For children, - Sakaratul Maut (Last Moments Before Death)

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A police officer in a Muslim country wrote the following letter to a Shaykh (Religious leader) describing the events that led to his return to Allah (SWT). He recalls:
Seeing accidents and crash victims was a normal part of my day, but one incident was different.
My partner and I had parked on the shoulder of the highway and began to chat. In a random second, the scene shattered to the hideous sound of metal bodies becoming one. We threw our heads back to see what had happened. It was a head-on collision, the result of a vehicle slipping into the lane of the oncoming traffic.
We couldn't describe the carnage. Two young men sprawled in the first car, both in critical condition. We carried them gently away from the car and rested them on the ground.
Quickly we returned to assist the owner of the second car. He was dead. Back we went to the two young men lying side by side on the pavement.
My partner began dictating the Shahadah to them. Say "Ash Hadu an La Ilaha Illallah (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah) ..."
Their tongues wouldn't acknowledge it. They started humming the hypnotic lyrics of some song. I was terrified. My partner had experience however, and he kept repeating his instruction.
I stood up watching, no movement, eyes locked. Never in my life had I seen anything similar to what was going on before me. In fact, I've never actually seen someone die, and never, in such a satanic way.
My partner continued to instruct them to say the Shahadah but there was no use. The hum of their song came to a slow silence, slowly. The first one stopped and then the other. Not a stir but Dead.
We carried them to our patrol car; my partner made no effort to speak. Not a whisper between us two as we carried the corpses to the nearest hospital.
The police officer fell back into routine, as he narrates, and started to drift away from Allah (SWT). But another event happened to him that sealed the return. He continues:
What an odd world. After some time, about six months, a strange accident took place. A young man was moving along the highway normally, but within one of the tunnels leading to the city, he got a flat tire.
To the side of the tunnel he parked and stepped to the back to remove the spare tire. The whistle of a speeding car could be heard from behind. In a second, it collided with the crippled car, with the young man in-between. He fell to the ground with critical injuries.
I rushed to the scene, myself and another partner other than the first. Together we carried the young man's body into our patrol car and phoned the hospital to prepare for his arrival.
He was a young adult in his blossom years. Religious, as you could tell from his appearance. He was mumbling when we carried him, but in our rush, we had not paid attention to what he was saying.
However, when we placed him on his back in the patrol car, we could make it out. Through the pain, his heart was reciting Noble Qur'an! He was so immersed in the recitation. Subhan Allah, you would have never said that this person was in intense pain.
Blood had soaked his clothes crimson red, his bones had clearly snapped in several places. To tell the truth, he looked like he was staring into the eyes of death.
He continued to read in his unique, tender voice, reciting each verse in proper rhythm. In my entire life, I had never heard any recitations like it. I said to myself, "I'm going to instruct him to say the Shahadah just like I saw my friend doing," especially since I had previous experience."
My partner and I listened intently to that soft voice. I felt a shiver shock my back and up my arm the hair stood.
Suddenly, the hymn ceased. I watched silently as his hand rose softly. He had his index finger pointed upward to the Heaven, saying the Shahadah (Ash Hadu an La Ilaha Illallah - I bear witness that there is no god but Allah). Then, his head slumped.
I jumped to the back seat, felt his hand, his heart, his breathing. He was dead!
I couldn't stop staring at him. A tear fell but I hid it in shame. I turned back to my partner and told him that the boy's life had ceased. He burst out loud crying. Seeing a man cry like that, I could not control myself and my partner faded away behind the fall of my own tears. The patrol car fogged from the emotions.
We arrived at the hospital. As we rushed through the corridors, we told all the doctors, nurses, and onlookers what had happened. So many people were affected by what we said, some stood there speechless and tearful.
No one wanted to lose sight of the boy, until they had been assured of the time and place he would be buried.
One of the hospital staffs phoned the boy's home. His brother picked it up and was told of the accident. His brother told us about him:
He used to go out every Monday to visit his only grandmother outside of town. Whenever he visited her, he made sure to spend time with the poor children idling on the streets, and the orphans. The town knew him; he was the one that would bring them the Islamic books and tapes. His dusty Mazda would be filled with rice and sugar and even candies - couldn't forget the candies - for those families who were in need.
He would not stand for anyone to discourage him from the long journey to that town. He would always politely reply that the long drive gave him time to review his Noble Qur'an and to listen to Islamic lectures on his cassette deck and that with every step to the town, he hoped for the reward he would find with Allah (SWT).
Rasool Allah - Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallamgave the example of a man who loses his camel in the desert and in that wasteland loses hope of life. In that state, he sits down awaiting death to come. Then, he opens his eyes and finds his camel standing beside him with all the provisions to take him home. In his extreme happiness he cries out, "O Allah, You are my servant and I am your Lord!" He says it wrong from the bliss of happiness.
Rasool Allah - Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said that verily Allah (SWT) is more pleased with the repentance of His servant than this man is upon finding his camel!

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Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), - Important statements from Al-Barzanji's book Al-Isha'at ul Ishraat us Saa'at'' (Portents of the Judgment Day)

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The Great Sheikh has a poem as follows:
Be aware, the end of the saints is a martyr. He is Mahdi the Sayyid (as), who will be a descendant of Ahl al-Ahmad. He is a sharp sword, warding off the evil! He is the sun that will eliminate all the pains and troubles. When he gives, he is like a fruitful rain.
Hazrat Mahdi (as) is a martyr. He is a very select leader. He is a descendant of the Prophet Mohammad (saas). He is the sword of knowledge, a very effective, very sharp sword that will ward off the evil, all pains and troubles, what does pain mean? He will take away all the pains, stresses, tension, pains, and psychological problems of people. He says Hazrat Mahdi (as) is a sun that will destroy all the oppression, torture, threats and ordeals of people. What does Ataturk say? He also says he is a sun. What does Bediuzzaman say? Sun. What does the Prophet Mohammad (saas) say in his hadith? A sun. he will be fruitful just like a rain.
The time has come. He has become apparent in the fourth century after the three centuries that had passed. Because the Prophet Mohammad (saas) talked at once about three centuries, followed by a fourth one. In one account, it is said ‘three centuries follow each other, one apart from others …’.
In other words, three centuries are one after another and another one is alone, which is four. And if you add one thousand? 1400 in Hijri calendar. Because Imam Rabbani says that he will come one thousand years after the demise of the Prophet Mohamed (saas). When you put it together with this report, you get 1400 in Hijri calendar.
As to him; he has authority and power. He will gain the power he needs from Allah. Because he is a verified caliph (spiritual successor) who speaks language of the birds and of all animals. For that reason, his justice will be witnessed by all the humans and jinns.
He will get the power he needs not from people, but from Allah. Because he is a leader whose reliability is confirmed by Allah, and who speaks the language of all birds and animals, as reported in hadith, which means that he will have love for all animals. He will love all of them. The hadith says his justice will extend to the jinns too, which means he will have contact with them. He will ensure justice amongst them too, and prevent them from oppressing each other.
As indicated above, Allah has bestowed him helpers who believe in him. He will make great accomplishments by the help of his aides.
He will accomplish great things by the means of his helpers, so we understand that he has students. The Prophet Mohammad (saas) says Hazrat Mahdi (as) will not be alone.
The qualities required by Hazrat Mahdi (as) for the duties he will assign to his helpers:
1. Prudence; because this quality is needed when people are invited to Allah’s path. As a matter of fact the Almighty Lord has told as follows while telling the stories of the Prophets:, "I call to Allah with inner sight, I and all who follow me.."
Hazrat Mahdi will no doubt follow the Prophet Mohammad (saas). Just like the Prophet Mohammad (saas) didn’t make any mistakes in inviting people to Allah’s way, Hazrat Mahdi (as) will not make a mistake too. Because Hazrat Mahdi (as) will follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Mohammad (saas).
One of the most important qualities of Hazrat Mahdi (as) is that he has prudence. ‘I call to Allah with inner sight, I and all who follow me’, which means ‘I invite people to Allah with my students’. The verse refers to Hazrat Mahdi (as) in that sense. Hazrat Mahdi (as) will be innocent in his decisions.
2. He understands the Holy book perfectly.
He will understand and explain the Qur’an perfectly.
3. He understands the meaning of the Words of Allah.
He will be able to interpret the Qur’an perfectly and explain it to people in an excellent way.
4. He knows perfectly the character and thoughts of the people he will appoint to positions…
Hazrat Mahdi (as) will be able to analyze the situation, mood, attitude, behavior, in other words, the character, psychological state of people very well.
5. He never ceases to be compassionate and just even when he gets angry…
Sometimes Allah will give a sense of great rage in him, but despite that he will never cease to be compassionate and just. He is very compassionate, in other words he is reasonable even when he gets very angry. He thinks reasonably, he acts by the Qur’an and never stops being fair. He always judges fairly even if it is against him. He is not seeking to save himself or protect his own interests.
6. Knows the classes of the beings..
He treats the kids the way they should be treated, and the grownups in the way grownups should be treated. Same thing goes for everyone, the elderly, the women. He treats everyone according to the way they would like to be treated. He knows how to speak to their soul. This is a quality of Hazrat Mahdi (as).
7. He knows about the complex details of the things; because a leader with this information will not make a mistake in his decisions… Hazrat Mahdi (as) knows the knowledge of comparison not for using it in his judgments, but for avoiding it. Because his judgment will be the result of right inspiration. He will act upon the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed (saas). For this reason, when the Prophet Mohammad (saas) described him, he said ‘He will follow in my footsteps, he will not make a mistake’. We understand from this that, he will not introduce a new command, but he will follow the existing Sunnah. He will also be innocent. With the phrase ‘innocent’, it is meant he will be innocent in his decisions. Because the real innocence can be possible only for a Prophet. But he is not a Prophet, he is a Saint. The saints are protected from making mistakes, they are not innocent.
He knows the complex details, fine details. He analyses why someone did something, for what reason, he is capable of doing a very detailed analysis.
Because a leader with this knowledge, will never make a mistake; Hazrat Mahdi (as) knows the knowledge of comparison not for using it in his judgments, but for avoiding it too, which means he will not act according to comparison. He avoids comparison, which was used in Islamic canonic law.
The Prophet Mohammad (saas) informs us upon revelation, that he will not make a mistake. He will be innocent in his decisions. When people think he made a mistake, it is still a right decision. Allah doesn’t allow him to make a mistake in his judgments. He is an innocent imam, this is exclusive to Hazrat Mahdi (as) only. He is under the special protection of Allah. The innocent imam. Always right in his decisions. But the real innocence can be seen only in the Prophets, the Prophets are protected in every way.
8. Understanding the needs of people well; because Allah has brought him over other people to take care of them. The actions and decisions of the leaders must be to seek the interests of the people, rather than themselves. A leader that does not work for the interests of the people and help them, must be relieved of duty. Because there is no more any difference between him and the people.
The quality of Hazrat Mahdi (as) is this: whole world is his family. If a kid’s leg is broken in Uganda, he will be taken care of, as if he was the child of Hazrat Mahdi (as). A Muslim in London and a Muslim in Uganda will be treated the same way. Both will eat very good food, will receive very high quality treatment, both will live in very good houses. There will be no more second class citizen, third class citizen. Everyone will be like the child of Hazrat Mahdi (as). For example let’s say a kid in Japan is to be operated on. You know in some communities, no one knows what’s going on in the life of others. It won’t be like that with Hazrat Mahdi (as). Hazrat Mahdi (as) will be as careful as it is his own operation. That’s why he will resist the offers to make him imam. He doesn’t accept, but they force him. Because the spiritual responsibility is too great, because he is responsible for the entire world, he is given the duty of imamate (religious leadership) by force, under the threat for his life. He will not seek his own interests, but he will make sure that the people’s interests are safeguarded in the best way possible. He will follow very carefully. Everyone in the hospital will be a first class citizen. Everyone will eat the best food. Hazrat Mahdi (as) will make sure that everyone will eat what he eats, everyone will wear what he wears, and everyone will live as comfortable as he does. This is the characteristic of Hazrat Mahdi (as). Because there is no more difference between him and other people, they are the same, he takes care of everyone so carefully, it’s like they will all be his own children.
9. He will have the knowledge of the unknown , which will be needed particularly in his time, because only then, can he solve the emerging problems. As indicated above, Hazrat Mahdi (as) will not act on comparison. Because comparison will lead to many new issues, and this will only cause trouble for people. But the preferred action in Islam is facilitation. For this reason, the Prophet Mohammed (saas) said: ‘Leave me alone when I leave matters to you to decide’. In this way he didn’t want people to ask him many questions, in order to prevent too much judgments and offers. He only settled with communicating the message of Allah. So since we understand that Hazrat Mahdi (as) will follow in the tracks of the Prophet Mohammad (saas), he will not make a mistake, and he will be very compassionate to beings just like the Messenger of Allah.
So Hazrat Mahdi (as) will have these nine qualities. He will have knowledge of unseen, which is particularly needed in his own time. He will know what will happen in the future, based on the hadiths and the Qur’an verses. He will take appropriate measures since he will know what will happen in the future, by the leave of Allah.
There will be no more comparison, Hazrat Mahdi (as) doesn’t use comparison. He says that if comparison is used, then there will appear complex judgments and an inextricable understanding of Islam for people. He will not accept that. Because that would trouble the people. Our religion is the religion of ease. It is Allah’s orders to make the religion easier. And making it difficult would be what satan wants. Making the religion, worshipping, life easier, that’s the style in Islam.
"Leave me alone when I leave matters to you to decide’, meaning ‘don’t try to produce new judgments’. When the Companions asked him ‘how will this be?’, he answered ‘do whatever you think is the best, because if I say something, it will be a judgment, and you will have to do it from now on, so don’t ask me, live freely’ said the Prophet Mohammad (saas). ‘If it is something important, I will warn you anyway’ he says. ‘But if I don’t say anything, don’t try to produce judgments and don’t force me to do it’.
So he doesn’t want too many rules and judgments. What is the situation now? There are too many rules and judgments. That is what gave birth to superstitions, innovations, religion turning into something else. This is the real reason behind the pains of the Islamic world.
He confined to communicating the message of Islam. Allah gave him information about significant and critical matters, other than that, Muslims should be left free.
Since Hazrat Mahdi (as) will follow in the tracks of the Prophet Mohammad (saas) and will not make a mistake, then he has to be very compassionate towards the beings just like the Messenger of Allah. So he is not only compassionate, he is extremely compassionate, towards all living things, to dogs, cats, fish, people, kids, all of them…
The Prophet Mohammad (saas) said that Hazrat Mahdi (as) will not make a mistake but was silent about others; in other words, the Prophet Mohammad (saas) didn’t say that other imams like Abu Bakr, Omar, Uthman, Ali and other saints will be innocent. He only said Hazrat Mahdi (as) will not make a mistake, this is firm in the hadiths.
The Prophet Jesus (as), will descend onto a white minaret to the east of Dimashq, in the time of Hazrat Mahdi (as), while people are performing the afternoon prayer. The imam will step back and he will lead the prayer, and he will act as an imam and perform the salat in line with the commands of the Prophet Mohammad (saas).
Some people misinterpret this. Sham is a very wide area. A very vast land that includes Istanbul and Anatolia, is called Sham. So he will appear in a high building, a high house. Because when minaret is said, the first thing that comes to mind is a tall building. A high place, where he can be heard from everywhere.
Warning:
The meaning of this hadith is not contradictory to the hadiths which narrate that the Prophet Jesus (as) will follow Hazrat Mahdi (as) in the morning salat, when he will say ‘this was sent for you!’.
So it is not contradictory with the situation where the Prophet Jesus (as) pushed Hazrat Mahdi (as) forward to make sure that he leads the salat. So the Prophet Jesus (as) makes Hazrat Mahdi (as) the imam and then Hazrat Mahdi (as) makes the Prophet Jesus (as) the vizier. What is related here happens after this prayer. So Hazrat Mahdi’s (as) position as the imam is verified, it is recognized that he is the leader of the world. The Prophet Jesus (as) confirms that he is the imam. And Hazrat Mahdi (as) appoints various other people as imams, the Prophet Jesus (as) will be his head vizier, he makes him an imam too.
It is a miracle that Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) knew that white minarets would be built in the end times. There weren’t minarets in his time. And he says that it will happen. It is an amazing miracle. So in Istanbul, or in Jerusalem, or in a place like that, the Prophet Jesus (as) will lead the prayer in a mosque with a white minaret, in the area called Sham.

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Quran Related, - Avoiding idle talk

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Idle or empty talk contains no remembrance of Allah, nor is it aimed at His approval. Thus, precious time is lost that should be spent engaging in good deeds for the Hereafter.
It is among the strategies of satan to hinder man from remembering Allah, from seeing the countless signs and miracles of Allah surrounding him, and from reflecting upon the purpose of life.
For example, the subjects that keep common people busy are sports, recipes, the problems of child raising, and so forth.
Exchange rates, the stock exchange and other subjects related to commerce and economy occupy the minds of people involved in business.
Another sector of society who call themselves intellectuals and who want to show themselves off as cultured indulge in prolonged dialogues, thinking that they have solved great difficulties, but which generally bring no benefit to society.
One frequently sees examples of this in open forums held on television. Participants discuss a particular issue for hours, only to be recognized for their knowledge and to impress others.
There are people who take such forums as an opportunity to attack religion and reveal their aversion to truth.
Allah describes these attitudes in the Qur’an:
But there are some people who trade in distracting tales to misguide people from Allah’s Way knowing nothing about it and to make a mockery of it. Such people will have a humiliating punishment. (Surah Luqman; 6)
While indulging in worthless talk is a characteristic of unbelievers, avoidance of it is a quality of believers:
When they hear worthless talk they turn away from it and say, ‘We have our actions and you have your actions. Peace be upon you. We do not desire the company of the ignorant.’ (Surat al-Qasas; 55)
A believer must always avoid ignorance, unbecoming manners and blameworthy speech. The absence in Paradise of any offensive speech is described among its blessings:
Gardens of Eden which the All-Merciful has promised to His slaves in the Unseen. His promise is always kept. They will not hear any prattling there—nothing but ‘Peace.’ They will receive their provision there morning and night. (Surah Maryam; 61-62)

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Quran Related, - Controlling Rage

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In the Qur’an, the control of anger is described as exemplary behavior since it hinders harmful reactions likely caused by it.
Those who give in times of both ease and hardship, those who control their rage and pardon other people —Allah loves the good-doers. (Surah Al ‘Imran; 134)
Although rage may surface as an instant reaction in particular situations, a believer should comply with the description in this verse by controlling it.
That is because rage clouds one’s mind and hinders sound reasoning. In such a case, a person runs the risk of transgressing the limits of Allah, since the emotional judgments he makes under the influence of anger will usually be rash and incompatible with Qur’anic ethics.
A believer must immediately strive to overcome resentment he feels pertaining to personal matters, especially toward other believers, and try to replace it with compassion and mercy.
If a person’s anger is based on unjust grounds, then he has no right to be furious in the first place. He must accept his mistake, apologize and make up for his misbehavior.
But even if he was in the right, he must still control anger, and in compliance with the verse, it is better to forgive.
What has been related so far concerns the mundane situations believers are likely to encounter.
Apart from these there is a group of people who become angry at the least provocation. They actually fail to grasp some basic faith-related issues, such as putting one’s trust in Allah or recognizing the fact that all people are under His control.
In the Qur’an Allah reveals:
Everything in the heavens and the earth belong to Allah. He knows what you are engaged upon. On the Day when they are returned to Him, He will inform them of what they did. Allah has knowledge of all things. (Surat An-Nur:64)

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Personal, - Beware of postpartum disorders

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Although delivery is a physiological process that is experienced by all expecting females, there comes with it a considerable change in the biological, psychological and social balance. Sometimes this change is akin to an earthquake in the life of the woman if it is not preceded, accompanied and followed by enough health care - psychological and social. The degrees of that effect on women vary from one person to another. We see that some women pass this time smoothly and simply giving an impression that delivery is a natural physiological change. On the other hand, we also notice the indications of a real crisis which precedes, accompanies or follows the delivery in other cases.
It is very important to know the limits and types of postpartum disorder through doctors or even through common people. People who suffer from some of these disorders simply need to be assured, while other disorders require the patient to be admitted to hospital.
In this article, Dr. Muhammad Mahdi, a psychiatric consultant, discusses the indications of these disorders.
Postpartum Depression
This is considered a state of illness and occurs among 50% of the women after delivery. This case begins a few days after delivery and lasts for some days, and is characterized by having a state of depression, a bad mood, frequent crying, feelings of fatigue, worry, angry outbursts and a desire to depend heavily upon others. The severity of these symptoms decreases with time and the mother then goes back to her normal state. This is due to rapid hormonal changes, the pressure of delivery and the woman’s awareness of the increase of her responsibilities which motherhood necessitates. This case requires nothing except assuring the mother and psychologically and socially supporting her until she is over these feelings.
Postpartum Psychosis
She was a student at the faculty of Law and she knew an engineer whom she insisted on marrying in spite of her family’s refusal due to the social differences and the notoriety of this man. The girl underwent a state of depression during the engagement. The family of the girl attributed this to the problems which accompanied the engagement. This state lasted for about two months and ended with the use of some folk medicine. When the girl married, she found that her husband, whom she had preferred to her family, was treating her very badly. He would leave her alone all the time crying over her misfortune. When he came home, he did not do anything but neglect and insult her. In the meantime, none of her relatives visited her because the tension of the relation between them and the husband. When she became pregnant, she suffered from continuous vomiting, inability to undertake her household chores, loss of appetite, continuous insomnia, and severe deterioration of her health. When she asked him to allow her mother to stay with her for some time until she would get better, he totally refused. Accordingly, she tolerated these conditions unwillingly until she gave birth to her child.
Two weeks after the delivery, her mother-in-law noticed that she was in a strange state; she was frequently absent minded. She would sit for long durations of time without moving and then become very worried and nervous without any clear justification. She stopped eating and sleeping at night or day; sometimes she cried and at other times she screamed. There was no one beside her at that time except her mother-in-law for her husband insisted on preventing her family from visiting her. Her husband tried to help her by bringing some folk healers, yet her state became worse. They noticed that she looked angrily at her child throwing him about violently from her arms. At this point, her mother-in-law took the child in order to protect him from his disturbed mother.
Her mother-in-law went to the market to buy some things and left the child in a room beside the mother’s room. When the mother-in-law returned from the market, she found that the mother had taken the child to the kitchen and slaughtered him with a knife.
I apologize to the reader if this incident was terrifying, but this was a real case which I saw and received at the hospital myself when he was about to die. This mother was arrested after the incident and detained for some days in order to investigate the crime. During these days, everybody was disgusted with her because of her atrocious act. No one can bear seeing someone killing an innocent child and therefore she felt alienated and disgusted among her prison inmates and from many of the supervisors in the prison. She stopped eating and drinking or was perhaps prevented from doing so by others due to them thinking that she was a criminal who did what she did intentionally. She was in a very bad condition and was then moved to a hospital where she received many physical and psychological treatments until she finally got better. This was an example of postpartum psychosis. This disorder requires the attention of gynecologists, a family counselor, psychiatrists and those who need to be around the patient due to the dangerous nature of this case.
The occurrence of this disorder ends during the first year, after about two or three weeks after delivery. The longest expected time for this condition is eight weeks after delivery. It is thought that this disorder takes place due to one or all of the following factors:
- Pressure of Delivery
There is no doubt that delivery causes psychological pressure; it is not only because of the pain and difficulty of delivery, but the mother also suffers throughout the months of pregnancy and then reaches its climax at the point of delivery. She spends many sleepless and uncomfortable nights. Then, she is surprised to find a child beside her who needs care. She spends the night awake and his needs are endless. These pressures are intensified if she does not have a natural delivery, such as a caesarean or complicated delivery.
- Rapid Hormonal Changes
After delivery, there is a rapid decrease in the level of estrogen and progesterone and this unbalances the biological state for some time.
- Psycho-Social Factors
This occurs if the woman lives in a disturbed relation with her husband or his family, undergoes pressure at work or suffers from previous psychological disorders that were not successfully treated. Sometimes, the mother refuses pregnancy and accordingly rejects the child because she does not want to become a mother due to the psychological problems that she has, or due to getting married to someone who she does not feel comfortable with or due to her fear of the responsibilities of motherhood. Some researches have discovered that marital disputes during pregnancy increase the risk of being subjected to postpartum psychosis.
- Certain Biological Factors
Such as pre-eclampsia or taking certain medications. This illness is preceded by some inceptive symptoms, such as, insomnia, discomfort, restlessness, angry outbursts and inability to concentrate. Then, the symptoms appear, such as severe depression, hypomania, awareness disorders, absence of concentration, disorder of realization, memory and thinking, the appearance of some aberrations such as thinking that she is still a virgin or that she did not give birth and that the child is not her own or that he is a devil. She may also sometimes get hallucinations like hearing a sound telling her that she should kill herself or her child to relieve him from the suffering of the this life, and disorders in moving. These symptoms are mostly accompanied by confusion of consciousness, doubts and obsessions over the well-being and health of the child.
This matter should be taken seriously when the case is diagnosed since it is a psychological emergency. It is important to place the patient in a mental hospital if her psychological health deteriorates or if she is inclined to commit suicide or to harm her child. The child should be placed under the care of one of the relatives and the mother should be allowed to see him every now and then under complete supervision so that she does not have a chance to harm her child. These cases can be successfully treated through anti-depressants and lithium; sometimes, the antis of psychosis are added. In severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy )ECT( is used. After the elimination of the severe symptoms, the patient can be helped through psychological treatment where the psychological and social problems are discovered, and then she is psychologically supported and helped to accept her new role as a mother.

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Personal, - A woman's color and preterm delivery

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After British researchers had studied birth records of more than 36,000 babies born in the north of the City of Birmingham for the period of four years, they discovered that dark skinned and colored women were more liable to have preterm delivery and birth of premature babies than white women. Three thousand births, meaning, 8 percent of premature infants, who were born at least three weeks ahead of their due birth date, were from mothers of African origins.
After determining factors of age and social status of mothers, researchers found that 22 percent of African women are more liable to give birth before the duration of pregnancy )which is almost 37 weeks( is complete; 78 percent give birth before the thirty-fourth week of pregnancy; ladies who give birth to premature babies before 28 weeks of pregnancy are fourfold.
The researchers, according to the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, see that social deprivation represents a factor that increases the danger of preterm delivery. They point out that black children grow faster than their white peers, something that causes shorter-term pregnancies in their mothers.

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Personal, - Skinny mania

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During a casual conversation, a woman said to her neighbor, “You really have gained considerable weight. Watch out for yourself.” On hearing this, this second woman was deeply grieved and as annoyed as if she had heard the news of a relative’s death. She asked her peers worriedly, “Help me, what should I do? I have gained weight, how can I lose it?” That was a good question which was answered by the attending women with great zeal and interest. Here are some of the most important solutions that were mentioned before the poor, bewildered woman:
1-Joining a sports center to take part in different types of sports like swimming, running and exercising.
2-Following a specific diet in which one should not eat a lot of sugar and carbohydrates. A woman present even suggested that if she could not avoid eating many types of food, she could eat what she wants then vomit it out!
3-Taking some herbs, even though they may taste bitter and are hard to swallow –as, it seemed, true bitterness lies in the loss of slenderness and the difficulty to attain it.
4-Undergoing liposuction in a clinic or private hospitals to get rid of excess fat.
5-Having a gastric balloon at a hospital to feel that she is always full and thus, loses her appetite for food.
6-A step that guarantees success: to tie your mouth. Yes, go to a private clinic and pay about one thousand Saudi riyals to have your mouth tightened. You will only have a small opening in your mouth that would hardly allow liquids in through a tube. Only then, you will be forced not to eat and will lose weight in a short time. Moreover, your words will not be clear; no problem, patience is the way to relief. Be patient and you will have good results!
7-There is another new step which is to have half of your stomach stitched so that it will be have the capacity of a child's stomach. Hence, you will only eat a little.
These were the suggested solutions for the poor lady and these were their valuable comments. If you had only seen their zeal and excitement, you would have thought that the matter was far greater than this. However, it was only for the sake of being slender. All this discussion was meant for the sake of seeking beauty! If this is so, what would be the case of the one who seeks safety and recovery from a disease that has afflicted him? What would be the case of the one who pays all he has to get food to satisfy his hunger? What would be the case of the one who works day and night to save the price of a can of milk for his infant? What would be the case of the one who travels abroad to collect money to save the price of medicine?
Is excess leisure the reason behind this state that women have reached or is it love of appearance and clinging to this worldly life? Who is responsible for this: their upbringing, the media or something else?
Sister, if you truly seek to be slender, observe the following instructions:
1-Adhere to the prophetic advice regarding eating:“One third for food, one third for drink and one third for breathing.”
2-Do your housework by yourself and dispense with the maid if it is possible. Otherwise, help the maid with the housework and do not entrust all the tasks to her.
3-Fast frequently bearing in mind that your intention is to seek the reward of Allaah The Almighty.
However, you should not approach sports or physiotherapy centers. You will not lose any weight other than that of your wallet. With regard to inserting a balloon in your stomach, I warn you that it may burst inside you. Please do not tie your mouth because the world is in of your truthful words which call to goodness. If you give precedence to your slenderness over calling to the truth, then, you are giving the people of falsehood a chance, and silencing the truth by yourself.

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Fathwa, - {Misconceptions about Muslim Women}, - Claims about woman in Islam

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Question
There is a new group which has come recently to my city and claim that they are addressing common misconceptions about Islam by Muslims themselves.
These are a few of their teachings:
- looking at a woman in her eye while addressing her is a cultural thing and has nothing to do with Islam.
- women are highly encouraged to work )even outside homes, i.e. offices, etc.(.
- the public is Mahram for a woman.
- women only need husband's permission to go out only if the travel or period of absence is more than 3 days.
-the voice of a woman is not Awrah.
- males are allowed to attend and listen to Qur'an recitation competitions involving women.
- the seating arrangements which seek to segregate man and women is a cultural thing.
- Islam does not preach strict segregation of the sexes )they used Hajj as an example(.
- women are allowed to give Adhan )without any specifications(. However there would be grave consequences and that is why they don't do so.
- Sahabah used to sit in a big room with man facing women )more of a mixed seating but women with women and man with man, however in an open manner(.
- if they sat together)man and woman(, every woman sat with her Mahram in a big circle.
Please tell me if these things are right as I have had a different upbringing )different teachings(. If they are, give me a few evidence and if they aren't, again give me some evidences.
Answer
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
Men should not look at alien women nor should women look at alien men as this is forbidden by the clear texts of the Qur'an and Hadith. Allah Says )interpretation of meaning(:}Tell the believing men to lower their gaze )from looking at forbidden things(, … And tell the believing women to lower their gaze )from looking at forbidden things(, …{]24: 30-31[.
The Prophet )Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam( said:"Allah has written forAdam's son his share of Zina which he commits inevitably. The Zina of the eyes is the sight )looking at an alien woman("]Reported by Imamsal-BukhariandMuslim[.
The Prophet )Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam( said toAli:"OAli! Do not follow an unintentional look )at alien women( with another look. The first glance is for you )pardonable( whereas the other glance is not for you )that is a sin(". Transmitted byal-Tirmiziwho considered it as good. There are many Ahadith proving this ruling.
So, whoever claims that lowering gaze from looking at alien women is merely a cultural matter and not a religious act should recheck his religion, Islam.
2( Working is permissible for the woman as long as the following conditions are met:
a( When the Muslim community needs her services such as a lady doctor, lady teacher, etc.
b( Working in a non-mixed environment.
c( Observing the rulings of Sharia as for as the matter of Hijab is concerned.
Yet it is more suitable for her to stay in her house taking care of her children, the future generation, which is, indeed, best for her and for the community as well.
Allah Says )interpretation of meaning(:}And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, …{]33: 33[.
3( Jurists have different opinions concerning the matter of presence of a woman among a great number of men, is it permissible or not? The preponderant opinion is that it is permissible provided there is no temptation; otherwise, it is forbidden as agreed by all jurists.
However, traveling of a woman in public without being accompanied by a Mahram is not permitted with the exception of the dire necessity. Some jurists permitted her only to travel to perform obligatory Umrah and Hajj with the company of trustworthy group of women.
4( Going out without having husband's permission is not permissible, let alone traveling, which is strictly forbidden with a greater reason.
5( Is the voice of a woman Awrah )must be covered( or not? This is a matter of discussion among scholars. The preponderant opinion is that it is not Awrah except if there is a chance of temptation.
6( There is no harm if a man attends the Qur'an recitation competition of women provided the women are in complete Hijab fulfilling the rulings of Sharia and provided he is certain to not to be tempted on hearing their recitation.
However, it is better that only women attend in such competition in order to block the ways that could lead to evil.
7( Islam urges that there be separate places for men and women at gatherings since mixing of both sexes leads to many evil and shameful acts. There are many evidence proving this fact.
Allah Says )interpretation of meaning(:}And stay in your houses, …{]33: 33[.
The Prophet )Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam( said:"The best rows for men are the first rows, and the worst one are the last ones, and the best rows for women are the last ones and the worst ones for them are the first ones".
This is because the first row of women is closer to the men's ranks and the last rank is farther from them.
The Prophet )Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam( used to order men to delay leaving of mosque till the women left. This rule was only to prevent them from mixing with women. If it is undesirable for men and women to be close at the time of worshipping Allah, remembering Him, how much more so in a place full of doubts and temptations. The Prophet )Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam( said toUmm Salamah:"Perform the Tawaf while riding from behind the people"]Reported by Imamal-Bukhari[.
Hafiz Ibn Hajarhighlighted the reason and said:'The Prophet )Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam( ordered her to make Tawaf from behind the people since it would provide more cover for her from being seen by men'.
In short, we mentioned but a few evidences here; otherwise, the evidence is too much to be covered in this Fatwa.
8( Taking Hajj as an example for the permissibility of mixing men and women is totally baseless. Is it correct to say that wine is permissible since some Muslims drink it? It is not sound to take the example of Hajj to allow the mixing of both sexes since a mistake can never be an excuse for another mistake.
9( Women can call for Azan but without raising their voice. Imanal-Shafi'esaid:'Calling Azan and Iqama is permitted for women but it is better not to raise their voice'. The reason is that her voice may cause seduction to others.
10( As for their claim that the companions of the Prophet )Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam( used to sit in a big room facing women … we ask them to produce the evidence for this claim. This claim is full of ambiguity and is beyond the reality.
No doubt, some companions of the Prophet )Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam( used to visit other companions and sometimes some of them visit some women for some legal purpose but it was totally free from being alone with them, unveiled and free from any kind of suspicion, which is common now.
In short, their claims consist of true and false. It is apparent that they are keen to encourage men to mix with the opposite sex and socializing with alien women. Indeed, this practice will open many doors to seduction. Therefore, it is better for men to avoid being seen by women and it is better too for women to be far from the eyes of men as reported from Ayisha )Radiya Allahu Anha(.
We ask Allah to make us steadfast on right path.
Allah knows best.

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Fathwa, - {Misconceptions about Muslim Women}, - Certain women's rights and responsibilities in Islam

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Question
1(Why in Islam girls cannot go out alone , but here in Europe is it possible to go out alone ?
2(What is the problem when girl has a boyfriend, before they get married?
3(What are the problems bad effects of freedom of Europe on and American women )Like sex,bad clothes, etc.(
4( Men in Islam can have many wives, why can't women have many husbands?
Please I want full answers .
5(How can I invite non-Muslim people to be Muslims?
Answer
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
It is unlawful for the woman to travel alone without a Mahram )a non-marriageable man )brother, father, uncle etc.(. This prohibition is due to the fact that a woman traveling without Mahram can encounter a lot of difficulties, including being raped or tempted to commit Haram acts.
It is lawful for the woman to leave her house for some need provided she is certain that she will not be tempted or her going out will not cause her some misfortune.
So, she can go alone to schools, hospitals or to any other place if there is a legal purpose for going there and provided she respects all the Shari'a conditions related to this.
For the Fatwa about boyfriends and fiancé, please read 81356.
There are many bad consequences that result from libertinism of women. These include sexual anarchy, mixing up progenity, spreading sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
We do not call this freedom, it is rather worshipping Satan and being inclined to his whispers. It also makes real the bad ideas of the ill-informed people who take every opportunity to influence women by beautifying to them to perform bad acts and calling that freedom.
Allah knows best.

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Fathwa, - {Misconceptions about Muslim Women}, - Polyandry in Islam

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Question
According to Islam women cannot marry more than one male as then we will not know who the father is. But today we can know who the father is by DNA testing. So how can we answer this question if posed by a non-Muslim?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammadis His slave and Messenger.
You have to know that Islam prohibits a woman to marry more than one man, this is not just to protect the progeny, but for many other wisdoms. These wisdoms are known by some people and not known by others. Therefore even if it is confirmed that the father of the child can be determined by DNA testing, still this does not change the ruling due to several reasons. If the woman is busy taking care of more than one husband, which one would she obey, taking into consideration that people differ in their nature and character? One wants to travel and the other wants to stay where he resides, one wants to have sexual intercourse with her at a specific hour, and the other wants the same at the same time. One wants hot food and the other wants it cold, and other unlimited matters. So how can life be acceptable with the above conditions? In addition to this, she has to fulfill the need of her husbands whether in relation to sexual intercourse or else. If we assume that their needs are at the same time, how can she fulfill them? If she is impregnated by one husband and then others have sexual intercourse with her, then they have committed the prohibition, from which the Prophetwarned saying: "It is not allowed for a man who believes in Allaah and the Last Day, to have an intercourse with a woman who is pregnant from another man." ]Ahmad and Abu-Daawood[
In addition to the above, if the woman has many husbands, it is not safe for fatal disease to spread, like AIDS and other diseases.
Allaah knows best.

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Welcome to Islam, - What Islam offers the Earth

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One of the amazing things that strike the reader of the Quran is its significant and multifaceted emphasis on the relationship of man to the environment. This is not merely about self, family and surroundings. It’s about the whole universe—heavens and earth—and all of Allaah’s magnificent creation in them. I'm talking about all the constituents of what some call "nature," and down to the details: It’s geological foundations, waters, steady and violent shifts and movements, and its countless, varied forms of life and existence, and how it cycles and sustains them.
I know many scientists whom the Quran simply over-awed once they realized what it says about life, nature, and the universe. They were seized by the literally hundreds of Quranic verses that discuss and give guidance about the issues of the environment—all the ones we are suddenly talking about today, and plenty more that haven’t even come into view yet. What grabbed them was the realization that Allaah Almighty clearly knew how abusive unguided man would be to his planetary home.
Just look at what we have brought upon ourselves and our innocent fellows in creation in but the last handful of decades. Perhaps this is why I too now find reading the Quran's beautiful, moving, and harrowing "environmental" verses so spiritually and intellectually uplifting. Allaah Almighty Says what means:“The creation of the heavens and earth is greater than the creation of mankind, but most of the people do not know.”]Quran 40:57[ Or:“And there is no creature on ]or within[ the earth or bird that flies with its wings except ]that they are[ communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered.”]Quran 6:38[
In light of the unprecedented environmental crises we are facing today, I thought to speak to a bit of what Islam has to offer man to help him get the balance back in his life and restore his intimate and timeless relationship with creation. I call them Islam’s Five Environmental Commandments:
One: Man is part of the environment
Man, literally in sum and substance, is of the environment. Thus he must feel and live in harmony with it. Both man and his environment are the creation of the God—and both are worshippers of Him—with the technical exception that man has the will to refuse to worship and obey God willingly, though he does it unwillingly from moment to moment. Allaah Says what means“The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them exalt Him. And there is not a thing except that it exalts ]Allaah[ by His praise, but you do not understand their ]way of[ exalting. Indeed, He is ever Forbearing and Forgiving.”]Quran 17:44[ And even though the earth and surroundings were created long before man, the end of both is virtually synchronous—the end of time—hence, the implicit benefit to man for leading an environmentally friendly lifestyle. A corollary of this determinant is that the environmental crisis is a human matter and cooperation on meeting its challenges should, therefore, not be hampered by religious or other differences.
Two: Man is trustee of the environment
Man has accepted God's decree of Khilaafah )vicegerency, read verse 2:30(, which makes him responsible to use the environment to achieve his God-given purpose in this life, with the condition that he maintains it for future generations, which have as much right to it as their predecessors. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said:“People )past and future generations included( share alike in water, air, and herbage."]Abu Daawood[
Three: Man shall be fair to the environment
Man cannot, and will not, fulfill or be true to his custodianship of the earth without creation-wide fairness. The Quran could not be more unequivocal when it comes to this principle. Man shall be fair in leading his life in this world because God created it in a balanced state. Should he fail, unwarranted injustice will lead to creation's disruption and its inability to continue supporting man's needs for a hospitable habitation. Read and ponder the import of verses which mean:“The sun and the moon ]move[ by precise calculation, and the stars and trees prostrate. And the heaven He raised and imposed the balance. That you not transgress within the balance. And establish weight in justice and do not make deficient the balance.”]Quran 55:5-9[
Four: Man shall not spread mischief in the Land
Man must realize that God forbids harm, big and small, to one's self and all others. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said:“There is no reason to( harm or reciprocate harm.”]Ibn Maajah[ And Allaah Says )what means(:“And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allaah is near to the doers of good.”]Quran 7:56[ Many scientists and activists believe that efforts to restore a healthy balance to the environment will never be achieved to any viable degree in the face of the unfathomable destruction of our wars of greed.
Five: Man shall follow a model of moderation and conservation
Most people do not grasp that much of the pollution comes from a culture of consumerism, whose primary effect is waste. It is unfortunate that people in the underdeveloped world, including Muslims, have embraced being consumers and wasters. The Quran is true in depicting this tendency of man, especially when resources become abundant. Allaah Says )what means(:“Competition in ]worldly[ increase diverts you. Until you visit the graveyards.”]Quran 102:1-2[ But abundance does not justify wastage. God Almighty prohibits this. He Almighty Says what means:“Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful.”]Quran 17:27[ Insatiable pursuit of increased materials combined with technological advancement has given some nations unprecedented control over man and his environment. But history tells us that these are signs that civilizations are doomed to perish.

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Welcome to Islam, - Islam – A Comprehensive Way of Life

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To understand the essence of Islam is to understand the very essence of humanity. More than a religion, Islam is a complete and comprehensive way of life leading to a balanced way of living. Islam brings civilization and happiness to man. Islamic principles and teachings can provide realistic, fair and objective solutions to the prevention of individual, familial, social and international problems which are threatening the existence of human communities throughout the world.
A spiritual belief that does not deal with social behavior, economic relations and international organizations is as erroneous as the social doctrine that does not consider spiritual belief, morality and behavior. Such social doctrines are abortive attempts, incapable of total human guidance or of achieving any coherence or accord among human beings.
Both the individual and the society are in dire need of a belief that accommodates and directs all their vital activities towards construction and growth. When the individual and society adopt such a belief and apply it to life, humanity can accomplish seemingly miraculous achievements which can only occur when man unites himself with the Eternal Power that channels his personality -potential in the right direction.
History has shown that Islam is unique in its ability to provide guidance for the entire range of human activity. It does not separate spiritual and secular life as unrelated entities.
Islam integrates all domains of human life, just like the different systems in the human body integrate to provide a complete human being. If one system does not work properly, it has got to affect the whole body. Likewise, Islam proposes systems of laws that integrate all parts of human society to bring happiness and peace to all its members. There is no other way or system that urges the active worship of Allaah in its general and most comprehensive sense other than Islam. Fox example, Islam teaches that Muslims should fast for a month every year )i.e. Ramadan( in order to acquire piety and self-discipline and to develop awareness of the needs and problems of others who are starving or are in desperate need of food. Such an awareness of the needs of others is not enough on its own. Therefore, Zakaah )obligatory charity( is prescribed to be distributed among the segments of society that are in need of individual and communal assistance.
A very important universal concept in Islam is “Ummah” )Nation(. Ummah transcends all limitations implied by the term ‘nation’ by encompassing all people regardless of race, color, or sex. Allaah emphasized this great Islamic principle in the verse )which means(;
"Mankind was ]of[ one religion ]before their deviation[; then Allaah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed. And none differed over it ]i.e. Scripture[ except those who were given it-after the clear proofs came to them-out of jealous animosity among themselves. And Allaah guided those who believed to the truth concerning that over which they had differed, by His permission. And Allaah guides whom He wills to a straight path."]Quran 2:2 13[
Moreover, Islam has a unique understanding for the concept of Ummah. Ummah is the field for knowledge, ethics, government and positivism. Ummah in Islam is a system in which people integrate, even if they belong to different belief systems. It is a system of universal justice and peace that accommodates everyone who believes in freedom of thinking and in calling people to the truth-whether they are individuals or communities.
Indeed, Ummah in Islam is an apparatus which is more advanced than that developed by the West, the UN., or those apparatuses established by the American-European block merely to bring about a “new world order,” but which in reality often are geared only to maintain Western control over Third World human and material resources.
The Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, proposed a constitution for the city of Madeenah during the first days of his emigration from Makkah. He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, included the rights of both Jews and Christians, thereby safeguarding their freedom and beliefs. History has never known a constitution that represented minorities as this constitution of the Islamic state did. Ummah as an Islamic concept will, Allaah willing, bring the advent of universal peace as well as an internal social system. Ummah is the field-ground for civilization to take place. Such an Ummah can be integrated and united, if it derives its doctrines, constitutions, morals, values and the whole perspective of life from the same united source: belief in the only true Allaah. This is known as the concept of Tawheed )Monotheism(.
The value systems of Western societies will continue to collapse, since they are built on shifting grounds. The Sunday Times of London, in its September 1994 issue, reported about a revolt by women against the values prevailing in Britain: ‘‘British women seek new morality in its religious affairs” correspondent Lesley Thomas stated.
According to the report, this is not the case of British women who are favoring Islam. “Thousands of British women are becoming Muslims in a trend that baffles feminists and causes concern to Christians.” The report continues that “of the estimated 10,000 British converts to Islam over the past decade, most are single, educated women, doctors, college lecturers and lawyers.” The educated in the west are beginning to see that the “full” life is found only in Islam, the universal religion.
And what about the present day Muslim world? Unfortunately, some “educated” Muslims now pay only “lip-service” to Islam. They think that Islam is a slogan to be raised or a word to be uttered. Islam is the way of life that should be implemented in all spheres of life. These hypocrites have forgottenthat Allaah dislikes those who brag about things that they do not practice. When man’s deeds are not commensurate with their words, their conduct is odious in the sight of Allaah.
"O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? Great is hatred in the sight of Allaah that you say what you do not do."]Quran 61:2-3[
May Allaah let the Muslim World never forget that Islam provides a complete and comprehensive way of life. Islam creates harmony in the mind, the soul and the body in a marvelous way. The need for Islam emerges from the humanity’s search for a constitution that provides guidance and satisfaction in all spheres of life. It is a code of life that is not limited to partial needs, but rather a way of life that penetrates all barriers to interact with people’s needs in this life and beyond. It is a way of life where there is no discrimination between what is sacred and what is secular.
Islam is unique among the religions and civilizations the world has known. In contrast to the other religions of the world, Islam defines religion itself as the very business of life, the very matter of space-time, the very process of history, and the gift of Allaah. Therefore, all these work together to constitute them.
Islam is a divine guidance wherein humans of all nations, colors and tongues feel linked to a Supreme Power and Justice. Its teachings are kept intact and authentic. It is the only way to happiness, dignity, and universal peace. Islam is so unique in its method for solving the problems of humanity. I can say with confidence that the twenty first century will be the century of Islam. The everlasting miracle of Islam, THE QURAN, is a standing challenge to the intellect of all peoples at all times. In Islam’s four abiding principles - equality, tolerance, promotion of science, and solution to the world’s problems - its universality asserts itself. It calls to all mankind, if only mankind will listen.
"Then do they not reflect upon the Quran? If it had been from ]any[ other than Allaah, they would have found within it much contradiction."]Quran 4:82[

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Welcome to Islam, - The chosen religion

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Allaah the All-Mighty Says )what means(:"This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”]Quran 5:3[
This was one of the last verses revealed chronologically to Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, )may Allaah exalt his mention(, marking the completion of the Quran and the perfection of Islam. Islam is complete and perfect and is not thereafter susceptible to addition or abrogation. Being eternal and universal, the Islamic Law, which was made by God )Allaah( Himself, Who knows what is best for us under all circumstances, is resilient and adjustable to the changing conditions of time and place.
The perfection of Islam is manifest in the fact that God )Allaah( has made it reign supreme and prevail over other religions. Allaah’s favor upon the Muslims is manifest in the fact that He granted them true guidance, support and honor in this world and in the Hereafter. He has also chosen for them Islam as their religion because it is the Truth, and it is for this reason that He will not accept any other religion but Islam.
The Quran says )what means(:"And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it shall not be accepted from him, and in the life to come he shall be among the losers.”]Quran 3:85[.
Islam gives its followers happiness in this world and eternal bliss in the life to come. Islam simply means total submission to the Will of Allaah. Therefore, it is the same in essence, whether given to Nooh )Noah(, Ibraaheem )Abraham(, Moosaa )Moses(, 'Eesaa )Jesus(, may Allaah exalt their mention, or to Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. For the message it calls to is the same, and the source of unity is the revelation from Allaah )which means(:"He has ordained for you the same religion )Islam( which He enjoined on Noah, and that which We have revealed to you, and which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses and Jesus: namely that you should remain steadfast in religion and be not divided therein.”]Quran 42:13[
After the corruption of the older Scriptures, the Quran came with a twofold purpose -- to confirm the true and original message of Islam, and to stand as a witness to it, by confirming the truth and rejecting the falsehood, which over time came into the older Scriptures. Muslims are required to believe in the revealed Scriptures and to make no distinction between any of them, or the Messengers who brought them, may Allaah exalt their mention, because they all come from the One True God.
The Quran says )what means(:"Say )O Muhammad to the Jews and Christians(: 'We believe in Allaah and that which has been sent to us and that which has been sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and to Al-Asbat, )the offspring of the twelve sons of Jacob( and that which has been given to Moses and Jesus, and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted )in Islam(.”]Quran 2:136[
These Scriptures have not been retained in their original form, due to the human omissions and additions that have crept into them. The Quran is the only Divine Scripture, which has stood the test of time without any change, because it is the Truth from God )Allaah(, and the Truth never fades or diminishes. The Quran says )what means(:"That which We have revealed to you )O Muhammad( of the Book )i.e., the Quran( is the Truth, confirming that which was )revealed( before it.”]Quran 35:31[
The Truth contained in the Quran will never be compromised because Allaah has taken upon Himself the responsibility of preserving it, as stated in the Quran )which means(:"Verily We have sent the Reminder )i.e., the Quran(, and We will assuredly guard it )from corruption(.”]Quran 15:9[
And also )what means(:"Verily, it is an honorable well-fortified book of exalted power )because it is Allaah's Speech, and He has protected it from corruption(. No falsehood can approach it from before or after it: it is sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise.”]Quran 41:41-42[
The revealed Scriptures before the advent of Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, such as the Torah and the Injeel, were written long after the demise of the Prophets to whom they were revealed. The entire Quran, on the contrary, was completely written in the lifetime of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, on pieces of palm trees, parchments and bones. Besides, tens of thousands of the Prophet's Companions committed it to memory while it was being revealed.
The Quran is still memorized and read in its original language
)Arabic( and taught to millions of people around the world. In fact, with every succeeding generation of Muslims, the number of those who have committed the entire Quran to memory has increased. There is no other book, religious or otherwise, which has been given this unparalleled care in recorded history.
The care with which the unadulterated teachings of Islam have been authentically recorded and preserved throughout the ages, is a clear evidence of the universality of the message of Islam and the finality of the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. The Quran is now available in its original form without change of any kind. The perfect preservation of the Quran signifies the preservation of Islam.
That is why Allaah Says in the Quran )what means(:"Verily the only acceptable religion to Allaah is Islam."]Quran 3:19[
Oneness of the Lord
Islam calls to the belief that the Creator of the universe is One and Unique without any partners. His nature is so sublime that it is far beyond our limited conceptions. He is not a mere abstract of philosophy. All the creatures testify to His Existence, and none is comparable to Him. The unity of design and the fundamental facts of creation and existence of the universe proclaim His Oneness.
He is Eternal, without beginning or end, the Absolute, Who is not limited by time or place or circumstance. He is the Creator, the Sustainer and the Planner of the whole universe. None has the right to be worshipped except Him. He has the most Beautiful Names and the Loftiest Attributes. His Knowledge extends to everything seen and unseen, present and future, near and far. His Grace and Mercy are unbounded. He is the All Mighty, the All Wise.
The Quran says )what means(:"Say: 'He is Allaah, the One; Allaah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He begotten; and there is none equal or comparable to Him.”]Quran 112:1-4[
And also )what means(:"There is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.”]Quran 42:11[
And also )what means(:"He is the First )nothing is before Him(, the Last )nothing is after Him(, the Most High )nothing is above Him( and Most Near )nothing is nearer than Him(. And He has full knowledge of all things.”]Quran 57:3[
And also )what means(:"He is Allaah, besides Whom none has the right to be worshipped, the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. He is Allaah besides Whom none has the right to be worshipped, the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allaah! )High is He( above what they associate as partners with Him. He is Allaah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is All-Mighty, the All-Wise.”]Quran 59:23-24[
And also )what means(:"And they attribute falsely without knowledge sons and daughters to Him. Be He Glorified! )For He is( above what they attribute to Him! He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. How can He have a son when He has no wife? He created all things, and He has full knowledge of everything. Such is Allaah, your Lord! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Creator of all things. So worship Him )Alone(. And He has the power to dispose of all affairs. No vision can grasp Him, but His Grasp is over all vision. He is the Most Subtle, Well-Aware.”]Quran 6:100-103[
Tawheed, or monotheism, constitutes the essence of the teachings of Islam. It signifies that there is One Supreme Lord of the universe. He is Omnipotent and the Sustainer of the world and humankind. Unity pervades the whole universe. All of Allaah's creatures testify to His Oneness. This can be seen in their complete submission to His Will.
The perpetual succession of day and night in the most orderly manner; the fixed course of the sun and the moon; the mighty stars; the ceaseless alternation of the seasons -- the functioning of the whole universe including its most subtle elements in a most precise and systematic manner tell us about the Wisdom, Power, Greatness and Divine skill of this Great Creator, Who is Allaah.

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Dought & clear, - (Prayer Asking for Guidance), - Can istikhaarah prayer be performed at the time when prayer is not allowed?

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Can istikhaarah prayer be performed at the time when prayer is not allowed?.
Praise be to Allaah.
In the answer to questions no. 306, 8818, and 20013, we have stated the times at which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade prayer. What is meant by this forbidding is general naafil prayers for which there is no reason. As for naafil prayers for which there is a reason, such as greeting the mosque, they may be offered at these times when prayer is not allowed.
The scholars differed concerning istikhaarah prayer and whether it is regarded as a prayer for which there is a reason, or not.
The correct view is that if istikhaarah is done for something that is immediate and cannot be delayed, then this prayer may be performed at a time when prayer is not allowed, such as if a person wants to travel after ‘Asr prayer. But if the matter is not immediate and the prayer can be delayed until after the time when prayer is not allowed is over, then it should not be performed at that time.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said inal-Fataawa al-Kubra(5/345):
Regular Sunnah prayers may be made up, and prayers for which there is a reason may be done during the times when prayer is not allowed. This is one of the two views narrated from Ahmad, and is the view favoured by a number of our companions and others. Istikhaarah prayer may be performed at the time when prayer is not allowed with regard to something that is immediate and cannot be delayed until the time when prayer is permitted.
It is mustahabb to offer two rak’ahs immediately after doing wudoo’, even if that is at a time when prayer is not allowed. This is the view of al-Shaafa’i. End quote.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked: Can a person pray istikhaarah at a time when prayer is not allowed?
He replied:
If istikhaarah has to do with an immediate matter that cannot be delayed until the time when prayer is not allowed is over, then it may be done. If it is for something that may be delayed, then it must be delayed. End quote.
Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 14/275.

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Dought & clear, - (Prayer Asking for Guidance), - Praying istikhaarah is not contrary tobe using one’s intellect and examining matters to see which of two choices is better

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What matters can one seek guidance from Istikhara and what matters are best dealt with the use of the intellect and not Istikhara?.
Praise be to Allaah.
It is not correct to divide matters, when deciding whether it is permissible to pray istikhaarah regarding them, into the two categories of matters which are subject to rational thinking, in which one should not pray istikhaarah, and matters that are not subject to rational thinking, concerning which one may pray istikhaarah.
Rather what is prescribed in all cases – both major and minor – is to use one’s intellect and wisdom, and to study the options and available means. If a person is hesitant about some matter or it is not clear which choice is the correct choice on the basis of shar‘i evidence, if it is a shar‘i matter, or the basis of rational proof or proof based on experience, and so on, according to the nature of the matter in question – if he is uncertain and it is not clear based on whatever evidence is appropriate in that case, then he should delegate his affairs to Allah, asking Him for guidance and declaring his helplessness before Him, and pray istikhaarah, which is a supplication to Allah, asking Him for guidance and success after examining the available options on a rational basis.
Istikhaarah does not cancel out rational thinking or examining one’s circumstances; rather it is complementary to that. Islam does not approve of overlooking appropriate measures or relying completely on these measures; rather it is a balance between the two, so that the Islamic character will combine being realistic and being spiritual at the same time.
Hence we can say that istikhaarah is prescribed in all our affairs – so long as they lie within the realm of permissibility – alongside using intellect and studying the available means.
It was narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) taught us to pray istikhaarah concerning all our affairs as he would teach us a soorah of the Qur’aan.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6382.
Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
It includes both important and insignificant matters, because important matters may stem from insignificant matters.
End quote fromFath al-Baari, 11/184
And Allah knows best.

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Dought & clear, - (Prayer Asking for Guidance), - Is it prescribed to pray istikhaarah concerning divorce?

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Is it permissible to pray istikhaarah concerning the issue of divorce?.
Praise be to Allaah.
It is prescribed to pray istikhaarah concerning permissible matters or when choosing between mustahabb matters. With regard to things that are obligatory, mustahabb, haraam or makrooh, it is not prescribed to pray istikhaarah concerning them.
It says inal-Mawsoo‘ah al-Fiqhiyyah, 3/243: There is no room for istikhaarah with regard to matters that are obligatory, haraam or makrooh. Rather it applies to things that are recommended and permissible. And with regard to recommended matters, istikhaarah should not be done to decide whether to do them or not, because they are required. Rather it should be done when there is a conflict, i.e., when there are two conflicting matters and one does not know which one to start with or limit himself to. With regard to permissible matters, one may pray istikhaarah when deciding whether to do them at all. End quote.
Secondly:
With regard to divorcing a woman (talaaq), it may come under one of five rulings.
It says inZaad al-Mustaqni‘: It is permissible in case of necessity and is makrooh when there is no such need. It is mustahabb in the case of harm, obligatory in the case of eela’ (an oath to refrain from marital intimacy) and haraam in the case of bid‘ah (innovation).
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said: The phrase “It is permissible in case of necessity” means if the husband needs to do that, then it is permissible for him, such as if he cannot be patient with his wife. If there is a need for that, it is permissible for him to divorce her…
End quote fromash-Sharh al-Mumti‘, 13/8
In this case, before divorcing her it is mustahabb for the man to pray istikhaarah, asking Allah to guide him. But if things are going smoothly, it is not prescribed for him to pray istikhaarah, because in this case divorce is makrooh.
Similarly, if divorce has become obligatory for him, it is not prescribed for him to pray istikhaarah, such as if he has discovered that his wife is not chaste and has not repented. In that case it is obligatory for him to divorce her and not to keep her.
Similarly, it is permissible for the wife to ask for a divorce if she has been harmed by her husband, such as if he does not spend on her maintenance, or if she dislikes him because of his bad attitude or weakness in his religious commitment and so on. In that case it is mustahabb for her to pray istikhaarah about asking for a divorce. But if things are going smoothly, it is haraam for her to ask for a divorce, because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Any woman who asks her husband for a divorce when it is not absolutely necessary, the fragrance of Paradise will be forbidden to her.”
Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani inSaheeh Abi Dawood.
For more information please see the answer to question no. 118325
To sum up, it is prescribed for the husband to pray istikhaarah about divorcing his wife if doing so is permissible. Similarly it is permissible for the wife to pray istikhaarah about asking for a divorce, if doing so is because of a reason that makes it permissible to seek divorce. Apart from that, it is not prescribed to pray istikhaarah about divorce.
And Allah knows best.

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