Man: The living machine

The human body, a totally separate world ofits own, resembles a living
"machine." Inside that machine there is equipment with a technology
far superior to any advanced technology outside, specialized elements
displaying consciousness, by the will of Allah, fully equipped
soldiers and many other systems. It is our Lord, Almighty Allah, Lord
of the Worlds, who creates this order in the systems in the body and
the sublime design visible at every point.
BRAIN / COMPUTER
Every nerve cell possesses special units for transmitting data. All by
itself, the brain is capable of performing the work of 4.5 million
transistors that permit the transmission of data by the microprocessor
ina good computer. This figure is very low compared to the 10 billion
nerve cells engaged in the electricalexchange of informationin the
brain. In addition, while the brain is able toperceive taste and smell
signals, there is as yet noproduct of industry capable of doing this.
MUSCLE AND BONE / CENTRAL HEATING-AIR CONDITIONING
The movement of the muscles warms the body in cold weather. In this
way the muscles are ableto provide 90% of body heat. Perspiration, on
the other hand, functions as an ideal cooling mechanism in the event
of overheating. These two complementary systems work to keep the body
temperature stable under all circumstances. This system works much
faster, and with much better results, than any central heating or air
conditioning system.
HORMONES / THE MAIL SYSTEM
Everything in the body isin a state of communication. Many messages
consist of hormones, made up of large molecules. There is no
destination address on the message packet carried by hormones, which
travel freely through the circulatory system and neurons. Yet,the
package still reaches its destination because the organs to open it
areequipped with special receptors to capture these messages.
KIDNEYS/ PURIFICATION FACILITIES
Thanks to up to a millionmini-filters known as nephrons, the human
kidney filters 140 liters of blood a day. Over the course of 80 years
around 1 deciliter a minute (one-tenth of a liter) is constantly
subjected to this filtration process. Processing facilities, used for
industrial wastes, have a greater capacity than that of kidneys.
However, their life spans are incomparably shorter. Moreover, the
structure of the substances being filtered is much simpler than that
of blood. The kidney has a far more complex and efficient system than
any filtration facility
THE HEART / PUMPING SYSTEMS
The heart starts beating while still in the mother's womb and works
non-stop at a rateof 70-200 beats a minutethroughout one's life. It
rests for at least half a second between beats. Itbeats approximately
10,000 times a day. At the time of resting, the heart of someone
weighing 60 kilos pumpsan average of 6.5 liters of blood. During one's
life time the heart pumps enough blood to fill 500 swimming pools with
a volume of 300 m3. Man-made pumping systems are unable to function as
efficiently without requiring any maintenance.
ARM / LEVER
The arm works like a lever. It uses the elbow as a fulcrum and
establishes movement bystretching and contracting the muscles. Levers
operate on the same principle. Yet, Levers have to show the same
effort no matter what weight is involved,whereas the arm muscles are
capable of adjusting their contraction accordingly.
EYE / CAMERA
The retina layer in the eye is the most light-sensitive of all known
materials. Different typesof light-perceiving cells are arranged so as
to provide the best image of the field of vision. Theeye also focuses
automatically and adjusts its sensitivity according to the intensity
of light outside.Such features make the eye far more superior to any
camera or photographic equipment in the world.
EAR / HI-FI
Hairy cells in the human inner ear convert vibrations in the air into
electrical signals, like a microphone. The ear only perceives sounds
between frequencies of 20-20,000 Hz. This range is the ideal specially
selected for human beings. If the human hearing range had been any
wider, we would be able to detect the footsteps of an ant walking on
the ground or the high-frequency sound waves in the atmosphere. Living
in such a constant state of noise would mean that human beings would
never enjoy neither peace nor comfort.
IMMUNE SYSTEM / ARMY
Our organisms are beingprotected by some 200 billion lymphocytes
(white blood corpuscles). These have intelligence systems, lethal
weapons and particular war strategies, similar to thatof soldiers.
Nevertheless,no army in the world is as accurate, flawless, and
successful as the immune system. (Harun Yahya, SIGNS OF GOD Design in
Nature)
CELL / ENGINE
In terms of fuel, the cell is a very economical engine. It burns small
molecules namely ATP as fuel. The efficiency it maintains in using
these molecules is greater than that of any engine. The cell also
performs various and highly complex functions whichtechnological
devices are not able to perform.

The background of suicide bombers who claim to act in the name of Islam

Following the World War II, the the psyche and minds of the people
living in Islamic countries in the the Middle East were affected by
the post war era and introduction of Communism . This new outlook,
which was in no way compatible with the tenets of Islam, was
stealthily changing the mindset of people on these lands that were
once shaped with the beautiful values of the Qur'an for centuries.
This also had its impact on the nascent political structures
gradually forming in the region.
Given this history, the dreadful state of Syria in our modern day
cannot be attributed to Islam. It is surely a legacy of the
communist ideology that was planted in those lands whose borders
were artificially created following the collapse of the Ottoman
Empire. In the absence of a ruling system predicated on Islamic
tenets like that of the Ottoman Empire, the countries that emerged
became vulnerable to ideologies that were either Western or
Eastern, (Communist Soviet Union and China), and did not value or
give importance to the ideas of love, brotherhood, and compassion,
or simply humane ideas.
Syria is just one example. When Hafez Assad came to power with the
Ba'ath Party in the 1960s, the state started to exert violence over
its own people. This type of harsh and cold rule by the Ba'ath party
became widely known in the world as the news of the horrible Hama
massacre dominated the international headlines of the press.
Syria was not the only country in the Middle East that was subjected
to the inhuman practices of the Ba'ath Party. The Party also became
influential in Egypt and Iraq. Meanwhile other Arab countries
including Iran silently came under the sway of communist China.
Another part of the Middle East whose roots were detached from
Islam and surrendered itself to communism was Palestine. The
al-Fatah movement that had grown in this country was not hiding the
ideology by which it was acting upon.
The conflicts and bloodshed that raged throughout the Middle East
were a result of communism coupled with Arab nationalism that
steadily intensified. Withn the regimes that identified with
communism and socialism, it is then not surprising that such
violent developments would take place, it is actually a part of the
normal course of events.
These countries - as systems and individuals – having gone through a
transformation to communism and socialism, and departed Islam still
kept their names as "Islamic Republics", and were thus always
identified with Islam. This being the case, all the crimes,
murders, mass killings perpetrated by these regimes and individuals
were always incorrectly attributed to Islam and Muslims.
A suicide bomber is a typical example. A suicide attack happening
in any corner of the world today is being identified incorrectly
with Islam and it is perceived by the West, especially those who
are unfamiliar with the tenets of Islam, as a practice encouraged
by the religion of Islam.
Islam, however, is a religion that gives the utmost value to human
life. It is a religion based upon humanity, love, compassion,
brotherhood, tolerance, justice, and peace. It treats the "human
being" as a very precious being. Communism, on the other hand, is a
savage system that in no way appreciates an individual as a human
being. It is founded on the tenets of Darwinism and the theory of
evolution, which incorrectly expounds social darwinism, namely that
the strong are eligible to survive while the weak are doomed to
perish. Thus one should not be surprised by the actions of
communists, since it is a system based on a cruel set of ideas.
Therefore communist regimes do not hesitate to kill people, even if
they are of their own nation, race or ethnicity. Indeed, killing
people is such an indispensable and inherent part of this system
that, committing suicide or taking part in suicide bombings,
becomes acceptable, while it is openly an outrageous act condemned
by God in the Qur'an.
According to Islam, suicide is an unlawful act no different from
killing another person. In other words, committing suicide equates
to murder. It is God Who gives life to a person and it is only He
Who can take back that life. A person does not have the right to
kill himself thinking that it is his own life and thus he can decide
when to put an end to that life. Therefore a person who is ready to
kill innocent children, women, that is anyone, together with
himself, openly acts against the provisions of the Qur'an and thus
can by no means be a Muslim. Such a person's mind and soul is
totally divorced from Islam and thus Islam cannot be held
accountable for such crimes.
As we have seen, individuals, communities and systems in the Middle
East of today have gone through a grand transformation. The norms
that shaped the behavior of the citizents of the Middle Eastern
countries aare no longer purely based on Islam. Communism,
socialism and other ideologies that are completely against Islam
have entered the equation and have been influencing them for a
quite long time. Since this is the root cause of radical and
extremist mindsets, one has to reflect and think deeply about the
underlying motivations for the behavior of radicals and extremists
in order to make a correct judgment, otherwise we would attribute a
false label on an entire religion.

About the rank and position of Holy Quran in the Islamic Traditions

Learning and teaching, reading and memorizing,planning and acting on
the contents, there are numerous traditions in the Sunni and Shiite
sources that its studying can display and manifest the importance and
greatness of the Heavenly book. These traditions have been compiled in
the books of traditions under the headings of "books of traditions",
the "book of the excellence of Holy Quran", and the "book ofthe Merits
of Holy Quran".The commentators of Holy Quran especially the
commentators living in the beginning of Islam have narrated these
traditions in their books. In addition to the above, some of the
earlier scholars have made efforts to write books under the heading
of"the book of the Fazl-ul-Quran or the book of Navader-ul-Quran."
Ofcourse, some of these writings could not be transferred to the other
periods. But, in the periods of recent scholars, the late Allama
Majlisi has allocated a part of the nineteenth volume of his
book"Bihar al-Anwar" to the Book of Holy Quran. This part has been
printed in the volumes 89 and 90. Besides, this point that this part
of the book of Bihar al-Anwar, like the other parts of this
magnificent treasure, notonly includes numerous writings of scholars
of the earlier centuries, but implicitly it contains many traditions
from Holy Prophet Muhammad(saw) and the Holy Imams(as). It is a very
useful reference.
Lastly, in the selection of the traditions of these writings, great
emphasis has been laid on selecting the short Quranic traditions. In
some cases, a part of the tradition has been mentioned from summary
viewpoint. We have refrained from mentioning the reference of the
traditionso that it will be easier toread or memorize them. But, those
interested for finding the references of every tradition can refer to
their sources.
01 - The superiority and excellence of the Holy Quran.
a) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw)said:
"The superiority and preference of the Holy Quran on all other books
and sayings is the same as the superiority of Almighty over His
creatures."
b) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"The Holy Quranis superior and excellent to everything other than
Almighty Allah (SWT)."
c) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"One who reads the Holy Quran, then he imagines that somebody (else)
has received better and superior than him, then most certainly he has
considered it insignificant the thing that is honorable and great
before the Almighty."
d) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"Whenever mischief and seditions surround you like a part of the
darkness of the night then (take refuge and) go towards the Holy
Quran."
e) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"The Holy Quran is a wealth that no wealth can equal (or reach) it.
And there will be no poverty after it."
02 - the Comprehensiveness and value of Holy Quran.
a) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"The Book of the Almighty comprises of the narratives and incidents of
the ancients; the news of the future ones; and the rules and
regulations amongst you.The Holy Quran was the measure and weight of
the truth and falsehood and it is not facetious and in vain."
b) Ameerul Momineen Ali (as)said:
"The Holy Quran is beautiful apparently and it is deep and profound
inwardly. Its wonder is everlasting and the curtains of darkness will
not be removed when refraining from it."
03 - Learning and teaching the Holy Quran.
a) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"The best of you are those who have learned the Holy Quran and teachto
the others".
b) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"One who teaches an Ayat of the Holy Quran, the Sawab (good deed) will
be earned and returned to them so long as the Ayat is being recited."
c) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"For the teacher of the Holy Quran, all the particles of the world
seek forgiveness and supplicate for him even the fishes of the
oceans."
d) Ameerul Momineen Ali (as) said:
"Learn and study (Holy) Quran. It is the best of the sayings. Peruse
and think and deliberate on it as it is the spring of thehearts."
e) Imam Jafar Sadiq (as)said:
"It is deserving and worthy of a believer that he should not depart
from this world but that he has learned the (Holy) Quran or is in the
path of learning it."
f) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"The (Holy) Quran is the (dining) table of the Almighty. Therefore,
utilize it and learn as far as possible."
04 - The Recitation of TheHoly Quran; Its Effect and Its Usefulness.
a) The best of the worships is the recitationof the (Holy) Quran. The
traditions that have beennarrated about reward and good deeds for the
recitation of the Holy Quran is considered as the best of worships. It
is important to mention that during the period ofHoly Prophet
Muhammad(saw); the learning of theword and meaning of the Holy Quran
was considered jointly. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) recommended the
recitation of the Holy Quran along with understanding their meanings.
The conduct of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) shows us that he would
teach ten Ayats of the Holy Quran to his companions and till the time
they would not learn and understand the practical rules and science of
the ten Ayats, he would not commence the next ten Ayats. Thus, the
reader ofthe Holy Quran was aware and well conversant of their
meanings.
b) Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said:
"The Quran is the covenant and programs the Almighty for His
creatures. It is deserving that every Muslim should look at this
divinely testament every day and recite fifty Ayats from them every
day."
c) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"One who recites ten Ayats of the (Holy) Quran during the night is
from amongst the negligent and the heedless. One who recites fifty
Ayats is from amongst the recites and commemorators. One who recites
hundredAyats is from amongst the humble and meek ones. One who recites
two hundred Ayats will be counted from amongst the one who fears the
Almighty and from amongst the specialones. One who recites three
hundred Ayats will be from amongst the delivered and saved ones. And
one who recites five hundred Ayats, he will be from amongst the
jurisprudents."
d) Ameerul Momineen Ali (as) said:
"In the day of Resurrection, it will be said to the reciter of the
Holy Quran (Qaari) that recite (The Holy Quran) and step above. Recite
as you have recited in the (previous) world. Your status and position
is up to the last Ayats that you have recited."
e) Ameerul Momineen Ali (as) said:
"One who recites the (Holy) Quran is like the one on whose heart has
been inserted the Prophet hood except that"Wahi" (revelations) have
not been revealed for him."
f) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said to Salman Mohammadi:
"O Salman! Upon you be about the recitation of the (Holy) Quran. Its
recitation is kaffarah (atonement) of sins."
g) Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said:
"One who recites the Holy Quran and he is a young believer, then his
body and blood will be blended and mixed with it."
H) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"Surely, these hearts are rusts like rusted irons. Surely (the thing)
which gives it luster and polish is the recitation of the (Holy)
Quran."
05 - The ways and the Manners of The Recitation of The Holy Quran.
a) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"Discharge (your duty towards the Holy) Quran in a good way and search
for its wonders and strangeness."
b) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"Recite the (Holy) Quran in the tone of the Arabs and with their
dialects and accents."
c) Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said:
"The (Holy) Quran has been revealed in a sad and sorrowful manner. So,
you also recite it humbly and sadly."
d) Ameerul Momineen Ali (as) said:
"During the recitation of the (Holy) Quran, express it in a good
manner. And do not hurry in it like as reciting the poems and do not
scatter it like the pebbles." But, install fear and alarm in your hard
hearts through it. Your efforts should not be thatyou should recite
and reach the end of the Ayat.
e) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"Learn the (Holy) Quran in Arabic. Refrain from adding an extra word
or alphabet in it."
06 - The Recitation Of TheHoly Quran in a beautiful and Melodious Tone.
a) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"For everything there is an adornment and a decoration. The adornment
of the (Holy) Quran is a beautiful voiceand tone."
b) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"Adorn and decorate the (Holy) Quran with your (good) voice."
c) It was asked from Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) that which of the
peoples voice in the recitation of the (Holy) Quran is better. He
said;"The voice of that person is better who while reciting the Holy
Quran and his recitation reaches you, you feel that he is feaful of
Allah."
d) Imam Ali al-Hadi (as)said:
" Ali ibn Hussein (Zainul Abedin)would recite the (Holy) Quran in
such a beautiful voice the passer byes who would pass from his house
would swoon and (would be overcome) by his voice."
e) Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said:
While interpreting the Ayat of the Holy Quran,"The meaning of this
Ayat is that one should recite the Holy Quran in a slow and pauseful
manner and make your voice beautiful with its recitation."
07 - Memorizing The Holy Quran and Its Effects.
a) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"The most honorable andnoble from amongst my Ummat are the memorizers
of the (Holy) Quran and those who (stay) awake (for worshipping)."
b) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"The carriers of the (Holy)Quran are those who are included and
covered by the Mercy of Allah."
c) Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said:
"Recite the (Holy) Quran and memorize it. Allah will not punish the
heart in which the Quran has been placed (in it)."
d) Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said:
"The memorizer of the Quran and the one who acts on it will be the
companions with the preferable divine ambassadors - the Angels."
e) And from amongst the Duas and supplications ofImam Jafar Sadiq (as):
"O Allah, select and approve for us two works: to recite the Quran in
a good manner and to memorize their Ayats."
f) Imam Musa Kazim (as)narrates from Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) who said:
"The carriers of the (Holy)Quran are the learned persons of the
inhabitants of the Heavens."
08 - The Recitation of TheHoly Quran While Looking At The Moshaf.
a) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"Looking at the Moshaf (Holy Quran) is (considered as) worship."
As per some traditions, Moshaf is a name, which has been ascribed to
the Holy Quran. This word has not come in the Holy Quran in this form,
but itsderivative of "Sohof" has been used in the Holy Quran on 8
occasions.
b) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"The recitation of the Holy Quran from the Moshaf (Book) is better
that its recitation from memory."
c) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"Nothing is more difficultand harder for the Shaitan than the
recitation of the Quran from the Moshaf (book)."
d) Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said:
"One who recites the Quran from the Moshaf (Book) then his eyes will
enjoy and profit (from itsgood deeds and blessings)."
09 - The Recitation Of TheHoly Quran And Contemplating And Deliberating On It.
a) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"Woe is upon the one who recites the divine Ayats, but dose not
contemplates and thinks about it."
b) Ameerul Momineen Ali (as) said:
"Beware, there is no good in recitation (of theHoly Quran) and not
deliberating and thinking on it."
c) Ameerul Momineen Ali (as) said:
"Learn the (Holy) Quran as it is the best of the speeches and think
and reflect on it as it is the spring of the hearts."
d) Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) while interpreting the Ayats of the Holy
Quran, the right to the recitationof the Quran is thinking and pause
over every Ayat, which propounds about the Heaven and the Hell.
10 - The Recitation of TheHoly Quran And Acting OnIt.
a) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"How numerous are the reciters of the Holy Quran, and the Holy Quran
curses them."
b) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"The one who does not consider the Haram (forbidden) acts of the Holy
Quran as Halal (permissible) does not believe and has no faith in the
Holy Quran."
c) The one who learns the Holy Quran and does not act on it, Allah
(SWT) will raise him as a blind (person) on the day of Resurrection."
d) Ameerul Momineen Ali (as) said:
"By Allah, pay attention to the Holy Quran. It should not be that
othersovertake and take precedence over you in acting and practicing
(onthe Quran)."
e) Imam Ali Reza (as)said:
"(Quran) is the word of Allah (SWT). Do not exceed and trespass
fromits boundary. Do not seekguidance other than from its shadow and
protection or you will be deviated and misguided."
f) Ameerul Momineen Ali (as) said:
"One who recites the (Holy Quran) and then enters the Hell, he is
fromthose who have ridiculedand mocked at the Ayats of the Holy
Quran."

Ramadan Articles, - Registering in the School of Righteous Generations

A noble guest is soon to arrive and a great season is to start -- the
month ofRamadan, which is a month praised in the Quran
andtheSunnah)Prophetic tradition(. It has many virtues; for example,
when it starts it is said:"O seeker of goodness, go ahead! O seeker of
evil; desist!"
TheUmmah)Muslim nation( has witnessed this month 1430 ]1[times and the
month that is upcoming is1431. Many generations have graduated fromits
school. It gives an opportunityfor serious people to change themselves
from wrong to right, from misguidance to guidance, from failure to
success, from defeat to victory and from every defect to every
perfection. This not only takes place only in one aspect of life;
rather, it occurs in many fields: religious, social,
economic,Jihad)struggle(, and others.
It is sufficient that during this month the Muslim overcomes thecalls
of the soul which is a persistent enjoiner of evil. By fasting, the
strong will of the Muslim wins over his base desiresin a way that he
savors its taste and feels its joy everyday at sunset. The Prophet,,
said:"There aretwooccasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he
breaks thefastand the other when he willmeethisLord."]Muslim[
For example, you may notice the sinning Muslim who is addicted to
drinking alcohol and nothing deters him from drinking day andnight;
but inRamadan, if someone were to compel him to drink a sip of lawful
pure water while he was fasting, he would be extremely antagonized!
Ramadanis a school that calls people to every virtuous manner, as
Allaah The Almighty Says)what means(:}O you who have believed, decreed
upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you
may become righteous{]Quran 2:183[
However, this chance is only for those who are sincere and serious.
The school ofRamadanisopening its doors for registration. This chance
may notbe available in the future. There are many people who hope to
witness tomorrow and do not witness it. There are many people who were
among the living in the morning and in the night they are among the
dead. There are many people who hopeto witnessRamadanbut they do not.
*.How are the "1,300,000,000" inRamadan?
One billion 300 million is the approximate number of Muslims nowadays.
They have the same ablution, the same way of praying, the same
fasting, and the sameHajj.
They worship One God: no one is truly worthy of worship but Him. They
submit to Him.
However, what about their feelings towards each other? What is their
concern with regard to supporting their religion? What are their
goals?
The answer is represented in the tragic suffering of Muslims in the
four corners of the world. Year after year, their suffering has become
even greater and the state of affairs has become even more turbulent
for the IslamicUmmah)Muslim nation( and its unity.
With the advent ofRamadan, themonth during which sublime virtues
become manifest and people benefit therefrom, you are invited to take
your share from this great bounty while you sit around the table
)ofRamadan( which Allaah The Almighty designated for the believing
people of the IslamicUmmah.
The most important thing to be adopted and followed is to achieve
brotherhood of faith among Muslims. Accordingly, they would support
each other, putting into action the verse in which Allaah The Almighty
Says)what means(:}The believing men and believing women are allies
ofone another.{]Quran 9:71[ And theHadeeth)narration( of the
Prophet,:"The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and
sympathy are just like one body; when one of the organs suffers, the
whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever."
Unity of faith is enhanced in the legislation of fasting as the
Prophet,said:"The start of the fast is the day you start and the end
of the fast is the day you end it, and the day of sacrifice is the day
you offer your sacrifice."]Abu Daawood, At-Tirmithi and Ibn Maajah[
Commenting on thisHadeeth, At-Tirmithisaid,"Some scholars interpreted
this Hadeethsaying that it means that fasting and breaking the fast
should be with the community of Muslims and most people."
Contemplate, O Muslims, on the unity of faith which brings your hearts
together even though you are of different countries, languages and
colors. It is an unmatchable unity on the face of the earth. So, why
do we overlook and neglect it? Allaah The Almighty Says )what
means(:}And brought together their hearts. If you had spent all that
isin the earth, you could not have brought their hearts together; but
Allaah brought them together. Indeed, He is Exalted in Might and
Wise.{]Quran 8:63[
Why are people undutiful to theirparents?
Why do people sever their kinship ties?
Why do spouses quarrel and fight?
Why do neighbors desert each other?
Why are the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims untied?
The outcome of these misfortunes is that anUmmahof one billion three
hundred million lost its advantage and effectiveness and became as it
is mentioned in theHadeeth"you will be scum like that carried down by
a torrent."
O IslamicUmmah, why do we seek this humiliation and pantingbehind
other nations seeking glory and pride by imitating them? Why do we
forget the Quranic verse where Allaah The Almighty Says )what
means(:}This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed
My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.{]Quran
5:3[
What a great religion is Islam! Why do people neglect this great blessing?
*.Breaking the Fast inRamadanand "Globalization"
The Prophet,, said:"Religion will continue to be dominant as long as
people hasten to break the fast, because the Jews and the Christians
delay doing so."]Abu Daawood[
Contemplate this discrepancy anddistinction between the MuslimUmmahand
other nations even in the aspects of eating.
The purpose of instituting distinguishing features in theUmmahwas not
intended as an end in itself. Rather, it was legislated for a great
goal ofSharee'ah)Islamic legislation( that many people do not
observenowadays and take it lightly; namely, distinguishing
thisUmmahfrom other nations in order to be independent in every field
-- religious, social economic,political, moral, and so on.
The Jews, since the dawn of the Message of Muhammad,noticed this
matter and were extremely annoyed. They said,"This man does not want
to leaveanything we do without opposing us in it."]Narrated by Anas,
may Allaah be pleased witgh him, inSaheeh Muslim[
Is it appropriate, after all this, that some of our brothers and
sisters become affected by the claims of the naïve and respond to the
calls of globalization?
Globalization in which aspect?
They want globalization in economy, policy, ethics, and so on. They
even call for religious globalization in order to mix all religions
including the true religion of Allaah The Almighty, Islam. Then, they
impose a new world order or a new world religion or the so-called
unity of religions in accordance with deviant Western perceptions in
the same way that they corrupted their religions, and designed after
the pattern of the godless life they live.
The Quran and theSunnah)Prophetic tradition( are replete with texts
enhancing the distinction of the members of thisUmmah, males and
females alike, with their true religion; andthe generations of
theUmmahcomprehended this distinction well, which indicates its utmost
importance. Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:
*.}O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as
allies. They are ]in fact[ allies of one another. And whoever is an
ally to them among you - then indeed, he is]one[ of them. Indeed,
Allaah guides not the wrongdoing people.{]Quran 5:51[
*.}And never will the Jews or theChristians approve of you until you
follow their religion. Say,"Indeed, the guidance of Allaah is the
]only[ guidance." If you were to follow their desires after what has
come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allaah no protector
or helper.{]Quran 2:120[
The Prophet,, said:"You will follow the ways of those who preceded you
inch by inch and cubit by cubit so that if they should go into the
hole of a mastigure, you will follow them into it." We said, "O
Messenger ofAllaah! Do you mean the Jews and the Christians?" He
replied,"Who else?""]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
He also said:"Whoever imitates a people, becomes one of them."]Ahmad
and Abu Daawood[ ]Jayyidchain of transmission[
The wholeUmmah, males and females, are asked to review their course of
life and the extentof their negligence towards this strategic issue in
order to regain their lost pride and honor.
]1[Until the time of writing theselines

Ramadan Articles, - The lost Ramadan

Ramadan is always equated in our minds with 29 or 30 days of
self-purification, sacrifice andpure devotion to Allaah. Even the
Muslim among us that would never bother about moon sighting, prayer in
the wee hours of the night and reading the whole Quran within four
weeks,gears up to embrace the spirit of this month.
Having spent the past Ramadan in the most beloved of lands to Allaah,
I felt utterly lucky to accept dates from a smiling sister who I had
never met and will probably never see again, and savor the loudAmeens
of my family of thousands of Muslims that the entire Al-Masjid
Al-Haraam )Sacred House in Makkah( resounded to.It was overwhelming to
observe hordes of peopleheading in one direction for Taraaweeh
)optional night prayers(. The Sacred House, ever the bustling place,
was full ofpeople breaking their fast, giving in charity, performing
'Umrah)Minor pilgrimage( and drinking Zamzam water. It has been a
supreme experience.
Yes, I am sure you know a 'but' is forthcoming. I hate to say what I
will, perhaps because I do notwish to taint the beauty of the month
that we have conjured up. But, even in Al-Masjid Al-Haraam, I could
not help but sadly wonder if Ramadan came and went, and we lost out.
For while I happily observed people flockingfor prayer, I also heard
people loudly fighting over a sitting place in theHouse of Allaah.
Instead of taking care of the Masjid like our own homes, it was often
left dirty as people failed to clean up after themselves. There was a
lot of generosity going around, but some of our Muslim brothers and
sisters are dying and suffering in many places around the world. There
was immense sharing, but rampant greed. Stores and hotels upped the
ante and doubled their asking prices.
Sure, all this gave a Makkan Ramadan a unique edge, no less, but I was
left wanting for thetrue spirit of Ramadan; offaith, unity and
patience,which brings about change within us that lasts more than just
one month.
Yet, every year, it is the same story in these sacred grounds, as well
as the rest of the Muslim world. What used to be a month of victory
since Islam came, has started to seem no different from our recent
history, with Muslim infighting, non-Muslims debasing our Prophetand
more failures. Rather than cherishing each moment of these invaluable
days, we cannot wait for 'Eed to don our new clothes. And instead of
fasting as a way of showing solidarity with the hungry, we plan
haute-cuisine Iftaars )fast-breaking meals(. Hearingof special Ramadan
TV shows and seasonal sales in shopping centers, it is difficult to
say if the corporations are more guilty or their clients.
The essence of Ramadan is becoming obscure; perhaps this is what the
Prophetimplied by saying:"Many a fasting person gains nothing from his
fasting but thirst, and many a personwho stands )in prayer( gets
nothing from his standing but wakefulness."]Ibn Maajah[
As always taught by scholars and in books and articles, Ramadan is not
just about the customary fasts and prayers; it is a month in which
Allaah has hidden a night which is better than a thousand months)in
virtue and reward(, sothat we make the effort every night to catch it.
Further, it is not about worshipping Allaah, The Most Exalted, and
practicing Islam only on one night or in one month, but Ramadan is
actually a catalyst for inner and outer change that lasts a lifetime,
for Allaah has no need for the one who fasts but does not leave evil
talk oraction. ]Al-Bukhaari[
Ramadan, in itself, is a month set above all by itsdistinctiveness as
days of fasting and nights of prayers, as actually practiced
everywhere. But, if we stay on our current path, not truly
appreciating the lessons of this month, by reducing it to a
conventional and commercialized holiday season, we may retain
itsgoodness, but risk losing the very spirit of Ramadan.

Ramadan Articles, - A Ramadan to remember

Nadia came home from school holding up a bound book proudly."Look what
I made," she said to her mother excitedly, waving her book back and
forth. Her mother glimpsed the title,My Best Memory.
As her mom flipped through it, she realized itwas about Ramadhan.
Pictures of masajid, people offering salah, and families breaking
their fast filled the pages.Nadia chattered excitedlyshowing her mom
the pictures and reading the words. "I told my class all about it,"
she said happily, adding, "They thought it was so cool."
"Ramadhan was months ago," said her mom, surprised. But as she looked
at her daughter's shining face, reliving her memories, she realized
that the spirit of Ramadhan was not forgotten by her 7-year old
daughter.
Every year, as Ramadhan approaches, families startgetting ready. They
stockup on food, make sure they have enough dates, and fast a couple
of days to "warm up." Everythingfrom these early preparations to the
very last rak'ah of Taraweeh isembedded in a child's mind. The spirit
of Ramadhan is so strong, that months and years later, children still
remember it, just as Nadia did.
And it is with the parent that the responsibility to make this month
memorable lies. It is up to you to make sure that you have made this
month special enough for your kids that they will always remember the
feel of Ramadhan. And it is also up to you tomake sure that they
understand what it is all about.
Ramadhan is about spirituality. It is about salah and fasting and
sacrifice and discipline. But to a child, it is also a month full of
happiness.
Ways to make Ramadan special
There are so many ways to make your child feel that Ramadhan is a
special month. Each family has its own traditions, and will have
specific ideas about how to spend the month. Some may wake up and have
an actual meal at suhoor. Others may read the Qur'an together every
morning. Some may attend Taraweeh salah every night. But here are some
general things that are sure to last with your children for their
entire life.
Taraweeh
Taking your children to the masjid is always important. But in
Ramadhan, the effect is twice as significant. When children see such
alarge number of Muslims surrounding them, all there for the same
purpose, they will sense that feeling of unity. It helps them
understand the concept of brotherhood and sisterhood. It is a time
forthem to learn to worship Allah, and it can also be atime for them
to have fun with other Muslim children. Parents can make deals with
their children, such as having them make a few rak'ahs, and then
letting them play or join the youth group activities. Obviously, this
has a stronger effect in bigger communities, but even the smaller ones
can make it work. And while this may be late at night, letting your
children stay up past their bed time a few times a week during this
month will not do much harm. Breaking therules once in a while
mayactually pay off.
Gatherings
As I mentioned earlier, Ramadhan is a time of unit. When you break
your fast together, it helps to affirm this feeling in children's
minds. Some nights can be just family gatherings,while others can
involve friends, or even the community as a whole. Inviting others to
your home to break fast not only brings you reward, but also creates
wonderful memories. Many masajid also hold community iftars a few
times a week. It is alwaysnice to show your children that we are one
Ummah, and these gatherings help them understand what it means.
Encourage fasting
Even young children can be encouraged to fast. Sometimes they can fast
on weekends, or fast halfof the day. However you decide to do it, it
helps children feel invoked, and strengthens their understanding of
what this month is all about. And as they fast, explain to them why
they are doing so. Let them know that you are happy with them, and
more importantly, that Allah is happy with them as well.
Ramadhan provides you the opportunity to teach your children about an
array of different topics. You can use the time right after iftar to
have a short lesson. Explain why we fast, read ayahs from the Qur'an
about Ramadhan, or tell them a little bit about the seerahof the
Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. Teach them the importance of
self-discipline, and hat the meaning of an Ummah is. Show them the
countless blessings ofAllah upon us, and what it means to be thankful.
If you have a big community that offers a children's program during
Ramadhan, let them attend it. These lessons will also stay withthem
for life, Inshallah.
You can also go to your child's school, and tell his/her class about
Ramadhan. This will break the ice for your child, and may well makeit
easier for him/her to fast during the schooldays. It is an opportunity
to show your children that they can share their religious events and
holidays with others.
Muslim children need to feel the significance of Ramadhan, and
understand that we haveevents that are just as exciting as the
non-Muslim events they constantly hear about. In a time when Christmas
and Halloween and Easter are surrounded with such a fuss, it is
imperative that we show our children that they are not left out of
festivities. Islam gives them their own special events, which have
meaning as well as provide wonderful memories.
What I listed above are just a few things that willenhance the memory
of Ramadhan in a child's mind. Each family will follow old traditions
and create new ones as the years go on. It is not so much the
specifics as it is the overall atmosphere of the month. However, with
children, this atmosphere needs to be created early on, so that it can
be felt in their lateryears.

Ramadan Articles, - Laylat ul-Qadr: Peace Until Fajr

In each of the daily prayers we offer, we solemnly declare to
Allah,"Iyyaka na'budu"(You alone do we worship). While the intelligent
and committed believer realizes that his very lifestyle spells
worship, he knows, remembering the words of our Prophet(pbuh)
that"Du'aa' (supplication) is worship"[Tirmidhi, Abu Daud]
Allah, the Most Merciful, has encouraged the believers to take
advantage of certain times during the year to make du'aa'. Such an
occasion presents itself annually during Ramadan — especially onthe
Lailat-ul-Qadr, the Night of Power. On this night, the single most
important event in human history unfolded as, after the Glorious Quran
was preserved in the Protected Tablet, Jibril descended with the
blessed book to reveal it, upon Allah's command, toHis Messenger
(pbuh).
Accentuating its significance, Allah says"And how would you know (the
value of the) Night of Qadr."[97:2] So valuable is this Night of Qadr
that the Quran devotes a special surah toit."Lailatul Qadr is better
than a thousand months"[97:3] This one night surpasses the value of
30,000 nights.
The most authentic account of the occurrence of the Night indicates
that it can occuron any one of the last ten, odd numbered nights of
Ramadan. The fact that the exact night is unknown reflects Allah's
will in keeping it hidden. Indeed, the Prophet (pbuh) was prevented
from telling usits precise time. One day, he came out to tell the
companions the exact night. On the way he sawtwo men arguing with each
other. By the will of Allah, he (pbuh) forgot and subsequently
remembered it. Afterwards the Prophet (pbuh) was instructed not to
divulge this information."Had I been allowed,"he (pbuh) remarked
once,"I would have told you (of its exacttime)."[Ahmad]
The Almighty in His wisdom kept this hidden from us for many reasons.
Perhaps He wants us to strive hard inour worship during the last ten
days of Ramadan so that we don't become lazy, worshipping hard on just
that one night and denying ourselves the benefit of doing the same on
the other nights."Had people not left their salah except for that
(one) night, I would have informed you (of itsexact
date)."[Al-Tabarani]
The sincere believer who worries day and night about his sins and
phasesof neglect in his life patiently awaits the onset of Ramadan.
During it he hopes to be forgiven by Allah for past sins, knowing that
the Prophet (pbuh) promisedthat all who bear down during the last ten
days shall have all their sins forgiven. To achieve this, he remembers
the Prophet's (pbuh) advice in different sayings wherein he used words
like "seek", "pursue", "search", and "look hard"for Lailat-ul-Qadr.
Moreover, Allah and His Prophet (pbuh) provided us some signs of its
occurrence. Allah (swt) describes the night as"..peace until the rise
of the morn."[97:5] In various sayings, the Prophet (pbuh)
describedthe night as serene, tranquil, and peaceful. The sun at
sunrise would appear reddish and without its normal blazing and sharp
rays. The Prophet (pbuh) added that"the angels on earth on that night
of Qadr will be more numerous than all the pebbles of the earth."
What should one do during the last ten days in pursuit of Lailat-u-
Qadr? The devoted servant of Allah makes these nights alive with
prayer, reading and reflecting on Quran. He makes du'aa' to Allah,
penitently beseeching Him for His forgivness. Heis inspired by the
Prophet's (pbuh) words"Our Lord, most Exalted, Most high comes down
tothe lowest heaven duringthe last third of each night and announces
(reassuringly): Whoever makes du'aa', I shall answer it. Whoever asks
(for something halal) I shall grant it; and whoever seeks forgiveness,
I shall forgive him."[Bukhari] The believers, conscious of Allah and
their sins, will continue to beseech Allah, in and out of prayer,
during their prostrations. For a time, the only concern will be
cleansing oneself of the forgetfulness that this lifepropagates in
one's heart, the sins that accumulate, darkening the heart, making it
insensitive to disobeying Allah. The believer begs Allah to keep him
away from misfortunes in this world, the punishment ofthe grave, and
the torment of Hell. He asks Allah to make him patientand steadfast in
struggling to maintain his Islam in this world and asks Him to
overlook his shortcomings, periodsof laziness and neglect.
Sincere devotion on that night will render the believer forgtful of
the time, until he is surprisedby the Adhaan of Fajr. After Fajr, as
the sun creeps above the horizon, reddish and weak in its appearance,
without any rays, the effort at night will have been worthwhile. The
believer rejoices, knowing that this was quite possibly Lailat-ul-Qadr
and"whoever stays up (in prayer and remembrance of Allah) on the Night
of Qadr fullybelieving (in Allah's promise of reward for that night)
and hoping toseek reward (from Allah alone and not from people), he
shall be forgiven for his past sins."[Bukhari, Muslim]

Ramadan Articles, - Laylat-ul-Qadr

Laylat ul-Qadr is the most blessed night. A person who misses it has
indeed missed a great amount ofgood. If a believing person is zealous
to obey his Lord and increase the good deeds in his record,he should
strive to encounter this night and to pass it in worship and
obedience. If this is facilitated for him, all of his previous sins
will be forgiven.
Praying Qiyaam
It is recommended to make a long Qiyaam prayer during the nights on
which Laylat ul-Qadr could fall. This is indicated in many hadeeths,
such as the following:
Abu Tharr (radhiallahu `anhu) relates:
"We fasted with Allah's Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) in
Ramadaan. He did not lead us (in qiyaam) at all until there were seven
(nights of Ramadaan) left. Then he stood with us (that night - in
prayer)until one third of the night had passed. He did not pray with
us on the sixth. On the fifth night, he prayed with us until half of
the night had passed. So we said, 'Allah's Messenger! Wouldn't you
pray with us the whole night?' He replied:
'Whoever stands in prayer with the imaam until he (the imaam)
concludes the prayer, it isrecorded for him that he prayed the whole
night.'…" [Recorded by Ibn Abi Shaybah, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmithi (who
authenticated it), an-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, at-Tahawi (in Sharhu Ma`an
il-Athar, Ibn Nasr, al-Faryabi, and al-Bayhaqi. Their isnad is
authentic.]
[Point of benefit: Abu Dawud mentioned: "I heard Ahmad being asked,
'Do you like for a man to pray with the people or by himself during
Ramadan?' He replied,'Pray with the people.'I also heard him say, 'I
would prefer for one to pray (qiyaam) with the imaam and to pray witr
with him as well, for the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam)
said:"When a man prays with the imaam until he concludes, it is
recorded that he prayed the rest ofthat night."[Masaa'il]]
Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu `anhu) narrated that the Messenger
(sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said:
"Whoever stands (in qiyaam) in Laylat ul-Qadr [and it is facilitated
for him] out of faith and expectation (of Allah's reward), will have
all of his previous sins forgiven."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim; the
addition"and it is facilitated for him" is recorded by Ahmad from the
report of`Ubaadah Bin as-Samit; it means that he is permitted to be
among the sincere worshippers during that blessed night.]
Making Supplications
It is also recommended tomake extensive supplication on this night.
`A'ishah (radhiallahu `anha) reported that she asked Allah's Messenger
(sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), "O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which
night is Laylat ul-Qadr, what should I say during it?" And he
instructed herto say:
"Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuh.ibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee - O Allah! You
are forgiving, and you love forgiveness.So forgive me." [Recorded by
Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmithi. Verified to be authentic by
Al-Albani]
Abandoning Worldly Pleasures for the Sake of Worship
It is further recommended to spend more time in worship during the
nights on which Laylat ul-Qadr is likely to be. This calls for
abandoning many worldly pleasures in order to secure the time and
thoughts solely for worshipping Allah.
`A'ishah (radhiallahu `anha) reported:
"When the (last) ten started, the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa
sallam) would tighten hisizaar (i.e. he stayed awayfrom his wives in
order to have more time for worship), spend the whole night awake (in
prayer), and wake up his family." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
And she said:
"Allah's Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to exert more
(in worship) on the last ten than on other nights." [Muslim]

Fathwa - Yes, Jinn mingle with Mankind

Question:
When we write or speak about the Jinn, do they hear us? And is there
anysupplication or words of seeking refuge which i should be said
after doing so?
Answer:
Yes, The Jinn mingle withmankind and hear their words, and they can
possess our bodies whenthey overpower us, as is proven by many
occurrences. But there are supplications and Verses and Surahs which
we can recite which are a means of protection tomankind from their
evil, such as Al-Mu'awwithatain, Ayat Al-Kursi and the like.

Fathwa - Did the Prophet meet the jinn

Question:
Is it authentically reported that the Prophet- Sallallahu
AlaihiWasallm- met the Jinn?
Answer:
Yes, it is authentically reported that the Prophet-Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallm- told this to the Companions and showedthem their tracks.Read
what Ibn Katheer wrote in his Tafsir in his comment on Surah
Al-Ahqaf:And remember when We sent to you a party of the Jinn to
listento the recitation of the Qur'an[1]. In Surah Ar-Rahman and Surah
Al-Jinn, you will find the answer in detail.
1.Al-Ahqaf 46:29

Fathwa - The Ruling Concerning Putting a Knife on a Child in Order to Protect Him.

Question:
I have seen some people placing a knife on their small children
saying, "This is so the Jinn do not come to him." Is this practice
correct?
Answer:
This is an objectionable act and there is no soundsource for it. It is
not allowed to do such a thing. What is legally sanctioned is to seek
refuge from them by Allah's complete words from every devil and
poisonous pest, as has been confirmed from the Prophet (sallallaahu
'alaihi-wasallam). He useto seek protection by those words for his
grandsons al-Hasan and al-Husain ibn Ali. It is also sanctioned to
makeduafor them by asking Allah to protect them from every evil.
As for putting a knife or something similar, or iron, wood or other
substances, with the belief that such will protect them from the jinn,
it is an evil practice that is not allowed.
Similar is the ruling withrespect to hanging an amulet over them,
whichis what is called al-tama'im. This is not allowed because the
Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi-wasallam) said,
" Whoever hangs an amulet, Allah will not complete [his affair] for him. "[1]
In another narration the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi-wasallam) said,
" Whoever wears an amulet has committedShirk."[2]
May Allah bestow understanding of the religion upon all Muslims, and
steadfastness in the religion. We seek refuge for ourselves and them
from everything that differs from His pure law.

Contemporary sodomy - I

The grave and evil act of sodomy has various names in the Arabic
language, some of which mean:
· The act of the people of Loot.
· Sodomy.
· Homosexuality.
· Entering a person from the rear.
· Same-sex relationships.
This evil act has become widespread in the west and is being practised
by vast numbers of people. The west approves of thisevil act, and has
introduced new laws in its favour of same-sex marriage.
In the year 1967, the British government introduced a law which stated
that it was no longer a crime for peopleof the same sex to have sexual
intercourse if they have reached the age of puberty. The result of
thiswas that this evil act became widespread, as did many diseases. It
is still considered a crime inthat country for people of the same sex
to have a sexual relationship if at least one of them have not yet
reached the age of puberty, although this is something that the
homosexuals are pressuring that government to change.
InEurope, same sex marriage is becoming widespread with official
recognition and approval, and many governments authorize same-sex
marriages.Amsterdamwitnessed thefirst official same-sex marriage in
the world with a party that was attended by the ministersof the Dutch
government and other celebrities, in addition to being broadcast live
on television.
OnSunday 4thMarch 2001, it was announced inHollandthat three maleand
one female couple immediately married after the announcement of a new
law that permitted same-sex marriage. Moreover, the Dutch government
gives the same rights to married couples of the same sex as it does to
those of the opposite sex,such as government financial assistance,
lower taxes, the right to adopt and the requirement of a court order
in order to divorce.
Officials inAmsterdamexpect the number of married couples to increase
by ten thousand couples annually, which represents ten percent)10%( of
the number of heterosexual marriages.
InDenmark, same sex marriages began in the year 1989, makingDenmarkthe
first countryin the world to officially recognize same-sex marriages.
Also,NorwayandSwedenallow homosexuals to officially register their
relationships. In addition to this, the German government very
recentlypassed a new law to permit such marriages officially, although
it does not allow the couples to adopt childrenor be entitled to pay
less tax. This law also permits non-German citizens whoare living
inGermanyto have such marriages.
In February 2000, the Canadian government granted homosexuals who live
together the same rights that normal couples have, although it did not
allow them to officially get married.
Homosexual Conception?
A British doctor studied the possibility of making this possible.
After finding a female volunteer who offered her womb, and having
extracted semen from both men concerned, the doctor discontinued the
experiment, due to coming to the conclusion that modern science has
not yet reached the level of being able to cause the man's sperm to
act as the female's ovum and thus facilitate the conception of a
child.
InIsrael, homosexuals constitute twelve percent)12%( of the Jewish
population; they are demanding that their government gives them more
rights, the most important of which is to officially recognise their
marriages. They are also demanding that the government pass laws that
give them assistance regarding inheritance, paid marriage-leave, andso
on.
Homosexuality has become something quite acceptable in the Israeli
community. The Haaretz Newspaper of14thApril 2000, contained an
article quoting a man who planned to get married to his boyfriend as
saying: "Homosexuals enjoy a much better status now from a legal
perspective; as a matter of fact, this is one of the best countries
)in this regard( in the world. We have the same rights as)the
homosexuals in(DenmarkandHolland, as there is no law that prohibits
same sex-marriage, nor is there any law prohibiting sodomy. On the
contrary, we have a law here that demands that we have equal work
opportunities."
The first punishment from Allaah:
Aids:Aids was discovered in 1981 when a number of homosexual men who
practiced sodomy in places such asLos AngelesandNew Yorkcontracted a
strange type of bacterial chest infection which is known as
Pneumosytis Carinii. Some of them also contracted a rare form ofcancer
named Kaposis Sarcoma.
Scientists at that time could offer no explanation of how this rare
disease had appeared so suddenly; but in 1984, they were able to
recognize the cause and attributed it tothe damage of the main cells
in the immune system due to a new virus, and this is where the name
AIDS )Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome( came from. In 1986, the
virus that causes this disease was named HIV.
This disease coincides, exactly, with the saying of the Prophetwhere
'Abdullaah bin 'Umarreported that: "The Prophetapproached us once and
said:"It is neverthat immorality )i.e. adultery, fornication and
sodomy( prevails in a people to the extent that they do it openly,
except that there will appear in them diseases that were unknown to
their predecessors.""]Al-Haakim[
This disease has spread ina rapid and terrifying manner, to the point
thatthe number of deaths that it has caused in the United States alone
up until January of the year 2000 was 438,795 people,while worldwide,
the number of newly infected and HIV positive people at the end of
eachyear reaches thirty six million )36,000,000( people. Ninety five
percent )95%( of these contracted it due to practicing sodomy, while
the others did so via other means, such as infected drug syringes.
Research has proved that sixty two percent )62%( of these cases were
caused by bisexual men.
Los Angeleshas the fourth highest number ofinfected patients in
theUnited States, and it has been stated there that bisexual men
hinder the process of putting an endto this disease.
Before the world had an opportunity to wake up from the effect of the
shock caused by AIDS, a new homosexual disease appeared on the
horizon.This disease is even more powerful and viscous than AIDS. Dr.
Kenneth Moore MD stated that AIDS is considered insignificant in
comparison to this new disease, and he gave it the name 'The Love
Virus.'
The symptoms of this disease are that the infected person begins, six
months after being infected, to develop blisters and ulcers, from
which the patient continues to bleed until he dies. Dr. Moore has
stated that it is not easy for the body to be infected with this
virus, but once it does, modern science stands helpless in the face of
it.
This virus lays dormant inthe person's body for six months and is then
activated by him having sexual intercourse again. Unlike other
diseases resulting from sexual intercourse that can only be
transmitted through the blood, bodily fluids, or sexual intercourse,
thisdisease can be transmitted in different ways. It can even afflict
those who have never had sexual intercourse. Dr. Moore has stated that
it appears that it is transmitted through the air and can enter a
person's lungs via his breathing mechanism.
The above were but some of the many harmful effects of sodomy. How can
any sane man, after reading this, give in to his perverted desires and
lusts, and pay such a terrible price as a consequence?

Contemporary sodomy –II

Real life stories:
We have received many questions from Muslims who live in the west in
this regard; the followingare two examples:
· I live inCanada. My sister has a bisexual boyfriend and does
not see any problem in this; she even goes with him to a gay
nightclub. She also believes that we should accept this type ofperson
in our community. What should I do?
· I discovered that my forty year old husband has been, for the
past two years, sleeping with a boy who comes to our house
occasionally, although he does not know that I have found out. He is a
person who performs his prayers and confirms that he is sexually
satisfied by me. What should I do?
Dear brothers!This is a married man who is committing this wicked sin!
How perverted can a person get? How heedless can a person become?
Indeed he is cursed by Allaah as the Prophetsaid:"Allaah has cursed
the one who commits the act of the people of Loot )i.e.
sodomy(."]Ahmad[
The Islaamic ruling on sodomy:
The consensus of the Companionshas been recorded in this regard that
the one who commits this sin must be executed. However, thereare
variant views from them on how to execute the perpetrator. Some of
them ruled that it should be by beheading him with a sword, others
ruled that it be by stoning to death, while a third group held the
opinion that it should be by burning to death. There is another group
that has ruled that it should be done by takingthe perpetrator of this
evil crime to the highest point in the area he resides, and then
hurling him off from there, head down, while being stoned as he falls
and after he hits the ground, until he dies; this was theopinion of
Abu Bakrand 'Ali. There is also a view that such people should be
executed by placing them in a house that is then demolished with them
inside it.
The Prophetsaid:"Kill the one who does it )i.e., sodomy( and the one
to whom it is done."]At-Tirmithi & Others[ Shaykh Bakr Abu Zayd, may
Allaah preserve him, said: "There is no indication inthe narration of
the person being single or married, and thus it covers all people."
How are such sinners to be dealt with?
The one who commits this grave sin must repent before death strikes
him, as he would otherwise be subject to the wrath and curse of
Allaah, as well as the loss of both, this life and the Hereafter.
He must be advised and reminded that Allaah is watching him and that
Satan is keen to misguidehim. He should rememberthat one day he may
become a father who would despise anyone attacking his children in
this way.
Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyimsaid:"Sodomy brings nothing but regret, sorrow and
diseases that are almost impossible to survive. It also makes one's
countenance dark and gloomy, and causes the light of guidance to
vanish from his heart. It )i.e., sodomy( becomes so evident on his
face that people would recognize this as soon as they seehim. The one
who commits this sin will never survive the punishment that will
follow unless Allaah has predestined for him to repent. It results in
the blessings of Allaah upon him vanishing and being replaced by
curses and hardships. It also makes him more daring in committing more
evil and shameful deeds, and thus causes his humiliation."
Modern science has proved that this act has a very negative effect on
those who do it, such as damaging the nervous system, the brain, and
the sexual organs, as wellas causing liver infections, which is in
addition to AIDS.
How does a person repent from this sin?
· Sincere repentance and remaining steadfast upon it.

Call yourself to account - I

Calling ourselves to account is what frees the soul from being captive
to its desires and lusts; it frees it from the darknessof misguidance
and maintains it upon the Straight Path. Allaah encourages the Muslims
to do this by saying)what means(:"O you who have believed! Fear
Allaah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for
tomorrow…"]Quran 59: 18['Umarsaid: "Call yourself to account when you
are in bliss before the reckoning of that severe Day, for whoever
calls himself to account when he is in bliss will win the pleasure of
Allaah and achieve happiness, and whoever allows his life and desires
to occupy all his attention and cause him to be negligent will be a
regretful loser."
While he was the caliph, 'Umarwould call himself to account.
Anasnarrated: "One day I was walking in the company of 'Umarthen he
entered a gardenby himself; I overheard him from behind a fence of the
garden saying to himself: `O son of Al-Khattaab! I swear by Allaah
that either you maintain yourself upon piety, or Allaah will punish
you.'"
Maalik bin Deenaarsaid: "Allaah will be merciful with the slave who
asks himself: `Didn't you do such and such?` and reproaches himself
for doing so, then forces himself to adhere to the commandments of
Allaah and leads himself to righteousness."
Maymoon bin Mahraansaid: "A pious believerholds himself to account
more severely than a stingy man does with his business partner."
Our Salafwould admonish themselves and hold themselves to account,
while we on theother hand, who are far worthier of such reproach, are
utterly heedless of this, despite us committing actions that are
destructive and despite our being afflicted with diseases of the heart
and soul that require major reformation.
We must ask ourselves dowe fear Allaah as He should be feared? Do we
cry out of fear of Him as ourSalafwould do? Are we moved when we hear
verses of the Quran being recited? Do our hearts shiver and
tremblefrom fear when Allaah is mentioned and thereforerush to obey
and please Him? Allaah Says)what means(:"Allaah has sent down the best
statement:a consistent book wherein is reiteration. The skins shiver
therefrom of those who fear their Lord; then theirskins and their
hearts relax at the remembrance ]i.e., mention[ of Allaah…"]Quran 39:
23[
Once Imaam Al-Maroozisaid toImaam Ahmad: "How is your morning?"
Hereplied:"My morning is that of one whose Lord is commanding him to
fulfilhis obligations, whose Messengeris demanding him to apply his
Sunnah, who has two angels requesting him to reform his actions,
whoselower self is leading him to give in to his desires, who has
Satan beautifying sin and immorality for him, who has the angel of
death awaiting the command to take his soul, and whose family is
asking for provision."
How many times do we hear the mention of the Hellfire without it
moving us? Does it not contain all forms of punishments or terror, the
mention of which would crack a mountain, if it were to hear it, out of
fear of Allaah?
A Muslim should rebuke himself for not being moved or affected when
hearing verses that address the Hereafter, punishment in Hellfire, and
the general mention of Allaah and His might. Undoubtedly, we are
busied by this worldly lifeand our sins are too many, and therefore we
must exert far greater effort in holding ourselves to account. The
following are some matters that one needs topay closer attention to
and hold himself to account regarding:
Sincerity:Our Salafwould prefer hiding theirgood deeds from others, as
this helps a person maintain his sincerity of intention. Conversely,
people nowadays like to show off and love others praising them for
performing good deeds that they witness them doing; this is certainly
something that requires self-rebuke in order to straighten our hearts
andsouls.
A person nowadays rejoices when praised, whereas he may be committing
so many sins that had others known about it, they would haverebuked
him rather than praise him.Our Salafwould hate being praised and would
sometimes even be enraged by it. Once a man praised Imaam Ahmadsaying:
"May Allaah reward you for what you have done in service of Islaam."
Hereplied: "Me? Who am I? What am I?" He lowered and humbled himself
before Allaah. Compare this reaction to ours! They would reject any
praise whereas we listen to it with joy and requestmore.
Wealth:If one of us receives any wealth, he rejoices and his heart
becomes attached to it. Conversely, our Salafwould re-distribute any
wealth they received in every good field in all directions.
People in our time are extremely busy in trade, business and commerce,
endeavouring to collect ever more wealth. Their hearts have therefore
hardened so much that the following saying of the Prophetapplies to
them;Abu Hurayrahreported that the Prophetsaid:"May he be miserable:
the slave ofthe Deenaar and Dirham)gold and silver
currency(."]Al-Bukhaari[ Many people have indeedbecome enslaved to
theirwealth.
The Companionswould only work to get what sufficed them and their
families for their daily requirements and shunned collecting and
accumulating ever greater amounts of worldly wealth. As a mater of
fact,'Umarhad a friend from the Companions who would work his job one
day while 'Umarwould sit with the Prophetin order learn from him; then
they would alternate so that 'Umarwould work while theother
companionwould learn. After each day, each would teach the other what
he had learnt from the Propheton that day.
Submitting to the truth:In general, we do not submit to the truth
easily,and it may be that some of us refuse to submit at all. We may
realise our faults yet refuse arrogantly to rectify ourselves; someone
may advise us about a certain matter, but we would defend ourselves
while knowing that the advisoris speaking the truth.
Some of the people of knowledge nowadays argue and refuse to adhere to
a text presented by another person simply because they have not heard
it from those under whom they studied. TheSalafon the other hand,
would adhere and submit to the truth as soon as it was presented to
them.
Along the same lines, many people nowadays are fearless enough to rush
into passing judgement and giving rulings on certain issues when they
neither possesthe knowledge to do so nor have any evidence
tosubstantiate their statements. This is a dispraised form of courage,
because the same people would not dare address any other topic, such
as a worldly topic like medicine whichrequires specialised and
informed opinion; they would in this case readilyadmit that the topic
is a specialised one that requires a specialist to address it, and yet
they dare to talk about matters of the religion without the slightest
problem, as if religion is of less importance than scientific
knowledge.
Naafi'said: "Once a man came to Ibn 'Umarand asked him a question. Ibn
'Umarlowered his head and began thinking about it. He took so long
that the man thought that he had not heard the question, so he said:
`May Allaah have mercy upon you! Did you not hear my question?` Ibn
'Umarreplied: `Indeed I did, butyou people act as if Allaah will not
question us about what you ask and how we respond. Give me time to
think about your question, andif I have an answer I will let you know.
Otherwise, I will tell you that I do nothave knowledge about the
matter.`" Note the difference between this companionwho was one of the
scholars of his generation, and some people nowadays.
Not glorifying the Words of Allaah:Many people these days memorise the
Quran, which is a praiseworthy matter thatwould delight the heart of
any Muslim, but the problem is that the effectof this has not
materialised in their behaviour. Ibn Mas'oodsaid describing those who
memorise the Quran: "The one who memorises the Quran should be
distinct in his qualities. He should be awake when people are asleep;
he should be heedful when people areheedless; he should be fasting
when people are eating; he should be crying when people are laughing,
and he should be submissive when people are playful." This is another
issue regarding which we must hold ourselves to account.

Call yourself to account - II

Being hard-hearted:A widespread disease is that of being hard-hearted,
lazy, and lethargic towards performing acts of worship. Many people
put off the idea of performing acts of worship and therefore delay
them to a later time, and this is from the whispers of Satan, so
thatwe would end up not performing them at all.
Contrary to this were theSalafwho would rush to perform acts of
worship and utilise everyopportunity they ever got in this regard.
They would prolong their acts of worship and perform them with a
humility andsubmissiveness that we cannot even begin to comprehend.
Nowadays, if the person leading the congregational prayer dares to
recite a long chapter from the Qur'aanduring it, the people would not
be able to tolerate it and would protest. This is a reflection of how
corroded our hearts havebecome as a result of excessive eating,
laughing, drinking, indulging in this worldly life and its pleasures,
andsinning.
Not calling ourselves to account:Due to the excessive amount of mixing
and socialising amongst the people, we fail to find the time to sit in
seclusion and hold ourselves to account for what we have said or done.
This is a great loss indeed. Let us compare this to an example of our
righteous Salaf:Ibraaheem At-Taymisaid: "I imagined myself in Paradise
eating from its fruits, drinking from its rivers and enjoying its
ladies. Then I imagined myself in the Hellfire eating from its bitter
thorny fruits, drinking from its boiling pus and suffering at its
chains. Then I asked myself: `What is your wish?` The response was: `I
wish to be returned to the worldly life so that I could perform more
acts of virtue.` Then I addressed myself saying: `You are where you
wish to be, so rush in performing the acts you wished to perform.`"
Not forbidding evil:We may very often see evil being committed before
our very eyes and yet remain silent and motionless, as if the
boundaries and limits of Allaah do not concern us in the least. We
know for certain that what is being committed is forbidden, yet we do
not even think about changing the evil, let alone preventing it from
taking place. Abu 'Abdur-Rahmaan Al-'Amrisaid: "A sign of your
heedlessness is to pass bya prohibition being committed and not
attempt to stop it."
One aspect of this topic isneglecting forbidding evil and enjoining
good amongst our wives and children, as well as not teaching them what
they need to know about their religion and failing to properly
cultivate them, while Allaah Says)what means(:"O you who believe!
Protect yourselves and you families from a Fire whose fuel is people
and stones, over which are]appointed[ angels, harsh and severe…"]Quran
66: 6[
The Prophetwould walk to the house of Faatimah and 'Aliand wake them
up to pray the optional night prayer, not the obligatory one, as a way
of teaching and training them. Note that this was after his daughter
was married and living in her own house. Compare this to some modern
day fathers who neglect the children and wives who are living with
them under the same roof. Do we ever stop to think how negligent we
are in this regard? Do we ever blame and rebuke ourselves for not
performing our duty in this matter the way it should be done?
Being indifferent:This is a lethal attitude that is killing the Muslim
community. A Muslim is commanded to play a positive role in his
community and assist in matters of virtue by as much as he is able,
and prevent evil by as much as he can. Many people stray away from the
rightpath because they do notfind anyone to assist them and rescue
them from straying, as those around them act indifferently. One should
not undermine any input he can give in this regard; let us look at the
story of when Imaam Ahmadwas imprisoned to see how effective a person
can be if he takes the initiative and does not act indifferently. When
Imaam Ahmadwas imprisoned, a thief was with him in the same cell.The
thief said to him: "O Ahmad! I persevere and tolerate the punishment
Ireceive while I am upon falsehood and being punished for a sin.
Wouldsomeone like you, who issuffering as a result of being upon the
truth, notpersevere and endure?" This thief played an important role
in comforting and consoling Imaam Ahmadand did not take a negative
stance towards the issue.
Undermining the grave effects of the temptation of women:Examples of
this are undermining prohibited gazing, not adhering to the
Hijaab)Islamic attire for women(, women wearing perfume before leaving
their homes, the spread of immoral films, intermixing between the two
sexes, and other matters that have led to people committing sins and
indulging in immorality. People nowadays mix with the opposite sex in
universities, schools and workplaces, while Yoonus bin 'Ubaydsaid:
"Never be in seclusion with a woman, even if you wish to teach her the
Quran, and even if only you would be the one reciting."
Being ill-mannered:Manypeople possess three veryevil qualities,
namely: lying, cowardice and miserliness, and these arethe worst three
qualities a person can possess. There are also many other evil
qualities that we must be mindful of and hold ourselves to account
regarding, such as backbiting, badmouthing others and tale-bearing,
while replacing them with praiseworthy qualities and morals.
The Salafwould rebuke themselves for every word they uttered, words
which would be considered very normal to people nowadays: Maalik bin
Dhayghansaid: "Rabaah bin Qays once came asking for my father after
the 'Asr prayer, but he happened to be sleeping, so we informed him of
this, to which he remarked: `Who would sleep at this time of the day?`
Then heleft. We sent a man after him to see if he wanted us to wake my
father up for him, but this man did not return until it was time to
pray Maghrib. When we asked him why he returned so late, he said: `I
followed him to ask him, but found that he was headed to the graveyard
while rebuking himself, saying: `What business is it of yours to ask
this kind of question? Why do you ask what does not concern you? What
is it to you when people go to sleep? People are free to sleep any
time they desire, why did you indulge in what does not concern
you?...`'" ]End of quote[ Note how lightly such a question would
betaken in our time, and how strongly he rebukedhimself for asking it.
Severing ties with kinfolk:The most important of kinfolk are one's
parents, and yet wefind many people dealingwith them in an
inappropriate manner or even severing ties with them altogether. As
for those who do try to fulfil the needs of their parents, many of
them doit begrudgingly, while expressing discontent or complaining
that it is a burden upon them, whileAllaah commands us to not say even
the least expression of discontent in this regard, saying)what
means(:"…Say not to them ]so much as[ 'Uff,' and do not repel them but
speak to them anoble word."]Quran 17: 23[
The mother of Huthayl bin Hafsahsaid: "He would collect wood during
the summer and peel off the outer layer ofbark himself. Then,
whenwinter would come, he would come to me whilst I was praying, light
a brazier )in my room( and place the peeled wood init, as this does
not give harmful smoke. He woulddo so just so that I would be warm
during prayer. He would do so even though we had a servant who could
do the job. Whenever I thought of stopping him and commanding him to
return to his family, I would remember why hewas doing it, and thus I
would allow him to continue." ]End of quote[ Why was he doingthis
himself despite him having a servant who could have done it for him?
It was nothing but areflection of his full dutifulness towards his
mother.
This type of nobility is not limited to ones parents; rather, one
should be kind to all his relatives and even his fellow Muslims.
Wasting time:The issue of wasting time is a very important one indeed.
We must be careful aboutit and hold ourselves to account regarding it
because we spend much of our time uselessly instead of spending it in
acts of obedience to Allaah, as it should be utilised. Allaah
Says)whatmeans(:"And it is He who has made the night and the day in
succession for whoever desires to remember or desires
gratitude."]Quran 25: 62[
Therefore, time was created so that we wouldfill it with acts of
obedience to Allaah, but many people do the exact opposite of this.The
Salafwere very keen to make use of every second of their time.
Al-Hasansaid: "I have met some people who were stingier with their
time than they werewith their wealth."
People nowadays waste their times in games, late nights, socialising,
watching television and in vain talk. They may even go as far as doing
so at the expense of theirreligious obligations, such as their daily
prayers, and so on.
Wasting wealth:Many men cave in under pressure from their wivesand
children and therefore spend extravagantly, but when they are asked to
spend in charity, one would find that they are so stingy that if they
were to pull out two ten Riyal bills to give in charity, one would
invariably return to his pocket. However, if this same person were to
go to a restaurant, he would have no problem in spending multiples of
this.
Allaah will ask us about our wealth because we were informed as such
bythe Prophet.Abu Barzahreported: "The Messenger of Allaahsaid:"Man's
feet will not move on the Day of Resurrection before he is asked about
his life and how he consumed it, his knowledge and what didhe do with
it, his wealth and how he earned it and how he disposed of it, and
about his body and how he wore it out."]At-Tirmithi[
It is not to be understoodhere that there are no people who spend
generously or that there are no people who do any of the
abovementioned matterscorrectly. What was intended and meant is that
we need to remember these matters and hold ourselves to account with
respect to them, as there are many of us who are failing to do so.

Dought & clear - Uttering the intention out loud for salaat al-Taraaweeh and other prayers is bid’ah

During Ramadan we pray salat al-taraweeh, what is to be said in the
beginning of the prayer.for example nawatu asalee lillah al atheem
feta'at rubee al kareem rika'tein sinit........
Praise be to Allaah
Uttering the intention out loud when one is going to pray is bid'ah
(an innovation), whether that is for Taraaweeh prayers or any other
prayer.
Ibn al-Qayyim said inZaad al-Ma'aad(1/201):
When the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stood up
to pray, he would say: "Allaahu akbar," and he did not say anything
before that, or utter the intention (niyyah) out loud at all. He did
not say, "I am going to pray such-and-such a prayer, facing the
qiblah, four rak'ahs, as an imam or following an imam." Andhe did not
say "ada'an (on time)" or "qadaa'an (making up a missed prayer)" or
"fard al-waqt(the obligatory prayer ofthis time)." These are all
bid'ahs which were not narrated by any scholar with any isnaad, be it
saheeh, da'eef, musnad or mursal … Neither was this narrated from any
of the Prophet's companions, and none of the Taabi'een or the four
imams described it as mustahabb.
See also question no. 13337
So the Muslim should have the intention of praying Taraaweeh in his
heart only, and not utter anything out loud.
And Allaah knows best.

Dought & clear - Ruling on eye drops for one who is fasting

If the bitter taste of eye drops enters the throat, does it break the
fast? If you put the eye drops induring the day and thengo to sleep,
and do not know whether you swallowed it, what is the ruling?.
Praise be to Allaah.
The scholars differed concerning eye drops and whether or not
theybreak the fast.
The view favoured by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah and by ShaykhIbn
'Uthaymeen, is that they do not break the fast.
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen said:
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah was of the view that kohl does not break
the fast, not even if the taste of the kohl reaches the throat. He
said, this is not called food or drink, and it is not like food or
drink, and it does not have the same effect as food or drink. There is
no saheeh hadeeth from the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) which expressly indicates that kohl breaks the fast, andthe
basic principle is thatit does not break the fast. An act of worship
remains valid unless it is proven that it is invalidated. What he said
is correct, even if a person can taste it in his throat. Based on the
view favoured by Shaykh al-Islam, if a person puts drops in his eyes
whilst fasting and tastes it in his throat, that does not break his
fast.