Fathwa, - Responsibilities regarding womenfolk

Question:
As salaam alaikum,
Shaykh, my question isregarding sisters. If one's sister is not
married and, due to her fussy nature, seems unlikely to marry in the
near future, does the responsibility of her welfare lie upon the
father's shoulders? Taking into consideration the fact that she is in
her mid 30's and her father is in his mid 60's. She works and
socializes as she wishes, but she is punctual regarding Salaah etc.
And I know for certain she only socialises with fellow Muslimahs. The
fact that she has refused allproposals given, does this make my father
sinful and will the sin in-turn fall upon me her younger brother (but
the eldest of two brothers). Also, I intend to study abroad, would the
responsibility of my sister fall upon my head if my father was to pass
away, taking into consideration the independent nature of women (my
sister most definitely included) in the West. For example I am almost
certain she would not travel abroad with me, and I probably wouldn't
be able to afford it (myself being married).
Shaykh, sorry for the awkward way I have written my question, it's
more a query needing advice than a formal question. Anyhow, thanks for
taking the time to consider and hopefullyprovide a solution to my
situation.
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Dear Brother,
1. Refusing marriage:
Your sister's refusal to get married is not a sin. Your father is also
not responsible if his daughter refuses to get married. You also do
not incur any sin if your sister keeps refusing marriage. That is her
prerogative.
2. According to a previous answer by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Adam
al-Kawthari, your father is generally required to support his grown
daughter, provided he is able and she is in need of support.However,
he may ask his daughter to assist in her maintenance, although he may
not ask her to work outside the home. Please visit Fiqh of
financially supporting one's parents and other relatives.
3. If your father passes away, you will be required to support
yoursister only if you are ableand she is poor and unmarried. Your
first priority is supporting your wife and children. After that, if
you are able, then you should provide for your sister if she is
unmarried. Once again, you may ask her to help out, but you cannot
demand that she work outside the home.
Last but not least, it's best to come to some sort of arrangement that
is beneficial to everyone.If your sister has no problem with working,
then it may be advisable for her to contribute to her upkeep,
especially if your father is getting along in years. In fact, if your
father is himself in need of support, then both you and your sister
must support him, regardless of her marital status.
I pray this helps.
And Allah knows best.

Fathwa, - Education and Family life

Question:
If a woman is married while she was studying in a professional college
and by the blessings ofAllah she becomes a mother, what is she
supposed to do regarding her education? Her family is pressuring her
to go back to college. However, her husband wants her to be a
housemaker and just relax at home and takecare of the household, baby
and him. She feels bad when people ask her about her degree; she has
to tell them that because of marriage and the new baby she had to
discontinue school. She doesn't even have a bachelors degree yet.How
does she deal with uncertainties about the future and the importance
of a Muslim woman supporting herself in case of divorce, death, or
husband's unemployment.
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful
Dear Sister,
Assalamu alaikum,
I pray that you and your family are doing well.
A nice reminder to your family is in order here. It's fine for them to
offer advice; however, it's another thing entirely for them to
pressure you.You have a baby to care of, a husband to look after, and
a home to run.This, in itself, is a full-time job and then some. Your
family needs to learn to accept the fact that you are a wife and
mother. You have entered a different phase of your life. Consequently,
they need to be informed, in a nice way, that pressuring you to go
back to school is simply not what you need right now. What you do need
is for them to be supportive of where you are, right now.
Second, you need to put a stop to these corrosive thoughts which are
damaging your self-esteem.. The worth of a human being is not in her
college degree. I realize that finishing school would give you a sense
of achievement. However, you need to focus on what you have already
accomplished. Alhamdulillah, you are a mother, which is one of the
highest stations a woman can achieve in this world and the next. You
are a wife. Your husband sounds like a dependable, responsible man.
These are all things to be grateful for. So please spend more time
focusing on what you have, not what you lack.
Third, going back to school has many benefits. If you would like to
pursue your goal of school in the future, then by all means, start
planning for it. If you think you'd like to go back to school now,
that's fine as well. However, you need to include your husband in your
decision. He is entitled to ask you to stay home while the baby is
still a baby. However, it is also prudent to complete your education
so that you have the skills to take care of your family. I am firm
believer that a woman should be equipped to provide for herself and
her children. I would suggest drawingup a plan to see how youcan meet
these goals. Forexample, you and your husband might decide that you
will go back to school once your baby is weaned. Or you might decide
to wait until your child is ready for preschool. Again, this decision
has to be made by both you and your husband, taking into account the
baby's best interests. It is possible to finish school, even while
your children are young, provided that you have agood support system.
Don't forget to pray Salat al-Istikhara, no matter what you decide.
May Allah Ta'ala guide you to what is best.

Fathwa, - Desire to seek high level of Islamic Knowledge vs current Occupation

Question:
I am a convert to Islamas of 1995, alHamdulillah, and a doctor by
occupation. Iam specialising in obstetrics and gynecology, and have
insha'Allah 3 more years full time before I am fully qualified. I have
been married 3 years and we have twochildren together. My husband and
I have begun the path to self improvement and acquisition of our fard
'ain with classes, including those at Sunnipath in fiqh and (for me)
Arabic, since I am limited in my ability to travel with young children
and work etc. Over the last year or so, I have begun to become quite
disillusioned with my work, and began feeling more strongly than
before that I want to seek Islamic knowledge to a (high) level, and be
the best Muslim (wife, mother, person) I can be. Also, I have
increasingly had a desire to learn more so that I can teach my
children their fard 'ain etc. I know that I did not undertake my job
lightly, and that it is a fard kifayah, and I am also blessed with a
husband who is very supportive of this job, but I don't know what to
do. Due to our circumstances, we don't envisage being able to go to an
Arab country for at least a decade to live and study, and so at
present we are limitedto learning from teachers here, as well as
SunniPath. I just keep thinking, of the time I converted, whenI was
given the opportunity to go to al-Azhar to study fiqh and become a
faqih by the organisation I was involved with. I was also concurrently
offered medicine, and chose the latter because it had been my lifelong
dream. I know everything happens for a reason, but I suppose I need
encouragement to continue, if it is the right thing, versus even
stopping, and being a full time mum. Please advise. Jazak Allahu
khayr.
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
Praise be to Allah
Blessings and salutations to our beloved Messenger
Dear Sister,
Assalamu alaikum,
I pray this reaches you ingood health and spirits.
Thank you for sharing this information; nonetheless, I can't makethis
decision for you. Whatever path you take, remember that Allah Most
High does not place upon us a burden greater than we can bear.
Try not to live with regret. You chose the decision that reflected
your lifelong dream. You should learn to accept that decision and see
thebenefit in it. We Muslim women have a definite need for observant,
practicing female Muslimdoctors. There's certainlya lot of good you
can do with your skills and training.
If your heart is simply not in medicine, however, then you have the
freedom to leave the field and stay home with your children. However,
don't live in the past. Instead, look to the future. To that end, you
should make Salat al-Istikhara, then draw up a plan for how you might
pursue your new dream of studying Sacred Knowledge.
With a husband and children to relocate overseas, you will have some
challenges on your hands. But given your training in medicine and the
academic rigor required, I'm sure you're prepared to meet any
challenges that lie ahead.
Again, I am not telling you to finish your medical degree. And I amnot
suggesting that you leave medicine. What I am suggesting is that you
ask Allah to give you contentment and the best of this world and the
hereafter in whatever choice you make.
And Allah knows best.

Satan Directs AtheisticFreemasonry

Ever since the time of the Prophet Adam (as), satan has tried to
mislead people always by the same deception. This deception, that
denies belief in Allah and suggests that all things came into being by
chance, is Darwinism. Atheistic freemasonry is a satanic organization
that has also been around since the time of the Prophet Adam (as). And
this system of the antichrist uses satan's worst snare to deceive
people. The system of the antichrist, atheistic freemasonry, that
takes nature and blind chance as its god, is a heretical religion that
actually serves satan alone.
Madame Petrovna Blavatsky, the founder ofthe New Age movement and a
32nddegree mason from the French Grand Orient Lodge, saysthis on the
subject:
... It is satan who is the god of our planet and the only
god...[Surely Allah is beyond that.]1
The Masonic writer Eliphas Levi openly statesthat their leader is
Baphomet, in other words, satan. One interesting passage fromEliphas
Levi reads:
… The intellectual Lucifer(satan)… is the Holy Spirit, while the
physicalLucifer is the great agent of universal magnetism.2
Albert Pike's book Moralsand Dogma is still recommended to members of
the Scottish Rite in the USA, and he is described as the Plato of
atheistic freemasonry byeminent atheist masons. Pike, a 33rd degree
Mason, says in Morals and Dogma:
LUCIFER (satan), the light-bearer!... The Spiritof Darkness...
Petrovna Blavatsky summarizes the concept thus:
Lucifer is divine and terrestrial light, the 'HolyGhost' and 'Satan'...3
David Spangler, a mason and leading philosopherof the New Age
movement, sets out his views on the subject as follows:
Lucifer (satan) comes to give us the final gift of wholeness. If we
accept it, then he is free and we are free. That is the Luciferic
initiation. It is one that many people now, and in the days ahead,
will be facing, for it is an initiation intothe New Age.4
Atheist masons clearly act under satan's controland obey his
commands.The most important symbol in this secretive cult, the
"all-seeing eye,"is depicted as the "eye ofLucifer."5This and all
other atheist masonic symbols are designed forthe same purpose. The
upside down star is known as Baphomet (satan in the form of a goat), a
symbol of satan. The inverted pentagram in witchcraft is employed for
one end alone, to call up the power of satan!6Therefore, all Masonic
symbols in fact symbolize the belief underlying atheistic freemasonry,
in other words, the worship of satan.
The writer John Daniels makes this comment about the intellectual
father of the Luciferian doctrinethat we have already described in
detail, the 33rd degree Mason Albert Pike, and his satanic doctrine:
Albert Pike taught his "Luciferian Doctrine" to many masons. However,
Bismarck and Mazzini were two of his most ardent students who
practiced the Luciferian Doctrine at the highest levels of
Freemasonry. The trio planned to use freemasonry to trigger two World
Wars, after which "the world would be ready to worship Lucifer as God.
(Surely Allah is beyond that.)7
One of the greatest examples of atheist masons' links with satan is
the British 33rd degree Mason Aleistair Crowley. A satanist, Crowley
was also grand master of the Ordo Templi Orentis (O.T.O.). Crowley's
mother said that her son was the manifestation of the Beast referred
to in the Revelation. Known as "the wickedest man alive," Crowley was
responsible for the barbaric deaths of many people who became involved
with him during the course of masonic rituals. It is alleged that
Crowley sacrificed 150 young men to satan.8
The following verses by the 33rd degree Mason Crowley clearly reveal
the satanic reality underlying freemasonry:
I bind my blood in satan's hands,
All this that lieth betwixt my hands
To thee, the Beast, and thy control,
I pledge me; body, mind,and soul.9
I swear to work my Work abhorred,
Careless of all but one reward,
The pleasure of the devilour lord.10
Atheistic freemasonry's efforts to produce a system of the antichrist
that eliminates belief in Allah and replaces it with satan's commands
was identified and described by Christians of the time. Pope Leo
XIII's famous 1884 encyclical Humanum Genus contained significant
analyses of atheistic freemasonry and its activities. The Pope wrote:
At this period, however, the partisans of evil seems to e combining
together, and to be struggling with united vehemence, led on or
assisted by that strongly organized and widespread association called
the freemasons. No longer making any secret of their purposes, they
are now rising up against God Himself… (Surely Allah is beyond this)
Their (masons) ultimate purpose forces itself intoview – namely the
utter overthrow of that wholereligious and political order of the
world which the Christian teaching has produced, and the substitution
of anew state of things in accordance with their ideas, of which the
foundations and laws shall be drawn from mere naturalism.11
This fact set out by the Pope has also often beenexpressed by senior
atheist masons: The "Rules of Assembly of theGrand Orient Lodge"
published in 1923 by Turkish atheist freemasons express this heretical
philosophy as follows:
We will no longer regard Allah as the purpose of life. We have created
a purpose. That purpose is mankind, not Allah.[Surely Allah is beyond
that.]
Albeit gradually, a singleand universal religion that can fully
satisfy consciousness is taking form...Parallel to this universal
religion, moral values will be founded in line with this world view...
Such a religion will unite human beings and the universe. This is
FREEMASONRY... We are unifying the religion that represents the
meaning of communion.12
As a requirement of the system of the antichrist, atheist masons never
make their presence felt.They never show their true faces and never
say that they take satan as their god and renounce belief in Allah.
Because ifthey did, they know thatall devout people would come out and
oppose them. For that reason, the antichrist described in the New
Testament and the hadith is a deception that will appear under a
religiousguise, despite denying Allah. The antichrist, the atheistic
freemasonry that currently representshis system, has appearedshowing
that same false appearance and seeks tohide the fact that it is a
religion that worships satan.
In order to achieve this aim, atheist masons are persisting with their
stratagems under various guises. For example, the World Council of
Churches and the National Council of Churches have masonic leaders.
Some of the former editors of Christian Science Monitor magazine are
masons.13There are also atheist masons among Muslim theologians. The
atheist masons who infiltrate such institutions seek ways ofachieving
their aims. Their aim is to turn people away from Allah, under a
religious guise, and to turn them into servants of satan, just like
themselves.
It is satan who gives them these tasks. Master atheist masons are
people in direct contact with satan. A Master Mason will receive
instructions directly from satan at assembles of 200 or 300 people
andwill then begin listing the things that satan commanded him.
Satan'scommands generally involve bloodshed. Satanmay even sometimes
show himself to them directly. That is why atheist masons are so
utterly terrified of satan.Atheist masons describe these rituals in
their books and always obey satan's commands and act in the light of
his directives.
___________________
1 Madame Blavatsky (i.e., the Mother of the New Age movement)The
Secret Doctrine (1888), Vol. II, pg. 234
2 Eliphas Levi, Freemason of the Grand Orient of France, The Mysteries
of Magic, pg. 428
3 The Secret Doctrine (1888), Vol.II, p. 513
4 David Spangler, Director of United Nations Planetary Initiative,
Reflections on the Christ (1978), p. 45
5 John Daniel, Two Faces of Freemasonry, Day Publishing, 2007, p. 7
6 John Daniel, Two Faces of Freemasonry, Day Publishing, 2007, p. 44
7 John Daniel, Two Faces of Freemasonry, Day Publishing, 2007, p. 94
8 John Daniel, Two Faces of Freemasonry, Day Publishing, 2007, p. 95
9 Aleister Crowley,

Atheistic Freemasonry, the system of the antichrist, denies Allah and worships Satan

A humanist and atheist masonic organization rooted in the Kabbala was
born in Europe in the 14th century. In contrast to Judaism,
Christianity and Islam, the organization recognized no Lord and God,
Allah, as the sole Creator of the entire universe and mankind.
Instead, it employed various concepts such as the "Great Architect of
the Universe,' which entity, in their view, waspart of the material
universe.
To put it another way, this secretive organization whose roots go far
back into the past but only emerged into the light of day in 14th
century Europe, denied Allah but in fact regarded the material
universe as divine, under the title of the "Great Architect of the
Universe." According to atheistic freemasonry,and as we have already
set out in previous articles, this material universe was a finite
concept based on the theory of evolution, that had supposedly come
into being by chance.
One can see a more forthright description of this heretical belief in
publications that atheist masons produce for their own membership. For
example, in his 1977 bookInspirations from Freemasonry, written to
inform young atheist masons and restricted toa atheist Masonic
readership, Selami Isındag, one of the highest-ranking Turkish atheist
masons, described the atheist masonic belief in the "Great Architect
of the Universe" as follows:
Atheistic freemasonry is not Godless. But the concept of God it
adoptsis not the same as that in the religions. God is alofty
principle inAtheistic freemasonry.It is the final stage, the peak, of
evolution.As weproceed down the path of science, reason and virtue,
critiquing our own existence and coming to know ourselves, we can
close the distance between us and it. After that, it has no human good
or evil intentions. It has not been personalized.It cannot be regarded
as the ruler of nature and man.It is the Architect ofthe great and
lofty work,union and harmony in the universe. It is the sum of all
entities in the universe. It is a total force, an energy, that
pervades all things. Thenagain, it cannot be regarded as having a
beginning... It is a great mystery. [Surely Allah is beyond that.]
The same reference makes it clear that in speaking of the "Great
Architect of the Universe" they are actually referring to nature, that
they "worship nature:"
There can be no power outside nature that directs us and is
responsible for our thoughts and behavior...Masonic teachings and
principles are in fact scientific and rational realities. That is the
basic principle of the ecosism.God is absolute evolution.(Surely Allah
isbeyond that.) One element of that is the force of nature. Thus
theonly absolute reality is the universe itself and the energy
pervading it.
Under the concept of the"Great Architect of the Universe" atheist
masonsare referring to a imaginary material entity. This entity,
referred to in opaque terms in such accounts, appears very clearly
when we look at the highest-level masonic rituals and words. Underthe
concept of the "Great Architect of the Universe," atheist masons
worship and take their orders from just one thing. That force that
directs the atheist masons is SATAN.

Justice under all circumstances

J ustice means being fair and impartial when offering solutions to
problems between people.
Those who do not live bythe moral values of the Qur'an, however,
generally do not conductthemselves with a sense of justice. Many
external factors may have positive or negative impact on their
decisions.
A person may give preference to the party he feels closer to
himself,or his own interests may influence the verdict; he may veer
from justice forthe sake of personal inclinations.
Deviation from strict justice is often greatest towards those whom one
dislikes most. Grudges and resentmentcloud the mind and make it hard
to take a decision in favor of the despised party.
Rage harbored in the heart may hinder a person from even acknowledging
the other party's rights of.
For this reason Allah draws special attention to this pitfall and
warns believers against it:
You who believe! Show integrity for the sake of Allah, bearing witness
with justice. Do not let hatred for a people incite you into not
beingjust. Be just. That is closer to heedfulness. Have fear of Allah.
Allah is aware of what you do.(Surat al- Ma'ida; 8)
In compliance with the verse, Muslims never commit injustice to any
individual or society because of kinship, resentment or personal
interests.
No matter what someone's belief, ideology or philosophy may be, or how
hostile his attitude to Muslims, atrue believer always treats him with
justice.
He is not moved by emotion toward unfair decisions, and even when
contrary to his own interests, he does not conceal or distort the
truth.

Story, - I wish you won't blame me

My love,
Sinful, secret, insatiable. You came and shattered my life as a spring
storm, you hurled away my peaceful days and nights.You keep a tight
rein on me and lead me in an unknown direction.
Where will I find myself? Who can give me the answer? The curtain of
the future is closed and I can't see the end of this love – sudden,
temporary, forbidden. I love you! I love you to distraction with that
sinful love of a married woman, torn apart between the allowed andthe
forbidden, the workday and the expectation. I have a family, a child –
you are single.
Sad and terrifying, isn't it?
I can't do anything to change your life the way you dream about it.
Don't blame me.
God, please help me.
Why did I let my heart be captured in that bottomless net from which
there's no escape?
But could I've commanded it?
Months had to pass until Irealized that what I felt wasn't just an
infatuation, an innocent flirt but something real and deep.
I restrained myself not to pass over the barrier for a long time. I
tried to be the master of my actions. But alas…
I found out that true loveis not ruled by reason. Emotions command
everyhuman thought and action. And when reason fights emotions life
turns into hell, and each day becomes endless suffering…
May be time will heal me,may be my heart will findrest.
But right now I don't need a remedy, I don't need a rest!
I love these stolen moments that make me happy.
There are memories which remain for a lifetime. They always return to
our thoughts and hearts and time is powerless to erase them.
It wasn't me but life that made the choice for me. And you know that,
don'tyou? Don't blame me. I'm not leaving…
My memories and my love will always be as youwill always be with me… for life….
I love you!

Story, - I got involved by myself in this mess, but how can I get out now?

Hello!
I read your stories and I got the courage to ask for your advice,
because Idon't know any more what to do.
So that's my story. I am 27 year old, married for two years, I have
normal relationship with my husband, sometimes we understand each
other, sometimes we fight, we make compromises, but he is not my
biggest love and that's the problem, he is not very interested in me –
where I am and what I do.
I've met the other before I got married – we were just friends in a
same company, we were travelling, together I thought I was so much in
love with him, but he was just friendly kind without a sense of carnal
interest from his side.
One day I stopped to stand for a relation, who seemed impossible I got
married, but in spite of this we keep on being good friends and
meeting sometimes. I caneven say that our friendship became stronger
during the past two years.
Recently I felt inconsolably, in love withthis man. I will play that
game I said to myself this time. I arranged to spendtwo days just the
two of us, far from anybody who knows us and with some women finesse
we found ourselves in the bed.
In the very sublime moment it comes out thathe has problem with
erection – there's not at all such. Anyhow we've both done our best to
getpleasure, but I am confused. I suspect that his problem is not new.
In fact I haven't heard of any intimate friend of hisbut he is 45 year
old and his last relationship I know about had finishedyears ago, and
the lady got married to somebodyelse.
I do like this man, but thesex is also very importantto me. What am I
supposed to do? I need your advice!

17 The Markets of the Garden: [Jannah: The Garden from the Qur'an and Hadith ]

Markets are places where people are able to acquire the goods they
need. In them thereare all kinds of food and other articles. People go
to these places looking forward to eating good food, trying different
tastes, buying stylish clothes and appliances to make their work
easier; they buy things they like which they think will make them
comfortable. So, if people enjoy this blessing even a little in this
world, Allah will make it perfect in the Garden. The markets in the
Garden, with their countless variety of blessings and their sights
that create a pleasing sense of abundance, appeal to the desires of
the peopleof the Garden. In addition, in the Garden many kinds of
inconveniences associated with worldly markets will disappear. For
example, when people go through markets in this world, they quickly
become weary even though they enjoy themselves. Most people do not
have as much time as they wouldlike to go around in them. Besides
those few people who have enough money to buy what they want, most
people cannot purchase everything they desire and there are many
whocannot afford to buy even what they need. As long as they can pay
the price they can select what they want from theabundance. But if
they cannot afford it, they must be content only with browsing in
these places. However, the Messenger of Allah tells us that people can
have as much as they want of everything in the markets of the Garden.
There, it will not be a matter of shopping; everyone will be able to
have whatever he likes. There will be a variety ofblessings in these
markets that people have never seen or even imagined before. In His
great kindness, Allah willgive everyone what theydesire and no one
will want for anything.
As for those who believe and do right actions, We will lodge them in
lofty chambers in the Garden, with rivers flowing under them,
remaining in them timelessly, for ever. How excellent is the reward of
those who act. (Surat al-'Ankabut: 58)
This situation is described in the hadith:
So we will come to a market surrounded by angels in which there is
that which eyes have never seen the like of, the ears have never heard
and which has never occurred to human hearts. That which we desire
will be carried to us, and nothing will be sold in it or bought. In
that market the people of theGarden will meet each other, so that a
man of high rank will come forward and meet those who are lesser than
himself [and none of them will be low people]and the clothes he has on
will amaze and delight him. Before he ceases speaking, an evenfiner
raiment will appear upon him. That isbecause it is not fitting for
anyone to sorrow in it. (Narrated by Abu Hurayra, Sunan Ibn Majah;
at-Tirmidhi) There is in the Garden a market wherein there will be no
buying and selling, but forms of menand women. So when a man wishes a
form, he will enter into it. (Narrated by Ali, at-Tirmidhi)
Another blessing mentioned in the hadith is the physical features of
men and women. To be able to change one's style at will and to appear
wearing different fashions is something that many people in this world
dream about. Most people would like to have a beautiful, healthyand
unblemished face and body. From birth, people have been given a
certain hair colour, iris colour, facial features, skin tone, and
height and body type. However,in the Garden there is noworldly sense
of monotony from the existence of one kind of beauty; a person's looks
change when and however he may desire, as in this hadith containing
the transformation of the man's clothing in an instance. This is
another blessing.
Platters and cups of gold will be passed around among them and they
will have there all that their hearts desire and their eyes find
delight in. You will remain in it timelessly, for ever. (Surat
az-Zukhruf: 71)
In another hadith, we are told about the pleasant social life in
themarkets of the Garden where believers sit in beautiful, fragrant,
comfortable places, and meet and converse with one another:
It is certain that thereare such markets in the Garden in which no
goods are exchanged. When the inmates of theGarden arrive there, they
will recline on fresh and bright pearly earth of musk. They will meet
with each other asthey did in this world. They will talk of how they
were in this world and how they worshipped our Lord, of how they
enlivened the nights in prayer, of how they fasted during the day, of
the wealth and poverty of the world, of death… and of how they are the
people of the Garden. (Mukhtasar Tadhkirah al-Qurtubi, p. 326/565)
But those who have taqwa of their Lord will have high-ceilinged Halls,
and more such Halls built one above the other, and rivers flowing
under them. That is Allah's promise. Allah does not break His promise.
(Surat az-Zumar: 20)
The Food of the Garden
In both the Qur'an and the hadith we are told that there are many
delicious foods in the Garden. In particular meat and various fruits
will be offered in abundance to the inmates of the Garden. Allah tells
us in the Qur'an about the quality of these gifts to the People of the
Garden:
And any fruit they specify and any bird-meat they desire… (Surat
al-Waqi'a: 20-21)
… as recompense for what they did. (Surat al- Waqi'a: 24)
We are also told that some of the blessings offered to the People of
the Garden resemble things in this world. In one verse, Allah says:
Give the good news to those who have iman and do right actions
thatthey will have Gardens with rivers flowing under them. When they
are given fruit there as provision, they will say, "This is what we
were given before." But they were only given a simulation of it. They
will have there spouses of perfect purity and willremain there
timelessly, for ever. (Surat al-Baqara: 25)
Every kind of food offered in the Garden is aesthetically pleasing and
delicious. Especially wonderful are the appearances of the fruitsand
their colours, smells and particular tastes.
For example, many people like the taste andsmell of strawberries. In
spite of this, some people have an allergic reaction when they eat
them. This is one of the drawbacks of this life. Like all the
blessings of this world, fruit also has imperfections. They haveto be
grown, bought, washed and cleaned. In spite of this care they
sometimes go bad and sometimes have no taste. In short, when we eat
food, we must deal with some problems anddeficiencies. As usual in
this world, food is created with some imperfections so that people
will yearn for real blessings. No matter how much a person appreciates
a particular food, the delight in its taste diminishes if he eats it
constantly.
The food and fruits of the Garden come to the people there without
flaw, and without effort on their part. Allah tells us in the Qur'an
that these fruits are very accessible. "Its shading branches will
droop down over them, its ripe fruit hanging ready to be picked."
(Surat al-Insan: 14)When they are picked from the trees they are not
dusty but already clean and have a wonderful taste. In another verse,
Allah says the following about the fruits of the Garden:
That is the Garden you will inherit for what you did. There will be
many fruits in it for you to eat. (Surat az-Zukhruf: 72-73)
In the Garden, food is not eaten out of necessity, but as a blessing
and free gift from Allah. People will be freed there from weaknesses
such as hunger and thirst.
A quality of the blessingsof the Garden mentioned in both the Qur'an
and the hadith is their abundance. Allah revealed in Surah Sad that
provision there will be without cost and will never be used up:
This is what you are promised on the Day of Reckoning. This is Our
provision which will never run out. (Surah Sad: 53-54)

16 The Cool Pavilions of the Garden: [Jannah: The Garden from the Qur'an and Hadith ]

Many hadith describe the tents that are amongthe dwellings of the
Garden. Some of these hadith are as follows:
A tent [in the Garden]is like a hollow pearl, thirty miles in height
and in every corner of the tent, a believer will have a wife who
cannotbe seen by the others. (Narrated by Abu Musa al- Ash'ari; Sahih
al-Bukhari, vol. 4, hadith no: 466)
In the Garden the believer will have a tent made of a single hollow
pearl, whose width will be sixty miles. The believer will have wives
in it, and he will go to each of them with out any of them seeing
eachother. (Narrated by Abu Bakr ibn Abdullah ibn Qais, Sahih
Muslim, vol. 4, hadith no: 2838)
The least of the people of the Garden in rank is the one who willhave
eighty thousand servants and seventy two wives, and for whom will be
set up a dome of pearls, aquamarine and rubies similar in dimensions
to the distance between Jabiyah and San'a. (Abu Sa'id al-Khudri,
at-Tirmidhi)
Everything in the Gardenhas been created in the most perfect way and
the pavilions are as comfortable as possible to give pleasure,
comfortand relaxation to believers. The Messengerof Allah tells us
that these pavilions are extraordinarily capacious and made of
precious jewels. In the hadith we are told that those who belong to
thepeople of the Garden live a wonderful life with their families and
friends within broad and lofty pearl. Certainly this is a wonder from
the incomparable creative power and artistry of our Lord. A person who
lives within the countless deficiencies, imperfections and
restrictions of this world is delighted just to imagine such beauty.
This splendour together with the numbers of servants there will be in
these tents of the Garden made of emeralds and rubies is an
announcement of glad tidings for those who work in this world in the
hope of pleasing Allah, obtaining His mercy and entering the Garden.
They will say, "Praise be to Allah Who has fulfilled His promise tous
and made us the inheritors if this land, letting us settle in the
Garden wherever we want. How excellent isthe wage of those who work!"
(Surat az-Zumar: 74)

15 The Palaces of the Garden: [Jannah: The Garden from the Qur'an and Hadith ]

In one hadith, the palaces of the Garden are mentioned:
In the Garden, there are palaces built of emeralds and jewels and in
each building there will be 70 rooms of red colour and in each room 70
sub-rooms of green colour and in each sub-room there will be one
throne… There will be 70 dining cloths in each room and 70 kinds of
food on each dining cloth. There will be seven servants in each room…
(Imam Ghazzali, Ihya Ulum ad-Din, vol. 4)
... and will reward them for their steadfastness with a Garden and
with silk. (Surat al-Insan: 12)
We are told that the palaces of the Garden are made of the most
precious stones, that they are decorated in the most beautiful and
pleasing manner and that they are full of blessings. Believers who are
not content with the life of this world and who are not deceived bythe
attractions of this transitory world will be blessed in the Hereafter
with real gifts that are perfect and everlasting. Because they have
had apure iman, and have willingly made serious effort toward the
attainment of the Garden, they will have true delight forever in its
beautiful dwellings. As well as containing every luxury and splendid
wealth, this environment will be a pure and noble place where the
people of the Garden always remember Allah and giveHim heartfelt
thanks. In the Qur'an, Allah tells us that the people of the Garden
live there in continual thankfulness and happiness:
They will say, "Praise be to Allah Who has fulfilledHis promise to us
and made us the inheritors of this land, letting us settle in the
Garden wherever we want. Howexcellent is the wage of those who work!"
(Surat az- Zumar: 74)

Be a Logical and Motivating Parent

Father: I told you to clean your room.
Child: But I don't know how to dothat!
Father: I said clean the room! Don't you understand? Does thisneed
any explanation? You are old enough and you can do this by yourself.
If you clean your room, I will buy you whatever you like.
Child: Really, Dad?
Father: Yes, my dear boy. However, if you don't do so, the
consequences will be bad.
After cleaning the room…
Child: Dad! I cleaned my room.
Father: Do you call this cleaning?
Child: I did my best, Dad.
Father: Why didn't you clean under the bed? Remove the dustfrom the
glass? Arrange the clothes?
Child: I forgot to do that, but I will do it now.
After cleaning the room again...
Child: I have cleaned everything!
Father: Good! Well done!
Child: I deserve the prize now, right?
Father: Yes, you deserve it!
Child: You told me that you will buy me whatever I want.
Father: Yes, I did say that. What would you like me to buy you?"
Child: I want you to buy me a motorcycle!
Father: What, a motorcycle?! That is too expensive, and I can't buy it now.
Child: But you said that you would buy me whatever I wanted.
Father: But you should ask for something reasonable.
Child: But I want a motorcycle and nothing else.
Father: I don't likethose whotalkand arguetoo much, you have to ask
for something reasonable or Iwill buy you nothing.
Child )weeping(: But I love motorcycles!
The child then returns to his room that he has just cleaned feeling
remorse for every second he had spent in cleaning it. At thesame time,
he has lost confidence in his father's repeated illusionary promises
that he never fulfills. He closes the door and falls asleep.
Dear educator, be precise, logical and motivating. In the light of the
previous story, let us ask the following questions:
Was the father precise and logicalin his request? Did he succeed in
motivating his child?
Dear parent, let us answer the following three questions:
First:Was the father precise )in his orders and requests(?
Why do parents always think badly of their children if they refuse to
respond to their orders or if they respond wrongly? Why do we
immediately accuse the child of negligence?
In fact, we should accuse ourselves in many cases and inquire,"Were we
precise in our demands from the child?"
Was it sufficient for the father to ask his child to clean his room?
Isthis request sufficient or does it need some clarification?
The reward that the child will receive when he obeys his parents
represents the real incentive that makes him feel confident and
strong. Therefore, the parents who are not specific with their
children when they give them orders unintentionally lead their
children to failure.
For example, the father could have explained his request to his child
from the beginning in the following way:
·Use the broom when cleaning the floor
·Arrange the clothes and put them in their place
·Remove the dust from the glass and furniture
Putting it this way helps the childto know what is exactly required of
him easily. In such a case, if the child does something wrong, then
he, rather than you, would be the negligent party.
Specification and clarity is required in motivation:You should not
tell your child that you would buy him whatever he wants if he does
such-and-such. That is because the child has an intrinsic powerful
imagination and there is no limit to his demands. Therefore, if you
are not specific and do not respond to your child's requests, he will
be disappointed and will lose confidence in his father's promises and
incentives. On the contrary, such motivation will turn in the future
into frustration.
This explains what happened in our story. The child asked for a
motorcycle, and the father could not fulfill this difficult request
and the result was disappointment and frustration.
The father has to be specific even in motivating his child. For
example, he could motivate him by saying,"If you clean your room, I
will allow you to watch a cartoon."
Likewise, the parents should be specific in punishment. Therefore, it
is unfavorable to tellthe child,"If you do not do such-and-such, the
consequenceswill be bad."
The punishment should be specific. For example, one should say to his
child, "If you do not do such-and-such, you will not have any pocket
money, or you will not play video games, watch a cartoon movie, and so
on."
The father should choose the most effective )not severe( punishment,
becauseunspecifiedpunishments encourage the child to be careless as
long as he does not feel its effect on him.
However, the best thing that you can do to be specific in your demands
from your child is to arrange your room in his presence. In other
words, you should be an example to your child just as the Prophet,,
was the best example to his Companions. The Prophet,, was the perfect
example of the educator that people follow. He used to be ahead of his
Companions guiding them in wars, and encouraging them to spend in the
cause of Allaah The Almighty. He was also ahead of them when they were
digging the trench and he endured hardships and treated his wives
well.
My dear educator, you should know that giving a clear messageis
considered one of the key introductions to good education. Parents
should tell their children exactly what they want them to do, and how
they want them to do it. They should also determinewhen their children
act properly or improperly.
Second:Was the father logical in his demands and the expected results?
Many parents ask their children to do things that exceed their ability
or age. Therefore, they are in fact leading them to failure,
especially when they expect excellent results. An example of this is
when a parent asks his three-year-old child to wash the dishes or
clean the room.On the other hand, many parents degrade their
children's abilities and ask them to do what they cannot accept,
because they can actually do more due to their age and mature
mind. For example, when the mother asks her ten-year-old child to
sit so that she can study every single word with him, she is in fact
asking herchild to do something that he cannot bear. That is because
this implies an offence and accusationof ignorance. However, the
mother expects excellent scores at the end of the year, while she has
made her child completely dependent upon her.
The parent should be logical in what he asks his child to do and the
results he expects. This requires taking two things into
consideration:
1-The child's capabilities including his age, strength, intelligence,
vitality and self-confidence
2-The nature of the request itself
Then, the parent should comparethe child's capabilities and the
capabilities that are required for responding to his request after
avoiding and treating the physical and the psychological problems.
The parent should understand the Quranic verses in which Allaah The
Almighty Says )what means(:
·}Allaah does not charge a soul except ]with that within[ its
capacity.{]Quran 2:286[
·}Allaah does not charge a soul except ]according to[ what He has
given it.{]Quran 65:7[
By understanding these verses, parents can successfully compareresults
and judge whether or not they comply with their expectations of the
child.
Third: Was the father motivating?
This point is very important because the human soul likes praise, and
treating disobediencethrough encouragement is one ofthe most important
educational methods. The effects of this encouragement upon the child
include generating consciousnessof success in the work for which he
has been rewarded. Of course, this satisfies the child's motivations
and activates his learning habits in the future. The result would be
strengthening the child's confidence and encouraging him to be more
adventurous, creative and determined.
This method is very important in encouraging children, however, the
following issues should be observed:
·This should not be the only method, namely, the parents should not
use this method in cases when they see that there is a necessity for
punishment. Thereshould be a balance between reward and punishment.
·Motivation should be specific and precise, as we have mentioned.
·Parents should fulfill their motivational promises under all circumstances.
·Parents must implement their warnings if the child did not keephis promise.
·The motivation should not be exaggerated.
·Motivation should be using something loved and desired by the child.
Dear parent, you can also use some words to praise your child when he
obeys you such as"I like the way you handled this","Iknow you well
and I am sure that you will behave properly,"or"I think you can do
it".
Finally, dear father and mother do not forget when you ask your child
to arrange his room, for example, you should be specific and explain
things to him. Do notask your child to do anything thatexceeds his
abilities. Likewise, be specific in motivating your child.

The warm welcoming by the “Ansaar”

After an eight-day journey, the Prophetarrived at Quba' on Rabia
al-Awwal 8, the 14thyear of Prophethood )corresponding to September
23, 622 CE( at noon.Quba' lies at a distance of a few miles from
Al-Madeenah and was generally taken as the locality of Al-Madeenah. It
was largely inhabited by Banu Amr bin Auf)an Arabic tribe( who had
already been enlightened by Islam. A few days before the departure of
the Prophetfrom Makkah, the news of his anticipated arrival in
Al-Madeenah was in the air. The "Ansar" )Supporters of the Prophet( of
Al-Madeenah would come out of their dwellings early in the morning and
kept waiting till noon everyday. Thus, when the Prophet "" arrived at
Quba' at noon, they had already gone back after waiting for sometime.
A certain Jew who was watching the crowds of Muslims coming out of
their settlement as if they were waiting for someone knew that
Muhammadwas approaching from Mecca. This Jew was then, by chance,
upstairswhen he witnessed the small caravan moving into Quba';
guessing it to be the caravan of the Prophethe cried at the top of his
voice: "O people of Arabia, O those taking rest at noon, there has
come your objectof love." Having heard this call, the people rushed
out of their dwellings and waves of joy gripped the whole atmosphere
ofQuba'. Hewas emerging froman orchard of dates. Bearing in mind that
the people might fall into confusion regarding the identification of
the ProphetAbu Bakrdrew himself back and shaded the Prophetwith his
mantle, thus making a clear distinction between the Prophet and the
companion.
The Prophetwas now entering Quba' and the young girls of the "Ansar"
were reciting in great fervor and boundless joy:
"On the hillside whence caravans are given a send-off,
The full moon comes up in the day.
All the while Allaah is praised.
We had better return ourthanks
The noble one, O you sentto us,
You have brought binding commands."
Building the Quba' Mosque
The Prophetentered Quba' onMonday and stayed there until Friday.
Hestayed in the houseof Khulthum bin Hadm while Abu Bakrstayed with
Habeeb bin Asaf. He would hold his assemblies in the house of Sa'd bin
Khaithamahand the people visited him at the same place. During this
short stay in Quba', he laid the foundation of amosque, which is the
first mosque ever built after the advent of Islaam. On Friday, the
12thof Rabi al-Awwal, heleftQuba' and made his entry to Al-Madeenah.
He was still in Quba'when Ali bin Abu Talibcame and joined him. Alihad
made this long and arduous journey on foot. While the Prophetwas
staying in Quba', Aliwho had been busy returning the deposits of the
people to their rightful owners )in Mecca( was blessed with the honor
of joining the Prophet. He had left Makkah at about the time the
Prophetwas leaving the cave of Thaur. But since he was traveling by
himself, Alimade his movements during the night and kept himself
hidden in the day. The Prophet "" avoided busy roads and reached Quba'
in eight days, while Ali undertook the journey by the well-known
routes, but was late by three or four days because of being on foot.
Entry into Al-Madeenah
Taking the leave of the people of Quba' and Banu Amr bin Auf)Banu
means tribe( on Friday, the Prophetmoved forward to make his stay in
Al-Madeenah. Every household of each locality expressed its strong
desire that the Prophetshould stay with them. He was in the locality
of Banu Saalim bin Auf when the time for Friday )jumu'ah( prayer drew
near. The Prophet "" led the prayer in the locality of Banu Saalim bin
Auf in a field with about a hundred men behind him. This was the first
Friday prayer of the Prophet "" in Al-Madeenah and the first time the
Friday sermon)Khutbah( was ever delivered. Later on, a mosque was
built at that place.
After offering the Friday prayer, the Prophet "" mounted his
she-camel. Banu Saalim bin Auf approached him and took hold ofhis
she-camel's rein requesting that he stay with them. People ofother
tribes and localities also came in groups and made the same request.
This led to a clash of words, which ended when the Prophet "" said to
one and all: "Let her go her way. She is guided by Allaah. I shall
stop where the animal sits down." The"Ansar" and
"Muhajireen")emigrants( followed the she-camel on all sides. He set
the reins loose and the she-camel moved ahead slowly. All eyes were
focused on the animal, and they were eagerly waiting for it to kneel
down.
When the she-camel entered the locality of Banu Biyadah, Ziyad
binLabid and Urwah bin Amrthe chieftains of the tribes wanted totake
hold of the reins but the Prophet "" forbade them saying: "Leave her
for she has already been commanded." Then,the she-camel stepped into
the locality of Banu Sa'idah and Sa'd bin Ubadah and Mundhir bin
Amrthe chieftains of Banu Sa'idahmade the same attempt but received
the same words from the Prophet. After this, she reached the locality
of Banu Al-Harith bin Al-Khazraj, and Sa'd bin Ar-Rabi', Kharijah bin
Zaid andAbdullah bin Rawahahstepped forward to stop her but received
the same reply. From there the she-camel made an entry into the
locality of Banu Adibin An-Najjar. Since Abdul Muttalib's mother,
Salma bint Amr, belonged to this clan, they made their claim for the
Prophetto stop there. Thus Salit bin Qais and Asirah bin Abu Kharija,
the chieftains of Banu Adi, took hold of the reins but heaskedthem to
leave it for the animal had prior instructions for herself. At last
the she-camel arrived at the locality of Banu Malik bin An-Najjar and
knelt down in a deserted and bare land for a while and then got up and
advanced a little, only to turn back and be seated on the same spot
again. This time she shook herself and then laid down on her neck
wagging her tail.
Close to this unpopulated land was the house of Abu Ayub Khalid bin
Zaid Ansari. He rushed to the spot with his face beaming with joy and
took the belongings of the Prophetto his house. Thus hestayed with him
in his house. The deserted land was the property of two orphan boys
Sahl and Suhail. It had a few date trees, some graves of polytheists
and a resting spot for herds of cattle."Who is the owner of this
land?" The Prophetenquired. Mu'adhbin Afra responded, "This piece
ofland belongs to two orphan boys related to me, and I take care of
them; I shall make them agree, you may take it for building a mosque."
But the Prophetasserted, "I want to buy it, and will not take it
without paying itsprice." Abu Bakr made the payment at once. With the
order of the Prophetthe date trees were cut, the graves leveled, and
the construction work of the mosque was started then and there. The
Prophetjoined the builders. The walls of the mosquewere constructed
with stone andclay, the roof with wood and leaves of the date palm.
Until his house was built, the Prophetcontinued to live with Abu Ayub
Ansarifor six months and a few days.
The mosque built during the timeof the Prophetsaw no changebefore the
caliphate of Umar. During his caliphate, it underwent an expansion for
the first time. Uthman bin Affanstrengthened it. During the time of
Walid bin Abdul-Malikit saw more expansion with the inclusion of the
dwellings of the noble wives of the Prophet.
The Prophetwas in the houseof Abu Ayub Ansari when he sent Zaid bin
Harithath and Abu Rafi tobring Fatimah, Umm Kulthum, Saudah bint
Zam'ah, Usamah bin Zaid and his mother, as well as Umm Aiman. Talha
bin Ubaidullah, along with Abdullah bin Abu Bakr, and his relatives,
also accompanied them. After the arrival of these people, the
Prophetmoved into his newly built home.

Islam teaches the love of animals

On a recent shopping trip, I happened to pass by a pet shop, where a
big monkey in a small cage outside the entrance broke my heart.I
gathered up the guts to enter the shop, only toleave in tears, deeply
saddened by what I had seen. Poor, helpless animals imprisoned in tiny
cages withouteven enough space to turn around; their sad, pleading
eyes haunted me as I fought the urge to set them free, assured that
none would be able to explain for what crimethey had been incarcerated
in such inhumane and unnatural'habitats'. I wondered if the pet shop
owner ever thought about what it would be like to be paralyzed; in the
same way as he had kidnappedbirds and put them in little cages. Maybe
only a fellow animal lover would really understand what I felt that
day, yet the importance of kindness to animals is something every
Muslim should understand as a part of his way of life.It is such a
serious matterthat one could gain Heaven or Hell due to his treatment
of animals. Mistreating animals is considered a major sin inIslam, as
explained in the famous Book of Major Sins by Imaam Muhammad
bin'AbdulWahhaab.Certainly, aMuslim is responsible for the treatment
of animals,because an ill-treated animal will testify againstthe one
who abused it onthe Day of Judgment. Islam forbids branding animals
and killing them in vain, such as for sport. The Prophet, forbade
people from capturing birds, burning anthills and whipping animals.
Even when slaughtering animals for food, Islam requires that the
slaughtering be done accordingto approved Islamic procedures,which are
humane and reduce suffering. As Allaah's representatives on earth,
human beings have a responsibility towards every living creature.
As I left the pet shop that day, I felt like a traitor knowing that
these animals have feelings justas real as those of humans. I walked
away leaving my fellow creatures in their state ofoppression. Outside
the shop I stepped off the curb to head across the street, when just
at my feet lay a tiny newborn kitten, perfectly positioned for a
parking car to run over it. I stood there blocking the space from
desperate drivers demanding the parking spot, while I motioned for the
pet shop worker; Ithought he would certainly be someone who cared for
and sympathized with animals. He came out, glanced down at the animal,
replied: "It's not ours" and walked back inside. I stood there for
fifteen minutes before I was able to get one of the many passers-by to
get something with which to pick up the baby kitten to move it to a
safe place. Tears streamed down my face as I wondered: "Where are the
people of theSunnah?)traditions of the Prophet Muhammad( Has Allaah
plucked the mercy from the hearts of people to make them so cold that
they lack an ounce of sympathy for oneof Allaah's beautiful creatures,
although they see it so helpless and pitiful? I remembered
AbuHurayrah,a close companion of the Noble Messenger of Allaah, who
narrated moreHadeeth s (tradition ...Rahmaan, he was knownas Abu
Hurayrah)meaning father of the kitten( because of a smallcat thathe
used to feed and care for and carry with him everywhere he went.
Cats in Islam
The Messenger of Allaah, taught Muslims to have mercy for all of
Allaah's creation. There are many reports of his love for cats,
resulting in their historical acceptance among Muslims. Cats were very
common amongst the people during the time of the Prophet, and he said:
"They )cats( are not impure and they intermingle with you." The cat is
such a clean animal that according to authentic narrations one may
make ablution for prayer with the same water that a cat drank from.
Yet, it is knownthat some people nowadays have opposed the traditions
of the Prophet, by taking up the evil practices of torturing and
poisoning cats. Do they think that Allaah will not punish them for
this? Certainly Allaah's punishment for such acts is severe, if we
bear in mind the Hadeethof Allaah's Messenger, as reported
byAl-Bukhaariand Muslim regarding a woman who locked up a cat, refused
to feed it and did not release it so that it could feed itself.
Allaah's Messenger, said of herpunishment that she wastorturedand put
inHellfire.
Dogs in Islam
There is hardly a domestic animal more ill-treated these days than
dogs. The Messenger of Allaah, said:"Purifying a container that a dog
has licked )in order for humans to use it( is done by washing it seven
times, the first washing being with dirt."]Muslim[. A Muslim shouldnot
keep a dog inside his home since the Prophet, has informed us that
angels do not enter into a house where there is a dog ]Al-Bukhaari and
Muslim[. Does this mean that dogs are to be despised or mistreated?
Certainly not. Just because one does not keep a dog inside his home
and doesn't drink after it, doesn't give him the right to neglect it,
mistreat it or kill it. The usefulness of this creature of Allaah is
indisputable. No other animal can compete withit in its loyalty to its
caregiver, its abilities as aguard and its talent for hunting.
In fact, in the chapter "The Cave", the Quran reveals the story of
some youths who had faith and trust in Allaah, who took refuge in a
cave from the persecution andviolence of the unbelievers of their day.
That these righteous people had a dog with them, and the fact that
Allaah mentions the dog and counts the dog among them, indicates that
dogs are permitted to live among people.
The Quran says )what means(:"And you would think them awake, while
they were asleep. And We turned them to the right and to the left,
while their dog stretched his two forelegs at the entrance )of the
cave as a guard(..."]Quran 18:18[
Thus, dogs may be used for guards as well as for hunting as the Noble
Quran also states )what means(:"They ask you, )O Muhammad(, what has
been made lawful for them. Say: 'Lawful for you are )all( good foods
and )game caught by( whatyou have trained of hunting, animals which
you train as Allaahhas taught you. So eat of what they catch for you,
and mention the name of Allaah upon it, and fear Allaah.' Indeed
Allaah is swiftin account." ]Quran 5:4[
In two separate narrations by Abu Hurayrahthe Prophet, told his
companions of the virtue of saving the life of a dog by giving it
water and quenching its thirst. One story referred to a man who was
blessed by Allaah for giving water toa thirsty dog, the other was a
prostitute who filled her shoe with water and gave it to a dog, who
had its tongue lolling out from thirst. Forthis deed she was granted
the ultimate reward, the eternalParadiseunder which rivers flow, to
live therein forever. ]Muslim[
Let us reflect upon this and beware of our duty towards Allaah's
creatures, which He has put on earth for our use and not for our
abuse. When the Prophet, was asked if Allaah rewarded acts of charity
to the animals, he, replied: "Yes, there is a reward for acts of
charityto every beast alive." Let us fear Allaah with regard to His
creatures, lest we earn His Wrath. Let us go forth in supportand love
for animals, knowing that Allaah, The Most High, considers such a
deed done for His Sake as being worthy of the reward of Paradise.

Dought & clear, - Is feeling proud of one’s religion a kind of blameworthy pride?.

Is there anything wrongwith a person feeling proud of his religion or
feeling proud of a person who does something good? Because we know
that pride in the heart is something bad.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
With regard to feeling proud of one's religion and of belonging to it,
this is something that is prescribed in Islam and is a righteous deed.
A story from one of the battles illustrates this point: Abu Sufyaan,
the leader of Quraysh, expressed pride in his religion and the
religionof his people – as he hadnot yet entered Islam. The Prophet
(blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) answered his boast with an
expressionof the Muslim's pride in his religion and his affirmation of
the Oneness of the Lord of the Worlds.
Al-Bukhaari narrated in hisSaheeh(3039) from the hadeeth of al-Bara'
ibn 'Aazib (may Allah be pleased with him) that after the battle Abu
Sufyaan ibn Harb startedcomposing rajz verse and saying: "Rise in
honour, Hubal; rise in honour Hubal."
The Prophet blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "Why don't
you answer him?"
They said: "O Messenger of Allah, what should wesay?"
He said: "Say: Allah is Most High and Most Glorious."
Abu Sufyaan said: We have al-'Uzza and you have no 'Uzza."
The Prophet blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "Why
don''t you answer him?"
They said: "O Messenger of Allah, what should wesay?"
He said: "Say: Allah is ourSupporter and you have no supporter!"
Allah, may He be exalted,has taught His slaves thattrue pride and
perfect honour can only be achieved by obeying Allah. Allah, may He be
exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Whosoever desires honour, power and glory then to Allaah belong all
honour, power and glory [and one can get honour, power and glory only
by obeying and worshipping Allaah (Alone)]. To Him ascend (all) the
goodly words, and the righteous deeds exalt it (i.e. the goodly words
are not accepted by Allaah unless and until they are followed by good
deeds), but those who plot evils, theirs will be severe torment. And
the plotting of such will perish"
[Faatir 35:10].
i.e., and whoever would like to be honoured in this world and the
Hereafter, let him adhere to obedience to Allah, then he will attain
what he wants, because Allah is the Sovereign of this world and the
Hereafter, and all honour, power and glory belong to Him, as He says
(interpretation of the meaning):
"Those who take disbelievers for Awliyaa' (protectors or helpers or
friends) instead of believers, do they seek honour, power and glory
with them? Verily, then to Allaah belongs all honour, power and glory"
[al-Nisa' 4:139]
"And let not their speechgrieve you (O Muhammad r), for all power and
honour belong to Allaah"
[Yoonus 10:65]
"But honour, power and glory belong to Allaah, and to His Messenger
(Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلم(, and to the believers, but the hypocrites
know not"
[al-Munaafiqoon 63:8].
Mujaahid said: "Whosoever desires honour, power and glory" [al-Faatir
35:10] by worshipping idols, "then to Allaah belong all honour, power
andglory.
Qataadah said:"Whosoever desires honour, power and glory then to
Allaah belong all honour, power and glory"i.e., lethim seek honour,
powerand glory by obeying Allah, may He be glorified and exalted.
Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 6/536
Secondly:
With regard to a person feeling proud of himself,if it is because he
is religiously committed, righteous and pious, then it is good, but if
it isbecause of anything else, such as lineage, ancestry, wealth,
position or status amongpeople, then this is an act of Jaahiliyyah and
is not permissible.
Muslim (1550) narrated from Abu Maalik al-Ash'ari (may Allah be
pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be
upon him) said: "There are four matters of Jaahiliyyah in my ummah
that they will not give up: pride in one's forefathers, slandering
lineages, seeking rain by the stars and wailing (for the dead)."
Muslim (5109) also narrated from 'Iyaad ibnHimaar al-Mujaasha'i (may
Allah be pleased with that) that the Messenger of Allah (sa) said one
day in his khutbah: "Allah has revealed to me that you should be
humble so that no one will boast to anyone else and no one will
transgress against anyone else."
Al-Majd Ibn Tamiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Allah has
forbidden on the lips of His Prophet two types of mistreatment of
people: pride and transgression against them and scorn.
Fayd al-Qadeer, 2/217
The guideline with regard to this issue is: whatever is a source of
pride and honour because of religion is part of the religion and is
praiseworthy; any source of pride other than that is blameworthy.
But feeling proud because of doing acts of obedience and worship means
feeling happy that one has been enabled to do that and feeling proud
of belonging to people who do that, and praising Allah for saving him
from shirk and its people, and from sin andits path.
As for looking down on the slaves of Allah and feeling that one is
abovethem because of acts of obedience that one has done, this is the
worst type of pride and arrogance, and the one who is like this is on
the brink of disaster and there is a danger that hisdeeds will be
thrown back at him.
And Allah knows best.

Dought & clear, - Is it permissible to put on a “magic show” and is it permissible to attend it?

What is your opinion onchildren watching shows for children which
include "magic" and the like? Some of the brothers in our mosque put
on a show that included "magic tricks", and I did not want my children
to go, so I did not let them. What is your opinion?
Praise be to Allah.
What we understand from the question is thata show was put on in the
mosque by children, in which there was whatis called "leger de main
(sleight of hand)" or "magic tricks". If this is what happened, then
you did well by not letting your children attend that show, in which
this evil action was done. The ones whoapproved of that and helped to
make it happen have done something wrong, and this is exacerbated if
the show was in the mosqueand if it was done by children. We hope that
they will not do this again. What they should be doing is raising
Muslim children with decent morals and manners, teaching them
beneficial knowledge and instilling in them the beliefs of Ahl
as-Sunnah wa'l-Jamaa'ah, without any contamination or confusion. If
you want toadvise them and denounce what was done, then you should do
so in a gentle and kind manner.
It should be noted that the magic which Allah, may He be exalted,
condemns and against which the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah
be upon him) warned is that which may be called "the magicof
illusion". Allah, may He be exalted, mentioned it in His Holy Book,
when He said (interpretation of the meaning):"Then behold,their ropes
and their sticks, by their magic, appeared to him as though they moved
fast" [Ta-Ha 20:66]. Allah, may He be exalted, called this action of
theirs magic, and He called them magicians. Moreover, such shows may
give the impression that magic and magicians are harmless. This was an
error on the part of those who put onthese shows in the context of
educating children, in addition to the fact that it is a sin in and of
itself.
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan (may Allah preserve him) was asked:
What is the ruling on watching the "magic of illusion", whether that
isin real life or on television?
He replied:
It is not permissible to watch magic, whether it is real or is just
illusions. It is not permissible because it is falsehood, and it is
not permissible to witness or watch falsehood, because by watching it
one has approved of it, unless heis watching it in order todenounce it
and strive toput an end to it. In that case there is nothing wrong
with it. But if he watches it and says nothing, or he tells others
about it, this is haraam because it is idleentertainment.
End quote from the shaykh's website: http://www.alfawzan.ws /node/4827
The shaykh (may Allah preserve him) was also asked:
Often during the summer vacation there are festivals that are held for
leisure purposes, in which thereare circuses, and they bring people
who do things like tightrope walking or pulling cars along with their
hair or eating live coals, and other such things. Some of them appear
to be righteous. What is the ruling on these actions of theirs?
He replied: This comes from the Shaytaan, and these actions are from
the Shaytaan; no one can eat live coals, or drink boiling water. How
can he eat live coals? He is lying; it appears to the people asif he
is eating live coals, but in fact the coal does not reach him and does
not even come near his body. The same applies to the car that he pulls
along (with his hair). It isnot permissible for the Muslims to approve
of these things, even if theycall it illusion or artistry, or whatever
they call it. We should not open the door to magic, witchcraft, and
trickery. This is something that is not permissible and the
authorities should prevent it. It is obligatory for them to prevent it
right now andnot to approve of it. None of the seekers of knowledge
should keep quiet about this matter.
End quote from the shaykh's website: :
http://www.alfawzan.ws /node/48273
If your question is about something other than what we have mentioned,
then we hope that you will get intouch with us again and explain
further what is meant. We appreciate your efforts to take care of your
children and give them a sound Islamic upbringing.
And Allah knows best.

Dought & clear, - What is the ruling on eating beef that the country imports via smuggling and bribery?

I am from Bangladesh and the state cannot provide beef for its
inhabitants who number one hundred and forty million. On theother side
of the border,India is a huge country and they do not eat beef and
some states in India do not allow the Muslims to eat beef. Hence the
demand for cattle in Bangladesh hasled to a huge trade in smuggling
the animals, because India does not sell cattle legally. Hence some
people smuggle thousands of cattle to Bangladesh every day, and they
pay bribes at the Indian border and at the Bangladeshi border for the
purpose of smuggling.
My question is: 99% of the meat that is available – and the cows that
are slaughtered on Eid – are smuggled illegally from India.
Is it permissible for us to eat the meat of cattle that come to us by
means of bribery and smuggling?
Praise be to Allah.
There is no sin on you for buying beef in your country and eating it,
even if smuggling is widespread, for the following reasons:
Firstly:
The basic principle is that it is permissible to eat meat that is sold
in Muslim markets without asking or enquiring into its origin and
source, on the grounds that what appears to be the case is that the
meat is being sold in a permissible manner in a legitimate
marketplace; so the Muslim should not concern himself with asking
questions or examining details. The Mother of the Believers 'Aa'ishah
(may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that some people said: O
Messengerof Allah, some people bring meat to us and we do not know
whether they mentioned the name of Allah over it or not. The Messenger
of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "Say the
nameof Allah over it and eat it."
Narrated by Muslim in hisSaheeh(2057).
Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
We learn from this that everything that is found in the markets of the
Muslims may be taken as legitimate.
End quote fromFath al-Baari(9/635).
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
(The scholars) were unanimously agreed that it is permissible to buy
meat without askingfor proof that it is halaal,being content with the
word of the slaughterer and the seller.
End quote fromI'laam al-Muwaqqi'een(2/181)
Secondly:
If we assume that there is something wrong, it only affects the one
whois doing the smuggling and breaking the law. Asfor the buyer
himself, heis not committing any sin or doing anything wrong, and he
is not helping in any sin or transgression. Allah, mayHe be glorified
and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
"No person earns any (sin) except against himself (only), and no
bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another. Then unto your
Lord is your return, so Hewill tell you that wherein you have been
differing"
[al-An'aam 6:164].
Thirdly:
Beef that has been slaughtered properly is halaal meat according tothe
consensus of the fuqaha', and it does not become haraam if it reaches
the country by illegal means. The prohibition [on smuggling] does not
apply to the meat itself, contrary to the case if the cow is
slaughtered in a way that is not prescribed in Islam, such as if the
name of Allah is not mentioned over it orit is slaughtered in a manner
other than that used by the Muslims. In that case its meat is haraam.
As for smuggling, the prohibition does not make the meat haraam;
rather the wrongdoing in this case is limited to breaking the law of
the land.
Fourthly:
The fact that the people would suffer a great deal of hardship if a
fatwa were to be issued forbidding them to buy this meat is sufficient
evidence that it is permissible. According to what is mentioned in the
question, the vast majority of the meat that is sold in the
marketplaces comes from the smuggling mentioned. Moreover, there would
be a huge rise in prices if this source of meat was banned. The basic
shar'i principle on which thereis scholarly consensus says that
hardship makesit permissible to be lax inimplementing shar'i rules.
To sum up:
Regardless of the laws ofthese countries and whether they allow the
importing of cattle or not, and regardless of the extent to which that
serves the interests of the people or not, none of that has any impact
on the meat of these cattle, even if the consumer is certain that it
comes from smuggled cattle.
And Allah knows best.

Big Ship that Landed on an Island: Life of this World and Hereafter in Islam

There was once a big ship that landed on an Island. The Captain said
to the people: "Dear passengers, we will anchor here for you to gather
provision and admire the nature and we shall move on with our journey
in a few hours time".
All passengers got off androamed around the island in groups.
Some 'Wise' gentlemen and ladies walked peacefully, collected some
souvenirs and food for the journey and returned quickly to the ship.
Since they were the first ones back, they got the best and comfortable
places on the ship.
The second group of 'Forgetful' people walked, played and enjoyed
their time. They admired the island and explored its nature. But soon
they remembered the ship, so they ran back, without any food and
souvenirs. Coming onboard, they were tired, but alas the best seats
were taken, so they had to do with the less comfortable ones.
The third group of ' Greedyand Lustful' people got amazed by the
wonders of this island and they began to collect its plants and
precious stones. After a while, having heard the call of their
captain, they started to head back to the ship, carrying plants,
stones and jewelry of all colors and value. However, the heaviness of
the treasure they eagerly wanted to bring back slowed their return,and
by the time they reached the shore, the boat had already left.
And finally, some 'Aimlessand Narrow-Minded' people, convinced
themselves that the island was all there is andthe ship was just
something they had imagined. They thus explored the island and built
for themselves houses. The boat, of course left them to perishon the
island and to be forgotten by everyone.
Similarly, on our journey to Allah (SWT), The Creator, we have landed
on this island, called the World (Dunya).
Some 'Wise' gentlemen and ladies will walk around and collect good
deeds, love and knowledge of Allah (SWT)and quickly return to
TheCreator. They of course will be handed paradise, the best of it!
The second group of 'Forgetful' people will getdistracted by the world
(Dunya) until their last moment. They will then repent at the last
minute.Perhaps they will make it and get the lowest levels of paradise
(Jannah).
The third group of 'Greedy and Lustful' people will be amazed bythe
world, and get attracted by its temporary and fake beauty. They will
indulge in desire and food and be illusion by it. Perhaps, a call will
bring them back to realization, but alas, the attraction will be too
much to leave behind and they will missthe ship of salvation.
And finally, some 'Aimlessand Narrow-Minded' people will just ignore
the journey to Allah (SWT) and pretend that this world is all there
is. They will take their houses as their homes and their desires as
god. Indeed history as seen many people as such, but no one remembers
them. They have been left in hell.
So, my friend... The ship is waiting, please jump on board! Your
Creator Allah (SWT) is calling you: Oh man! Surely you must strive to
your Lord, a hard striving, until you meet Him. Noble Qur'an (84:6)
Imam Ali Naqi (as)said: The world is a market in which one group makes
profit and another groupincurs loss.
Imam Mohammad Bagher(as) said: The one that sincerity of truth and
faith took place in his heart, will turn his face from decorations and
ornaments of the world.
Moral of the Story: Those who spend their lives devoted blindly to
worldly goods will realizethat they consumed all their lives chasing
illusions. They will realizetheir ridiculous situation after they die.
Only then will the ultimate purpose of life, to be a sincere servant
of Allah (SWT), beclear to them.

No Escape From Death: A Real Life Story of ProphetSolomon / Sulaiman (as)

Almighty Allah (SWT) made Prophet Solomon / Sulaiman (as)King of a
vast kingdom, which included His entire creation. The Jinn and men
obeyed his will and even the birds adhered to his commands, to the
extent of using their wings to provide shelter for him. He was also
given many other powerssuch as being able to talkto animals and
control the wind so that it could carry him wherever he wished to go.
Prophet Solomon (as) was blessedwith an extraordinary power of
perception and intelligence.
It is narrated that one day, a man entered the court of Prophet
Solomon (as), looked around at all the people and went out again. When
the court adjourned, one of the people present approached Prophet
Sulaiman (as) and asked him whether he knew this strange man.
"The person you saw wasthe angel of death (Izrael)" replied Prophet
Solomon (as). The man was taken aback and looked worried.
"Why was he staring at me as though he wanted to take my soul?" he asked.
"What do you want me todo?" enquired Prophet Sulaiman (as).
"O Solomon!" exclaimed the man. "You have power over the wind. Command
it to transport me to the land of Hind (India)."
As the man was a believer, Prophet Solomon (as) agreed and granted his wish.
A few days later, Prophet Solomon (as) saw the angel of death again.
He asked him why he had been staring at the man so intently on that
particular day.
"O Solomon!" replied the angel of death. "Allah (SWT) commanded me to
take the soul of that man on the soil of Hind. When I saw him sitting
in your court, I could not understand how I could carry out Allah's
order. Nevertheless, as it was a divine command, I left for Hind and
fortunately found the man there. I took his soul as Allah (SWT) had
commanded."
There is nothing more certain than death. It is a reality, which
nobody can escape from. Allah (SWT), the Almighty says:"Wherever you
may be, death shall overtake you, even if you were in fortified
towers". Noble Qur'an (4:78)
Imam Ali (as)said: Any breath that a man breathes is a step towards death.
Imam Ali (as) said: You are the game that death hunts. If you stand
still it will seize (catch) you. If you ran (flee) away it
willovertake you.