Glowing Hatchet Fish

The eyes of marine creatures are mostly big and upwards allowing
them to see other beings passing from above.
By this way, enemies that look from bottom to top can immediately
distinguish the dark shadow of a being on the floor of natural light
coming from the sea surface.
This hatchet fish you see is tremendously equipped against its
enemies in dark waters.
It lives at depths between 200 meters and 1000 meters and displays
perfect camouflage.
When it goes down to the deeps, thanks to its slim and flat bodily
structure, it is difficult to distinguish it.
Its silver skin acts like a mirror and reflects the appearance of
the water, so it becomes almost invisible when it goes even deeper.
When it is close to the surface, it uses a different method to hide
itself from its enemies. Because under normal circumstances, every
creature in water appears like a shadow due to the light beams
falling underneath the sea, and therefore it sends an invitation to
the animal that wants to catch it.
Hatchet fish have bioluminescent photosphere limbs that can produce
bio-light. This limb is lined all along the pelvic cavity. These
lights are on at times when it is close to the surface.
Hatchet fish balances these bio-lighters with the light falling down
from the sea surface, and thus it avoids being seen as a shadow
against the light coming from the sea surface and becomes almost
invisible.
Now, it is a very important privilege that these light organs are in
the abdomen region. If these organs were in their backs instead of
their abdomens, the enemies that look at them from above would be
able to easily distinguish them on the dark surface of the sea
deeps.
However, just like it is difficult to distinguish a light bulb
turned on in the daylight, the light emitted by the glowing
creatures towards the right direction make it difficult for them to
be seen.
These perfect characteristics in the hatchet fish is one of the
beauties of our Almighty Lord Who Creates without any preceding
example.
The hatchet fish has possessed these features since the first moment
it was created, a 37-23 million year old hatchet fish fossil is
seen in the picture. It can be clearly seen that the hatchet fish
has not changed for millions of years.

Protein synthesis in the cell is a miracle

Every process in the body takes place by way of proteins. For that
reason, every cell needs protein at every moment.
As a result, protein needs to be manufactured in the body every second.
The place in the cell where protein is manufactured is the DNA.
When any of the 100 trillion or so cells in the body needs protein,
a message is sent to the DNA by way of hormones.
The proteins in DNA, in other words enzymes, go into action in order
to take the code necessary for the protein to be manufactured from
the DNA.
The way that enzymes find the information needed to be able to
manufacture a single protein is like trying to FIND A SINGLE PAGE in
an encyclopedia of 1,000 volumes.
That part of the DNA containing this code is opened up. Enzymes
open up the relevant part of the helix and hold it open as far as
the end of the section the relevant code will be extracted from.
There is no need for any other sections to be opened up.
While these enzymes hold open the edges of the section needed for
the code, another enzyme arrives on the scene and produces a copy
of the section in question.
The extracted copy is called "messenger RNA." The messenger RNA sets
out for the factory where the protein is to be manufactured.
The messenger RNA carefully transports the copy and leaves the
nucleus. There are gatekeepers waiting at the exit from the nucleus
during this stage. They decide what can enter the nucleus or not and
open the gate accordingly. The gate is always opened for messenger
RNA.
The messenger RNA takes the copy and departs the nucleus, carrying
the copy directly to the ribosome, the factory where the new
protein is to be manufactured.
The messenger RNA binds to the relevant part of the ribosome and
begins preparations for the manufacture of new protein.
In order for production to take place in the ribosome, the factory
in other words, raw materials have to be brought in and installed
in line with the code.
These raw materials are amino acids. These are brought in by
"transfer RNA." The amino acids are brought in and establish a
glorious protein chain, consisting of at least a hundred sequences
each.
Amino acids bind to one another with special chemical bonds known
as "peptide bonds." These chemical bonds are some of the most
powerful bonds of all. Proteins therefore have a very sound
structure and are not easily damaged by external factors.
The way these amino acids are arranged determines the nature of that
protein. It is therefore exceedingly important which amino acid
follows which in the sequence. Enzymes never make a mistake as they
establish the sequence. After the new protein chain has been
manufactured, it is sent to a special section in the factory, in the
ribosome in other words, where it assumes a special three-
dimensional form through being folded and pleated in various ways.
This three-dimensional shape created by this folding and pleating
determines the nature of the protein. Unless it is given a special
shape the protein cannot function, even if the sequence is
completely accurate.
When the chain assumes its three-dimensional form, the process is
now complete. A new protein has been built. When the new protein
departs this special section, an enzyme arrives on the scene. It
picks up the newly constructed protein and carries it right to
where it is needed in the cell.
The protein synthesis process, described here in very general terms,
takes place in every cell, 2,000 times per second. All the
components know just what to do as they carry out the process. Not
a single enzyme fails to reach its target and objective; production
never goes wrong inside the factory; the special folding of the new
protein chain is never forgotten; the messengers never get lost.
The cell is aware of the importance and delicate nature of this
production at every moment.
They know, because every part of the cell acts under our Lord's
inspiration at every moment. Every enzyme, every amino acid and
every atom that goes to make them up is a manifestation of Almighty
Allah's infinite power and omniscience. Everything has bowed its
head to our Almighty Lord, Lord and Ruler of all the worlds, He Who
is omnipresent at all times. Everything is in His knowledge and all
things have submitted to Him. Creating all these worlds from nothing
is a most easy matter for Allah the Merciful.
Everything in the heavens and everything in the earth belongs to
Him. Allah is the Rich Beyond Need, the Praiseworthy.(Surat al-Haj,
64)

Allah, the infinitely merciful, protects us from giant meteoroids hurtling toward the Earth

As you read this article, the upper layer of the atmosphere is being
bombarded by meteors.
Millions of meteoroids in the vastness of space represent a major
threat to the Earth.
A meteor could fall to Earth at any moment, maybe in the exact
region you are in now.
And that could mean the end of all mankind. Under the effect of such
an impact, earthquakes, fires and volcanic eruptions would follow
hard on one another's heels, and no life would remain on Earth.
But have you ever thought that a meteor could be hurtling toward
where you are at this very moment?
A GIANT METEOROID IS APPROACHING THE EARTH
A recent report announced that a meteoroid weighing 55 million tons
is speeding toward the Earth.
It was announced that this giant meteoroid, discovered by
astronomers 6 years ago, will pass close by the Earth on 8 November,
2011.
It has been calculated that this meteoroid, which will pass by the
Earth at a distance of 35,000 km, making it the closest ever.
If this meteoroid, known as YU55, were to hit the Earth, it would do
so with the impact of a 65,000 ton atom bomb and leave a crater 600
meters deep.
Many meteoroids have passed close by the Earth in previous years.
On 15 March, 2002, a meteoroid measuring 50 to 100 meters in
diameter came within 450,000 kilometers of the Earth. Had it hit, it
would have caused an explosion equivalent to a nuclear bomb going
off.
On 22 June, 2002, a meteoroid the size of a football pitch came even
closer, passing by the Earth at a distance of 120,000 kilometers and
at a speed of 37,000 kilometers an hour.
Do not forget that if just one of these meteoroids had hit the Earth
instead of passing by it, you would in all probability not be
watching this film today.
But our Almighty Lord protects us from this danger with His infinite
love. That protection is one of the manifestations of His infinite
compassion.
Allah reveals in the Holy Qur'an that all things survive solely
because Allah so desires: I seek Refuge in Allah from the accursed
satan
Allah keeps a firm hold on the heavens and earth, preventing them
from vanishing away. And if they vanished no one could then keep
hold of them. Certainly He is Most Forbearing, Ever-Forgiving.
(Surat al-Fatir, 41)
There is no doubt that Allah is mighty enough to destroy the entire
universe when He so wishes. Allah has appointed an hour for the Day
of Reckoning, which will spell the end of this world, and the
meteoroids surrounding the Earth are hurtling rapidly in the
direction of that hour.
I seek Refuge in Allah from the accursed satan
Mankind, have taqwa of your Lord! The quaking of the Hour is a
terrible thing... the Hour is coming without any doubt and Allah
will raise up all those in the graves. (Surat al-Hajj, 1,7)
With the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), Allah has initiated the
process by which mankind will turn toward the moral values of the
Qur'an for the last time. Hundreds of thousands of meteoroids have
surrounded the Earth like a cloud, all ready to strike it at any
moment. As revealed in the hadiths, Hijri 1400 is the date of the
coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh). There has been the most enormous
increase in the numbers of meteoroids around the Earth in the 30
years between Hijri 1400, or 1980, and 2010. It is noteworthy that
the number has increased particularly rapidly since 1999.
A verse referring to the rise in meteoroids in 1999 reads:
I seek Refuge in Allah from the accursed satan
If they saw a lump of heaven falling down, they would just say,
'Banked-up clouds!' (Surat at-Tur, 44)
Abjad calculation of this verse gives a date of 1999. The way that
meteoroids began increasing in number as of 1980 and that this rise
continued to climb extraordinarily rapidly until the end of 1999 are
some of the portents of the Day of Reckoning. Allah knows the truth.

Fathwa, - Niqab and loneliness

Question:
I was 14 when i decided to wear the niqaab and I moved to another
country at 15 and now at 16, I'm starting to feel doubts about wearing
it. To start off with, I'm mixed race and for some reason or the other
i don't feel fully accepted by my father's family (who are all
Pakistani) and we don't have a lot of contact with my maternal side,
although they're wary of us as they're not Muslim. Anyway, I've been
bothered by a sense of alienation for quite some time now. Having
spent the last two years in loneliness(being an introverted person i
find it hard to establish new friendship .... So, with no friends and
no family who I can rely on, I'm quite lonely... Although Allah should
be enough for me.
I started wearing the niqaab when my brother, who was in Jordan, told
me that the ladies in his area all wear niqaab, so i said i would wear
niqaab too and i didn'ttake it off after that. I returned to England
and i continued to wear it. Alhumdulillah,I've never
encounteredanything other than verbal abuse - Allah has protected me
Alhumdulillah.
But this feeling of alienation has been bothering me increasingly as
of late.... I'm so confused and this confusion is emotionally
exhausting. What do i do?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Dear Sister,
I pray you are in good health and iman.
Thank you for your message. I apologize for the delay in responding.
Dear sister,
Wearing niqab is a good thing to do if it gives youpeace of mind.
However, please keep in mind that you are not shirking your obligation
to Allah Ta'ala if you remove yourniqab. I understand that you were
inspired by theexample of the women in Jordan.
However, if you allow me, I suggest that not every woman has the same
experience wearing niqab. A woman's ability to wear niqab is often
contingentupon her environment. Some environments are very welcoming.
Others are not. I'm not sure what your environment is like in
Pakistan. However, I do know that wearing niqab in the West is very
difficult. Some of the scholars on SunniPath, most notably Shaykh Nuh
Keller, caution against wearing niqab in the West [generally]. Why?
Because women who wear niqab in places likeAmerica and Europe often
experience the very alienation and verbal abuse that you describe.
What is most important is establishing your own relationship with
Allah Ta'ala, not so much based on what other women do, but on your
own personal convictions. Your obligation is to wear hijab: to cover
your bodywith modest, loose-fitting clothing. You are allowed to show
your face, hands, and feet (according to the Hanafi School). Focus on
fulfilling this obligation first. At the same time, focus on your
relationship with Allah Ta'ala. Be constant in reading the Qur'an.
Makeremembrance of Allah. Ask Him for guidance and comfort. You should
definitely make salat al-istikhara, or the guidance prayer in this
situation.
_______________________________________________Dear Sister, please try
to find some friends. Don't think that wearing niqabis preventing you
from making friends. It soundslike the problem is more an issue of
cultural alienation. Learning something of the people's language and
customs probably wouldn't hurt and might help you to adjust better.
Last but not least, why not try to make some inroads with your family
in Pakistan and back in the West. Even some basic communication might
help, such as a letter, a card, or even a phone call. Whatever youdo,
please keep in mind that wearing niqab and having a good relationship
with your family are separate issues.
Don't feel guilty for wanting to take off your niqab. It's possible
that now is not the best time to wear niqab. It's completely natural
for you to feel lonely. The main point is to try to remedy your
loneliness while drawing closer to Allah Ta'ala.
Here's a beautiful Hadith Qudsi in that spirit:
Hadith Qudsi 25:
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who
said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon
him) said:
"Allah (mighty and sublime be He) said:
'Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war
with him. My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by
Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him,and My servant
continuesto draw near to Me with supererogatory works sothat I shall
love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his
seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot
with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely
give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant
him it. I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about
[seizing] the soul of My faithful servant: he hates death and I hate
hurting him.'"
May Allah Ta'ala facilitatea beneficial solution for you and give you
good friends.
And Allah knows best.

Fathwa, - Prayer> Istikhara: The Guidance Prayer

Question:
Several people I know are confused on the topic of salat ul-
Istikhara. Is it meant to be prayed several days in a row until a
decision is made, or only once? Is it meant to be prayed after one
has pretty much made up their mind, or whensomeone hasn't really
figured out what to do? Are their various valid opinions?
Answer:
Assalamu alaikum,
When one is not clear about the result of the istikhara, the fuqaha
mention that it is recommend to repeat it, upto 7 times if necessary
(usually done on separate occasions). [cf: Radd al-Muhtar]
It is not necessary that you get a dream or even a "feeling." Rather,
the istikhara is a prayer that Allah guide you towards that which is
best (khayr)for you. If you do the prayer of guidance (istikhara) with
the proper manners, the most important of which is to truly consign
the matter to Allah and suspend your own inclinations, then Allah will
make events unfold in the direction that is the best for your worldly
and next-worldly affairs.
In general, when it is notpossible to perform the istikhara prayer
itself (such as when one is out on the road, or in one's menstrual
period), it is recommended to simply read the dua itself. [Radd
al-Muhtar]
The istikhara prayer may be made for a specific matter or be made for
a general seeking of all that is best. Some scholars, including Imam
Abd al-Wahhab al-Sha`rani and Ibn `Arafah before him saw this kind of
istikhara prayer as being superior.Others, including Shaykh Ibn
al-Arabi, recommended performing a general istikhara prayer for all
that is good every day, ideally at the time of the Duha prayer (after
sunrise).
Imam al-Nawawi mentioned that before the istikhara prayer, one should
seek advice (istishara) from those whose knowledge, wisdom, and
concern one is confident. Ibn Hajar al-Haytami and others mentioned
that one of the benefits of this is to further distanceoneself from
the desires of one's own egotistic inclinations.
It is recommended to open the dua of istikhara[below], with praise of
Allah and sending blessings on the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him
peace), and to close it in this manner, too.
Like other duas, it is recommended that one face the qibla.
It is disliked to 'hasten' inseeking the answer to one's istikhara,
like otherduas, because the Prophet (Allah bless him& give him peace)
said,"Your prayers are answered, unless you hasten, saying, 'I prayed,
but no answer came.'"
One should be pleased with what Allah chooses for one, and not seek to
follow one's whims after the answer to one's supplication becomes
clear.
There is a pious lady in our community who has offered to pray
istikhara for me to help me make a decision for marriage.... [ .... ]
my question to you is if you know if this idea of relying on someone
else's istikhara is a good idea and compatible with the teachings of
Islam on how to make dua and decisions. should I follow her advice
(according to her dreams and feelings) to me on this issue or not?
This is one means you can take: to seek the istikhara of a pious
person. The permissibility of this was mentioned explicitly by the
Malikis and Shafi`is. The Hanafis do not appear to have discussedthis
issue [al-Mawsu`a al-Fiqhhiyya,Kuwait], butthere is nothing in it
thatwould indicate its impermissibility. Rather, it is merely the
taking of a means, which is permitted as long as one knows that the
one who gives and takes, benefits and harms is Allah alone.
In such cases, though, one should not leave doing the istikhara oneself...
Salat al-Istikhara
CONCERNING THE RITUAL PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE IN CHOOSING THE BEST OPTION
[SALAT AL-ISTIKHARA], AND THE PRAYER OF SUPPLICATION [DU'A']
APPROPRIATE TO IT.
According to a traditional report transmitted on the authority of
Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir, it was Jabir ibn 'Abdi'llah (may Allah be
well pleased with him and with his father) who said:
"Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) used to teach
us how to seek guidance in choosing the best optionavailable in a
practical enterprise [al-istikhara fi'l-amr], just as he would
sometimes teach us a Chapter [Sura] from the Qur'an. :
"'If one of you is concerned about some practical undertaking, orabout
making plans for ajourney, he should perform two cycles of ritual
prayer [rak'atain], not as an obligatory observance [farida], but
voluntarily. Then he should say:
'"O Allah, I ask You to show me what is best, through Your knowledge,
and I ask You to empower me, through Your power, and I beg You to
grant me Your tremendous favor, for You have power, while I am without
power, and You have knowledge, while I am without knowledge, and You
are the One whoknows all things invisible.
Allahumma inni astakhiru-ka bi-'ilmi-ka wa astaqdiru-ka bi-qudrati-ka
wa as'alu-ka min fadli-ka 'l-'azim fa-inna-ka taqdiru wa la aqdiru wa
ta'lamu wa la a'lamu wa Anta 'Allamu 'l-ghuyub :
O Allah, if You know that this undertaking is in thebest interests of
my religion, my life in this world, and my life in the Hereafter, and
can yield successful results in both the short term and the long term,
then make it possible for me and make it easy for me, and then bless
me in it.
Allahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna hadha 'l-amra khairun li fi dini wa
dunyaya wa akhirati wa 'aqibati amri wa 'ajili-hi wa
ajili-h:fa-'qdir-hu li wa yassir-hu li thumma barik li fi-h:
If not, then turn it away from me, and make it easy for me to do well,
wherever I may happen to be, and make me content with Your verdict, O
Most Merciful of the merciful.'"
wa illa fa-'srif-hu 'an-ni wa yassir liya 'l-khaira haithu kana ma
kuntu wa raddi-ni bi-qada'i-ka ya Arhama 'r-rahimin :
The information presented here is copyright of Al-Baz Publishing, Inc.
and may not be reproduced by any means for distribution or commercial
gain.
Copyright holder grants to reader license to print single copy for
personal use or study
only._______________________________________________The South African
Jamiatul Ulama Transvaalcollected this:
The Etiquette of Du'�
These etiquettes are narrated in the Hadith. For reasons of brevity,
only the following summary and reference of each Hadith is mentioned
instead of theentire Hadith.
To abstain from haraam food, clothing and earnings. (Muslim : Tirmidhi)
To make Duaa with sincerity. In other words,one should firmly
believethat nobody but Allah Ta'aala will fulfill his objectives.
(Haakim)
One should perform a good deed prior to making the Duaa & he should
mention this during the course of the Duaa. For e.g. He should say, O
Allah! I had performed so & so deed solely for Your pleasure. O Allah!
accept my Duaa due to the barkat of that deed. (Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu
Dawud).
To make Duaa whilst oneis paak & clean. (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Ibn
Majah, Nasai, Ibn Hibbaan, Mustadrak).
To make wudhu before the Duaa (All six major hadith collections)
To face the Qiblah (All six major hadith collections)
To sit as in the Tashahhud position (AbuAwanah)
To praise Allah Ta'aala at the beginning as well as at the end of Duaa
(All sixmajor hadith collections)
To convey Durood upon Rasulullah ( ) at the beginning as well as the
end. (Abu Dawud, Musnade-Ahmad)
To spread out both the hands. (Tirmidhi, Mustadrak)
To raise both the hands up to the shoulders (Abu Dawud, Musnade-Ahmad)
To sit with humility and respect. (Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)
To mention ones helplessness and dependence. (Tirmidhi)
To abstain from raising the eyes towards the sky whilst making Duaa (Muslim)
To mention the Asmaal-Husnaa (the names of Allah Ta'aala ) and the
sublime qualities Of AllahTa'aala. (Ibn Hibbaan and Mustadrak)
To abstain from ceremonies rhyming of the Duaa phrases (Bukhari)
To abstain from saying the Duaa in a "sing-song" tone if the Duaa is
in a poetic form (Hisn)
One should make Duaa through the medium of the Ambiyaa
(alayhimus-salaam) and other Pious servants. (For e.g. He should say.
O Allah! Accepts my Duaa throughThe good offices of thesesaintly
people). (Bukhari,Bazzaar, Haakim)
To make the Duaa in a soft voice (All six major hadith collections on
the authority if Abu Musa )
To utter the Duaa phrases transcribed fromRasulullah Sallalahu Alayhi
Wasallam because Rasulullah Didn't leave out a single need of the Deen
nor of the dunya whilst teaching us how to make Duaa (Abu Dawud/Nasai)
To make a Duaa that encompasses most of theneeds of Deen and the
dunya. (Abu Dawud)
To make Duaa in favour of oneself first, thereafter ones parents and
to include the other Muslims in the Duaa as well (Muslims)
If the Imam is making Duaa, he should not make Duaa for himself only
but he should Include all the congregants in the Duaa (Abu Dawud,
Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
Abu Dawud (R.A.) Narrates that Rasulullah Said that the Imam who makes
Duaa for himself only, has betrayed the people." In other words, the
Imam should not Make a Duaa that is restricted to him alone. For e.g.
He should not say, "O Allah! cure my son." or "O Allah! Return my lost
item." etc. but he should make a Duaa that includes all the
congregation for e.g. He may say "O Allah! Forgive us and have mercy
upon us."
To make Duaa with firm conviction (for e.g. he should not say: "O
Allah! If you wish fulfil so and so task of mine." (All six major
hadith collections)
To make Duaa with enthusiasm & yearning. (Ibn Hibbn & Abu Awana).
As far as possible endeavour to bring about a "presence of heart and
mind" and cherish a high hope of the Duaa being accepted.(Haakim)
To make Duaa repeatedly. (Bukhari, Muslim)
This repetition should beat least thrice (Abu Dawud)
Note One may repeat the Duaa thrice in none sitting or he may repeat
it on three different occasions. The"repetition of the Duaa" can be
interpreted in both ways."
To make Duaa earnestly and insistently. (Nasai, Hakim, Abu awanah)
To abstain from making Duaa of severing family ties or other sins.
(Muslim, Tirmidhi)
Avoid making Duaas of pre-determined and fixed things (for e.g. woman
should not make a duaa of being transformed into a man or a tall
person shouldn'tmake Duaa thus: "O Allah!Make me short ." etc)
(Nasai).
Don't Make Duaa for impossible things. (Bukhari)
Don't make a Duaa in which you ask Allah Ta'aala to confine His mercy
to yourself Only (Bukhari, Abu Dawud, Nasai, Ibn Majah)
Ask only Allah Ta'aala alone for all your needs. Do not depend upon
His creation. (Tirmidhi/Ibn Hibbaan)
The one making the Duaa as well as the person listening to it, both
should say Aameen at the end. (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasai)
Rub both hands over the face at the termination of the Duaa (Abu
Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibbaan, Majah, Hakim)
Don't be impatient over the acceptance of Duaas. In other words, don't
say: "I've made Duaa repeatedly but to no avail." (Bukhari, Muslim,
Abu Dawud, Nasai, Ibn Majah)
Wassalam,

Fathwa, - Marriage and islamic teachings about living with in-laws

Question:
I have received a marriage proposal from an excellent practicing and
knowledgable muslim brother, Alhamdullillah. The only hinderance in
making any decision isthat he and his family (including his younger
brother) want to live together in one house, meaning everyone living
on the same floor, sharing one bathroom and so forth.This is going to
be a very difficult situation for me regarding privacy and parda. i
will have to be in hijaband proper outfit while performing house
chores around the house. This brother agreed earlier that they
understand this situation and are planning to move into a different
house where this won't be a problem (maybe makeseparate portions).
However, now this brother and his family have changed their plan and
have decided to live the way they are living now (everybody living
together and i will only have a bedroom) and will live the same way
anywhere they move. I would like to know what is the Islamic teaching
on this. The brother is really nice and religious , mashallah but
living together is the only problem that is hindering me from making
any decision.
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Dear Sister,
I apologize for taking so long to reply.
Choosing a spouse is one of the most important decisions you'll ever
make. Looking for someone with good religion and character is
foremost. However, this is not the only consideration. Women should
also look for men with stable and lawful incomes, and the ability to
support them adequately.
Please see Ustadha Hedaya Hartford'sIslamicMarriageat a lmuhajabat.com
for more details on choosinga spouse.
At the very least, a man has to provide his wife with her own separate
apartment, even if it's within the confines of his family's home. The
wife should have her own living area, bedroom, bathroom, andkitchen.
Please think long and hard before you put yourself in a situation
where you have no privacy. You deserve your own space. This is not a
luxury, but a religious obligation upon your husband.
And Allah knows best.
-

The problem of lust )a dad-son dialogue( – I

According to the teachings Islam, the desires and lusts play a vital
part in the makeup of every human being; they cannot be ignored.
Humans, unlike the angels, have to face the challenge in this life of
mastering these forces within us. If we fail to do so, then we become
enslaved by our desires and thus fall below the level of the animal
kingdom.
The keys to a happy and fulfilled life are to be found in the guidance
contained in the Quran and in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammadwhose
lifestyle embodieda perfect balance between permissible enjoyment and
abstention from what is forbidden.
In this article, we will talkabout the dangers of yielding to the
unrestrained cravings of the soul through highlighting the problemof
lust. Although man could be afflicted by lust at any age, young men
are more susceptible. That is because between adulthood and
childhoodis adolescence, where a person undergoes great physical and
psychological changes. During this stage, one's decisions and
experiences determine, to a great extent, the type of adult one will
become. So, if a person succeeded in curbing his desires during this
period, it would be easier for him to curb it for the rest of his
life.
Sometimes, our children who are on the thresholdof adolescence receive
scant attention from parents regarding this matter; so, we preferred
to tackle the issue of lust in the form of dad-son dialogue:
Son:Dad! You've told me alot about the advantages and bright aspects
of the period of entering manhood. Can you tell me about its problems
and difficulties?
Dad:This is a crucial question. You know that Satan is eager to tempt
and seduce human beings. Allaah Says in the Noble Quran )what
means(:"]Satan[ said,"Because You have put me in error, I will surely
sit in wait for them on Your straight path. ThenI will come to them
from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their
left, and You will not find most of them grateful ]to You[."
]Quran 7: 16-17[
Therefore, the fight between Satan and a young man reaches its climax
when the young man reaches the age of religious obligation.
Allaah made the way to His Paradise hard and difficult, and the way to
the Hell full of desires for a certain wisdom, namely, to test people.
In other words, the road to Hell is closer than that toParadise. The
Prophetis reported to have said:"Hellfire is surrounded by all kinds
of desires and passions, whileParadiseis surrounded by all kinds of
disliked undesirable things."]Al-Bukhaari[
Thus, desires and lust start to appear in this stage of someone's life
inorder to distinguish those who can resist the temptation from those
who cannot. If the ways toParadisewere furnished with flowers,
everybody would take it.
Son:Can you tell me more about these desires, Dad?
Dad:Well! They are so many, varying in strengthand scope. Allaah
Says)what means(:"Beautified for people is the love of that which they
desire – of women and sons,heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine
branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of
worldly life, but Allaah has with Him the best return."]Quran 3: 14[
As for their varying nature, they differ from one person to another
and from one environment to another. However, the influence of sexual
desire on youngpeople is the strongest and most dangerous, especially
in the present time. The Prophetwarned us against that when hesaid: "I
am not leaving behind a more harmful trial)cause of mischief(for men
than women."The Prophetalso said:"A person who gives surety to
)safeguard( what is between his jaws )tongue( and what is between his
two legs)private organs(, I guarantee his entrance into
Paradise."]Al-Bukhaari[
Abu Hurayrahnarrated that the Prophetwas asked about the things which
cause most people to enterParadise. Heanswered: "Being carefulabout
one's obligations to Allaah, and good behavior". Then, hewas asked:
"What are these things which would lead a person into Hellfire?"
Heanswered:"His mouth and genitals )i.e., misusing
them(."]Al-Bukhaari[
Son:You have come close to home when you spokeabout this desire. May I
ask more questions about it?
Dad:Go ahead, son.
Son:Some young people say that Allaah is All-Knowledgeable and
All-Wise, so they wonder if there is any apparent wisdom that a Muslim
can see behind afflicting people with such a strong desire?
Dad:You should know, myson, that a Muslim is not allowed to question
or object to the commandments of Allaah.He must submit to whatever
comes from his Lord and believe in it whether or not he knowsthe
wisdom behind it. However, if he knows thewisdom, his Faith will
become more firm.
One wisdom behind sexual desire is to sustainthe human race by meansof
reproduction. Therefore, the two sexes are attracted to each other in
order to achieve this end. Again, as mentioned earlier, one ofthe
greatest pieces of wisdom is affliction and trial. If the way of
obedience is hard, it will not be taken except by honest and pious
people who are characterized bypatience and fortitude, or else it will
be open to everybody.
Son:I think the first step a wise young man should take is to know the
temptations that may enkindle such a desire so that he may avoid them.
Am I correct, Dad?
Dad:Certainly. One should avoid the things that maystir up desires and lust.
To be followed…

The problem of lust )a dad-son dialogue( – II

Son:What are the most dangerous of such temptations?
Dad:On top of such temptations is looking boldly at a woman as an
object of sexual desire. This serves as a stimulus that may lead to an
unlawful response. Also, it is the first step towardsmajor sins.
Allaah warns us against such a forbidden look; He Almighty Says )what
means(:"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their
private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allaah is Acquainted
with what they do."]Quran 24: 30[
Because of its dangerous consequences, the Prophetwarned his
companions against looking at forbidden things. Hesaid:"Refrain from
sitting on the sidewalks of the streets."The companionssubmitted: 'O
Messenger of Allaah, we have no other alternative, there isno other
place where we can sit and discuss things.' Hesaid:"If that is so,
then observe your responsibilities due to the street."The
companionsasked as to what was due to the street? Hesaid:"lower your
gaze, clear thestreet off obstacles, reply to greetings, and enjoin
virtuous deeds and forbid evil ones."
Son:I can gather from thisthat a Muslim should be on his guard and
keep away from places where he would look at forbidden things. Is that
right?
Dad:Yes, my son, in the previous saying, the Prophetordered them not
only to avoid lookingat forbidden things, but also to avoid sitting on
the sidewalks. The Prophetsaid so although the streets of Madeenah
then were different from the streetsnowadays. Nowadays, the streets
are full of unveiled women, who tend to display their charm. The women
then were veiled and showed signs of modesty; and so they would stick
themselves to the walls while walking without a legal escort as
bashful as they were.
Son:Why is looking at a woman so dangerous?
Dad:This is because it is oftentimes followed by serious consequences.
When someone looks at awoman, he pictures her as an object of sexual
desire. And the image develops in his mind. Satan, then, beautifies
this image and brings it back in his mind with all sorts of desirable
animation. When this is repeated, it develops intoan obsession; and
one may be haunted by such an image in his prayers.
When someone is obsessed by a certain idea, there is always the
possibility that such an idea might materialize into tangible action.
The whole thing starts with an intention perceived, then the intention
develops into determination, followed by vicious scheming, which
eventually results in committing adultery. Ifthis were not the
outcome, thinking wouldlead to masturbation which is forbidden.
Son:Dad, I have an important question about masturbation, but Iwill
put it off until later. For now, I have another important question
about looking at women.What would you say to those young men who watch
actresses in moviesor view pictures of women in magazines or on the
Internet; and theirexcuse is that there is no harm in just doing that
since they are not looking at the real woman body but rather an image
of her?
Dad:This is the same as looking at women in person; there is no
difference, since both actions will lead to the same result.
Son:What if the whole matter is confined to a mere thought, I mean no
action is taken. Would you say something like 'it's the thought that
counts'?
Dad:One of the Attributes of Allaah is "The Merciful"; and so He
Almighty does not punishHis slaves except for the sins that they
actually commit. The Prophetisreported to have said: "Allaah forgives
my followers for evil deeds their ownselves may suggest to them as
long as they do not act upon them." But, thinking about women in a
persistent way may lead to the unlawful act of adultery. I would
advise you and every young man to engage yourselves in things that
will benefit you in this world and in the Hereafter. Be careful when
such thoughts cross your mind; try to stop them right away and replace
them with better thoughts.
Son:Dad, how can I put a curb on my desires?
Dad:The best thing to do is to maintain a strong Faith in Allaah. This
is the most effective weapon against desires. I am telling you this
because the Prophetis reported to have said that there would come a
time when Faith would become dear and rare to found. Mu'aathused to
call one of his friends and say to him: "Let's sit and spend some time
increasing our Faith!"
Son:Dad! What are some of the things that one does to increase his faith?
Dad:Faith increases with submission to Allaah. Good deeds, like
reading the Noble Quran and reflecting on its meanings, remembering
Allaah, and contemplating His creation, also increase faith.
Then you have to fear Allaah in the most appropriate manner,
andobserve your duties to Him wherever you are. That is because a true
believer should know that Allaah encompasses everything and that
nothing is hidden from Him. Not even an atom escapes His knowledge.
Allaah Says of Himself in the Noble Quran )what means(:"And with Him
are thekeys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows
what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows
it. And no grain is there within the darknesses of the earth and no
moist or dry ]thing[ but that it is ]written[ in a clear
record."]Quran 6: 59[
Allaah Almighty also Says)what means(: "Allaah knows what every female
carries and what the wombs lose]prematurely[ or exceed. And everything
with Him is by due measure. ]He is[ Knower of the unseen and the
witnessed, the Grand, the Exalted."]Quran 13: 8-10[
Allaah knows whoever commits unlawful acts in broad daylight and
whoever commits them behind closed doors. If a believer is well-aware
of this fact, he will fear Allaah. Do you remember that Hadeeth in
which the Prophetnamed the types of believers that will be under the
Shade of the Throne of Allaah on the Day of Judgement? One of them is
a man who was seduced by a beautiful woman, but he said: "I fear
Allaah."
To be concluded…

The problem of lust )a dad-son dialogue( – III

Son:Dad,were there more things that help increase one's faith?
Dad:One has to remember that he will stand before Allaah on theDay of
Reckoning when all secretsare disclosed. Nothing will be hidden from
Him, and the mouths of the disbelievers will besealed and their limbs
will testify against them. Allaah Aays )what means(:"Until, when they
reach it, their hearing and their eyes and their skins will testify
againstthem of what they used to do."]Quran 41: 20[
Now, let me ask you if it is possible for a person todo wrong without
his limbs being present with him? Allaah answers this question in the
Noble Quran )what means(:"And you were not covering yourselves, lest
your hearing testify against you or your sight or your skins, but you
assumed that Allaah does not know much of what you do."]Quran 41: 22[
Son:Is there any thing else?
Dad:Yes, son, a believer has to remember what Allaah has in store on
the Day of Resurrection for those who obey His commandments and keep
away from what He has forbidden.
Son:You mean the maidens ofParadise?
Dad:Exactly! These are thechaste women of Paradise whom Allaah
describes in the Noble Quran )what means(:"Indeed, We have produced
the women of Paradise in a ]new[ creation, and made them virgins,
devoted ]to their husbands[ and of equal age, for the companions of
the right ]who are[."]Quran 56: 35-38[
The Prophetis reported to have described them saying:"The first group
)of people( who will enterParadisewill be)glittering( like a
full-moon. They will neither spit therein nor blow their noses nor
relieve nature. Their utensils therein will be ofgold and their combs
of gold and silver; in their censers the aloes wood will be used, and
their sweat will smell like musk. Everyone of them will have two
wives; the marrow of the bones of the wives' legs will be seen through
the flesh out of excessive beauty. They )i.e. the people ofParadise(
will neither have differences nor hatred amongst themselves; their
hearts will be as if one heart, and they will be glorifying Allaah in
the morning and in the afternoon."]Al-Bukhaari[
Son:What else, dad?
Dad:You have to turn to Allaah, following the example of the Prophet
Yoosuf )Joseph(whenthe woman whom he worked for tried to seduce him.
The Noble Quran gives an account of him, saying:"He said, "My Lord,
prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. And if
You do not avert from me their plan, I might incline toward them and
]thus[ be of theignorant'."]Quran 12: 33[
My son! Turn to your Lord, raise your hands with humbleness to Allaah
in supplication, and realize that Allaah will not turn away those who
ask Him.
Besides, you have to strengthen your will. You have to train yourself
to bridle uncontrollable desires; you must never surrender to them.
But you have to know that this requires a tremendous amount of
training, because you arestruggling against your vicious instincts,
which are amplified and supported by the accursed Satan.
Son:Is that all?
Dad:No, son, there remains an important issue that was always
highlighted by the Prophet.
Son:You mean marriage, don't you?
Dad:Of course, son, may Allaah grant you success in your life.
Marriage enables one to enjoy what Allaah has made lawful for him.
This will surely prevent him from indulging in forbidden pleasures. If
a person of your age cannot afford to get married, he has to observe
fast on those days which were favoured by the Prophetsuch as Mondays
and Thursdays, or whatever ismost convenient. Fasting,as you know,
infuses piety in the heart. Allaah Says )what means(:"O you who have
believed, decreed uponyou is fasting as it was decreed upon those
before you that you may become righteous."]Quran 2: 183[
Moreover, fasting strengthens the will and determination, and
qualifies you to defeat your vicious instincts.
Son:Dad, what about masturbation?
Dad:O my son, it is a filthy and blameworthy habit. Moreover, it is
forbidden according to the Noble Quran and the authentic Sunnah.
Allaah Says)what means(:"And those who guard their private parts.
Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for
indeed, they are not to be blamed."]Quran 70: 29-30[
These two verses indicatethat true believers shouldguard their private
parts from illegal sexual activity. There are two permissible outlets
for satisfying sexual desire. These are one's wife and one's slave.
Therefore, noway besides these two is permissible.
Also, practicing this blameworthy habit adversely affects the health
and leads to health problems. Moreover, masturbation is a main cause
of psychological disturbances, like depression and anxiety.
Ejaculation of sperms dueto masturbation is usuallyfollowed by fits of
remorse, which develops later into a sense of indifference. What is
worse is that one may practice this habit in a place where he cannot
remove his ritual impurity by taking a shower, causing him to either
miss the prayers intheir appointed time, or perform them in a state of
ritual impurity; and in either case, he will be sinful.
Son:So dad, how can one quit this filthy habit?
Dad:In order to quit this habit, one has to practisea few things.
First, one should strengthen his belief in Allaah. Second, one should
lower his gaze and avoid thinking about lust. Third, one should avoid
being alone. Fourth, one shouldkeep himself busy with beneficial
activities such as reading, useful sports and the like.

Dought n clear, - Does expiation have to be offered for having intercourse when making up a missed Ramadaan fast?

My husband had intercourse with me oneday when I was making up a
missed fast. Do I have to do anything?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Making up missed Ramadaan fasts is obligatory, and it is not
permissible to break such a fast except in caseof necessity. Once a
person starts to observe a fast to make up a fast he missed, he is
obliged to complete it, and it is not permissible for him to break it
except for a legitimate shar'i excuse.
It was narrated that Umm Haani' (may Allaah be pleased with her) said:
"O Messenger of Allaah, I broke my fast when I was fasting." He said
to her: "Were you making up a missed fast?" She said: "No." He said:
"Then it does not matter if it was a voluntary fast." Narratedby Abu
Dawood, no. 2456; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani. This indicates that
it would matter if she broke her fast when observing an obligatory
fast. What is meant by "it would matter" is that it would be a sin.
With regard to what happened in your case, the expiation of
intercourse is only required if what is broken is a fast in Ramadaan
itself. Based on this, you do not have to do anything except make that
day up again, as well as repent to Allaah and resolve not todo such a
thing again.
Ibn Rushd said: The majority are agreed thatno expiation is required
for deliberately breaking a fast observedto make up a missed Ramadaan
fast, because it does not come under the same category with regard to
sanctity of time, i.e., Ramadaan.
Bidaayah al-Mujtahid, 2/80.
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about a
woman who broke a fast she was observing to make up for a missed
Ramadaan fast, to make her guests feel comfortable. He replied: If she
was making up a missed obligatory fast, such as making up a day of
Ramadaan, then it is not permissible for anyone to break such a fast
except in cases of necessity. With regard tobreaking the fast because
of the arrival of guests, this is haraam and is not permitted, because
the basic principle in sharee'ah is that "Everyone who starts an
obligatory duty is required to complete it, unless he has a legitimate
shar'i excuse."But if he is making up a voluntary fast then he does
not have to complete it, because it is not obligatory.
Based on this, if a personis observing a naafil (supererogatory) fast
and something happens that means he has to break his fast, he may
doso. This is what was narrated from the Prophet(peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him), that he came to the Mother of the Believers
'Aa'ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) and said: "Do you have
anything (to eat)?" She said: "We have been given somehays(a kind of
meal)." He said: "Show it to me, for I started fasting this morning."
And he(peaceand blessings of Allaah be upon him) ate some of it. This
has to do with a naafil fast, not one which is obligatory.
Majmoo' al-Fataawa, 20.

Dought n clear, - He wants to delay making up Ramadan fasts until winter because the days are shorter

What is the ruling on making up missed Ramadan fasts in winterwhen, as
we know, the days are short?.
Praise be to Allaah.
The one who does not fast some days in Ramadan is obliged to make them
up before the next Ramadan comes, whether that is in the winter or
otherwise, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"but if any of you is ill oron a journey, the same number (should be
made up) from other days"
[al-Baqarah 2:184].
And it is proven that 'Aa'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) had
days to make up, but shedid not make them up until Sha'baan came
because of the status of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be
upon him).
And Allah is the source ofstrength. May Allah send blessings and peace
upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and Companions.

Dought n clear, - Should a woman start with making up missed fasts from Ramadaan or with the six days of Shawwaal?

What should a woman do first: fast the six recommended days of Shawwal
( Alayam Alsetta Albeed) or fast equivalent to the days she missed in
Ramadan due to her monthly period?
Praise be to Allaah.
If she wants to earn the reward mentioned in the hadeeth of the
Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), "Whoever fasts
Ramadaan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be as if
he fasted for a lifetime"(reported by Muslim, no. 1984), then she
should complete her Ramadaan fasts first, then follow it with six days
of Shawwaal, so that the hadeeth with beapplicable to her too, and she
will gain the reward mentioned in it.
As regards the matter of permissibility, it is permissible for her to
delay making up her Ramadaan fasts, provided that she makesthem up
before the next Ramadaan comes along.

Cheap Ticket to Paradise: Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon him) in dream

A man from a respectablebackground came to Balkh which is situated
inthe south of Iran, accompanied by his wife and daughters. Shortly
after their arrival the man fell ill and later died,leaving his wife
and daughters. Without his support they became poor and suffered. So
fearing the mockery of enemies, she fled Balkh with her daughters to
Samarkand.
On the day she arrived the weather was very cold, so she left her
daughters in a mosque and went out in search offood. She passed by two
groups of people. One was gathered around a Muslim who was the Sheikh
and the other group around a Zoroastrian (Majusi) who was the security
officer of the city.
She first went to the Muslim Sheikh and described her situation
saying, "I am a woman ofa respectable family, withdaughters whom I
have left in the local mosque and I have come in search of food." He
askedher, "Bring me proof thatyou are from a respectable family." She
replied, "I am a stranger in this town and therefore do not know
anyone to testify for me."She departed from him brokenhearted. She
then went to the Zoroastrian and explained her situation to him,
telling him about her noble background and her orphaned daughters
whowere, waiting her return in the local mosque. She also mentioned to
him how the Muslim Sheikh had treated her. The Zoroastrian stood up
andsent some womenfolk to bring her daughters and took all of them to
his house. There he showered them with honour and generosity. He fed
them fine food and clothed them in rich garments.
That night the Muslim Sheikh saw in a dream the Day of Resurrectionand
the banners were unfurled around Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be
Upon him). Ahead of him, was a green palace made of emeralds, its
balconies of pearls and rubies and domes of pearls and corals. He
asked Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon him),"Messenger of Allah,
for whom is this palace?" Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon him)
replied, "For a Muslim." The Muslim Sheikh replied, "I am a Muslim!"
Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon him) said, "Prove to me that you
are a Muslim?" At that, the Muslim Sheikh was dumbstruck. Holy Prophet
Muhammad (Peace be Upon him) then said, "You asked a woman to produce
proofof her respectability and therefore my question to you is, can
you produce proof that you are a Muslim?" At this point theMuslim
Sheikh felt remorse about his treatment towards the woman and her
orphaned daughters.
In the morning, he immediately set out to find the woman. He learnt
she was staying with the Zoroastrian and so called for him. When the
Zoroastrian arrived, the Muslim Sheikh requested that he sends the
woman and her daughters to him. The Zoroastrian replied,"Under no
circumstance! I have received great blessings from her." The Muslim
Sheikh said, "Takea thousand dinars from me and bring them to me."
Zoroastrian shouted, "Impossible! Theone who showed you thepalace in
your dream has made it (the palace) for me. Are you surprised because
I am not a Muslim? By Allah (SWT), I did not sleep last night, before
I and my family accepted Islam at that noble woman's hand andI dreamt
something similar to what you dreamt; Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be
Upon him) asked me, "Is that noble woman and her daughters with you?"I
replied: "Yes, Messengerof Allah." Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be
Upon him) said, "This palace is for you and your family. Allah (SWT)
created you a believer in eternity." At that the Muslim Sheikh
remained sorrowful and grieved for the missed opportunity of earning a
lofty position in Paradise,due to his neglect of the widowed woman and
her daughters.
Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon him) has said, "The one who
strives on behalf of the widow and the needy is like a warrior in the
path of Allah". (Bukhari and Muslim) May Allah guide us to what is
right for indeed, He is Generous, the most Kind, and the most
Merciful!

Dawah (Inviting to the way of submission and surrender to Allah)

Every Friday afternoon, after the Jummah service at the Central
Mosque, the Imam and his eleven year old son would go out into their
town and hand out "Path to Paradise" and other Islamic literature.
This particular and fortunate Friday afternoon, as the time came for
the Imam and his eleven year old son togo to the streets with their
booklets, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring rain.
The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, 'OK,
dad,I am ready!' His 'Al Mualim' dad asked, 'Ready for what?'
'Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out.' Dad
responds, 'Son, it's very cold outside and it's also pouring rain.'
The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, 'But Dad, are not
people still going to hell, even though it's raining?' Dad answers,
'Son, I am not going out in this weather.'
Despondently, the boy asks, 'Dad, can I go? Please?' His father
hesitated for a moment then said, 'Son, you can go. Here are the
booklets.Be careful son.' 'Thanks, Dad!'
And with that, he was off and out into the rain. This eleven year old
boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing
everybody he met in the street a pamphlet or a booklet.
After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone chilled
wet and down to his very last booklet. He stopped on a corner and
looked for someone to hand a booklet to, but the streets were totally
deserted.
Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the
sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell. He rang the bell,
but nobody answered. He rang it again and again, but still no one
answered. He waited but still no answer.
Finally, this eleven year old Dawah (Inviting to the way of submission
and surrender to Allah) expert turned to leave, but something stopped
him. Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly
on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on
the front porch!
He rang again and this time the door slowly opened. Standing in the
doorway was a very sad looking elderly lady. She softly asked, 'What
can I do for you, son?'
With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy
said,"Ma'am, I am sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell
you that 'Allah really loves and cares for you' and I came to give you
my very last booklet which will tell you all about God, the real
purpose of creation, and how to achieve His pleasure."
With that, he handed her his last booklet and turned to leave. She
called to him as he departed. 'Thank you, son! And God Bless You!'
Well, the following Fridayafternoon after Jummah service the Imam was
giving some lectures. As he concludes the lectures,he asked, 'Does
anybody have questions or want to say anything?'
Slowly, in the back row among the ladies, an elderly voice was heard
over the speaker. As the voice went on, a hint of glorious gaiety and
contentment was plainly evident in it even thoughshe was not to be
seen,"No one in this gathering knows me. I have never been here
before. You see, before last Friday I was not a Muslim. My husband
passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world. Last
Friday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so
in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had
any hope or will to live.
So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic
of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof then
stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the ropearound my
neck. Standing on that chair, solonely and brokenhearted I was about
to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs
startled me. I thought, I will wait a minute and whoever it is will go
away.
I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder
andmore insistent and then the person ringing also started knocking
loudly. Ithought to myself again, 'Who on earth could this be? Nobody
ever rings my bell or comes to see me.' I loosened the rope from my
neck and startedfor the front door, all the while the bell rang louder
and louder.
When I opened the door and looked I could hardlybelieve my eyes, for
thereon my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I
had ever seen in my life. His smile, oh, I could never describe it to
you! The words that came from hismouth caused my heart that had long
been dead to leap to life as he exclaimed with a cherub like voice,
'Ma'am, I just came to tell you that Allah really loves and cares for
you!' Then he gave me this booklet, 'Path to Paradise' that I now hold
in my hand.
As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I
closed my door and read slowly every word of this book. Then I went up
to my attic to get my rope and chair. I would not be needing them any
more.
You see, I am now a happy vicegerent of the One True God. Since the
address of your congregation was stamped on the back of this booklet,
I have come here to personally say Thank You to God's little angel who
came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an
eternity in hell.
There was not a dry eye in the mosque. And as shouts of Takbir! Allahu
Akbar (God is the greatest)! rented the air, even among the ladies.
The Imam (dad) descended from the pulpit to the front row where the
little angel was seated. He took his son in his arms and sobbed
uncontrollably.
Probably no Jamaat (Assembly) has had a more glorious moment and
probably this universe has never seen aPapa that was more filledwith
love and honor for his son, except for one, this very one.
You are the best community evolved for mankind; you enjoin the right
conduct and forbid indecency and you believe in Allah. Noble Qur'an
(3:110)
Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching and
argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. Noble Qur'an
(16:125)