The glorious equilibrium in the BigBang

All explosions cause damage to an already existing order, and their
effects are always destructive.
There is only one explosion to which this does not apply:
The Big Bang
The Big Bang theory states that the universe came into being with a
single, enormous explosion. Under normal circumstances, explosions
fling matter outward and disorder it. Yet the Big Bang had a
completely opposite effect. It caused pieces of matter to combine
together and give rise to whole galaxies.
The matter that came into being with the Big Bang acquired an
"extraordinary" form and regularity. In the wake of that explosion,
planets, galaxies and stars all formed in a flawless manner.
The flawless order and equilibrium in the Big Bang, which has been
proved with modern scientific findings, definitively prove that the
universe was created by Allah, the Almighty.
I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed satan;
He [Allah] is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. (Surat
al-An'am, 101)
One dimension of the stunningly delicate order in the Big Bang is its speed.
The speed of the expansion of the universe was determined with an
extraordinary sensitivity, calculated and set into motion
perfection:
- The speed of the expansion of the universe is so critical
that if it had been less than one in one hundred million parts
slower in the first second after the Big Bang, the universe would
have imploded without ever reaching its present state.
- If the universe had expanded just a little faster after the
Big Bang all existing matter would have been simply scattered around
and disappeared.
- If the speed of the explosion had been just one part in 10
-18 different, this would have been enough to destroy the entire
equilibrium.
- If the density of the universe had been just slightly
greater, then the universe could not have expanded at all, and would
again have contracted back to a single point.
- If the density had been slightly less, then the universe
would have expanded at top speed, in which case atomic particles
would fail to attract and bind to one another, and the stars and
galaxies would never have formed.
These sensitive balances, a flawless universe, the systems within
that universe, the stars, the Earth and all the people, trees,
animals, flowers and other living things on Earth could not have
come about by the spontaneous combination of atoms in the wake of a
random explosion. All the details we see, wherever we look, are
evidence of the existence and power of Almighty Allah.
Science proves creation. Allah definitely exists. He is the sole Lord
of the skies, the Earth and the wondrous equilibrium in the
universe. Allah created the universe from nothing.
This conclusion reached by modern science was foretold in the Qur'an
1,400 years ago:
Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days
and then settled Himself firmly on the Throne. He covers the day
with the night, each pursuing the other urgently; and the sun and
moon and stars are subservient to His command. Both creation and
command belong to Him. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all the
worlds. (Surat al-A'raf, 54)

The Bolas Spider That Hunts by Lassoing Its Prey

People generally think of spiders as hunting for their prey by building webs.
However, the Bolas spider's hunting technique is quite
extraordinary. It first produces a thread stronger than silk inside
its own body. It then places very powerful and sticky droplets on
the end of this thread. It then dangles the thread from a tree,
rather like a fishing rod, and begins patiently waiting for its
prey. It also employs a miraculous tactic to attract its prey toward
it. It manufactures a scent in its body and then releases it! How?
Female moths release a special scent hormone known as a pheromone
to attract males. Bolas spiders replicate this scent and place it at
the edge of the lure. In addition, they can change this pheromone
to match the features of other insect species. Deceived, the male
moth heads in the direction the scent comes from. When the moth
approaches, the spider places the lasso on its two front feet and
casts it, faster than the human eye can see. The sticky tip flies
through the air and sticks to the moth's body, and the prey is
caught. The adhesive substance sticks to the moth's body and the
insect is reeled in. The fine but very strong thread can easily
carry living things much heavier than itself at its tip. The Bolas
spider wraps the moth up in a special silk it produces. The
distinguishing feature of this silk is that it keeps the food fresh
for a long time. The spider thus keeps its prey fresh to be
consumed at a later time.
Its marvelous plan has worked.
There is another point to bear in mind here.
The Bolas spider is practically blind. Yes, that's right! Spiders'
eyesight is very poor, but they can perceive the vibrations caused
by insects when they fly. Although the Bolas spider is almost blind,
it can catch a flying insect with the help of the lasso it makes
itself hanging suspended in the air. This is an obvious miracle.
Let us now review what the Bolas did in order to hunt, step by step:
-It manufactured a silk thread stronger than steel but highly
flexible, and prepared an adhesive ball right at the end of it...
-It produced a scent manufactured by an insect, from a totally
different species to its own, and released it...
-It threw the lasso at its prey faster than the human eye can see.
-The lasso hit the target even though the spider was suspended in the air.
-Finally, it wrapped its prey up in a special silk to keep it fresh.
Almighty Allah, Lord of the universe and all living things, once
again shows us His sublime and unique creative artistry in this
spider.
The way that every spider ever born knows the hunting techniques
employed by its own species is a miracle all by itself. For example,
this Bolas spider made its first lasso when it was still a baby; at
that time, it is smaller than a fingertip. The lasso is smaller
than a pinhead. But it knows just what it has to do.
There is no doubt that this ability to spin webs and set traps shows
that spiders are "inspired." It is without doubt Almighty Allah,
Lord of all the worlds, Who creates these creatures with these
wondrous characteristics and inspires in them all they do.
I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed satan-
I have put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord. There is no
creature He does not hold by the forelock. My Lord is on a Straight
Path. (Surah Hud, 56)

How do our cells recognize and bind toone another?

Every cell that multipli es and divides as the embryo develops
knows what its task is and heads towards the relevant location in
the body. Bone cells locate other bone cells and adhere to them,
while eye cells bind to eye cells and other cells to others of
their kind.
Let us now examine these statements with care.
Every cell that multiplies and divides knows what its task is. In
these images you are looking at, you are seeing a fertilized egg
multiply and divide. As the number of cells grows, cells begin
grouping together. It is at this stage that the decision is taken as
to what tasks these cells will undertake in the body. Some cells
group together as muscle cells, others as nerve cells and others
again as bone cells.
So how and why do these millions of constantly multiplying cells
decide to become nerve, heart, muscle or liver cells?
Scientists discovered that cells use calcium in order to join
together. They first combined and separated various embryonic cells
in a laboratory environment by reducing the amount of calcium. The
cells in this calcium-deprived environment could not combine
together. They then added calcium to these cells and saw that cells
of the same type recognized one another and joined together. In
other words, all liver cells, heart cells, stomach cells and all the
other types of cells recognize each other, come together and give
rise to the relevant organ.
But how is it that these cells find one another, making no mistakes,
and combine to create an organ?
Combination takes place in three stages; cell activation, mutual
recognition and finally binding together.
Cell activation takes place with micro- protrusions which resemble
fingers on the surface of the cell. By means of these protrusions,
a bone cell moves along millions of developing cells and finds
another bone cell to adhere to. But in order for a cell to move
among millions of cells, the fluid inside the cell has to be of just
the right thickness. If the fluid were a little bit thicker, the
cell could not bear the resistance, and therefore could not move.
That would make it impossible for cells to produce first a tissue
and then later an organ.
THAT IS, IF CELLS DID NOT MOVE, our organs would not be formed.
The answer to the question of how a liver cell recognizes another
liver cell lies in the wondrous proteins on the cell membrane.
Known as cadherins , these proteins first move toward the cell
surface before binding takes place. They settle on the cell
membrane and form a bridge between the inside of the cell and the
outside. There are various types of cadherins. When two cells with
the same cadherin molecules make contact, they recognize one
another and binding begins. During the binding process, molecules
on both the inside and outside of the cell become involved and
establish a glorious cooperation together. The cadherin protein
has the ability to bind to that part of the calcium remaining
outside the cell. That is why calcium is one of the chemicals
necessary for cells to bind to one another.
You are now seeing how nerve cells that recognize one another during
embryonic development fold in on themselves after binding together.
This takes place as cells with the same kind of cadherin bind
together. When this process is over, all the nerve cells gather
together in a single layer.
Two binding molecules use the force of attraction to join together.
In order for a force of attraction to be established between cells,
the distance between the two surfaces of the binding molecules has
to be less than one nanometer and they have to be at the same level.
While it is difficult for these conditions to be met the cells
still manage to combine together because the force of attraction is
capable of bearing a load of 40 nanograms; if the force of
attraction between cells were not that strong, it would be
impossible for one cell to bind to another. Allah has created this
force attraction in such a sensitive manner that this bond permits
both a very powerful binding force among cells as well as providing
for a degree of flexibility, meaning it can be dissolved when
necessary.
If our cells lacked this superb functioning that allows them to
identify one another, we could not survive because in the event of
any sickness, our red blood corpuscles would be unable to defend
the body, our blood would not clot and, most important of all, the
cells that give rise to our organs during embryonic development
could not combine together.
This flawless functioning in our bodies is one of the manifestations
of Allah's glorious creative artistry.
I seek refuge in Allah from the satan;
Does not man recall that We created him before when he was not
anything? (Surah Maryam, 67)

Fathwa, - Is it permissible to take passport picture without a headscarf?

Question:
A sister was told in order to obtain a visa, she must take a picture
for her passport without a headscarf (not just niqab) -- her family
wants to know if it would be permissible/impermissible and whatever
the ruling, they would like to know the proofs behind it.
Answer:
Wa `alaykum as-Salam wa rahmatullah:
It is neither permissible in the Law nor, to our knowledge, required
by any country for passports, and the proofs behind the ruling of the
Divine Law are those of the hijab; unless it is a matter of life and
death or assured expectation of harm to one's life or property or
religion as in the case of fleeing a land of disbelief to a land of
Islam, in which cases it would be permitted and Allah knows best.

Fathwa, - The Female Voice & Gender Interaction

Question:
I was told that hanafi women are not allowed to speak when non-mahram
men are present, is this true? Also I was told that according to the
maliki position that women can speak to non-mahrams, but on a business
level. What is the hanafi position on women speaking amongst
non-mahram men in and out of the masjid?
Answer:
Wa `alaykum Assalam wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuhu,
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful & Compassionate
Please see the following links which relate to your question:
In which cases is a woman's voice considered awrah?
The female voice and singing
Women's Singing and Qur'an Recitation in Public
Questions on Women's Prayer: Women's Congregational Prayer, Raising
the Voice When Alone, Giving Adhan and Iqama
Mixed Gatherings: A detailed response regarding gender interaction
Wassalam,
Hanafi Fiqh Team

Fathwa, - Can women uncover their neck?

Question:
Can women uncover their neck?
Answer:
Assalamu alaykum
A woman is obliged to cover everything but her face, hands and feet,
although it is more precautionary for her to cover her feet as well
due to the scholarly difference regarding the permissibility of
showing them. What is intended by �face� here is the same as is
intended by �face� in the ritual ablution. The face extends from the
normal hairline to the bottom of the chin and from earlobe to earlobe
in width. A woman is therefore not permitted to show her ears nor her
neck. [al-Hadiyya al-`Ala�iyya]

Fathwa, - Necessity of outer garment for females?

Question:
Is it necessary for females to wear an outer garment over their
clothes to cover themselves if their clothing is adequately covering
their body?
Answer:
Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah,
It is obligatory for both men and women to cover their �nakedness�
(awra), and to do so in a modest manner, such that the shape of their
limbs under this area is not defined.
An outer garment (jilbab) is one means for this for women; it is not
per se obligatory.
Wassalam.

The ideal Muslim in the community

The Muslim community is based on sincerity, purity of human feelings
and fulfillment of rights and needs to every member.
The Muslim has a mission in life. Within the community he calls the
people to Islam with good preaching and the best character. He teaches
from what he learns and deals with those whom he comes in contact with
based on Islamic values and morals. All this is done seeking the
pleasure of Allaah, the Exalted, while striving to attain the reward
of His Paradise.
Wherever the Muslim is, he should be a beacon of guidance and a
positive source of correction and education, through both his words
and deeds.
The true Muslim has a refined social personality of the highest
degree, which qualifies him to undertake his duty of calling others to
Islam. He demonstrates the true values of his religion and the
practical application of those values by attaining beautiful Islamic
attributes. His distinct social character represents a huge store of
Islamic values, which can be seen by the way in which he interacts
with the people around him.
The Muslim, as Islam meant him to be, is a unique and remarkable
person in his attitude, conduct and relationships with others at all
levels. He treats them well by being friendly with them, humble,
gentle of speech and avoiding offence. He likes others and is liked by
them. He tries to follow the example of the Prophetas he was the best
of people in his attitude towards others. Hesaid:"Nothing will weigh
more heavily in the Balance of the believing slave on the Day of
Resurrection than a good attitude towards others."]At-Tirmithi[
Because Islam is based on truthfulness, the Muslim is always truthful
with all people. Truthfulness leads to goodness and goodness leads
toParadise. Therefore the Muslim strives to be true in all his words
and deeds.
The Muslim never gives false statements, because this attitude is
forbidden in the Quran. Allaah, the Most Glorified, Says )what
means(:"…And shun the word that is false."]Quran 22: 30[
The Muslim seeks to offer sincere advice to everyone he comes in
contact with. It's not just the matter of volunteering to do good out
of generosity; it is a duty enjoined by Islam. The Prophetsaid") The
essence of( Religion is )offering sincere( advice."]Muslim[
By the favor of Allaah, the Muslim is a guide for others to righteous
deeds, whether by his actions or words. He never cheats, deceives or
stabs in the back. These shameful acts are beneath him, as they
contradict the values of truthfulness. The Prophetsaid:"…whoever
cheats is not one of us."]Muslim[
When the Muslim promises something, he means to keep his promise.This
attitude stems naturally from truthfulness, and indicates the high
level of civility attained by the one who exhibits it. Allaah Says
)what means(:"And fulfill every engagement, for ]every[ engagement
will be enquired into ]on the Day of Reckoning[."]Quran 17: 34[
One of the worst characteristics that Islam abhors is hypocrisy,
therefore the Muslim can never be a hypocrite; he is frank and open in
his words and opinions. The Prophetsaid:"One of the worst people is a
double-faced man, who comes to one group with one face and to another
group with a totally different face."]Al-Bukhaari[
Islam does not approve of begging. It makes it a sin that a person
should beg when he has enough to satisfy his immediate
needs.Therefore, the Muslim does not beg. If he is faced with
difficulty and poverty, he seeks refuge in patience, whilst doubling
his effort to find a way out. The Prophetsaid:"Whoever refrains from
asking from people, Allaah will help him…"]Al-Bukhaari & Muslim[
A sign of one's excellence in Islam, is his ignoring what does not
concern him. The Muslim should only participate in what concerns him,
such as anything that is his property, right, obligation or under his
control. To be concerned with something entails preserving and taking
care of this thing that one is allowed to be concerned with. The
Prophetsaid:"A sign of a person's being a good Muslim is that he
should leave alone that which does not concern him."]At-Tirmithi[
The Muslim never searches for people's faults or slander their honor.
He doesn't slip into the error of pride, boasting and showing off. He
judges fairly, is never unjust )even to those whom he does not like(
or biased by his own whims, and avoids suspicion. He does not rejoice
in the misfortunes of anyone. He carefully avoids uttering any word of
slander, cursing, malicious gossip and foul language.
He does not make fun of people but is gentle, kind, compassionate and
merciful, strives for people's benefit and seeks to protect and help
them.
One of the virtues of such a great value and importance that Islam,
not only recommends, but also orders Muslims to characterize
themselves with, is generosity. Therefore, the Muslim is generous and
gives freely without waste to those who are in need. When he gives, he
does not remind people of his generosity. He is patient, tries hard to
control his anger and is forgiving. He does not bear grudges or
resentments, and is easy on people, not hard.
One of the worst diseases of the heart is envy, which leads to foul
conduct and bad behavior. Therefore the Muslim is not envious, because
he knows that the pleasures of this life are as nothing in comparison
to the reward that Allaah has prepared for the believers, and that
whatever happens in life happens according to the decree of Allaah.
The Muslim, who truly understands the teachings of his religion, is
gentle, friendly, cheerful and warm. He mixes with people and gets
along with them. He is humble and modest; and does not look down at
other people. He is lighthearted and has a sense of humor and does not
disdain others. His jokes are distinguished by their legitimate
Islamic nature. He is keen to bring happiness to people. It is an
effective means of conveying the message of truth to them, and
exposing them to its moral values, because people only listen to those
whom they like, trust and accept.
The Muslim keeps secrets; keeping secrets is a sign of maturity, moral
strength, wisdom and balanced personality. He is concerned about the
affairs of people in general. He is happy to welcome his guests and
hastens to honor them.
The Prophetsaid:"Everyreligion has a )distinct( characteristic and the
characteristic of Islam is modesty."]Ibn Maajah[ The Muslim adheres to
the principle of modesty in all things. He does not accept every
custom that is widely accepted by others, for there may be customs
which go against Islam.
The Muslim does not enter a house other than his own without seeking
permission and greeting people. He sits wherever he finds room when he
joins a gathering. He avoids whispering and conversing privately when
he is in a group of three. He gives due respect to elders and those
who deserve to be respected )like scholars etc.(.
Allaah Almighty Says )what means(:"Invite mankind to the way of your
Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways
that are best and most gracious."]Quran 16:125[ The Muslim is aware of
his duty to call others to Islam, and does not spare any effort to do
so. He enjoins what is good and forbids what is evil and mixes with
righteous people. He visits the sick cheerfully. He attends the
funeral of the Muslim and accompanies the body until it is buried.

Secularism and its dangers -I

Allaah, the Most Exalted, sent down The Book )the Noble Quran( to
clarify all things and to give Guidance and Mercy to people who
believe.
He sent His Messenger, Muhammadwith guidance and the true religion
with which He opened blinded eyes, deaf ears, and sealed hearts. With
it, He eliminated the darkness of ignorance and stupidity and released
the chains of polytheism such that misguidance became a legend of the
past and worshipping idols became an old myth.
A Muslim wonders at the stupidity of the polytheists. Allaah Says
)what means(:"He whom Allaah guides is rightly guided but he whom He
leads astray never will you find for him a protective guide."]Quran
18: 17[
We must always remember though, that trials are continuous and the
substance of evil remains till today. Devils among humankind and Jinns
continue to spread misguidance, and to make it seem attractive and
spread it by means of all tongues. Allaah Says )what means(:"And thus
we have made for every Prophet an enemy, devils from mankind and Jinn,
inspiring to one another decorated speech and delusion."]Quran 6:112[
It is mandatory upon us to know the ways of misguidance, warn people
of it, expose it, expose its objectives and block the way for those
who call to it. By doing this, Muslims can be aware of what their Lord
wants of them and have proper insight so as not to be harmed by the
plotting and planning of the misguided ones.
Today, in the Muslim world, many different philosophies and ideologies
are propagated…ones that deceive numerous people with its superficial
sparkle and glory. Many slogans and terms have captured the minds of
people and control their way of thinking.
These false beliefs are like a disease and are of the fire. If it has
been decreed for these false beliefs to be disseminated, they will not
overcome anyone but will turn him into disintegrated ruins.
One of these ideologies is secularism, which has infiltrated into the
Muslim communities. Perhaps one of the most serious challenges that
face the people of Ahlus-Sunnah Wal-Jamaa'ah )the true Islamic
methodology( at this time is to overthrow these false beliefs, clarify
their vague statements and expose the reality of the obscure slogans
behind which secularism hides and spreads its poison in the minds and
hearts of the people of this nation.
For this reason, it is necessary to unmask the true face of this
ideology which is misguided and misguiding at the same time.
Secularism, in its correct definition, is the belief that religion
should not enter into the affairs of the state; it denies any form of
religious faith and worship. Thus, secularism is the antithesis of
Islamic monotheism, which, from the perspective of Islam, is the
greatest reality and truth.
Ibn Taimiyyahsaid in his book 'Al-Uboodiyyah' )Servitude(: "Mankind is
at the crossroad that has two roads, no third to it. It is either that
he chooses servitude to Allaah or he rejects the servitude to Him. To
fully believe in the servitude to Allaah, excluding all others,
knowing that servitude to anyone else but Allaah, great or small, is
the worshiping of Satan."
Allaah Says )what means(:"Did I not enjoin upon you O Children of
Aadam that you not worship Satan for indeed he is to you a clear enemy
and that you worship only me. This is the straight path."]Quran
36:60-61[ This includes the Arabs about whom Allaah Said )what
means(:"They call upon- instead of Him- none but female deities and
they actually call upon none but rebellious Satan."]Quran 4:117[ This
also includes all acts of worship performed toanyone else but Allaah
throughout history.
Some of the acts of worship have changed. The Arabs no longer worship
the idols of the past. However, worship of Satan in itself did not
change. The old idols are replaced with new idols: like the
partisanship, nationalism, secularism, personal freedom, sex and
others.
There are many new idols today. It is indeed the worship of Satan and
Taghoot )anything adorned besides Allaah, be it material idol or
ideology(, which negate the testimony that there is no one worthy of
worship but Allaah. For the meaning of "La ilaaha illa Allaah" )the
first part of the testimony of faith( is to disbelieve in Taghoot and
to believe in Allaah Alone.
Based on this, we can know the ruling of Islam concerning secularism.
Secularism is disbelief and is of the pre-Islamic Taghoot concept
which negates and contradicts "La ilaaha illa Allaah".
Two points which are basic and paired are that firstly, it is ruling
with something other than the rulings of Allaah or what Allaah has
revealed, and secondly, it is associating others in the worship of
Allaah.
Secularism simply means ruling with laws other than the laws of
Allaah; something other than what Allaah has revealed. It is ruling
with a constitution or legislation other than what Allaah has
legislated. The acceptance to be governed by and follow Taghoot
instead of Allaah is the essence of establishing life with no faith
and religion.
Allaah Says )what means(:"And he who does not rule with what Allaah
revealed, indeed, those are the disbelievers."]Quran 5: 44[
Disbelief is of different kinds, of which we must be aware. One aspect
of Jaahiliyyah- pre-Islamic paganism- was the rejection of Allaah. The
rejection of His existence is related to faith and the way life is
perceived, which corresponds to theJaahiliyyah of Communists.
Another aspect is acknowledging the existence of Allaah but in a
perverted way, and deviation in acts of worship. This kind of
Jaahiliyyah is synonymous with the Jaahiliyyah oftheJewsand
Christians.
Another aspect is accepting the existence of Allaah and performing
acts of worship but with a serious deviation in the understanding,
implication and the implementation of "La ilaaha illa Allaah,
Muhammad-ur Rasool-Allaah", which results in a comprehensive
association in the issue of obedience and partnership with Allaah.
This Jaahiliyyah is of those who call themselves Muslims but are
secularists. They think that they are within the fold of Islam and
have all the rights of Muslims by merely uttering the Shahaadah
)saying: "La ilaaha illa Allaah, Muhammad-ur Rasool-Allaah". They
perform these acts of worship in an un-Islamic fashion.

Secularism and its dangers -II

Believers in secularism deal with the aspects of faith and worship
according to what Allaah Wants, but- at the same time- they legislate
rules other than the rules set by Allaah Almighty. In fact, this is
the reality and the basis of Shirk )associating partners with Allaah(,
because the people of Jaahiliyyah )the pre-Islamic paganism( did not
object to the existence of Allaah. Allaah Says )what means(:"And if
you would ask them: 'who created the heavens and the Earth', they
would say: 'Allaah.'"]Quran 31:25[
They also used to have some acts of worship, as Allaah Says )what
means(:"And they assign to Allaah from that which He created of crops
and livestock as a share."]Quran 6:136[ Yet, with all of that, what
was Allaah's ruling regarding such a community? Allaah ruled that they
were disbelievers, and considered these acts collectively to weigh
nothing on the scale of Islam.
That is why long battles took place between them and the Messenger of
Allaahand the fight became intensely aggressive until they could not
settle it but with physical fights, with the sword as the judge.
The subject and the cause behind all of these long aggressive battles
was nothing but that one statement, "La ilaaha illa Allaah". A
statement that the Prophetinsisted on and propagated to the furthest
extent and people of Jaahiliyyah refused to the furthest extent.
From the first instant when the Prophetcalled them to "La ilaaha illa
Allaah", the immediate answer was as Allaah Says in the Quran )what
means(:"Has he made the gods only one God, indeed this is a strange
thing."]Quran 38:5[
The issue was very clear in their minds, that committing to this
statement meant rejecting firmly and giving up completely everything
else besides Allaah. Everything that they were worshiping such as:
idols, the Taghoot of leadership, the tribe, magicians and traditions,
all had to be dropped and they had to completely submit to Allaah
instead. This meant taking all matters, whether minor or significant,
big and small in judgment to Allaah Alone, with no partners.
Likewise, nowadays we have among us those who say that they are
Muslims but they refuse to accept a relationship between religion and
dealings in the worldly life, particularly when it comes to dealing
with money and materialistic issues.
Among us these days are people who are highly educated with PhD's from
different universities of the world and the first questions they
impudently ask are: "What does Islam have to do with our social
behavior? What does Islam have to do with men and women intermingling
on beaches and places of entertainment? What does Islam have to do
with the way women dress on the streets? What does Islam have to do
with women driving cars and mixing with men and her personal freedom
in traveling alone and dealing and running her own affairs?" This,
indeed, is a call towards atheism, because it rejects what Allaah has
revealed in His Book regarding superiority of men over women. Some
question, "What does Islam have to do with releasing the sexual aura
through any means, be it adultery, fornication, or anything else? What
does Islam have to do with the 'civilized' people and what they do"?
So what is the difference between these people and the disbelievers
among the people of Shu'aybwho said to him )what means(:"Does your
religion command you that we should leave what our fathers
worshiped?"]Quran 11:87[ These people question and strongly reject
religion interfering with economics. They reject any connection
between financial dealings and religious faith and morals, saying:
"What does religion have to do with dealing with usury? What does
religion have to do with sly cheating and stealing as long as no one
catches you? What does religion have to do with politics and the
ruling of countries?"
They shamelessly say that if religious morals were to interfere with
the economy they will corrupt and ruin it. Therefore, they are not any
better than the people of Prophet Shu'ayb were.
In today's world, we have a state of ignorance that is worse than that
of the pre-Islamic period, but it claims knowledge and civilization.
Its advocates accuse those who connect between religion and human
social behavior, politics and the economy of being backward and rigid,
labeling them as fundamentalists and extremists.
Is this not the reality of the campaign of those who claim to be
Muslim from the secularists who have corrupted the people and the
land, saying: "Religion and belief is for Allaah, but governing the
land is for the people", i.e. separating state from religion?
It is the habit of hypocrites and secularists who claim to be Muslims,
to not openly reject and show their enmity to Islam. They use the
weapon of the illusion of being Muslim until the time of battle, when
they take the Muslims by surprise.
For that, these hypocrites from among the secularists and, those who
are like them, launch a campaign to deceive the largest possible
number of Muslims and to diminish the small number of people that
might expose, interfere and intercept what they are doing.
Those who campaign in the interest of secularism, while practically
trying to extract Islam from its roots, slowly try to gain the means
of the media to get to masses.
Secularism was born and emerged out of Jaahiliyyah and it is clear
disbelief. This fact is not hidden and there is no doubt about it.
Those who call for secularism create doubt and confusion deliberately.
They know that there is no place for this Jaahiliyyah in the lands and
countries of Muslims, unless they are deceptive and confuse the masses
of Muslims through their false campaigns that conceal the reality from
them. They hide from the common people the matter of their religion.
They instigate the common people and the masses of Muslims against the
sincere and the righteous who call for Islam, those who warn them of
the danger to their religion and their families and expose the reality
of secularism.
The fight that has been initiated against the Muslims of Ahlus-Sunnah
Wal-Jamaa'ah by these misguided sects who claim to be a part of Islam,
must not be taken lightly.
The most dangerous of these have always been the attack of sects with
concealed faith, like some deviant sects who have been supported by
international monetary forces of the disbelievers to destroy the
people of Ahlus-Sunnah Wal-Jamaa'ah. Since the people of Ahlus-Sunnah
Wal-Jamaa'ah are the real and practical danger to these international
forces, their forts are internally endangered by the secular powers
that collated against them from the inside and that fight them both
covertly and overtly. This represents the core of the battle between
Islam and disbelief in this modern time.
The most dangerous phase of this struggle is uncovering the reality of
this evil secular ideology and exposing it to Muslims, so that the way
of the criminals who try to deceive them and confuse them with regards
to their religion becomes clear to each of them.
Isn't it time for the people of Ahlus-Sunnah Wal-Jamaa'ah to be
careful and cautious of these dangers that surround them from inside
and outside, and endanger them in this life and the hereafter?
Isn't it time for many of them to give up their old battles and settle
petty differences and concentrate their force, power and efforts to
confront these challenges?

Dought & clear - Ruling on member of thecongregation leaving straight after the imam says the salaam.

When the congregational prayer ends and the salaam has been said at
the end of the prayer, when can the member of the congregation move?
Can he move before the imam turns around, or must he wait and not move
before him?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Once the imam has said the salaam, it is permissible for the person
who prayed behind him to move, whether the imam has turned to face the
congregation or has stayed where he is, or he has got up from his
place. But it is better for the person who prayed behind him to stay
put until the imam turns to face the congregation, because of the
possibility that the imam may be sitting so that he can do the two
prostrations of forgetfulness (sujood al-sahw) after saying the
tasleem at the end of the prayer. Even better than this is to get up
only after the imam has got up.
There is an indication that it is permissible to leave as soon as the
salaam has been said in the report narrated by al-Bukhaari (875) from
Umm Salamah (may Allaah be pleased with her) who said: When the
Messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said
the salaam, the women got up when he finished his tasleem and he
stayed in his place for a while before getting up. One of the
narrators of the hadeeth said: We think, and Allaah knows best, that
this was so that the women could disperse before any of the men caught
up with them.
With regard to the report narrated by Muslim (426) from Anas (may
Allaah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allaah(peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) led us in prayer one day, and
when he had finished praying he turned to face us and said: "O people,
I am your imam, so do not go ahead of me in bowing, prostrating,
standing or finishing, for I can see you from in front of me and
behind me," what is meant by "finishing" here is the salaam.
Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The words of the
Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "so do not go
ahead of me in bowing, prostrating, standing or finishing" indicate
that it is haraam to do these things and others that are similar to
them. What is meant by finishing is the salaam. End quote.
Imam al-Shaafa'i (may Allaah have mercy on him) said inal-Umm(1/151):
The one who has prayed behind an imam may leave when the imam has
finished the salaam, before the imam gets up, and he may delay that
and leave after the imam leaves, or leave with him, which I like
better. End quote.
Ibn Qudaamah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said inal-Mughni(1/328):
It is mustahabb for the one who has prayed behind an imam not to get
up and leave before the imam, in case he remembers something that he
forgot and does the prostration of forgetfulness. End quote.
And Allaah knows best.

Dought & clear - He is not sure whether he said Rabbana wa laka’l-hamd after the imam said the takbeer for prostration.

I was praying with the imam, and whilst I was praying the imam said
"Sami'a Allaahu liman hamidah" and after he said the takbeer for
prostration, I was not sure whether I said Rabbana wa laka'l-hamd or
not. Is my prayer valid, or do I have to repeat it?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Tasmee' (which means saying Sami'a Allaahu liman hamidah) when rising
from bowing, and tahmeed (which means saying Rabbana laka'l-hamd) when
standing up straight are Sunnah mustahabbah according to the majority
of scholars, but the Hanbalis are of the view that they are
obligatory, which is the correct view.
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said inal-Sharh
al-Mumti'(3/433):
The evidence for that (i.e., that it is obligatory) is as follows:
(i)
The Messenger(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) always did
that, and he did not omit to say Sami'a Allaahu liman hamidah in any
circumstances.
(ii)
It is the sign for moving from bowing to standing.
(iii)
The Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "When he
says Sami'a Allaahu liman hamidah, then say Rabbana wa laka'l-hamd."
End quote.
See the answer to question no. 102700.
Secondly:
If a person is not sure whether he omitted one of the obligatory
duties of prayer during the prayer, then he is like one who omitted
it. If he is still at that point in the prayer, then he should do it,
and he does not have to do anything else. If he has passed that point
in the prayer then it is not possible for him to do it, but he has to
do sujood al-sahw (the prostration of forgetfulness).
Based on this, if your doubt and uncertainty occurred whilst you were
standing up straight after bowing, then you should have said these
words then, because you were still at that point in the prayer.
If the uncertainty came to you after you prostrated, then the time for
saying tahmeed had passed, and in that case you were like one who
omitted it out of forgetfulness. If you had caught up with the first
rak'ah with the imam, then you should have said the tasleem with the
imam and the prostration of forgetfulness would have been waived for
you in that case.
If you had come late and missed one or more rak'ahs with the imam,
then you should do the prostration of forgetfulness before the
tasleem, after completing your prayer. If you did not do the
prostration for forgetfulness in this case because you did not know
that it is obligatory, then your prayer is still valid and you do not
have to do anything.
To sum up: your prayer is valid and you do not have to repeat it. As
for the prostration of forgetfulness, it is according to the details
mentioned above.
And Allaah knows best.

Dought & clear - Which is better, to join the imam whilst he is prostrating or to wait until he gets up?.

Is it permissible for the worshipper who missed a rak'ah and found the
imam prostrating to say takbeer and then prostrate, or should he wait
until the imam gets up?.
Praise be to Allaah.
If a person comes and finds the imam in a particular posture he should
join the imam in whatever posture he is in. So if he comes and finds
him prostrating, he should say takbeer and then prostrate, because the
Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whatever you
catch up with, pray, and whatever you missed, make it up." And because
the prostration that he does may be a cause of forgiveness of his
sins, so he should not miss out on that. Hence he should prostrate and
then stand up with his imam, but that is not counted as a rak'ah for
him, because the rak'ah can only be caught up with if one catches up
with the bowing (rukoo'). End quote.
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him).
Liqaa'aat al-Baab il-Maftooh (1/408).