For children, - Changing of the Qiblah from Baitul-Maqdis to Masjidil Haram

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Qiblah (Qibla or Kiblah) is the direction of the Sacred Mosque of Holy Kaabah (Kaaba) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, toward which Muslims from all over the world turn five times each day when performing the Salat (daily ritual prayer).
Baitul-Maqdis in Jerusalem was the first Qiblah for Muslims before the announcement of present Qiblah at Sacred Mosque of Holy Kaabah (Kaaba) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
When Allah (SWT) first ordered Prophet Mohammed (saw) and all Muslims to offer the daily Salat (Salah), they prayed facing Baitul-Maqdis in Jerusalem, Palestine. This was the practice in Makkah and continued in Medina until the seventeenth month after Hijrah (migration).
At the heart of Jerusalem is the Noble Sanctuary or Al-Haram al-Sharif, enclosing over 35 acres of fountains, gardens, buildings and domes. At its southernmost end is Al-Aqsa Mosque and at its center the celebrated Dome of the Rock. The entire area is regarded as Baitul-Maqdis or Al-Qudus and comprises nearly one sixth of the walled city of Jerusalem.
It is clear that Masjid al-Aqsa and Dome of the Rock (Qubbat as-Sakhra) are two separate buildings, and not synonymous with each other as believed by some Muslims. However, both these buildings are within the enclosure of Al-Haram al-Sharif referred to in Glorious Qur'an as "the Furthest Mosque" in Surah al-Israa (Chapter 17:1).
In Medina, the Jews also said their prayers facing Baitul-Maqdis. They did not like the fact that the Muslims had the same Qiblah as they did, and tried to use this fact to discredit Islam and Prophet Mohammed (saw). They said to the Muslims, "Mohammed claims to have a religion whose laws supersede all other previous laws, yet he does not have an independent Qiblah, and offers his prayers facing the Qiblah of the Jews."
The fools (pagans, hypocrites and Jews) among the people will say: What has turned them (Muslims) from their Qiblah which they had? Say (O Mohammed): The East and the West belong only to Allah; He guides whom He likes to the right path. Glorious Qur'an (2:142)
Prophet Mohammed (saw) prayed facing Jerusalem for sixteen or seventeen months after arriving in Medina. But after received this hurtful news Prophet Mohammed (saw) used to come out at night and look into the sky awaiting the revelation from Allah (SWT) about this matter. The following verse was revealed at this time:
Indeed We see the turning of your [Prophet Mohammed (saw)] face to heaven, so We shall surely turn you to a Qiblah which you shall like; turn then your face towards the Sacred Mosque, and wherever you are, turn your face towards it, and those who have been given the Book (i.e. Jews and the Christians) most surely know that it is the truth from their Lord; and Allah is not at all heedless of what they do. Glorious Qur'an (2:144)
It appears from the above verse of the Glorious Qur'an that change of Qiblah was not due only to the objection of the Jews, but there was also another reason for it. It was that the matter possessed an aspect of test. The intention was that the true believers and those who were not sincere in their faith should be identified and the Prophet Mohammed (saw) should fully recognize such persons, because the second order, in obedience to which he turned his face towards Masjidil Haram, Sacred Mosque of Holy Kaabah (Kaaba), the new Qiblah as chosen by Allah (SWT) while performing prayers, was the sign of faith in the new religion and disobedience and delay is a sign of double-mindedness and hypocrisy. This is confirmed in the following verse of Glorious Qur'an:
And thus We have made you a medium (just) nation that you may be the bearers of witness to the people and (that) the Messenger may be a bearer of witness to you; and We made the Qiblah (prayer direction towards Jerusalem) which you used to face, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn back upon their heels, and this was surely hard except for those whom Allah has guided aright; and Allah was not going to make your faith (prayers) to be fruitless (i.e. your prayers offered towards Jerusalem); most surely Allah is Affectionate, Merciful to the people. Glorious Qur'an (2:143)
One day, while Prophet Mohammed (saw) and the Muslims were praying together, the command came from Allah to change the Qiblah from Baitul-Maqdis to Sacred Mosque of Holy Kaabah (Kaaba) in Makkah. After Prophet Mohammed (saw) had already completed two Rakaats of the noon prayer in congregation, the Angel Jibraeel (Gabriel) communicated to him the mandatory divine command of Allah (SWT).
Jibraeel (as) held the hand of Prophet Mohammed (saw) and turned him towards Holy Kaabah (Kaaba) in Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. Prophet Mohammed (saw) at once changed his direction in the middle of Salat. Imam Ali (as) followed this change immediately. The other Muslims were confused by this action and only a few followed the example of Imam Ali (as).
The mosque where this happened is known as "Masjid-e-Dhul Qiblatain or Masjid Al-Qiblatain" which means "Mosque with two Qiblah". This is one of the famous and oldest mosques in Islamic history, still exists in Medina today few kilometers from Masjid al-Nabawi. It had two Mihrabs, one Mihrab is facing "Baitul-Maqdis" and the other one is facing "Masjid al-Haram". It was one of the Prophet Mohammed's (saw) miracles that he turned exactly to face the Holy Kaabah (Kaaba) without the use of any scientific instrument or computation.

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Family Issues, - Guidance for the Muslim Wife - Complete book. (Part 12)

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GOOD ADVICE
1. It is wrong to tease someone about a past incident. Women have this evil habit of mentioning past incidents of grief and sorrow which have already been forgiven and forgotten. This renews the enmity.
2. Do not complain about the in-laws at home. Some complaints are sinful, show lack of patience and most often increase the enmity on both sides. In the same manner do not praise your family and exalt them in front of your in-laws. This can lead to the sin of pride and arrogance. The in-laws will be perturbed at the behaviour of the daughter-in-law.
3. Do not speak too much as this can result in something unsuitable being uttered.
4. As far as possible do not give your work to others. Do it yourself. In fact do the work of others as well. Not only will you be rewarded but you will be liked by everyone.
5. Neither pay attention nor listen to those women who gossip. Besides this act being sinful these women cause dissension.
6. If you hear any complaint about your mother-in-law, sister- in-law, the wife of your husband's brother or any near or far relative, do not conceal it in your heart. It is better to regard it as a lie and discard it. If you do not have that much courage, face the person who mentioned the complaint to you and clarify the matter so that no corruption spreads.
7. Do not be harsh on the servants. Ensure that your children do not harrass the maid's children because they, out of respect will not say anything verbally but will be hurt within.
8. Appoint a time to teach girls the Quran and books of deen. If books are not easily available, teach them the complete Behishti Zewar (Heavenly Ornaments by Ml. Ashraf Ali Thanwi). Also ensure that they learn some art or craft. However other subjects and arts must only be taught after they have learnt the Quran.
9. Do not make the girls that come to learn by you do any of your housework. Treat them like your own children.
10. Do not take any burden upon yourself for the sake of fame.
11. Be simple and humble in your ways. Wear simple clothing. Do not try and adorn yourself excessively when intending to go out.
12. Do not mention the flaws of a person's family or those of a deceased person. Not only is it sinful, it also causes undue grief.
13. Return someone else's utensil as soon as possibe. Do not mix it with your own utensils but keep it separate, so that it does not get mislaid. It is sinful to use anyone's property without his permission.
14. Do not form a habit of eating lavishly. You may not be able to afford sumptuous meals all the time.
15. Do not forget a person's favour no matter how insignificant and do not boast of your favour no matter how great.
16. The best way to spend your free time is to read a book. Do not read books which have an evil influence.
17. Never raise your voice when speaking. It is shameless for women to let their voices be heard outside.
18. If you wake up at night, do not disturb anyone by making a din. Maintain silence in whatever you are doing.
19. It is disrespectful to laugh at the elders. Do not be too free with young children otherwise they will become disrespectful.
20. If everyone stands up in a gathering, you should not remain seated as this is a sign of pride.
21. Do not praise your family or children in front of anyone.
22. If there is remorse between two people, do not say anything inflammatory to either of them.
23. Do not be harsh.
24. Do not express anger over anyone in front of a guest. The guest will not be at ease as he was before.
25. Be courteous to an enemy as well. His enmity will not increase.
26. Do not let crumbs of bread lie around. Whenever you see some crumbs, clean them and eat them. If you cannot eat them, give them to some animal. If the tablecloth has fragments, do not dust it off where someone walks.
27. After completing a meal do not leave the food and stand up as this is disrespectful. First clear the tablecloth and then get up.
28. Girls should not play habitually with boys because the habits of both become spoilt. If any unknown boy enters the house, the girls should move away from there.
29. Do not scuffle mockingly. Most often it causes frustration and sometimes it can cause an injury. Also do not frequently joke in such a manner that it angers another person.
30. Do not sit at the head-side of an elderly person that is lying down unless you are asked to do so.
31. When you borrow something from someone, safeguard it carefully and return it as soon as you have finished using it. Do not let the person ask you for it. How will he know that you are no longer using it? Secondly, he may not ask you out of consideration. Similarly if you are owing money to someone, pay him as soon as you can.
32. If you have to walk at night, remove the anklets from your legs. Do not let them tinkle whilst walking.
33. If there is only one person in a room and the door is closed, do not suddenly open the door and enter. He may be in the nude or he may be sleeping and will be disturbed. First call out softly and ask permission to enter. Enter only after obtaining permission, otherwise remain silent and leave. If it is something very urgent, call out aloud to wake him up.
34. Do not criticise a nation or town in the presence of someone you do not know. It will be highly embarrassing if he happens to hail from that town or nation.
35. Similarly if you do not know who has done a certain act, do not say "which idiot has done this" or something similar. It will be highly embarrassing if it is someone you know.
36. If your child denies doing any wrong, do not take the side of your child especially in front of him as this will spoil his habit.
37. When marrying your daughters, ensure the piety and religiousness of the boy. A boy with a good religious background will care for his wife properly. However if a person is very wealthy but he is irreligious, he will not know the rights of the wife and will not be loyal to her.
38. Some women have the habit of throwing a pebble towards a person from behind the curtain in order to attract his attention. The pebble can injure someone. Use other means to attract a persons attention without injuring anyone.
39. Mark your clothing with a floral label etc. to prevent the clothing from getting mixed at the cleaners. It is not permissible to take someone else's clothing.
40. There is a custom amongst the Arabs that if a person wants something as a blessing from a pious saint, he will give the saint something and tell him to use it for a few days. In this way the buzurg (saint) does not have any hesitation, otherwise if 20 people ask the saint for something, he will not even have a cloth left for himself. It is a very suitable custom to adopt.
41. If someone makes a statement and you want to contradict it, do not attribute it to someone else who upon hearing what you said will resent it.
42. Do not accuse anyone on mere suspicion without investigating. It can be very distressing.

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Family Issues, - Guidance for the Muslim Wife - Complete book. (Part 11)

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CARING FOR THE CHILDREN
1. Wash the child's hands, face, neck, ears, and groin properly with a wet cloth each day . When dirt collects, the flesh becomes putrefied and sores develop as a result.
2. When the child urinates or passes stool, cleanse him immediately. Do not merely wipe with a cloth as this results in a rash and a swelling on the body. During cold weather use warm water.
3. Make him sleep separately and join the sides of the bed or place two pillows on the either side so that he does not fall. If you let him sleep next to you, there is the fear of him getting crushed under you unknowingly. His limbs are very tender and great precaution must be taken.
4. Do not let him form a habit of playing on the swing as swings are not availabe everyhere. Also do not keep him in the lap for too long as this makes him weak.
5. Form the childs habit of going to everyone. By going to one person only, the child will be unduly grieved if that person passes away.
6. If you want a wet-nurse to breastfeed your child, choose one whose milk is good and who is young, with a good character. She must be religious; not foolish, shameless, ill-mannered, miserly and greedy.
7. When the child begins to eat, do not let the wet-nurse feed him. Feed him yourself or let a responsible person feed him so that he does not overeat and become sick. When administering medicine, have it prepared and given in your presence.
8. When he begins to understand a little, let him form a habit of eating with his own hand. Teach him to eat with the right hand and to eat less so that he be free of illnesses and greed.
9. The parents or guardian should take care that the child is always clean. If the hands and face get dirty, they should be washed immediately.
10. If possible, there should be someone to keep an eye on the child while he is playing and protect him from injury and evil company.
11. The servant should be emphatically told not to feed him in any place. If someone gives him something to eat, he should bring it home and show it to the parents.
12. The child should be taught not to ask anyone for anything besides the buzrugs (saints) nor take anything from anyone or take anything without permission.
13. Do not show too much affection for the child thereby spoiling him.
14. Do not make him wear very tight clothing.
15. Inculcate in him the habit of using miswaak regularly.
16. The first part of this book contains etiquettes for eating, drinking, speaking, meeting people, sitting and awakening. Teach the child these etiquettes. Do not feel that he will learn them himself when he grows up or you will teach him at that time. Remember that no one can learn himself and by reading he will become aware of it but a habit will not be formed. As long as he does not have these habits, no matter how educated he may be, he will always be ill-mannered and shameless.
17. Do not pressurize the child to learn. Initially appoint one hour for his learning, then two, three and so on. Make him strive according to his capacity. Do not teach the whole day as this causes excessive fatigue. If there is too much strain, his heart and mind will deteriorate, his memory will weaken and he will become lazy like a sick person. He will ultimately lose interest in studying.
18. Besides a few minor vacations he should not be given too many holidays without necessity as this will bore him.
19. Engage the service of the most perfect and knowledgeable person available in the field he has chosen. Employing cheap teachers will have detrimental results.
20. Arrange the learning program in such a way that the easy lessons are taught in the afternoon and the difficult ones in the morning because a person becomes tired later in the day and fears difficult lessons.
21. Children, especially girls should be taught cooking and sewing.
22. Teach the boys not to make istinja (purifying oneself after answering the call of nature) in front of others, especially females.

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Family Issues, - Guidance for the Muslim Wife - Complete book. (Part 10)

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EXPERIENCE AND ORGANISATION
1. As far as possible do not have both your sons' or both daughters' weddings at the same time because there will be a difference between the daughters-in-law and the sons-in-law, in the features of the boys and girls, in their neatness of clothing and in their modesty. There are many other factors in which there will be differences and people have the habit of extolling one and criticizing the other. This will unjustly hurt the feeling of the other.
2. Do not trust each and every person nor be in the habit of leaving the house in someones custody. Until you are not confident of a persons integrity, do not place your trust in him. In some areas many women enter the homes, some in the guise of hajees with a piece of the cloth of the Kaaba, some making taweez knots etc., some as fortune tellers and some with amusements. Do not let them enter the house. They have destroyed many a home.
3. Do not leave your safe or box which contains money, jewellery and valuables open and walk away. Either lock it or take it with you.
4. As far as possible do not purchase goods on credit. However if you are compelled to do so, make a note of the price and the date of purchase and pay as soon as possible.
5. Keep a record of the clothing given for washing. Do not rely on your memory.
6. As far as possible keep the house expenses to a minimum. In fact you should save from the amount you are given to use for the house.
7. Do not tell those women who habitually come to the house from elsewhere such things which you do not want others to know of because they carry tales to many houses.
8. Do not cook rice and flour by estimate. Approximate your expenses and measure the ingredients for both meals. Do not pay heed if anyone teases you.
9. When your daughters go outside, do not make them wear jewellery. There is fear of both life and wealth.
10. If a man comes to the door and explains his relationship or friendship or any kind of contact with your husband, father or brother, do not allow him inside i.e. even after making pardah nor give him anything valuable. Send food etc. to him as if he is a stranger. Do not show too much affection and sincerity unless a male from the house recognizes him. Similarly do not use anything which he may give you. Do not be perturbed if he gets offended.
11. If an unknown woman comes and informs you that she was told to come and fetch you, do not accompany her. Do not do any work which a stranger may tell you to do, nor give him anything from the house.
12. Do not let such a tree grow in the house, the fruit of which can injure someone.
13. Wear warm clothing in winter. Most women do not wear sufficient clothing and this inevitably results in colds and flu.
14. Teach the children the parents' names and even the grandfather's name and ask them occasionally in order for them to remember. The benefit of this is that if the child gets lost and is asked about his parents, he can mention the name. In this way someone or the other can return the child to the parents. If the child does not know the name, he will say I am mummy's child or daddy's, making it difficult to trace the actual parents.
15. At a certain place a woman left her child and went away for some work. Meanwhile a cat came and scratched the child so viciously that he died. Two lessons can be learnt from this: Firstly, a child should not be left alone. Secondly, dogs and cats can never be trusted. Some women foolishly make the cats sleep with them. What guarantee do they have of the cat not striking a paw deceivingly at night, or biting or getting hold of the jugular vein.
16. Before using any medicine always show it to the doctor first. Clean it thoroughly before using. Sometimes an unqualified doctor may give you a wrong prescription. Whatever medicine remains over in a container or sachet should be labelled otherwise no one may recognize it. No matter how expensive it was, it will have to be discarded. You may remember wrongly and use it for some other illness, thus causing even more harm.
17. If you do happen to give a loan, do not give too much. Give an amount which, in the event of non-repayment will not overburden you.
18. When intending to undertake something new or major, first take the advice of an understanding, religious and obliging person.
19. Keep your money and valuables safely hidden. Do not mention it to everyone.
20. When writing a letter to someone write the address clearly. If you happen to write to the same person again, do not leave your address out assuming the addressee to have remembered it from your first letter. Allah knows best whether the first letter reached or not. If perchance it did not reach, how much inconvenience the addressee will experience especially if he does not know the address by memory or is illiterate.
21. When travelling by public transport eg. a train, safeguard your ticket very carefully. Do not be negligent and sleep in the train nor tell any fellow passenger your secret or mention anything about your valuables and jewellery. Do not eat anything given to you by strangers eg. betel leaf, sweetmeats etc. Do not wear jewellery when travelling by train. Keep it safely in a box etc. You can wear it on reaching home.
22. Always keep some loose coins in your pocket.
23. Do not interfere with an insane person nor speak to him. If he is not in his senses, he may say or do something that is highly embarrassing to you.
24. Do not place your barefeet anywhere in the dark nor your hand. First switch the light on and then proceed.
25. Do not tell each and every person your secret. By mentioning it to others it is more likely to be exposed.
26. Keep the necessary medicines at home.
27. Always ponder at the consequence of any act before attempting it.
28. Do not purchase crockery and utensils unnecessarily as this destroys ones wealth.
29. If women are sitting in a train and their husbands are sitting in another coach, the women should not alight by observing or hearing the name of the station they intend going to. Some cities have 2 or 3 stations. There is a possibility that the men may alight at another station resulting in both parties separating and causing unnecessary inconvenience. The women should disembark only when the men come to fetch them.
30. Women should also keep the following items with them: a book of masalahs (laws), a pen, paper and a jug for wudu.
31. Do not ask people going on a journey to bring anything for you nor request them to take anything. These requests most often cause inconvenience. If you intend to send a parcel or a letter, it can be posted.
32. Do not partake of anything given to you by a stranger on a journey. Sometimes criminals give poison or intoxicants with the intention of looting your belongings.
33. Whilst hurrying to catch the train, be careful not to sit in a class higher than the one you paid for.
34. Whilst sewing, if a needle gets stuck in the cloth, do not remove it with your mouth. Sometimes it may break or slip and pierce the palate or tongue.
35. Always keep a nailclipper with you.
36. Do not ever put medicine in the eyes.
37. Do not interfere in other peoples affairs nor give any advice. However if you are requested to do so, there is no harm.
38. Do not insist on someone staying over. This can inconvenience a person. What benefit is there in such love, the result of which is animosity?
39. Do not carry something that is too heavy. Women should especially be careful because their joints and blood vessels are much more delicate and sensitive.
40. Do not leave a needle or any sharp object lying around. It can cause an injury.
41. Do not punish a child or student with a thick stick nor kick him.
42. Do not give something heavy or dangerous from above someone. Even food and water should not be given from above someone.
43. Always inform the host if you have already eaten. This will not inconvenience him by unnecessarily preparing food.
44. Do not buy and sell at an inconvenient place.
45. Children of a learning age should be given food which strengthens the brain.
46. As far as possible do not remain alone at home during the night. Allah only knows what calamity can befall a person.
47. Do not allow children to do any risky or dangerous tasks.
48. Do not suddenly pick up bricks, stones etc. that are lying in one place for a long time. Very often scorpions or other harmful creatures breed under them. Always lift them up carefully.
49. When intending to lie on the bed, first dust it as there may be some creature lying on it.
50. Place leaves of the margosa tree or camphor or naphthelene balls between silk and woollen clothing to prevent moths or worms from breeding.
51. When concealing money at home, always tell one or two persons whom you trust.
52. Some people use a lock and place the key somewhere nearby. This is inefficient.
53. Do not light a lamp of oil as it is very harmful. Be careful when switching a lantern off. Do not place your hand on it. Use a fan or cloth to extinguish it.
54. If you want to count money at night, do so silently.
55. Do not leave a burning lamp in an empty house. Similarly do not throw away a burning match. Either extinguish it and then throw it away or trample it with your shoe so that no spark remains.
56. Do not allow children to play with matches, fire and fireworks.
57. When going to toilet with a lamp, place it carefully so that it does not burn the clothing. Many people have sustained burns in this manner. Kerosene oil especially, is very dangerous.

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Discover Islam, - The originality of Islam

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To what extent does Islam differ from older heavenly religions?
How far is Islam original, if compared with Judaism and Christianity in particular?
The Holy Quran emphasises that monotheism, the Islamic fundamental belief, is in essence the same one as in Judaism and Christianity. In the Quran, Allaah Says )what means(:“Not an apostle did we send before you without this inspiration sent by us to him: that there is no god but I; therefore worship and serve me”]Quran: 21:25[
He also Says )what means(:"Say, 'O People of the Scripture! Do you resent us except ]for the fact[ that we have believe in Allaah and what was revealed to us and what was revealed before and because most of you are defiantly disobedient?'”]Quran: 5:59[.
Muslims, therefore, believe in the soundness of the belief of the older heavenly religions contained in the Old Testament and the Bible which were originally revealed to Moosaa )Moses( and to 'Eesaa )Jesus(, may Allaah exalt their mention, not the interpolations made by their followers through centuries. In the Holy Quran Allaah Says )what means(:"So woe to those who write the 'scripture' with their own hands, then say: 'This is from Allaah,' in order to change it for a small price! Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they earn”]Quran: 2:79[.
So severely does the Holy Quran condemn those forgers of lies against God that all Muslim scholars deny the existence of any sound, revealed books other than the Holy Quran, while the modern in the west have acknowledged all types of interpolation.
In addition, according to the Holy Quran there is among the Jews a section:"…who alter the Scripture with their tongues so you may think it is from the Scripture, but it is not from the Scripture. And they say, “This is from Allaah,” but it is not from Allaah. And they speak untruth about Allaah while they know."]Quran: 3:78[.And: "Among the Jews are those who distort words from their )proper( places )i.e. usages( and say, 'We hear and disobey,' and 'Hear but be not heard,' and 'Raa’ina,' )i.e. 'give us time to hear you and listen to us'( twisting their tongues and defaming the religion…”]Quran: 4:46[
So if Islamic belief is the same one as that of Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, it is not at all the belief which had been interpolated in the Old Testament.
Concerning Christianity, the situation is similar. The New Testment was written down a long time after Jesus had been raised to the heavens. His followers were being persecuted during this time. Also, many books were written as bibles besides the one which was officially selected and adopted near the beginning of the fourth century )A.D(. The creed was, on subjective, converted into a trinity contrary to monotheism. The Christians had driven Christianity out of existence so that, when Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam )may Allaah exalt his mention( was sent, he found nothing but shameful paganism in the hands of the Arab Christians.
Among the pagan Arabs, the religion of God was not luckier than among the Jews and Christians. Therefore, at the advent of Islam the laws of God they had heard were either alternated or abrogated; some of those were unknown, others were neglected.
What was the situation of Islam towards those legacies?
Islam refused all that was wrong, adopted all that was right, completed all that was defective and purified all that was diluted, whether in beliefs or in law, or in ethics:
)One(Islam rejected polytheism, incarnation, and assured pure monotheism )the oneness of God(.
)Two(It also rejected the silly principle that was adopted by the Greeks, Romans, and Jews, which made animals responsible before courts of law. Islam based legal and moral responsibility on reason.
)Three(In legislation and ethics, Islam put an end to narrow-minded racism and adopted a legal system which prohibits all discrimination on racial, colour, or ethical grounds. Racism had been lawful at that time among the Arabs, Jews, and Christians at least in the first century )A.D(. This Islamic moral and legal system caused a revolution in both ethics and law.
)Four(In the sphere of law, Islam confirmed the principle of wergild )blood money( for both injury and murder, which was applied by the Arabs before Islam, but was unknown in the Old Testament. In Mosaic law, there was only retribution of forgiveness.
)Five(In the sphere of law, too, Islam did not confirm slavery as a penalty upon theft, while it had been legal in the earlier systems of law. Thus, Islam closed a wide grate in the face of slavery and made man jump towards his liberation.
)Six(Islam set up the doctrine of individual responsibility to put an end to collective responsibility that was in effect among the Arabs. Thus, Islam inflamed a greater revolution than that caused by the rejection of racism and by establishing equality of all races, regardless of colour and ethnic differences.
To confirm the principle of individual responsibility, Islam rejected the doctrine of the original sin, in Christianity, and considered all people innocent till they attain the age of maturity and start to err. Islam also set up the principle:“That no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another; And that there is not for man except that ]good[ for which he strives; And that his effort is going to be seen – Then he will be recompensed for it a full recompense”]Quran: 53:38-39[.
This principle alone is sufficient for producing a chain of differences between the Islamic and Christian Ethics; the first and most original principle, therefore, is to reject the injustice of collective responsibility and original sin.
Thus, there have been several kinds of specific differences that characterise God’s sound religion from what was abrogated or alternated. With such original principles, Islam completed the legal and moral systems that had been known before its advent. This is why Muslim scholars have decided that the laws in previous heavenly religions are not ours, unless Islam prescribes them.

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Discover Islam, - Islam's features

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Introduction
The world is not only densely populated but it is also saturated with different religions in various concepts. Everyone claims that he has a message to rescue the world and that he is the only one who is on the right path - each one asserting as if everybody owns the franchise to the truth!
Faced with such a fact, it is imperative upon us, as Muslims, to know the features of our religion. This is for us to determine our position, as well as, to properly conduct and guard ourselves against the other ones that may either be of divine roots such as Christianity and Judaism or of human origin like Buddhism and Hinduism. Otherwise, we will succumb to a plethora of religions.
Islam has specific features, which distinguishes it among the rest. By understanding these features, we will hopefully realize its merits and Allaah’s )God’s( kindness as He guides and immerses us towards Islam. Here are some of these features:
1. Islam is a divine religion
Allaah Says )what means(:"And indeed, )O Muhammad(, you receive the Quran from one Wise and Knowing."]Quran: 27:6["Alif - Lam - Meem. )This is( the revelation of the Book about which there is no doubt from the Lord of the worlds."]Quran: 32:1-2[.
So Islam, by this feature, is essentially distinguished from the other laws and ideologies whose source is the human mind as opposed to Islam’s which is divine )"Godly"(. This great difference should not be ignored nor taken for granted.
While Islam is considered a divine revelation, it should be:
A. Perfect and devoid of insufficiency, ignorance and caprice because it comes from Allaah the Almighty, Whose perfection is complete and Who is infallible. Therefore, if the effect of Allaah’s perfection is shown in His revealed commands, they should also be perfect.
B. Suitable, convenient and sufficient. This revelation is from the Creator Who knows what may benefit or harm His creatures. Allaah Says )what means(:"Does He Who created not know, while He is the Subtle, the Acquainted?"]Quran: 67:14[.
C. Highly respected and dignified by believers regardless of one’s social status and earthly power because such positions and influence cannot take them away from the submission to Almighty Allaah.
This holds true to a president or a ruler who is not obliged to follow any philosopher’s or intellectual’s opinion but still has to submit to Almighty Allaah, regardless of his position, as all other creatures submit to Him.
For instance, Muslims who used to drink wine before Islam gave up their habit when Islam had forbidden it. In contrast, theUnited Statesin CE 1930 spent a lot of money advertising the dangers of wine and even applied hard punishment along the line in order to put a stop to it but still all their efforts failed.
2.Islam is comprehensive
Islam unlike human principles and ordered set of ideas is a comprehensive system for all life affairs and human behaviour, as each aspect caters to its own field. So there are no spaces in human life which are apart from his religion and belief.
Muslims cannot do anything without a jurisprudent ruling either by obligation, prohibition, legalisation, recommendation or abhorrence. Therefore, everything in a Muslim’s life submits to and are gauged against these five jurisprudentially rulings, such that whatever comes to one ‘s mind always has a jurisprudential verdict in Islam.
The comprehensiveness of this religious jurisprudential ruling is clear because:
A. Islam includes the Jurisprudence of belief, such as faith in Allaah and faith in the Last Day and Judgement.
B. It includes the Jurisprudence of morality, such as honesty and forbidden lie.
C. It includes the jurisprudential ruling of man’s relationship with his Lord, such as prayer and fasting.
D. It includes the regulations of man’s relationship with each other, such as the jurisprudential ruling of the family including the manner of dealing with them.
The effect of this comprehensiveness is reflected in a Muslim’s life because he is always in touch with Allaah in all his undertakings. He is connected with Allaah in his worship, his relationship with others and his children, his eating, his companionship with his wife, his livelihood and many others of such respect, affirming that this religion concludes and evaluates all these things.
3. It is general
Another one of Islam’s excellent aspects is its generality or applicability to all human beings. It was not sent solely to a specific group or special race. Almighty Allaah Says )what means(:"And We have not sent you except comprehensively to mankind as a bringer of good tidings and a warner…"]Quran: 34:28[. "Say, )O Muhammad(, 'O mankind! Indeed I am the Messenger of Allaah to you all…'"]Quran: 7:158[
Its suitability at any given time and place is permanent and unchangeable. Unlike the previous divine laws that catered only to a specific period and to a specific group or race.
One might ask: "Why is it that divine laws were not continued in its revelation till the Day of Judgment?"
The answer is that the revelation of these divine laws is not a kind of futility but rather wisdom in order to complete a previous divine law or to meet a specific need for a given specific group. However, Almighty Allaah has sent completely and perfectly the Islamic message when the sequence and series of divine messages already nurtured the human beings. Such an Islamic message filled the gaps and completed the previous revelations as well as confirmed the virtues inherent of the previous divine messages. Almighty Allaah has provided Islamic messages with continuous characteristics and fulfillment of human needs till the Day of Judgment, demonstrating in effect one of Almighty Allaah’s wisdoms.
The Almighty Allaah Says )what means(:"This day I have perfected for you your religion, and completed My favour upon you, and have approved for you Islam as religion."]Quran: 5:3[
4. Islam sets up rewards as well as punishment for our deeds.
The jurisprudential rulings of Islam are not just abstract pieces of advice or instructions that have no bearing for reward or punishment. On the contrary, it offers good reward for the obedient ones and punishment for the transgressors and violators of its law. Moreover, there are inherent degrees of reward and punishment in it. It is common knowledge that the punishment and rewards are meted out in the Last Day of Judgement but in some cases, the earthly penalty shares in the Day of Judgement’s penalty by applying punishment to the people who violate the jurisprudential rulings of Islam in such cases as murder, theft and adultery.
This special feature of punishment and reward for deeds obliges Muslims to submit willfully, whether in secret or open, to the jurisprudential rulings of Islam. Muslims obey this for fear of Almighty Allaah’s punishment because even if one could escape from his sins in this life, the reality that everyone will be brought before Allaah on the Day of Judgement for a fair and decent trial will always hold true in the end.
Therefore, Muslims avoid the forbidden deeds not only because of respect to and shame from Allaah, but also out of fear for Allaah’s punishment on the Day of Judgement. Allaah Says )what means(:"The Day every soul will find what it has done of good present )before it( and what it has done of evil, it will wish between itself and that )evil( was a great distance…"]Quran: 3:30[.
So Muslims may escape from people that they have wronged while in this life, but they will always be held accountable for it causing them to fear Allaah’s punishment on the Day of Judgement.
Reflective of this is the story of Maa'iz who committed adultery and then went to the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam proclaiming he had committed adultery finally asking for purification.
5. It is ideal and practical
Islam hones and gears people for perfection, granting their needs, not ignoring them. This Islamic feature promotes mankind with due consciousness of his nature, reality, interest and desire.
In general, there is moderation more than exaggeration or excessiveness, but it still gives and satisfies each one with his needs.
This is best exemplified when Islam orders Muslims to pay charity or Zakaat )"poor due"( and at the same time it cautions man against his human instinct of cherishing money to the point of getting enslaved to it.
Almighty Allaah Says )what means(:"And )they are( those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, )justly( moderate."]Quran: 25:67[."And let not your hand be tied )like a miser( to your neck nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach )like a spendthrift(".]Quran: 17:29[ For instance, it is forbidden to follow one’s desire by eating prohibited things or having illegal sexual intercourse. On the other hand, it is also forbidden to torture oneself by barring this natural need by fulfilling them in an allowed manner. So moderation must be there all the time.
Three people came to the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and they asked about his daily program and worship. Upon hearing it, they thought his worship was not enough for them. One of them said, "I will never sleep at night )i.e. spend it solely in worshipping Allaah(. The other one said: "I will never get married" )so that he can spend his life solely worshipping Allaah(. The third one said: "I will never eat meat". )to deprive himself of the pleasure to be derived from it, perhaps that it would please Allaah(.
When Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam heard them, he denied their deeds and said:"But I fast, break my fast, sleep and wake up )part of night for worshipping( and marry women - the one who refuses my Sunnah )recommended deeds( is not one of my followers."
Also, the jurisprudential ruling of Islam is practical. It has nothing impossible or hard to do because it is not abstract ideals but rather one that takes care of man’s desires needs and the reality of his life. In this respect, Islam nurtures moulds, guides and polishes man without necessarily forgetting and renouncing his earthly whims and caprices.
Almighty Allaah Says )what means(:"And eat of what Allaah has provided for you ]which is[ lawful and good. And fear Allaah, in whom you are believers."]Quran: 5:88[. Also:"…Eat and drink but be not excessive…" ]Quran: 7:31[. And: "O you who have believed, do not prohibit the good things which Allaah has made lawful to you and do not transgress…"]Quran: 5:87[.
We all know that Islam is the truth, but until and unless we realize all its merits, coupled of course with God’s guidance and enlightenment, we will never be sure if we will always live with or die for it, considering the proliferation of various other religions around us.

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Discover Islam, - Islam and scientific progress

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Islam encourages and urges its followers to learn, read, write and do research. Here are some proofs of the attitude of the religion of Islam towards education, learning and scientific thinking:
1. The first verses revealed in the Holy Quran say )what means(:"Read in the name of the Lord, who created man from congealed blood."This means that the first revealed word was "read". This reflects the importance of reading and learning according to Islam.
2. The Holy Quran repeatedly orders Muslims to contemplate the universe, creatures, animals, seas, stars, the human body and plants.
3. The Holy Quran is scientific in its approach and thus it gives Muslims an example of scientific objectivity and the scientific approach. The Holy Quran often gives proofs to its statements.
4. The scientific approach of the Holy Quran is also clear when the Holy Quran requires proofs from the disbelievers for whatever claims they make.
5. The Holy Quran gives another example of scientific objectivity by repeatedly blaming disbelievers for their blind imitation of their forefathers. This is certainly an invitation from the Holy Quran to the believers and people to think independently and critically. Independent thinking is an essential condition for creativity, which is the first condition to scientific innovations and technological progress.
6. Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, )may Allaah exalt his mention(, urged his Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, to use their own judgment if they faced problems to which there was no specific solution in the Holy Quran or the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. This encouragement of free judgment is a green signal that stimulates people to think, but without going against the principles of Islam.
7. Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, ordered people to record knowledge in books.
Science Alone Is not Enough:
As we know, Islam as a religion holds that science alone is not enough to bring real progress. In secular countries that are technologically advanced, we notice that technology itself may create serious problems to those countries and other countries.
For example, Science has led to the invention of atomic bombs that are capable of destroying a whole city with its millions of civilians in a minute. Killing one million civilians or more in a minute is a terrible act of brutality. This act is the product of Science with the absence of true religion. According to Islam, civilians should not be harmed during war.
Further, Science has led to the invention of bombs that destroy plant life. Again, this is an act of extreme materialism devoid of spiritualism. According to Islam, civilians, animals and plants should not be harmed during war. This shows that while Science gives us the instruments of destruction, the misuse of these instruments does not take place through Science. These destructive instruments are employed through a political decision. This means that we have to go back to the politician's psychology to determine what kind of behavior is expected. Science and technology alone are not enough to achieve progress in society; on their own they may, in fact, create real problems for everybody. However, if Science is accompanied with the practice of the true religion and submission to Allaah, it will be used to serve man and not to torture or destroy him.
Limited Effect of Science:
Scientific findings and research do not always affect human life satisfactorily. For example, scientific research has shown that alcohol has a destructive influence on the brain, the digestive system, the heart and the nervous system. Everybody who drinks alcohol knows that alcohol is destructive to physical and mental health. Nevertheless, this scientific knowledge has not decreased the number of alcoholics. On the contrary, the number of alcoholics is increasing tremendously despite the findings of Science!
Science works successfully when it comes to the treatment of matter, but when it comes to human behavior, Science cannot do much. It cannot overcome bad customs, but a true religion can easily do that. In pre-Islamic times, people used to love wine, but when Islam prohibited drinking alcohol, wine was poured out on streets the moment the prohibition was declared. If a person fully submits to Allaah, he obeys Him completely.
The Mercy of Allaah:
Allaah is Merciful, so He sent Apostles and Prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, to help humankind in the area where they need help: life. All religions, particularly Islam being the last religion, came with answers to the questions that puzzle man: Where did man come from? What is the end of man? How to worship Allaah? What are man's duties towards others? What are the regulations of peace and war? What are the regulations of food, drinks, and clothes? What to do and what not to do? What is right and what is wrong?
These questions cannot be answered by Science or man; they have been answered by Allaah, the Creator of man. The answers are available, but unfortunately, some people do not hear or listen or think of them. Those who do not listen to God's answers and God's guidance insist on experimenting with humans and their lives. Sometimes a country abolishes the death punishment, then it decides to use death as a capital punishment. Another country decides to ban alcohol, then suddenly allows it!
Fatal Experimentation:
These experimentations with human lives are fatal. The victims of these experiments are not animals, but the victims of each social experiment are millions of families, innocent people and children. When a government allows alcohol, the victims of this experiment are millions of would-be alcoholics and the women and children who form the families of such alcoholics. When a government decides not to punish murder by capital punishment, this decision will encourage millions of similar murders.
To sum up, whether it comes to material or spiritual matters, let us seek the answers from the One who Created everything.

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Dought & clear, - Is it valid to pray behind one who makes grammatical mistakes whenhe recites Qur’aan?

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1- The imam of the mosque where I pray makes mistakes in reciting al-Faatihah, switching the vowels which leads to changing the meaning of the verses. Is it valid to pray behind him?
2- In the mosque there are reprehensible bid’ahs such as repeating Ya Lateef one hundred times in unison.
Praise be to Allaah.
If a person who is leading the prayer or praying behind an imam makes mistakes in the recitation of al-Faatihah in such a way that he changes the meaning of the verses, then his prayer is invalid, because al-Faatihah is one of the pillars or essential parts of the prayer, so he must recite it correctly and learn to recite al-Faatihah properly, unless he is unable to do so, after trying hard, for Allaah does not burden any person beyond his scope. But if he is an imam, no one should pray behind him except those who are like him or less able than him to recite al-Faatihah properly.
Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: It is makrooh for one who makes grammatical mistakes when reciting the Qur’aan to lead the prayer, but it is subject to further discussion. If he makes mistakes that do not change the meaning, such as using incorrect vowels in the phrase al-hamdu Lillaah, then his prayer is valid as is the prayer of those who follow him. But if it does change the meaning, such as saying an’amtu (first person) instead of an’amta (second person) ‘alayhim, then his prayer is invalid. If he is able to learn how to pronounce it properly, then he must do so, but if he is unable to do so and there is not enough time, he should pray and make it up later on, but it is not permissible to follow him (in prayer).
But if he is not able to learn or he has not had enough time to learn, if that is in al-Faatihah then the prayer of others like him that is offered behind him is valid, but if people who can pronounce it properly pray behind him, it is like the prayer of a literate person offered behind an illiterate person (i.e., the prayer is not valid). If it is in something other than al-Faatihah then his prayer is valid, as is the prayer of those who pray behind him. End quote fromRawdat al-Taalibeen(1/350).
Ibn Qudaamah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “If an illiterate man leads another illiterate man and a literate man in prayer, the literate man has to repeat his prayer” – the illiterate man is one who cannot recite al-Faatihah or part of it properly, or he mispronounces one letter of it, even if he recites the rest of it well. It is not permissible for one who can recite it well to be led by him in prayer, but it is permissible for others like him to be led by him.
Then he said: Whoever omits one of the letters of al-Faatihah because he is unable to pronounce it, or he substitutes another letter for it, such as the person with a speech defect who substitutes ghayn for ra’, or who contracts one letter into another, or who recites with grammatical mistakes that alter the meaning, like the one who uses the wrong vowel in the wordiyaakaand saysiyyaakiinstead, or saysan’amtuinstead ofan’amta, and cannot correct it – such a one is like an illiterate person, and it is not permissible for a literate person to be led by him in prayer, but it is permissible for any of them to lead another like him in prayer, because they are both illiterate, so it is permissible for one of them to be led by the other, like two who do not do a thing well. But if he is able to correct any of that but he does not do so, then his prayer is not valid and neither is the prayer of one who is led by him.
He also said: It is makrooh for one who makes grammatical mistakes when reciting but does not alter the meaning to lead the prayer. This was stated by Ahmad, but it is valid for him to lead one who does not make mistakes when reciting, because he has fulfilled the obligation of reciting. If he alters the meaning in something other than al-Faatihah that does not mean that his prayer is not valid and that he should not lead others in prayer, unless he does it deliberately, in which case the prayer of both is invalidated.
If his mistakes do not change the meaning of the verses, then it is permissible to pray behind him, but it is obligatory to teach him how to recite properly. If his mistake is in something other than al-Faatihah, it detracts from his prayer but does not invalidate it, but it is undoubtedly better to pray behind one who recites properly, and it is not permissible for those in authority to appoint such ignorant people to lead the people in prayer otherwise they will have a share of the sin with them. See:al-Mughni(3/29-32)
The scholars of the Standing Committee said:
… But if he makes mistakes, if his error is grammatical but does not alter the meaning, then it is better to pray behind someone who does not make grammatical mistakes if that is possible. But if his grammatical mistakes in recitation al-Faatihah alter the meaning, then prayer offered behind him is invalid. That is because of his mistakes, such as sayingiyaaki na’buduinstead ofiyaaka na’buduor sayingan’amtu ‘alayhiminstead ofan’amta ‘alayhimetc. If he makes mistakes because he has not memorized it properly, then someone else who has memorized it better is more entitled to lead the prayer than him.
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wa’l-Ifta’(2/527)
Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked:
There is an imam who makes grammatical mistakes when he recites the Qur’aan, and sometimes he adds to or takes away letters in the Qur’aanic verses. What is the ruling on praying behind him?
He replied:
If his mistakes do not alter the meaning, there is nothing wrong with praying behind him, such as if he saysRabbaorRabbuinstead ofRabbiin the phraseal-hamdu Lillaahi Rabbi l-‘aalameen; or if he saysal-Rahmaanuinstead ofal-Rahmaanietc. But if he his mistakes changes the meaning, then people should not pray behind him if he does not benefit from prompting, such as if he says iyaaki na’buduinstead ofiyaaka na’buduor sayingan’amtu ‘alayhiminstead ofan’amta ‘alayhim. But if he accepts being taught and corrects his recitation when corrected, then it is valid to pray behind him. What is prescribed in all cases is for the Muslim to teach his brother both in prayer and otherwise, because the Muslim is the brother of his fellow-Muslim and he guides him if he makes a mistake and teaches him if he is ignorant and corrects him if he makes a mistake when reciting the Qur’aan.
Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn Baaz(12/98,99)
Secondly:
With regard to repeating Ya Lateef one hundred times, undoubtedly this is a bid’ah (innovation) if a Muslim says it by itself, because it is a phrase that makes no sense – it is a call to Allaah but what comes after it? Is he asking his Lord for anything? Does he want to praise Him after that? That is not so. And if it is recited in unison that is another bid’ah.
And Allaah knows best.

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Dought & clear, - Eating ‘Ashoora’ food and spending extra because of someone’s birthday

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Is eating ‘ashoura at the day of ‘ashoura (tenth of Muharram) considered bid’a? Is it permissible to eat this sweet a day before or after the tenth of Muharram?
What is the ruling on spending extra during my birthday, by buying fruits and sweets, with no celebration held for this occasion?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
If this food is some of the Shi’ah food that they make on ‘Ashoora’ along with the cheek-slapping and hitting themselves that they do, then it is a reprehensible innovation that the Muslim must keep away from and not participate in it. We have quoted the fatwa of Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) in the answer to question no. 102885. But if this food is not accompanied by those things and the aim is just to treat oneself and one’s family, then there is nothing wrong with that and it is not described as a bid’ah (innovation).
Many scholars have stated that one should treat oneself and one’s family on the day of ‘Ashoora’, and several ahaadeeth have been narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) concerning that, but they are all da’eef (weak) and are not saheeh (sound).
Secondly:
Celebrating birthdays is a reprehensible innovation.
Eating food treats on that day and bringing sweets and fruits is a kind of celebration and veneration of that day, and should not be done.

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Dought & clear, - He fell in love with a girland has a relationship with her and wants to celebrate it

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I have a romantic relationship with a girl who I love very much and I hope to marry her soon, if Allah wills. My question is: On a certain day, which is the 15th of the blessed month of Ramadan every year, we call this day the day of joy and love. Can we celebrate this day as a happy occasion and regard it as a blessed day? Can we ask those whom we invite to the party to pray to Allah to bring us together in goodness and happiness?.
Praise be to Allaah.
You are asking about the ruling on your celebrating this occasion; why did you not ask about the ruling on your “romantic” relationship with a girl who is a non-mahram to you?!
This is what is basically wrong in your situation, this haraam relationship with a girl who is a non-mahram to you. Your relationship with her will remain haraam unless she becomes your wife. So it is not permissible for you to be alone with her, or to spend time with her, or to look at her, or to enjoy talking to her, because she is a non-mahram to you. Fear Allah with regard to yourself and your religious commitment; do not betray yourself on the basis of illusions of joy and blessing!
What joy, what blessings can there be when you and this girl are disobeying Allah?!
See the answer to questions number 47405and 59907, as well as the section on relationships between the sexes on this website, in which you will find a lot of answers about that.
Once you know that this romantic relationship with a girl who is a non-mahram is a relationship which is haraam from the outset, then everything that is based on falsehood is also falsehood.
We would go further and say: If the love relationship that you are speaking about was with a permissible wife, then celebrating this day that you are asking about would be reprehensible innovation. We have no Eids except Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and our weekly ‘Eid, which is Jumu‘ah.
Keep yourself busy, instead of celebrating love, by hastening to get married, if you are in love with her and she is suitable to be a Muslim wife to you who will adhere to the commands of Allah with you.
We ask Allah to keep us and you safe from temptation, both apparent and hidden.
And Allah knows best.

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