36), placesthat are cared for
and kept spotlessly clean according to Allah's command. Houses in
Paradise are like these, in that they are incomparably
refreshingplaces in which Allah is remembered and offered
thanksgiving.
In the same way as thesebeautiful houses and mansions may be built
amid natural beauty, it isalso possible that they may have been built
in outstandingly modern cities with aesthetically beautiful
architecture and superior technology.
The houses mentioned in the Qur'an are generally built amid natural
beauty, as the following verse informs us:
But those who heed their Lord will have mansions raised upon mansions
high, beneath which runnning waters flow. That is Allah's promise.
Allah does not break His promise. (Surataz-Zumar, 20)
Mansions located in highplaces, with views around and below
them,provide a detailed panorama that allows their inhabitants to
perceive many beautiful things at the same time.
The Qur'an mentions that water runs below those mansions built in high
places. Thus, in order to see this view, the mansions may contain
sitting-rooms with picture windows orwith glass on all four sides. In
such mansions,"designed to provide the human spiritwith the greatest
amount of pleasure possible, believers lounge on their thrones, enjoy
the best fruits and drinks and, as they look down from above, derive
pleasure from looking at one beautiful view after another.
The mansions are designed and furnished with the highest quality
materials and the most harmonious colors, and feature comfortable
armchairs and thrones facing each other. As"gold-encrusted thrones"
(Surat al-Waqi'a, 15) and"thrones lined up" (Suratat-Tur, 20)
maintain, thrones are symbols of wealth, splendor, and power.
Believers, to whom Allah has granted Paradise's eternal blessings,
have been found worthy of such beauty. Sitting and reclining on their
thrones, and surroundedby unimaginable beauty,they continually
remember Allah. The Qur'an states:
They will enter Gardens of Eden, where they will be adorned with gold
bracelets and pearls, andwhere their clothing willbe of silk. They
will say:"Praise be to Allah, Who has removed all sadness from us.
Truly, our Lord is Ever-Forgiving, Ever-Thankful: He Who has lodged
us, out of His favor, in the Abode of Permanence, where no weariness
or fatigue affects us." (Surah Fatir, 33-35)
Reclining upon soft couches, believers "gaze around them" (Surat
al-Mutaffifin, 23). Just seeing Paradise's magnificent views and
beauties is a feast for the eyes and a great blessing. This will be an
enjoyable banquet for believers to behold.
To share these beauties and pleasures with all believers, regardless
of when they led their earthly existence, is a blessing that can be
realized fully only in Paradise. For example, tosit on facing thrones
andconverse with Musa (as), 'Isa (as), or with pious believers and the
Prophet's Companions, as well as to remember Allah with them, is not a
pleasure that the world can grant; this pleasure belongs only to
Paradise.
In Paradise, everything believers desire will be created and brought
to them by special servants appointed for that task. The Qur'an
informs us that:
Circulating among them will be youths like hidden pearls. (Surat at-Tur, 24)
Believers, whom Allah has made worthy of Paradise, are highly select
and valuable persons. The fact that they are in a position of"high
honor" (Surat as-Saffat, 42) shows the value that Allah places upon
them. The servants mentioned above, who attend immediately to the
believers' every wishand give them free and interrupted service, are
described in the Qur'an as ageless young men:
Ageless youths will circulate among them, serving them. Seeing them,
you would think them scattered pearls. (Surat al-Insan, 19)
These servants, whose sole purpose is to attendto the believers'
wishes, and the fact that the blessings are freely offered with such
perfect service, are otherexamples of glorious beauty. The gadgets
used in this service also have great value and areof high quality,
for:
Platters and cups of goldwill be passed around among them, and they
will have there all that their hearts desire and in which their eyes
find delight. You will remain in it timelessly, forever. (Surat
az-Zukhruf, 71)
While in this world, believers attend to manythings, among them
getting as close as possible to the blessings of life in Paradise. We
can learn about the magnificent material used for clothing there.
Allah teaches people in this world to wear fine clothing, as stated
in:
O Children of Adam! We have sent down clothingto you to conceal your
private parts, and fine apparel. But the garment of the fear of Allah
- that is the best! That is one of Allah's Signs, so that hopefully
you will pay heed. (Suratal-A'raf, 26)
In Surat al-A'raf, 31, Allahurges believers to wear clean and fine
clothing:"O Children of Adam! Wear fine clothing in every mosque. Eat
and drink, but do not be profligate. He does not love the profligate."
Therefore, the clothing worn in Paradise will be several times more
splendid and stylish thanworldly clothing. The Qur'an especially
mentions two kinds of material found in Paradise: silk and brocade.
For example, it states that believers will wear "fine silk and rich
brocade, face to face with one another" (Surat ad-Dukhan, 53). Inthis
world, these two materials are rare, expensive, and of high quality.
Such clothing will give great aesthetic pleasure both to the person
wearing them and the one who sees them being worn. The beauty and
splendor of this clothing only enhances the perfection of those who
wear it.
Of course, the material and clothing found there is not limited to
these two, for Allah, Whogranted these great rewards, will clothe the
people of Paradise in many more beautiful garments made of many more
beautiful materials. He can create clothing styles and materials that
are unknown to us in this world.
The Qur'an tells us that this beautiful clothing is ornamented with
jewelry to enhance its attractiveness. Gold and silver bracelets and
pearls are mentioned specifically, as in the following verses:
Allah will admit those who believe and do right actions into Gardens
with rivers flowing under them, where they will be adorned with gold
bracelets and pearls, andwhere their clothing willbe of silk. (Surat
al-Hajj, 23)
They will wear green garments of fine silk andrich brocade. They will
be adorned with silver bracelets. And their Lord will give them a pure
draught to drink. (Surat al-Insan, 21)
As this verse maintains, beautiful jewelry complements fine clothing,
and both offered for the pleasure of believers.
The basic quality of the materials in Paradise is their varied
delicacy andstriking beauty, both of which are reflections of Allah's
eternal knowledge and artistry. For example, thrones areinlaid with
precious stones and arranged carefully in high places; clothing is
made of silk and brocade, and adorned with gold and silver ornaments.
Allah has given many details about Paradise inthe Qur'an, but the
expressions that He has used allow believers to use their imagination
open. In Paradise, (Allah surely knows best) everybeliever will have
all kinds of blessings, views,and places especially designed for his
or her own pleasure. Of course, apart from the blessings announced in
the Qur'an, Allah has prepared many more surprises for believers, whom
He has made worthy of Paradise.

The Natural Beauty of Paradise

The Natural Beauty of Paradise
"What is the example [i.e., description] of Paradise promised to
therighteous like? It has rivers flowing under it, and its foodstuffs
and cool shade never fail. That is the final fate of those who have
done their duty. But the final fate of the disbelievers isthe Fire."
(Surat ar-Ra'd, 35)
Natural beauty and greenery are among Paradise's wonderful blessings.
Mansions built in gardens, right next to springs, are another beauty.
Paradise, in which there is "neither burning sun nor bitter cold"
(Surat al-Insan, 13),has such a pleasant climate that no one is made
uncomfortable. It contains no exhausting sweaty heat or freezing cold.
In Paradise, Allah will admit believers into"cool, refreshing shade"
(Surat an-Nisa', 57)
The expression"refreshing shade," along with revealing that the
climate will be comfortable and just as a person would want it, points
out that Paradise's environment and conditions have been designed to
give the human spirit true satiety and comfort. Every thing and
condition in Paradise will be just as a believer desires.
One of the natural beauties most mentioned by Allah in the Qur'an is
that of"outpouring water" (Surat al-Waqi'a, 31).
As we observe in this earthly life, the human spirit derives great
pleasure from water, especially flowing water.Lakes, rivers,
waterfalls, and streams flowing in aforest all speak to the human
spirit. All artificialpools and fountains in mansions, residences,
estates, and villa gardens, as well as artificial and natural streams,
arise from this longing for the spiritual aesthetic.
The main reason why these esthetic views are so pleasurable is because
the human spirit has been created for Paradise. These beauties are
described elsewhere, as follows:
In them [two other Gardens] are two gushing springs. (Surat ar-Rahman, 66)
The sight and sound of flowing water comfort and gladden the human
heart. The sight and sound of water falling from above give pleasure
and are a means whereby people can give thanks to Allah and praise His
name. Especially if the water flows in the hills, among trees and
greenery or runs over stones, it is a really impressive sight.
Iteither collects in the place where it falls, or forms pools and
flows from one place to another. Continually flowing water is a sign
of endless and inexhaustible plenty.
As we learn in Surat al-Hijr, 45: "The heedful will be amid Gardens
and Springs." Another verse reads: "The heedful will be in shady nooks
by springs" (Surat al-Mursalat, 41)
The "shady nooks" may be special spaces createdso that believers can
sit and observe all of this beauty. (Allah knows best) As with
mansions, these shady nooks also are placed in high placesso that the
people in Paradise can view the beauty below and see itsmany details.
Shady nooks offer special pleasure to believers. Forexample, people
are served various kinds of food and fruits there, come together there
andhold pleasurable conversations, and enjoythemselves there. Their
being placed next to springs, spaces that give pleasure to the human
soul, adds to their attractiveness. From these springs flow delicious
waters.
Another natural beauty is the gardens. For example, the "lush Meadows
of the Gardens" mentioned Surat ash-Shura, 22 havebeen prepared only
for believers. One of their particular features is the harmony of
natural beauty contained therein. Within them grow a never-ending
variety of plants, similar to the most delicate and sweet-smelling
ones on Earth, and several species of animals, both known and unknown
to us.
The gardens are adorned with various fruit and other types of trees,
plains of "deep viridian green" (Surat ar-Rahman, 64) plants and
flowers, and, in some places, pools and fountains. Surat al-Waqi'a
also mentions"fruit-laden lote-trees with thorns removed" and
"[banana] trees layered [with fruit]" (28-29).
By reflecting upon all of these things, we can form a general view of
Paradise. Some of its characteristics remind usof things in this
world; others are unique blessings and beauties of Paradise that no
one has ever seen or known, and that our minds cannot imagine or
express. We must be aware that beautiful things and surprises are
waiting for believers in Paradise, things and surprises prepared by
Allah's infinite knowledge and beyond our imagination. As Surat
ash-Shura, 22 tells us: "They will have whatever they wish for with
their Lord. That is the great favor," everything in Paradise,
including all of its natural beauties, are brought into being in
accordance with a believer's own desire and pleasure. In other words,
Allah allows a believer's imagination a role in forming Paradise's
environment as a favor from Him.