World’s Top 10 Best Airlines in 2012

The Skytrax Awards are one of the benchmarkingtools for the air
industry. They measure passengers' satisfaction levels by surveying
passengers in all cabin classes.
The 10-month survey is carried out by telephone among 18 million
airline customers from 100 countries. The survey includes 38 key
performance indicators including check-in, boarding, onboard seat
comfort, cabin cleanliness, food, beverages, in-flight entertainment
and staff service.
This year the survey covered over 200 airlines,from international to
domestic carriers.

Al Ain Paradise, Al Ain [UAE]

Al Ain, also known as the Garden City due to its greenery, is the
second largest city in the Emirateof Abu Dhabi and the fourth largest
city in the United Arab Emirates. With a population of 374,000 (2009),
it is located approximately 160km east of the capitalAbu Dhabi and
about 120km south of Dubai.
Al Ain Paradise garden had set the Guinness World Records achievement
last year with 2,426 hanging baskets.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India - Part 1

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place (such as a forest, mountain,
lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that is listed by
the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance. The list
is maintained by the international World Heritage Programme
administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21
states parties which are elected by their General Assembly.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has so far recognized 29 sitesin
India as World Heritage sites. These are places of importance of
cultural or natural heritage as described in the UNESCO World Heritage
Convention, established in 1972.

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Defining the time for salaat al-istisqaa’ (prayerfor rain)

Is there any report from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) which definesthe time for going out topray Salaat
al-Istisqaa' (prayer for rain)?
Praise be to Allaah.
There is a hadeeth in Sunan Abi Dawood with an acceptable isnaad from
'Aaishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) which states that the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) set a day when the
people should go out. 'Aa'ishah said: "The Messenger of Allaah(peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) went out when the rim of the sun
appeared…" The hadeeth clearly indicates that a day was set when the
people were to go out to pray Salaat al-Istisqa', even though it does
not namethis day. More than one of the scholars have stated that it is
mustahabb to choose Mondays and Thursdays, because deeds are shown to
Allaah on those days, and because these are good days for fasting. So
if the Muslimscombine fasting and praying for rain, their du'aa's in
this case are more likely to be accepted.
It may be said that it is not prescribed to single out these two days
rather than others, because that was not proven from the Prophet(peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) or from any of the Sahaabah, and
this is thecorrect view. So it is not prescribed to choose one day
rather than another without there being any text to prove that. What
is prescribed is to choose a day on which the people shouldgo out,
which may happen to be a Monday or any other day, according to what is
in the people's best interests and according to what is convenient for
them.
Shaykh Sulaymaan ibn Naasir al-'Alwaan

Should he fast on the fifteenth of Sha’baan even if the hadeeth is da'eef?

Is it permissible, even after finding out that a hadeeth is da'eef
(weak), to follow it, by way of doing righteous deeds? The hadeeth
says: "When it is halfwaythrough Sha'baan, spend that night in prayer
and fast on that day." The fast is observed as a voluntary act of
devotion to Allaah,as is spending that nightin prayer (qiyaam
al-layl).
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
What is narrated concerning the virtue of praying, fasting and
worshipping on the fifteenth of Sha'baan (al-nusf min Sha'baan) does
not come under theheading of da'eef (weak), rather it comes under the
heading of mawdoo' (fabricated) and baatil (false). So it is not
permissible to followit or to act upon it, whether that is in doing
righteous deeds or otherwise.
A number of scholars ruled that the reports concerning that were
false, such as Ibn al-Jawzi in his book al-Mawdoo'aat, 2/440-445; Ibn
Qayyim al-Jawziyyah in al-Manaar al-Muneef, no.174- 177; Abu Shaamah
al-Shaafa'i in al-Baa'ith 'ala Inkaar al-Bida' wa'l-Hawaadith,
124-137; al-'Iraaqi in Takhreej Ihyaa' 'Uloom il-Deen, no. 582. Shaykh
al-Islam [Ibn Taymiyah] narrated that there was consensus on the fact
that they are false, in Majmoo' al-Fataawa, 28/138.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Hukm
al-Ihtifaal bi Laylat al-Nusf min Sha'baan (Ruling on celebrating the
fifteenth of Sha'baan):
Celebrating the night of the fifteenth of Sha'baan(Laylat al-Nusf min
Sha'baan) by praying etc, or singling out this day for fasting, is a
reprehensible bid'ah (innovation) according to the majority of
scholars, and there is no basis for this in sharee'ah.
And he (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
There is no saheeh hadeeth concerning the night of the fifteenth of
Sha'baan (Laylat al-Nusf min Sha'baan). All the ahaadeeth that have
been narrated concerning that are mawdoo' (fabricated) and da'eef
(weak), and have no basis. There is nothing special about this night,
and no recitation of Qur'aan or prayer, whether alone or in
congregation, is specified for this night. What some of the scholars
have said about it being special is a weakopinion. It is not
permissible to single it out for any special actions. This is the
correct view. And Allaah is the Source of strength.
Fataawa Islamiyyah, 4/511.
See also question no. 8907 .
Secondly:
Even if we assume that the hadeeth is da'eef (weak) and not mawdoo'
(fabricated), the correct scholarly view is that weak ahaadeeth should
not befollowed at all, even if they speak of righteous deeds or of
targheeb and tarheeb (promises and warnings). The saheeh reports are
sufficient and the Muslimhas no need to follow the da'eef reports.
Nothing is known in Islam to suggest that thisnight or day is special,
either from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) or
from his companions.
The scholar Ahmad Shaakir said: There is no difference between rulings
or righteous deeds; we do not take any of them from da'eef reports,
rather no one hast he right to use any report as evidence unless it is
proven to be soundly narrated from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) in a saheeh or hasan hadeeth.
Al-Baa'ith al-Hatheeth, 1/278.
For more information, see: al-Qawl al-Muneef fi Hukm al-'Aml
bi'l-Hadeeth al-Da'eef.

Does Allaah come down to the first heaven on the night of the fifteenthof Sha’baan?

Does Allaah come down to the first heaven on the night of the
fifteenthof Sha'baan and forgive all the people except two types,
namely kaafirs and those engaged in disputes?.
Praise be to Allaah.
This is mentioned in some ahaadeeth, but there is some scholarly
difference of opinion as to the soundness of those ahaadeeth. There is
no saheeh hadeeth concerning the virtue of the night of the
fifteenthof Sha'baan.
It was narrated from AbuMoosa al-Ash'ari that theMessenger of Allaah
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Allaah looks down
on the night of the fifteenth of Sha'baan and forgives all his
creation except a mushrik or one who harbours hatred against the
Muslims." Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 1390.
The "one who harbours hatred against the Muslims" means one who has
enmity towardsa Muslim brother.
In al-Zawaa'id it says: Its isnaad is da'eef, because'Abd-Allaah ibn
Lahee'ahis da'eef (weak) and al-Waleed ibn Muslim is mudallis.
There is also some idtiraab (weakness) in the hadeeth, as stated
byal-Daaraqutni in al-'Ilal, 6/50, 51. He said: This hadeeth is not
proven.
It was narrated from Mu'aadh ibn Jabal, 'Aa'ishah, Abu Hurayrah, Abu
Tha'labah al-Khushani and others, but the isnaads are not free of some
weakness, and some of them are very weak.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali said:
Concerning the virtue of the night of the fifteenthof Sha'baan there
are numerous ahaadeeth, concerning which the scholars differed, but
most of them classed them as da'eef, and Ibn Hibbaan classed some of
them as saheeh.
Lataa'if al-Ma'aazif, 261.
Allaah's descending to the first heaven does notonly happen on the
night of the fifteenth of Sha'baan, rather it is proven in
al-Saheehayn and elsewhere that Allaah descends to the first heaven
every night, in the last third of the night. The night of the
fifteenth of Sha'baan is included in this general meaning.
Hence, when 'Abd-Allaahibn al-Mubaarak was asked about the descent of
Allaah on the night of the fifteenth of Sha'baan, he said to the one
who asked him: "O weak one! The night of the fifteenth?! He descends
every night!"
Narrated by Abu 'Uthmaan al-Saabooni inI'tiqaad Ahl al-Sunnah, no. 92.
Al-'Aqeeli (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
With regard to Allaah's descending on the night of the fifteenth of
Sha'baan there are ahaadeeth which are weak, but the reports that He
descends every night are proven and saheeh, so the night of the
fifteenth of Sha'baanis included in that, in shaAllaah.
Al-Du'afa', 3/29.
See also the answer to question no. 8907 .
On this site you can also find an article by ShaykhIbn Baz (may Allaah
havemercy on him) concerning the ruling oncelebrating the night of the
fifteenth of Sha'baan. You can find itunder the heading, Periodic
Topics (under " Useful Material " on the Islam Q&A Library page).

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Navagio Beach [Zakynthos island]

Navagio Beach, or the Shipwreck, is an isolated sandy cove on
Zakynthos island and one of the most famous beaches in Greece. It is
notable because it is home to the wreck of the alleged smuggler ship
Panagiotis,it is often referred to as 'Smugglers Cove'.
Navagio is located on thenorth-west shore of the Ionian island of
Zakynthos (Zante), in the Municipality of Elation. The area is defined
by its sheer limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and clear blue
water, which attract thousands of tourists yearly. The strip of beach
is accessed only by boat, from Porto Vromi to the south, and from the
Harbor of Saint Nikolas in Volimes to the north-east. More typically,
boats arrive from the harbor of Zakynthos, the capital city, with
cruises and tours anchoring hourly atNavagio.

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Al-Baraa ibn Malik al-Ansari - Biographies of the Companions (Sahabah)

His hair looked dishevelled and his whole appearance was unkempt. He
was thin and wiry with so little flesh on his bones that it was
painful to look at him. Yet in single handed combat he defeated and
killed many opponents and in the thick of battle he was an outstanding
fighter against the mushrikeen. He was so courageous and daring that
Umar once wrote to his governors throughout the Islamic state that
they should not appoint him to lead any army out of fear that he would
have them all killed by his daringexploits. This man was al-Baraa ibn
Malik al-Ansari, the brother of Anas ibn Malik, the personal aide of
the Prophet.
If the tales of Baraa's heroism were to be told in detail pages and
pages could be written. But let one example suffice .
This particular story begins only hours after the death of the noble
Prophet when many Arabian tribes took to leaving the religion of God
in large numbers, just as they had entered it in large numbers. Within
a short space of time only the people of Makkah, Madinah and Taif and
scattered communities here and there, whose commitment to Islam was
unwavering, remained within the religion.
Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, the successor to the Prophet, stood firm against
this blind and destructive movement. From theMuhajireen and Ansar, he
mobilized eleven armies each under a separate commander and dispatched
them to various parts of the Arabian peninsula. Their purpose was to
make the apostates return to the path of guidance and truth and to
confront the leaders of the rebellion.
The strongest group of apostates and the greatest in number were the
Banu Hanifah among whom Musaylamah the Imposter arose, claiming that
hewas a prophet. Musaylamah managed to mobilize forty thousand of the
best fighters among his people. Most of thesehowever followed him for
the sake of Allah or tribal loyalty andnot because they believed in
him. One of them in fact said, "I testify that Musaylamah is an
impostor and that Muhammad istrue but the impostor of Rabiah
(Musaylamah) is dearer to us than the true man of Mudar (Muhammad ). "
Musaylamah routed the first army sent against him under theleadership
of Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl. Abu Bakr dispatched another army against
Musaylamah led by Khalid ibn al-Walid. This army included the cream of
the Sahabah from boththe Ansar and the Muhajireen. Inthe front ranks
of this army was Baraa ibn Malik and a group of the most valiant
Muslims.
The two armies met in the territory of the Banu Hanifah at Yamamah in
Najd. Before long, the scale of battle tilted in favor of Musaylamah
and his men. TheMuslim armies began to retreat from their positions.
Musaylamah's forces even stormed the tent of Khalid ibn Walid and
drove him from his position. They would have killed his wife if one of
them had not granted her protection.
At that point, the Muslims realized in what a perilous situation they
were. They were also conscious of the fact that if they were
annihilated by Musaylamah, Islam would not beable to stand as a
religion and Allah--the One God with whom there is no partner--would
not be worshipped in the Arabian peninsula after that.
Khalid mustered his forces once more and began reorganizing them. He
separate(i the Muhajireen and the Ansar and kept men from different
tribes apart. Each was put under the leadership of one of its own
members so that the losses of each group in the battle might be known.
The battle raged. There was much destruction and death. The Muslims
had not experienced anything like this in all the wars they had fought
before. Musaylamah's men remained firm amidst the tumult, as firm as
immovable mountains although many of them had fallen.
The Muslims displayed tremendous feats of heroism. Thabit ibn Qays,
the standard bearer of the Ansar, dug a pit and planted himself in it
and fought until he was killed. The pit he dug turned out to be his
grave. Zayd ibn al-Khattab, brother of Umar ibn al-Khattab, may God be
pleased with them both, called out to the Muslims:"Men, bite with your
jaw teeth, strike the enemy and press on. By God, I shall not speak to
you after this until either Musaylamah is defeated or I meet God." He
then charged against the enemy and continued fighting until he was
killed. Salim, the mawla of Abu Hudhaifah, and standard bearer of the
Muhajireen displayed unexpected valor. His people feared that he would
show weakness or be too terrified to fight. To them he said, "If you
manage to overtake me, what a miserable bearer of the Quran I shall
be." He then valiantly plunged into the enemy ranks and eventually
fell as a martyr.
The bravery of all these, however, wanes in front of the heroism of
al-Baraa ibn Malik, may God be pleased with him and with them all.
As the battle grew fiercer and fiercer, Khalid turned to al-Baraaand
said, "Charge, young man of the Ansar." Al-Baraa turned to his men and
said, "O Ansar, let not anyone of you think of returning to Madinah.
There is no Madinah for you after this day. There is only Allah, then
Paradise."
He and the Ansar then launched their attack against the mushrikeen,
breaking their ranks and dealing telling blows against them until
eventually they began to withdraw. They sought refuge in a garden
whichlater became known in history as The Garden of Death because of
the many killed there on that day. The garden was surroundedby high
walls. Musaylamah and thousands of his men entered and closed the
gates behind them and fortified themselves.
From their new positions they began to rain down arrows on the Muslims.
The valiant Baraa went forward and addressed his company,"Put me on a
shield. Raise the shield on spears and hurl me into the garden near
the gate. Either I shall die a martyr or I shall open the gate for
you."
The thin and wiry al-Baraa was soon sitting on a shield. A number of
spears raised the shield and he was thrown into the Garden of Death
amongst the multitude of Musaylamah's men. He descended on them likea
thunderbolt and continued to fight them in front of the gate. Many
fell to his sword and he himself sustained numerous wounds before he
could open the gate.
The Muslims charged into the Garden of Death through the gates and
over the walls. Fighting was bitter and at close quarters and hundreds
were killed. Finally the Muslims came upon Musaylamah and he was
killed.
Al Baraa was taken in a litter to Madinah. Khalid ibn al-Walid spent a
month looking after himand tending his wounds. Eventually his
condition improved. Through him the Muslims had gained victory over
Musaylamah.
In spite of recovering from his wounds, al-Baraa continued to long for
the martyrdom which had eluded him at the Garden of Death. He went on
fighting in battle after battle hoping to attain his aim. This came at
the battle for Tustar in Persia.
At Tustar the Persians were besieged in one of their defiant
fortresses. The siege was long and when its effects became quite
unbearable, they adopted a new tactic. From the walls of the fortress,
they began to throw down iron chains at the ends of which were
fastened iron hooks which were red hot. Muslims were caught by these
hooks and were pulled up eitherdead or in the agony of death.
One of these hooks got hold of Anas ibn Malik, the brother of
al-Baraa. As soon as al-Baraa saw this, he leapt up the wall of the
fortress and grabbed the chain which bore his brother and began
undoing the hook from his body. His hand began to burn but he did not
let go before his brother was released.
Baraa himself died during this battle. He had prayed to God to grant
him martyrdom.

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Moadoodi's Criticism on Islam

Information taken from:
Jamaat-e-Islami
by: Allama Arshadul Qaderi.
Maktaba Jaame Noor, Delhi.
All quotes are with references with page numbers. You can buy these
books by Moadoodi from India or Pakistan.
According to Moadoodi, Sun Worshipers, Stone Worshipers etc. are on
the right path too:
Moadoodi, "Insaan (Human) believes in Khuda (Allah) or not, does
Sajdah to Khuda or stone, worships Khuda or non-Khuda, but if he/she
is following the rules of nature and live by those rules then indeed
he/she without knowledge and without intention is doing Tasbeeh of
Khuda. Worshiping HIM.(Allah)."
(Tafheemat, Part 1 Page 43)
What happed to Wehdaniyat (Allah Tala's ones, La ilaaha illal lah) and
ONLY Allah's worthiness of worship? According to Quran and Ahadith any
one worships other then Allah Tala is Kafir but to Moadoodi they are
on the right path. Here clearly Moadoodi is rejecting Allah and
Rasool's (Peace be Upon Him) orders.
Criticism on Quran and Allah Tala's Orders:
Moadoodi, "Where the quality of social behavior is so low that illegal
(islamically illegal)relationships (between men and women) are not
considered wrong. To impose the Sharai (Islamic Law) punishment of
Zina and Qazaf there, is indeed a Zulm (Torment)"
(Tafheemat, Part 2 Page 281)
Who ever rejects one Ayat of Quran is definitely not a Muslim. Here
Moadoodi has rejected the Quran's punishment on Zina. TheQuran is The
Word Of Allah Tala. Therefore Moadoodi has a problemwith Allah Tala's
prescribed punishments.He thinks he knows what's better for people and
what's right and what's wrong. More then Allah Tala (Naoozubillah).
According to him it's not a must to believe in Prophet Mohammad Peace
Be Upon Him:
Moadoodi, "Those people who, due to ignorance and illiteracy, do not
believe in the truthfulness of Rasoole Arabi (peace be upon him) but
believe in the previous prophets and live peacefully will get asmuch
part of Allah's Rehmat (Blessings) as their punishment will
bereduced."
(Tafheemat, Part 1 Page 168)
Rejection of Kalaima here from Moadoodi. How can one be blessed if
he/she does not believe on the second part of Kalaima (Mohamamdur
Rasool Allah) Another example of Modoodi's rejection of Allah and
Rasool's (Peace be upon him) teachings and rejection of a must Islamic
belief.
Criticism on Prophet Peace Be Upon Him:
Moadoodi, "The reason Nabi Sallal Laho Alaihi Wasallam achieved the
great success in Arab was simply for amazing recruits YOU (peace be
upon him) had found. If HE (peace be upon him) had surrounded by weak,
coward, untrustworthy and ill willed people then would HE (peace be
upon him) have achieved the same results"
(Tehreeke Islami ki Ikhlaqi Bunyadain, Page 17)
What How about Allah Tala's assistance? How about our beloved Prophet
Peace be upon Him's Prophetical abilities? In other words the
abilities of the people who became Mo'min and none of the one who made
them Mo'min was the cause of success.
Criticism on Sunnah:
Moadoodi, "To make, theroutine domestic tasks YOU (peace be upon
him)performed out of habit, Sunnah and ask all the humans of the world
to follow them. Allah and Rasool (peace be upon him) never never
intended that. This is an addition in religion.
I believe that, to acknowledge these things as Sunnah and then insist
to follow them is a harsh Bid'ah and a dangerous addition. This has
showed bad results and might produce bad results in future too."
(Rasaail O Masaail, Part 2 Page 300, with referenceof Magazine
"Mansab", Risalat addition)
No Sunnat in a Muslim's life? Following Sunnat is Bid'ah? Allah and
Rasool (Peace be upon him) never intended that? HasModoodi ever read
Quran and Ahadith Oh sorry this guy's Quran translation (which is full
of errors) is in most of the houses of the world, so he must have. I
wonder should people carry on with his Quranicwork Or throw those
copies in the ocean? Dear Muslims save your Imaan. Please.
Moadoodi's His denial of Ahadees:
Moadoodi, "The teachings of Quran and Sunnate Rasool are a must for
all but not from the old collection of Tafseer and Ahadis."
(Tanqihaat, Page 114)
Hmm, no old collection of Ahadis? How would it be possible unless we
get a new Rasool? Or a new Rasool every few years to keep the Ahadith
fresh?
Moadoodi's constitution for Jamat-e-Islami's membership:
Moadoodi, "No one would be added as a member in Jamat on the
conception that he was born in a Muslim's home,his name is like
Muslims then he must be a Muslim.
Similarly if some one recites the words of Kalaima Tayyaba only with
his tongue without understanding it's meaning, that person won't be
able to join Jamat"
(Dastoor Jamate Islami, Page 26)
If to born in a Muslim home, to have a Muslim name, to recite Kalema,
are not enough to accept any one as a Muslim then what are are the
right criteria?
Unless we witness the Kufriyat from that person like we have been
witnessing from Moadoodi we have to accept them as Muslims according
to Quranic and Ahadith teachings. IfQuran and Hadis teaches us that,
then who is Moadoodi to deny those Laws of Shariat?
These are the few are quoted here but the list goes on and on. What a
fraud he was.
Conclusion:
All of the above can be varified by buying and reading those books.
It's an apeal to all muslims please do not read his tafseer or
translation of Quran. It has many critical errors as he goes on with
his mind and what he believes insteadof what actual meaning should
come out of Quran. Allah tala save us all from his fitna, Ameen.

Bid'ah - Innovation in Islam

Wa sharrul Umoori Muhdathaatuhaa, Wa kulla Bid'atin dhaialah, wa kulla
dhalatin fin-naar" Al-Hadith (Sahih Muslim). Translation of the above
Hadith: Every innovation is a misguidance and every misguidance goes
to Hell fire.
IMAM SHAFI'S EXPLANATION OF THE ABOVE HADITH:
Kullu bida'tin daiala:"Every innovation is a misguidance"? Doesn't the
term "every" include all innovations?" Such anobjection stems from
themisinterpretation of the term kull ("every") in theHadith to be all
encompassing without exception, whereas in Arabic it may mean"Nearly
all" or "the vast majority." This is how al-Shafi'i understood it or
else he would have never allowed for any innovation whatsoever to be
considered good, and he is considered a hujja or "Proof," that is,
reference without peer for questions regarding the Arabic language.
Thestylistic figure of meaning the part by the whole, or nechdoche in
English is in Arabic: 'abbara 'an al-kathratf biat-kulliyya. This is
illustrated by the use of kull in the following verse 46:25 of the
Quran in a selective or partial sense not a universal sense:
"Destroying all things by commandment of its Lord. And morning found
them so that naught could be seen save their dwellings". Thus, the
dwellings werenot destroyed although"all" things had been destroyed.
"All" here means specifically the lives of the unbelievers of 'Ad and
their properties except their houses.
ARE THERE GOOD OR BAD INNOVATIONS IN ISLAM?
Prophetic saying as stated in Sahih Muslim is known even to common
Muslims, let alone scholars: "He who inaugurates a good practice
(sanna fil-islam sunnatun hasana) in Islam earns the reward of it, and
of all who perform it after him, without diminishing their own rewards
in theleast. " Tirmizi, Page 92.
Imam Nawawi said in Sahih Muslim (6-21):
"The Prophet's saying 'every innovation is a general-particular and
itis a reference to most innovations. The linguists say, 'Innovationis
any act done without a previous pattern, and it is of five different
kinds."' Imam Nawawi also said in Tahzeeb al Asma'wal
Sifaat,"Innovation in religious law is to originate anything which did
not exist during the time of the Prophet, and it is divided into good
and bad." He also said,"al-muhdathat (pi. for muhdatha) is to
originate something that has no roots in religious law. In the
tradition of religious law, it is called innovation, and if it has an
origin within the religious law, then it is not innovation. Innovation
in religious law is disagreeable, unlike in the language where
everything that has been originated without a previous pattern is
called innovation regardless of whether it is good or bad."
Sheikh al-Islam lbn HajarAl Asqalani, the commentator on al-Bukhari,
said,"Anything that did not exist during the Prophet's time is called
innovation, but some are good while others are not."
Abu Na'eem, narrated from Ibrahim al-Junaid, said, "I heard
Ash-Shafi'i saying, 'Innovation is of two types: praiseworthy
innovation and blameworthy innovation, and anything that disagrees
with the Sunnah is blameworthy."
Imam al Bayhaqi narrated in Manaqib Ash-Shafi'i that he
said,"Innovations are of two types: that which contradicts the Quran,
the Sunnah, or unanimous agreement of the Muslims is an innovation of
deception,while a good innovationdoes not contradict any of these
things."
IN CONCLUSION:
Clearly, we can see from the opinions of the righteous scholars, that
to define innovations in worship as wholly negative without exception
is ignorant. For these pious knowers,among them, Imam Shafi'i and Imam
Nawawi, declared that innovations could be divided into good and bad,
based on their compliance with, or deviance from religious law. Can
the latter day scholars of Islam (who came after I 1 00 years) claim
that they understand the Quran and Hadith better than the Sahaba and
the Salaf-Us-Saliheen? If 'every' innovation is a misguidance then the
following too are all innovations which originated two centuriesor
more after Sahaba RA:Reading eight raka in Tarawih; Translations of
Quran; Writing Tafseers; collection and classification of Ahaadiths;
Principles of Jurisprudence; The four schools of Fiqh, Stoned and
carpeted Mosques, use of loud speakers in mosques etc.
Therefore, anything thatdoes not have roots originating to the Quran
and Sunnah is considered a bad innovation. But the following
practices, suchas recitation of the Quran in gatherings; Recital of
Darud-Sharif (Salaat-o-Salaam) in gatherings and Mawlid (commemorating
the birth and Seerah of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (Peace be Upon Him)
has clear and authenticated roots to the Quran and Sunnah. Where in
Quran and Hadith all these gatherings are declared as haram or
prohibited? Proof of such acts is indicated as follows: On Mawlid:
"Abi Qatadat said that the Prophet was asked about fasting on Monday
and he said 'That was the day I was born."' This Hadith is a clear
evidence of the importance of the commemoration of the Prophet's e
birthday through worship. Al-Hafiz ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, in his book
Lataif al-maarif (p. 98), in explaining this Hadith of Muslim said,
"It is good to fast on the days that Allah honored and favored his
servants."
It is incumbent not only on Muslims but on all human beings to rejoice
in his advent, the day of his birth. As al-Hafiz ibn Rajab al-Hanbali
said,"The best favor that Allah has granted this nation is the birth
of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when he was sent to humanity. " We did not
send you except as a mercy to the whole Universe' (AlAnbiya'107. So we
review and recall Allah's favor of sending the Prophet by fasting on
that day". 'Of the favor and mercy of Allah let them rejoice" (Yunus,
58).
Below is a divine order for all the believers to send Salutations on
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon HIM). Allah has said in the Quran-
Allah and His angels sends blessings on the Prophet (Peace be upon
HIM)"-. O'you believes! You too send Salutation on beloved Prophet
(Peace be upon HIM)" (33:56)
What does the Quran sayabout Dhiker in gatherings'?
"Those men and women who engage much in Allah's praise. For them has
Allah prepared forgiveness and a great reward." (33:35)
"Those who remember their Lord standing, and sitting, and lying on
their sides" (3:191)
" Men whom neither traffic nor merchandise can divert from Remembrance
of Allah nor from regular Salaat, nor from regular practice of Zakaat.
(24:37)
"Those who believe, andwhose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of
Allah! Aye! It is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find
comfort;" (13: 28)
What do the Hadith say about Dhiker in gatherings?
Hadith Qudsi: "Those that remember Me in their heart, I remember them
in My heart; and those that remember Me in a gathering, I remember
them (i.e. make mention of them) in a gathering better than theirs.
(This can include recitation of Quran, Durood (Salat-o-Salaam) and
other Dhiker Allah)
In Bukhari and Muslim: The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said that
Allahhas angels roaming the roads to find the people of dhikr, i.e.
those who say La ltaha ltiabah and similar expressions, and when they
find a group of people (Qaom) reciting dhikr, they call each other and
encompass them in layers until the first heaven -- the location
ofwhich is in Allah's knowledge. (This is to say, an unlimited number
of angels are going to be over that group
Ibn 'Umar reported that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "When
you pass by the gardens of Paradise, avail yourselves of them." The
Companions asked:"What are the gardens of Paradise, 0 Messengerof
Allah?" He replied:"The circles of dhikr. There are roaming angels of
Allah who go about looking for the circles of dhikr, and when they
rind them they surround them closely." Tirmidhi narrated it (Hasan
Gharib) and Ahmad.
Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri and Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (Peace
be upon him) said,"When any group of men remember Allah, angels
surround them and mercy covers them, tranquility descends upon them,
and Allah mentions them to those who are with Him." Narrated by
Muslim, Tirmidhi, Ahmad, lbn Majah, and Bayhaqi.
Those who call upon Bida'h (innovations):
For those who insist on scrutinizing Bida'h should rather pay more
attention to Haram and major sins. The following are typical examples
that majority of the Ummah is engaged in everyday and so routinely
which are often overlooked and justified through obtaining Fatwa's for
the purpose of legitimizing their actions:
Buying houses on mortgages (interest);
Holding Credit on credit cards;
Eating non halal meat and foods (MacDonald, KFC, etc.)
Disobedience to parents and ill treatment of either wife or husband;
Sending of children to Islamic school but not practicing Islam themselves
Calling other Muslim brothers Miskeen (poor) based upon nationality
Undue extravagance: Luxuries (Castles, Rolls Royces, Cadillacs etc);
Engaging in fraud and corruption
Celebrating own anniversaries and birthdays yet raise objection on Mawlid. Etc.
Islam cannot be customized to suit individual needs and lifestyles.
This is a great hypocrisy. One can ask themselves how pious and strict
follower of theQuran and Sunnah, am I in reality? Stay away from
haram, shirk and Kufr and try to follow other Hadiths as well in order
to fulfill the claim of being strict followers of Quran and Sunnah.

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

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Ch 11: Test of Faith

Continuing her talk Isabella said: Christ has no power to perform
miracles as it has been proved from the Bible. Now I say that Jesus
Christ was as powerless in everything as any other man. If he were God
he could not have been so helpless and he would have been free to do
anything like the Almighty God and could not have felt the need of
seeking the help of others. (Opening the Bible) Jesus Christ says:
"Foras the Father has life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to
have life in himself; and hath given him authority to exercise
judgment also, because he is the Son of man."[ John, 5 : 26-27.] That
is even the life of Jesus Christ was not his own but given by God and
it was He Who gave him authority to do justice. Without God's grace he
could not do even justice and the argument given was that Jesus was
human and a human being could not do anything without the help of God.
Christ also says: "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear I
judge and my judgmentis just." [Ibid., 5:30] Further he said: "I came
down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent
me."[Ibid. 6:38] Thus it is proved that Christ was quite powerless
like other men, and who is dependent on others cannot be God, and so
Jesus also was not God.
Peter (to Michael): Do yousee how unbending is this girl ? Muslims
have taught her well to become so talkative. Now, can you believe that
she will come to the right path? I think it is useless to have any
further talk with her as she has lost faith and has become very
disobedient.
Michael: I am also convinced that she is wholly under the control of
Satan. (To Isabella Allthe arguments produced by you have obvious
replies and you have alsoread them in the lessons on theology. There
are also other replies which you cannot understand at all. Now,
instead of replying to you, I should like to hear your ideas so that
we can come to the decision easily about you. You have clearly stated
your views about the Divinity of Christ and Atonement. Now what have
you to say further?
Isabella: I have neither denied the Bible nor Jesus Christ. But what I
say is that, according to the teaching of the Bible,neither Christ is
proved to be God, nor any basis of atonement. All this is the
invention of Christians.
Michael: It means that all Christians are liars and allChristians have
united against the Holy Bible. Accursed and hellish girl, if you
cannot understandanything, just accept the judgment of your elders.
Does your father, who is the head priest and has full authority to
pardon sins, also consider these things wrong 7 Are all hispopes,
monks, Christian divines and savants of Christianity on the wrongpath?
Isabella: Just as the Bible does not prove the Divinity of Christ and
Atonement, in the same wav the Christianity of the so-called
Christians oftoday is not established according to the Bible and so
their opinions cannot be my guide.
Michael: Wonderful! That we are unreal and false Christians, and you
are a real and true Christian. Unlucky girl, what has become of your
senses? You have discarded even your elders. After all whatis your
proof that we are not true Christians?
Isabella: There is no reason for losing temper.The matter is quite
obvious. If you could prove from the Bible thatmodern Christians are
true Christians, then I willwholeheartedly accept their decision and
will not press any argument against them from the Bible. So, you just
prove from the Bible that Christians of today are true Christians.
Michael: There are Christians all over the world, and you say that
they are not Christians according to the Bible. What is its proof? Is
it notproof enough that we believe in the Bible, in the Divinity of
Jesus and his crucifixion?
Isabella: Do not Muslims believe in the Bible? Can you call them
Christians? As to believe in the Divinity of Christ and Atonement, it
is not any argument for Christianity.On the other hand, it proves that
such persons are not at all Christians asthere is no trace of such
beliefs in the Bible.
Peter : O worthless girl, why are you doubting our Christianity? If we
arenot Christians, then it is for you to give proof of true
Christians. Just say where in the world do real and true Christians
live.
Isabella : You may be as much angry as you like, but the truth cannot
be concealed. If you want the proof from me, then Ideclare candidly
that Christians of today are not at all followers of Christ, and who
can be a true Christian I am prepared to prove from the Bible itself.
Michael: O accursed girl, why talk and talk? Why not come out with your proof?
Isabella : Well, then, listen. The signs of the true Christians are
mentioned in the Bible asfollows: "And these signs shall follow them
that believe. In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak
with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any
deadly thing, itshall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick,
and they shall recover." [Mark, 16 : 17-18.] At another place the sign
of the believing Christian is stated as follows: "Then came the
disciples to Jesus and said, Why could we not cast him [evil spirit]
out ? And Jesus said unto them,Because of your unbelief,for verily I
say unto you, If ye have faith as a grainof mustard seed, ye shall say
upon this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place ; and it shall
remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." [Matthew. 17 :
19-20.]
Now, from these two passages of the Bible, thefollowing six signs of
Christians have been established:
(1) driving out evil spirits
(2) speaking new languages without learning them
(3)lifting up poisonous snakes
(4) taking the cup of poison without injury
(5) curing the sick by the touch of their hand and
(6) moving away mountains.
So, anyone who claims tobe a Christian must first prove these six
signs in him. You are also a Christian. Leave aside all the six signs
and cure a sick man with your touch; mountain, of course, you cannot
move.Here is just a stone; moveit away only ten or twenty yards, so
that your Christianity is proved by the Bible.
Michael: True, it is all in the Bible, but where is it written that
anyone who is unable to do such miracles is not a Christian? Besides,
all these signs are peculiar to Disciples and not to Christians in
general
Isabella : Both these statements are wrong. The Bible clearly says
thatany Christian who has an atom of faith in him will move away the
mountainby his bidding. It follows that anyone who has not even an
atom of faith in him will not be able to move the mountain. Thenit is
also wrong to say that these signs are for the Disciples only as it is
clearly said in the Bible that these miracles will be among the
believers. If these signs are intended for the Disciplesonly, then
belief is also for the Disciples only which means that no
trueChristian was born after the Disciples.
Peter: Unlucky girl, that iswhy I say that you cannotunderstand the
mysteriesand inner meanings of the Bible. Foolish girl, these miracles
relate to spiritual matters, that is, by Illness is meant spiritual
illness, poison means disbelief which means that Christians, even if
they are attacked by unbelievers, will not degrade from faith and so
on.
Isabella: Just think beforeyou reply. You call me foolish; the cap may
fit on you. Look, Jesus Christ says: "He that believeth on me the
works that I do shall he do also."[ John, 14 : 12.] If by miracles Is
meant spiritual matters, then it will follow that Christ neither
revived a dead, nor did he give sight to the blind, nor cured a sick,
but he just cured spiritually dead, exorcised the evil spirits, and
created in them the light of faith. But you people will never admit
this interpretation about Christ. Then why do you concoct this new
rule for others ? Christ said: "the works that I do," so whatever he
did and in whatever manner, believers should also do and in the same
manner, otherwise they will not be believers.
Peter: It is difficult to make this unbelieving girl understand. Her
remedy is not exhortation but the samepunishment which the Inquisition
decides (after whose decision the guiltyis tied to the stock). (To
Michael.) You turn her out of the house and tell holy father (the head
priest) that she is past remedy and some other device must be adopted.
Michael and Peter then rose and went to anotherroom and consulted
among themselves. Michael's daughter Mirano told Isabella to leave at
once otherwise there might be trouble for her there. But it was agreed
that Isabella and her friends must assembleat the famous garden of
Cordova in the evening and think about the future. Isabella went out
of Michael's house and took the way to her home. But although she was
going to her house her steps faltered and she pondered as to what was
she going to meet at her home.
Anyhow she reached her home and, on the insistence of her mother, also
ate something, but in the worried state of her mind she could not
decide about her future and, waiting for the evening, she retired to
her room. She looked at her library and other things and cast gloomy
eyes at every corner of the house fearing that she might have to leave
it. Who will use her things and read her books, she thought. So
thinking she abruptly alerted and said: Let anyone live in this house
and use my things and read my books. I was in search of truth, which I
have got. My Allah has guided me. Thousands of thanks to Him Who has
granted me the wealth of truth and nothing could be greater than it.
Thousands of such houses may be sacrificed for the boon of Islam . So
saying she fell down to prostrate and thank the Almighty Allah.
Isabella – A girl of Islamic Spain

The Bond of Holy Love

An extract from Az-ZaujusSalih (The Pious Husband)by Mujlisul Ulama of
South Africa
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "The noblest of you are those who
are the noblest to their families…"
"Verily, among the most perfect Believers in Iman are those who are
best incharacter and kindest to their wives."
Even lifting a morsel of food to the mouth of the wife has been given
the significance of ibadat. It is an act of love by which the husband
derives thawab (reward in the Hereafter).
It was part of the Uswah Hasanah (Noble character) of the Prophetصلى
الله عليه وسلم to engage in light hearted talk with his wives. Hadhrat
Abu Hurairah رضى الله تعالى عنه said:
Allah loves a man who caresses his wife. Both of them are awarded
thawab because of this loving attitude and their rizq (earning) is
increased."
A man is rewarded for even a drink of water he presents to his wife.
According to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم the mercy of Allah Ta'ala
cascades on a couple when the husband glances at his wife with love
and pleasure and she returns his glance with love and pleasure.
When a husband clasps the hand of his wife withlove their sins fall
from the gaps between their clasped fingers. Even mutual love between
husband and wives serve as a kaffara (expiation) for sins. The Prophet
صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
"When a man enters his home cheerfully, Allah creates, as a result of
his happy attitude, an angel who engages in istighfar (prayers of
forgiveness) on behalf of the man until the day of Qiyamah."
May Allah give us the ability to act upon the above, ameen.
Al-Mar'atus Salihah (The Pious Wife) is also published by Mujlisul
Ulama, both books can befound in the English language and have been
described as the islamic prescription for a happy and successful
marriage , the blessings and rewards of which extend into even the
Hereafter.

Prove Your Love Daily

Whats the point of trying to impress the women of the world and send
them gifts with messages, emails, phonecalls, cards, roses etc when
the wife you chose and the "Queen" who bore your children is ignored.
She deserves all that and more!
How can one day be set aside for love when the year has 365+ days? Its
a cheap way to run away from responsibilty and abuse women. A daily
sacrifice is required… to prove love and the sweetest of statements
which should be reflected in our behaviour should be routinely
repeated – but to those who really deserve them!
The most deserving of our kindness, love and affection throughout
ourlives are our spouses, children, parents, siblings& family before
everyoneelse. Don't jump the gun by going further at the expense of
those closer.
Did you know that many homes are broken on Valentines over a rose!
Where did it comes from, why was it sent, why wasit not sent etc. What
a great deception.
Blessed are those who are conscious of their Maker for indeed a true
believer is transparent & avoids all sinful hidden private secret
relations that only add stress in lifeafter the short excitement.
Let's not be from those who "Fought-in February"

Mufti Ismail Menk

Mufti Ismail Menk of Zimbabwe commenced hifz at the tender age of nine
years and completed at the age of twelve. He studied Arabic, Urdu and
the Hanafi Mazhab from a young age with his father Maulana Musa Menk
who graduated in Mazahirul Uloom Shahjahanpur under Hazrat Shaikh
Maulana Zakaria (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) in the late 1950's.
Having studied the Hanafi Mazhab he then went on to study at the
Islamic University of Madinah where he completed a degree in Shariah
on the four Mazhabs. Thereafter he joined the Iftah (Mufti) department
of Darul Uloom Kantaria in Gujarat, India where he graduated under
Mufti Ismail Barkodrah at the end of 1999.
Ever since he has been actively engaged in teaching, lecturing country
wide, running ofIslamic educational institutes for the under
privileged as well as the orphans, construction of Masajid and
Madaris, relief work and coordinated dawaah country wide.
Currently he is the Imaamof the largest Musjid in Harare.
May Allah reward Mufti Ismail Menk for his humble efforts towards the
upliftment of the Deen of Almighty Allah, Ameen. Please visit the
Mufti Menk website for audio recordings of his inspirational talks.

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

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What should the person who is praying behind the imam do if the imamis silent for a long time after reciting al-Faatihah?

If the person who is praying behind the imam finishes reciting
al-Faatihah during a prayer in which Qur'aan is recited out loud, but
the imam does not start to recite after al-Faatihah, what shouldhe do
in this situation?.
Praise be to Allaah.
The answer to that is that we would say to theimam first of all: You
should not remain silent for this long time between reciting
al-Faatihah and reciting what comes after it. What is prescribed is
for the Imam to remain quiet briefly between al-Faatihah and the
soorah that comes after it so as to distinguish between the obligatory
recitation and the mustahabb recitation. During this silent pause it
is prescribed for the one who is praying behind the Imam to recite
al-Faatihah and complete the recitation, even if the imam recited it.
But as for the imam falling silent for a long time, this is contrary
to the Sunnah. Moreover, even if we assume that the imam did that and
remained silent for a long time, if the person praying behind him
recited al-Faatihah and completed it, he may recite a soorah after
thatuntil the imam begins to recite the soorah that comes after
al-Faatihah, at which point he shouldstop reciting, because it is not
permissible for theperson praying behind the imam to recite whenthe
imam is reciting, except with regard to reciting al-Faatihah only.End
quote.
Majmoo' Fataawa Ibn 'Uthaymeen (15/109)