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

--


- - - - -

And Allah Knows the Best!

- - - - -

Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

- - - - - - -

The Merits of Dhikr

[Tafsir Mariful Qur'an Surah Baqarah Verse 152]
Dhikr or 'Remembrance' essentially pertains to theheart, but in so far
as the tongue is the interpreter of the heart the oral recitation of a
Divine Name or a verse of the Holy Qur'an is also described as Dhikr .
In other words, oral Dhikr can be worth the name only when it is
accompanied by the 'remembrance' of the heart. As the great Sufi poet
Rumi points out, therecitation of a Divine name can have no efficacy
if one keeps thinking of cows and donkeys while repeating it
mechanically with the tongue. One must, however, bear in mind that
even a mechanical Dhikr without the heart being engaged in it is not
altogether futile. It is related that the great Sufi Abu Uthman,
hearinga man complain of such asituation, remarked that one should be
grateful to Allah even for this favour of having drawn at least one
organ of the body into His service. (Qurtubi)
The merits of Dhikr are, indeed, innumerable. What greater merit
couldone wish for than the assurance that when a man 'remembers'
Allah, He too 'remembers' him. Abu Uthman once claimed that he knew
thetime when Allah remembered His servants. The listeners grew curious
as to how he could determine this. He replied that, according to the
promisemade in the Holy Qur'an, when a Muslim remembers Allah, He too
remembers him, and thuseveryone can know for himself that as soon as
heturns to Allah and remembers Him, Allah tooremembers him.
Let us add that Verse 152 means to say that if men ' remember ' Allah
by obeying His commandments, He will 'remember' them by granting His
pardon and His rewards. The commentator Sa'id ibn Jubayr has, in fact,
interpreted the Dhikr or 'remembrance' of Allah as obedience and
submission to Him. He says:
"He who has not obeyed Him has not rememberedHim, even though he has
kept himself externally busy in offering (nafl: supererogatory)
prayers and reciting His praises."
This explanation is fully supported by a hadith cited by Al-Qurtubi on
theauthority of Ahkam Al-Qur'an by Ibn KhuwayzMandadh. The Holy
Prophet (??? ???? ????????)�has said that one who has been obeying
Allah – that is, following the injunctions with regards to the Halal
and Haram – has truly been remembering Allah , in spite of being
deficient in (nafl: supererogatory) prayers and fasting, while one who
has been disobeying divine commandments has, in fact, forgotten Allah,
in spite of devoting long hours to nafl prayers, fasting and
recitation of His praises.
The great Sufi Master Dhual-Nun al-Misri has said that the man who
remembers Allah in the full sense of the term forgets everything else,
and that, in reward of such a total absorption, Allah Himself takes
care of all his concerns, and grants him something farmore valuable
for everything he loses. Similarly, the blessed Companion Mu'adh
(??????? ????? ???)�has remarked that in so far as winning absolution
from the divine wrath is concerned, no good deed on the part of man
can compare with Dhikr. And in a hadith reported by the blessed
Companion Abu Hurayrah(?), Allah Himself says that so long as the
servant keeps remembering Him and his lips keep moving in Dhikr, Allah
is with him.

Listening to Quran

Listening to recitation is the perfume of the souls, the calmer of
hearts, and the food of the spirit. Is isone of the most important
psychological medicines. It is a source of pleasure, even to
someanimals – and pleasure inmoderation purifies inner energy,
enhances the functioning of the faculties, slows down senile decay by
driving out its diseases, improvesthe complexion, and refreshes the
entire body. Pleasure in excess, on the other hand, makesthe illnesses
of the body grow worse.
Abu Nu'aim states, in his Tib an-Nabbi, that the Prophet (صلى الله
عليه وسلم) said that the benefits of listening to recitation are
increased when it is understood – that is, when its meaning is
understood. Allah Himself says:
…so give good news to My slaves, those who listen to the word and then
follow the best of it…( Qur'an: 39.17-18)

Prophet (SAW)'s Prayers When tired of life

Due to difficulty death is sought but one should never pray for death
instead pray this:
اللَّهُمَّ أَحْيِنِي مَا كَانَتِ الْحَيَاةُ خَيْرٌ لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي
إِذَا كَانَتِ الْوَفَاةُ خَيْرَاً لِي
"O Allah keep me alive as long as is good for me and when death is
betterfor me lift me".
(Mishkat)

Prophet (SAW)'s Prayers Istikhara for Marriage

When one desires to make istikhara for marriage, then keep the person
in mind whem making niyah. Then do wudhu and perform Salaat. Then
praise Allah, mention His Greatness and plead:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ
وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُالْغُيُوبِ ، فَإِنْ رَأَيْتَ أَنَّ فِي فُلَانَةِ
خَيْرَاً لِي فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَآخِرَتِي فَاقْدُرْهَا لِي وَإِنْ
كَانَ غَيْرُهَا خَيْرٌ مِنْهَا لِي فِي دِينِي وَآخِرَتِي فَاقْدُرْهَا
لِي
"O Allah, You have power (control) and I have no control and You know
and I do not know, and You know the condition of the Unseen. Thus if
Yousee (deem fit) that this woman (here mention her name) is good for
meconcerning my Deen, world and Akhirah then grant me her control
(make it possible that I marry her) and if besides her there be
(another woman) which is better for me concerning Deen and Akhirah
then specify her for me (grant me control over he)".
(Hisn)
N.B. A woman should read "him" instead of"her".

--

- - - - -

And Allah Knows the Best!

- - - - -

Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

- - - - - - -

Owners of the Garden

The following story is mentioned in Surah Qalam, Chapter 68 of the Holy Quran.
Once there was a wealthy and pious man. He had a big garden full of
green trees laden with fruits. After the fruits were picked, this
rightful man used to distribute some fruits among the poor who would
gather at the garden every season to take their share.
Allah liked this act of the man. By the grace of Allah the garden used
to give rich harvest every season. Truly, one who spends for the sake
of Allah gets the reward in the hereafter as well as in this life.
This man had many sons who were not so pious as him. When their father
died, they discussed a plan and said to each other that their father
was not a wise man. He did not know how it was difficult to earn
livelihood. They did not like the habit of distributing some of the
fruits among the poor. They felt as if all their efforts would go to
vain if the poor had some share.
One of the sons had a concern. What will they tell the poor people
when they gather to take their fruits next time? They thought over its
implications, as they were worried about losing their prestige.
However, they were not afraid of Allah's wrath. One of them suggested
removing all the fruits inthe night and thus clearing the garden
before dawn so that nobody could come and ask for his share. Everyone
agreed to this suggestion. Since they were not even afraid of Allah,
they forgot to say 'Insha-Allah', which means if Allah Wills,"...they
swore to pluck the fruits of the (garden)in the morning, without
saying Insha-Allah ('if Allah Wills')" (Verses 17-18). If a Muslim
does not say Insha-Allah before doing something Allah may not fulfill
his wish. But those who have no faith in Allah failto remember this
and get stuck up in their act.
Allah is all Powerful. He knows no bounds in His Governance. All the
brothers went to sleep with a view to getting up early in the morning
and gather the ripe fruits. In the meantime, with the Will of
Allah"...there passed by on the (garden) a visitation (fire) from your
Lord at night and burnt it while they were asleep." (Verse 19)
In the early morning, all of them got up and hurried up and "...called
out one to another as soon as the morning broke, Saying: 'Go to your
tilth in the morning, if you would pluck the fruits.' So they
departed, conversing in secret low tones (saying), No Miskin (poorman)
shall enter upon you into it today." (Verses 21-24)
As they were proceedingtowards the garden, they were quite unaware
that Allah had willed otherwise. Because the garden had become "black
by the morning, like a pitch dark night (in complete ruins)" (Verse
20). So when they reached the garden, they said this was not their
garden, and that they had strayed away from the right path to the
garden.But when they saw therewas no other way around, they were
wonder struck! Soon they realized the situation and yelled:"Verily, we
have gone astray," "Nay! Indeed weare deprived of (the fruits)!" The
best among them said: "Did I not say to you 'Why not glorify
(Allah)'?" (Verses 26-28). He had been advising them earlier against
this act, for he had said it is only Allah who would enhance their
fruits if they continued to give away some of them in charity.
All of them felt regretful over their misdeed. Theyturned, to one
another, in reproach and said:"Glory to our Lord! Verilywe have been
doing wrong. Alas for us! We have indeed transgressed!" All of them,
then, sought Allah's pardon and said:"We hope that our Lord will give
us in exchange a better (garden) than this. Truly, we turn to our Lord
(wishing for good that He may forgive our sins, and reward us in the
Hereafter)." (Verses 31-32)
It is very beloved to Allahthat we share with the less fortunate
whatever we have. While some of us only feel hungry during the month
of Ramadan, there are many who are hungry everyday. Let us be
moregenerous with our wealth and help all those who are in need. We
will not lose anything by giving awaysome of our wealth, we will only
gain.

A Sheet for the Prophet

Narrated Abu Hazim: I heard Sahl bin Saad saying, "A woman brought a
Burda (i.e. a square piece of cloth having edging). I asked, 'Do you
know what a Burda is?' They replied in the affirmative and said, "It
is a cloth sheet with woven margins." Sahl went on, "She addressed the
Prophet and said, 'I have woven it with my hands for you to wear.' The
Prophet took it as he was in needof it, and came to us wearing it as a
waist sheet. One of us said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Give it to me to
wear.' The Prophet agreed to give it to him. The Prophet sat with the
people for awhile and then returned(home), wrapped that waist sheet
and sent it tohim. The people said to that man, 'You haven't done well
by asking him for it when you know that he never turns down anybody's
request.' The man replied, 'By Allah, I have not asked him for it
except to use it as my shroud when I die." Sahl added; "Later it (i.e.
that sheet) was his shroud."
Source: Sahih Al Bukhari (Volume 3, Hadith# 306)
The person wanted to have the sheet for his shroud because he hoped
that Allah will show mercy towards him after death as he is covered in
a sheet that was worn by the Prophet. We can also hope for the same by
dressing ourselves with the lifestyle of the Prophet (peace be upon
him) as his simple lifestyle is the most beloved to Allah.

4 hadith found in ' The Fear Prayer ' of Malik's Muwatta.

11.1.1
Yahya related to me fromMalik from Yazid ibn Ruman from Salih ibn
Khawwat from someone who had prayed (the prayer of fear) with the
Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, on the
day of Dhat ar-Riqa that one group had formed a row with him and one
group had formed a row opposite the enemy. He then prayed one raka
with the group he was with, and then remained standing while they
finished by themselves. They then left and formed a row opposite the
enemy, and then the other group came and heprayed the remaining raka
of his prayer with them, and then remainedsitting while they finished
by themselves. Then he said the taslim with them.
11.1.2
Yahya related to me fromMalik from Yahya ibn Said from al-Qasim ibn
Muhammad from Salih ibn Khawwat that Sahl ibn Abi Hathma related tohim
that the form of the prayer of fear was that the imam stood with a
group of his companions,while another group faced the enemy. The imam
prayed one raka with them, including the prostration, and then stood.
He remained standing while they completed the remainingraka by
themselves. They then said the taslim, left, and formed up opposite
the enemy while the imam remained standing. Then the otherswho had not
prayed came forward and said the takbir behind the imam and he prayed
one raka with them, including the prostration. He then said the
taslim, while they stood up and prayed the remaining raka by
themselves. Then they said the taslim.
11.1.3
Yahya related to me fromMalik from Nafi that Abdullah ibn Umar,
whenasked about the fear prayer said, "The imam and a group of people
goforward and the imam prays a raka with them, while another group,
who have not yet prayed,position themselves between him and the enemy.
When those who are with him have prayed a raka they draw back to where
those whohave not prayed are, anddo not say the taslim. Then those who
have notprayed come forward and pray a raka with him. Then the imam
leaves, as he has now prayed two rakas. Everyone else in the two
groups stands and prays a raka by himself after the imam has left. In
this way each of the two groups will have prayed two rakas. If the
fear is greater than that, then the men pray standing on their feet or
mounted,either facing the qibla or otherwise." Malik said that Nafi
said, "I do not believe that Abdullah ibn Umar related it from anyone
other than the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him
peace."
11.1.4
Yahya related to me fromMalik from Yahya ibn Said that Said ibn
al-Musayyab said, "The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and
grant him peace, did not pray dhuhr and asr on the dayof the Trench
until after the sun had set." Malik said, "The hadith of al-Qasim ibn
Muhammad from Salih ibn Khawwat is the one I like most out of what I
have heard about the fear prayer."

--


- - - - -

And Allah Knows the Best!

- - - - -

Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

- - - - - - -

Teaching children good manners

Just as a child should be taught ritual acts of worship, he should
also be taught good habits and etiquettes until they become second
nature to him.
The Prophet said: "The believers who have the most perfect faith are
those who have the best manners." [Abu Daawood]
Good manners are an acquired trait that must be adopted from a young
age. Of such manners arethe following:
Being respectful and dutiful to parents:
The first person from whom a child learns good manners is the father.
If a child is raised in a good Islamic home, then it would be natural
for him to treathis parents respectfully.
Allaah Says (what means): "And your Lord has decreed that you worship
none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them
or both of them reach old age in your life, never say 'uff' (an
expression of displeasure), nor shout at them but address them in
terms of honour. And humble yourself to them out of mercy and say, 'My
Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercyas they did bring me up when I was
small.'" [Quran, 17:23,24]
Maintaining good relations with relatives:
Sound cultivation also stipulates teaching children to maintain good
relations with their relatives.
Allaah Says (what means): ''Worship Allaah and associate none with Him
in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the needy, the
neighborwho is near of kin, the neighbor who is a stranger, the
companionby your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves)
whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allaah does not like such as
are proud and boastful. " [Quran, 4:36]
The fulfillment of this Divine command can be accomplished only by
sound cultivation which makes them grow attached to their relatives
out of obedience to Allaah.
Since relatives are an extension ofthe family, then strengthening ties
with them strengthens the whole family and it is like strengthening
the whole community and this reflects an Islamic community that enjoys
a cohesive structure. The Prophet said: "The example of the believers
in their reciprocal love and mercy is like a human body, when one of
its organs suffers, the rest of the body remains awake and suffers
fever." [Muslim]
Inculcating brotherly love:
Brotherly love and believers' solidarity must be embedded in
children's minds and that the believers are brothers-in-faith. For
example to follow the pious predecessors, the Muhajireen andthe Ansaar
whose brotherly love and altruism Allaah commands in His Book.
Giving a friendly gesture or a happy greeting to Muslim brothers
generates friendliness intheir hearts and, strengthens the love among
the believers. This indeed is a fine trait, which is instructed by
Allaah, the Exalted. He describes the believers by saying (what
means): "Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah, and those who are with
him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves…"
[Quran, 48:29]
Allaah also addressed His Messenger saying (what means): "Had you been
severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you…"
[Quran, 3:159]
Guarding the tongue:
Giving a good word is a type of remembrance of Allaah, telling the
truth, guarding one's own tongue against slandering other Muslims are
good deeds. The bestMuslim, according to the Prophet is the one from
whose tongue the Muslims feel safe.
Parents should make their children aware of the gravity of abusing
others with their tongueand of the fact that the tongue is a
double-sided and dangerous weapon. Therefore, they should be warned in
particular against abusing it.
· Warning children against backbiting and slandering:
Children should be taught that backbiting is speaking slanderously
about an absent person. The Prophet said: "Doyou know what back biting
is?" They (companions) said: "Allaah and His Messenger know best." He
said: "It is to attribute to your brother what he dislikes." He was
asked: "What do you think if what I say about my brother is true?" He
said: "If what you attribute to him is true,then you have backbitten
him, and if it is not true, then you havelied about him." [Muslim]
While talebearing is to circulate slanderous rumors between two
persons to damage or sever the ties between them. The Prophet said:
"Talebearer will not be admitted to Paradise." [Muslim]
Deriding people in their presence by making negative facial
expressions or by hand gestures while they are unaware is also
forbidden in Islam.
· Warning children against lying:
Children must be taught to tell the truth and to keep away from lying,
which is the most horrible habit. The Prophet said: "There are four
traits whoever possesses them is a sheer hypocrite, and he who
possesses one of them, possesses a trait of hypocrisy unless he quits
it. They are: when he speaks, he lies; and when he enters into an
agreement, he acts unfaithfully; when he promises, he breaches his
promise; and when he litigates, he behaves treacherously. While the
liar receives the anger of Allaah on the Day of Resurrection."
[Al-Bukhaari]
Parents should not take this evil habit lightly, or consider it funny
when their children tell lies because later on, it becomes easyfor
them to lie without any compunction.
· Abusing others:
Among the worst of manners is reviling people and swearing at them. If
this bad habit is not redressed while the child is growing up, it
becomes hard for him to avoid it later on.
Islam enjoins guarding the tongues. The Prophet said: "He who
guarantees, what is in between his jaws (tongue), and what is in
between his thighs (private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him."
[Al-Bukhaari]
This means guarding one's own tongue against uttering anythingthat
displeases Allaah, and guarding one's own private partsagainst
committing illicit acts or fornication.

Smile to Make Your Children Happy

Lines from the diary of a child speaking about his happy childhood,
"My father was always cheerful and his smile never left his face, even
in the most difficult situations. This smile meant a great deal to us
as it revealed how much our father loves us. This smile used to force
us to behave properly and avoid mistakes so as not to anger our father
and miss his smile even fora second.
My father's smile was the source of our psychological balance. It
provided us with warmth, confidence, frankness and courage in the face
of hardships. May Allaah reward him with the best."
Protagonists of the frowning approach:
Some parents and educators adopt the frowning method in dealing with
their children. Hence, they avoid speaking with them cordially or
smiling at them. They believe that there should be strict limits
between parents and their children so thatthey can succeed in their
upbringing.
They think that smiling and cheerfulness with children will spoil
them, while frowning and sullenness represent the discipline and
resolve that are necessary for any successful upbringing.
Unfortunately, we are sorry to tell such people that this is the
approach of the weak, who have not mastered the art ofentering into
the hearts, even thehearts of the closest people to them: their
children!
People with great souls are the only ones who can always be cheerful
with their children, while they control the process of upbringing in
such a way that ensures their children are close enough to learn from
them and obey their orders within a warm family environment.
The wise educator can direct his child through his smile and look,
embrace him compassionately, and treat his mistakes with patience.
This little smile may be of great importance and influence on the
child, especially that he receives itfrom his source of protection
androle model.
Cheerfulness is from the guidanceof the Prophet :
The guidance of the Prophet regarding cheerfulness, is amazing. He was
always cheerful and used to smile at his Companions. Jareer bin
'Abdullaah Al-Bajali said, "Whenever the Prophet saw me after I had
embraced Islam, he would receive me with a smile." [Al-Bukhaari]
This was not confined to Jareer as 'Abdullaah bin Al-Haarith said, "I
have never seen anyone who smiles more than the Prophet ."
[Al-Albaani: Saheeh]
Umm Ad-Dardaa' said, "Abu Ad-Dardaa' used to smile whenever he spoke.
So I told him to stop doing this for fear that people may think that
he was simple minded. However, Abu Ad-Dardaa' said, 'I have never seen
or heard the Prophet speaking without smiling.'" Hence, he used to
smile whenever he spoke in imitation of the Prophet .
The Prophet was very, caring, thoughtful and compassionate towards
children. It was never reported that he frowned at any child
throughout his life; rather, whenever he met them, he would smile at
them even if he was accompanied by his honorable Companions.
In a Hadeeth (narration) on the authority of Jaabir he said,"We were
with the Prophet when we were invited to have food. On our way, we saw
Al-Husayn playing with the boys in the street. The Prophet hurried and
opened his arms. Al-Husayn started running here and there while the
Prophet was laughing with him. The Prophet took him and put one of his
hands on his chin and the other between his head and ears, then, he
embraced and kissed him and said: 'Husayn belongs to me and I belong
to him, may Allaah The Almighty love whoever loves him. Al-Hasan and
Al-Husayn are two of the noblest of men.'" [At-Tabaraani] [Al-Albaani:
Hasan]
The Prophet also taught us that a smile may sustain others, especially
those who are under our care. The Prophet said: "You cannot please all
people with your money, but you could do this through your
cheerfulness and good morals." [Muslim]
Is there any of us who does not need to please his children through
his cheerfulness and good morals? Is there anyone who does not need to
do so today, when he sees that the educator's mission has become one
of the most difficult on earth? The protection of children against
immorality and other social problems have become issues that require a
great deal ofsupplication and great balance in the personality of the
educator, to be able to sustain his children and establish a
successful relationship with them. This relationship serves as gravity
thatalways attracts them to their good origins and strengthens them in
the face of the wild storms of immorality that blow from all
directions.
This is the default principle in dealing with one's children:
Smiling at our children is the default principle as we learned from
the Prophet while frowning should be an educational punishment that
should be used wisely and only when necessary. Certainly, cheerfulness
strengthens the relationship between the educator and the child, while
frowning causes the child to dislike his parent and weakens their
mutual love.
'Umar bin Al-Khattaab said, "One should be like a young boy among his
family, but when he is needed as a man, he should be so." The meaning
is that cheerfulness and good morals as well as joking with one's
family and children is the best way to lead them, provided that this
does not affect the parent's respect.
You may even use what is called (the angry smile) when you punish or
blame your child as a form of silent-yet-effective punishment. The
Prophet taught us how to use the smile even when we are angry. Ka'b
binMaalik narrated his story when he did not participate in the Battle
of Tabook without a valid excuse. He said, "When news reached me that
the Messenger of Allaah was on his way back from Tabook, I was greatly
distressed… I greeted him, he smiled, and there was a tinge of anger
in that. He then said to me: 'Come forward' . I went forward and I sat
in front of him. He said to me: `What kept you back?'" [Al-Bukhaari
andMuslim] Therefore, smile, dear educator!
Cheerfulness and smiling is important to have a calm child:
A sense of humor helps children get rid of the feelings of anger and
embarrassment. It also spreads happiness in the house and warmth in
the heart in addition to providing children with a feeling of safety
that they would miss if their educator was one of those who adhere to
the frowning method.
Good growth:
German psychiatrists' studies proved that laughter from the bottom of
the heart has a deep influence on the child's growth during his early
years. Based on the results of these studies, psychiatrists confirmed
that laughter is as important as food and that the child who laughs
much grows well.
Educational excellence:
Psychiatrists always stress the positive influence of a smile on the
educational process. They saythat fun creates a psychological
environment full of happiness and satisfaction, and this releasesthe
mental abilities to learn easily. That is because joyfulness prepares
the mental abilities to expand and grow contrary to the environment of
sadness and pessimism that gives a despondent impression about life.
Smiling attaches the child to his parents:
If your smile springs from your heart and expresses true love for and
admiration of your child, then it will have a good psychological
impact on the childand provide him with happy memories and strong love
for his parents, particularly if they use eye contact to convey their
true love and appreciation to him.
Dear readers and educators, this shows us that the more a parent is
cheerful, the stronger his relationship with his children willbe, and
vice versa. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Andif you had been
rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from
about you.} [Quran 3:159]
Do not forget to smile at your child when he enters upon you… when you
leave the house…when he leaves the house…when you receive him upon
returning from school…when you enter upon him returning from work…do
notforget to smile when you wake him up and let him see your smile
before anything else.
When you put him to bed, do notforget to smile at him to have thebest
dreams ever. Smile when you ask him about his faults so he can feel
safe and tell you the truth. Finally, smile to immunize your children
against feelings of fear and sadness and to turn yourrelationship with
them into an uninterrupted and wonderful series of successful
communication. In such a case, they will respond to your directions
and long to meet you. They will never think of doing anything that
angers you, because they do not want to loseyour sweet smile for any
reason.

Responsibilities of parents

Parents' responsibilities for the care and upbringing of their
children are mentioned in severalverses of the Quran, as well as in
the Hadeeth.
Allaah Almighty Says (what means ( : "O you who have believed, protect
yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and
stones… " [Quran 66:6]
How do we ward off that fire from our families? We need to show to
them the right way and to teach them the difference between right and
wrong. An excellent example of this is foundin the words of Luqmaan to
his son, related in the Quran, where he admonishes him:
1. Not to ascribe divine powers toanything other than Allaah.
2. To be good and kind to parents.
3. To obey parents unless they command what is wrong.
4. To understand that all our deeds, however minor, are recorded and
will be brought to light.
5. To be constant in prayer.
6. To enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.
7. To bear what befalls him with patience.
8. To avoid pride, arrogance and boastfulness.
9. To be modest in manner and speech.
This is a model example of parental responsibility and advice. Luqmaan
guides his own son on the path to paradise with simple but memorable
words.
Children are a trust given to the parents. Parents will be held
accountable for this trust on the Day of Judgment. Parents are
essentially responsible for the moral, ethical and the basic and
essential religious teachings of their children.
If parents fulfill this responsibility, they will be free of the
consequences on the Day of Judgment. The children will become better
citizens and a pleasure to the eyes of their parents, first in this
life, and in the Hereafter.
Allaah, Almighty Says (what means): "And those who believedand whose
descendants followedthem in faith – We will join with them their
descendants, and We will not deprive them of anythingof their deeds.
Every person, for what he earned, is retained... " [Quran 52:21]
This parental responsibility belongs not only to the father. The
Prophet is reported to have said: "Take care! Each of you is a
shepherd and each of you shall be asked concerning his flock; a leader
is a shepherd of hispeople, and he shall be asked concerning his
flock; and a man isa shepherd of the people of his house, and he shall
be asked concerning his flock; and a woman is a shepherd of the house
of her husband and over their children, and she shall be asked
concerning them." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Indeed the mother's role may be even greater: while the children are
young they are very close to her and dependent upon her, andthey spend
more time with her than with anyone else. There is an Arabic saying:
"The mother is the first school" . She may be a good school, an
indifferent or even a bad school. She may even be unaware that she is
serving asa role model in her behavior, and her attitudes. Every
mother should be conscious of her role and do her best to make it
beneficial for the development of her children as they set out on the
journey of life.
Parental care and guidance are fundamental to child upbringing. Some
parents nowadays become so preoccupied with their jobs or with making
money or with theirsocial lives that children are oftenneglected. They
may be ignored or left for hours with the television or computer or
they may be sent to day-care centers at a very early age to be cared
for in groups by other people.
The parents' right to respect from their children is dependent upon
the children's right to loving care and guidance of their parents.
It is related that a man once came to 'Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, the
second Khaleefah (Caliph) of Islam complaining of his sons'
disobedience to him. 'Umar summoned the boy and spoke of his
disobedience to his father andhis neglect of his rights. The boy
replied: "O Ameer al-Mu'mineen (Prince of believers)! Hasn't a child
rights over his father?"
"Certainly", replied 'Umar.
"What are they, Ameer al-Mu'mineen?"
"That he should choose his mother, give him a good name and teach him
the Book (the Quran)."
"O Ameer al-Mu'mineen! My fatherdid nothing of this. My mother was a
Magian (fire worshipper). He gave me the name of Julalaan (meaning
dung beetle or scarab) and he did not teach me a single letter of the
Quran."
Turning to the father, 'Umar said: "You have come to me to complain
about the disobedienceof your son. You have failed in your duty to him
before he has failed in his duty to you; you havedone wrong to him
before he haswronged you."
Education and bringing up in Islam
Allaah Almighty Says (what means): "This day I have perfected for you
your religion and completed My favor upon youand have approved for you
Islam as religion... " [Quran 5: 3]
Education is the process by whichchildren are nurtured as they grow up
to develop the Islamic worldview and the Islamic virtues.
Education means to look after, tonurture, to nourish, to help growand
flourish. It implies certain sensitivity towards the child under your
care, his emotional and physical needs and capacities. It implies the
ability toinspire confidence. It implies the courage to allow and
promote creativity and innovation. It implies the ability to trust and
not to stifle, to be firm when needed and even to impose sanctions
when necessary.
The starting point for education is the example of parents. Small
children take their parents as models. If parents are lazy and
careless, the children will also take laziness and carelessness as
normal. If they tell lies, children will regard lying as normal and
acceptable. The same applies to smoking, drinking, rude manners,
swearing and all other bad habits. There is no way parents can
motivate their children to practice the Islamic virtues if they
themselves do not respect the values and try to practice them also. As
children grow up, they will only perceive the inconsistency or even
hypocrisy in their parents' approach.
It is important not to crush a child's spirit and joy about life by
terrorizing him/her, whether physically or psychologically. Children
must play. It is the way they learn, and is not in itself something
bad. Parents should give the child opportunities to play and to
experience the excitement of exploration, of learning and of growing
up.
At the same time, parents shouldteach children Islamic manners and
etiquette in accordance with the beautiful example of the Prophet .
Such habits include truthfulness and honesty, gentleness, politeness,
consideration for others, helpfulness, cleanliness and tidiness.
They also include:
1. Time management and doing things at the right time.
2. Physical exercise for fitness.
3. Mental exercise and developingan appetite for knowledge,
understanding and skills.
4. Learning to read and recite the Quran from an early age when the
child's memory finds it easy.
5. Development of regular performance of Prayer between the ages of 7 and 10.
6. Taking on responsibilities in the family.
7. Taking on responsibilities in the wider community as children grow up.
Above all, correct education should ensure that children develop a
love for Islam, a love for Allaah and His Prophet and that they
develop a feeling ofpride in being Muslim and willingness to strive
for the good of others. They need to realize the benefits of Islam,
the foundations on which it is based and their need for Islam. They
need to value Islam and live by Islamic values.
It is the responsibility of the parents to experiment with various
ways of achieving those goals.
Islamic education and Muslim schools
If parents are to get the best results for their children in Muslim
schools, they must know what the Muslim school is trying to do.
Parents need to understand that while the schoolbasically may be
following a National Curriculum (which in some countries may be
compulsory), the teaching approach is expected to be holistic.
Therefore it is not just a matter of teaching Islamic Studies, Quran
and Arabic under the same roof as Arts and Sciences, but of developing
an integrated Islamic perspective onall forms of knowledge right
across the curriculum. At the same time, the school is trying
tocultivate good attitudes, behaviorand manners in accordance with the
teachings of Islam.
'Aishah is reported to have said of the Prophet that: "His behavior
was the Quran (in practice)". [Ahmad] To take the Prophet as a
"beautiful example" means not just to imitate his outward actions or
practices but also to base our own motivation and actions on the Quran
as he did, in a way thatis appropriate to the place and time in which
we happen to live.
The approach of a modern Muslim School, which may be located in a
modern "secular" or non-Islamic type of environment, cannot be like
that of Islamic education of the recent past, when teaching relied
much on repetition and memorization anduncritical acceptance of the
teachers' word. The Islamic teaching must relate with the society in
which the pupils live, with the state of modern knowledge and with the
beliefs of other people (probably the majority) in the country where
the school is located. If Muslim children are to grow up as witnesses
to the truth in a non-Muslim society, they need to understand that
society and to develop an objective and critical approach, so that
they can appreciate whatever is good in it,avoid its evils and reach
out to the non-Muslims, presenting the truths of Islam in a way they
can understand Islam and relate to it.

--


- - - - -

And Allah Knows the Best!

- - - - -

Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

- - - - - - -

Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) was the daughter of Abdullah ibn Al-Harith.The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) called her the Martyr, as she prayed for death in the cause of Allah (S.W.T) . At the battle of Badr, she asked the Holy Prophet's (

Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A)
Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) was the daughter of Abdullah ibn
Al-Harith.The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) called her the Martyr, as she
prayed for death in the cause of Allah (S.W.T) . At the battle of
Badr, she asked the Holy Prophet's (S.A.W) permission to join the
Muslim army in order to treat the wounded for she might win the
Martyrdom.
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said to her; "Allah wouldgrant you Martyrdom.
Stay home you are a Martyr."
She (R.A) was a learned Scholar and a pious and modest lady, who was
well known amongst thefemale companions (R.A) as one who spent her
nights and days in prayer and meditation. She had memorised the Holy
Quran by heart,
The Beloved Prophet (S.A.W) would sometimestake along some Sahabah
Ikraam to visit the home of Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) . He would tell
them to accompany him to the house of the lady who was a living
Martyr. Nobody could understand how this would take place with her
sitting in her house, but they were sure it would definitely happen,
as this news had been given by Holy Prophet (S.A.W) .
Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) herself waited patiently for this auspicious
event, which would be the fulfilment of her greatest dream. During
this time Holy Prophet (S.A.W) passed away from this world and Hazrat
Abu Bakr Siddique (R.A) succeeded and became the first Caliph, he
(R.A) also passed away from this world and Hazrat Umar eFarooq (R.A)
had now became the 2nd Caliph.
Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) had two slaves (male and female) working for
her and she (R.A) told them that they will be freed after she has
passed away. The two slaves got together and decided that they were
tired of waiting forthis old lady to die. They planned to kill her in
hersleep and escape to freedom. They were so tempted by the thought of
freedom that they forgot to consider their future as well as their
life in the Aakhiraah. In the dead of night as Hazrat Umm Waraqa (R.A)
lay asleep, they killed her, covered her body with a sheet and crept
away from the house silently.
In the morning Hazrat Umar (R.A) said, "By Allah (S.W.T) , I did not
hear the recitation of aunt Umm Waraqa last night".Hazrat Umar (R.A)
went to Hazrate Umm Waraqa's (R.A) home to check on her and found that
she had been murdered. Then He (R.A) saw that both the slaves were
missing and realised that they must be the criminals.
Hazrat Umar (R.A) said, Rasoolullah (S.A.W) was truthful when He
(S.A.W) used to say, "Let us go tovisit the Martyr".
Hazrat Umar (R.A) ordered the killers to be brought before him. They
confessed their crime. Thus, he sentenced them to be crucified. They
were the first people to be crucified in Madina Shareef. May Allah
(S.W.T) have mercy on Hazrate Umm Waraqa (R.A) who won the Martyrdom,
which she had asked for. (Related in Ibn Hajar in Isbah, Asbahani in
Helyat al Awliya and al-Hakim in Mustadrak)

H azrat Zubair Bin Al Awam (R.A)

Hazrat Zubair bin Al Awam (R.A) is amongst the ten Companions of Holy
Prophet (S.A.W) , who were given glad tidings of Paradise by the
Beloved Prophet (S.A.W) and are widely known as Ashrah Mubasharah.
Hazrat Zubair was the son of Hazrate Safiyyah bint Abdul Muttalib
(R.A) ,the paternal aunt of HolyProphet (S.A.W) . He (R.A) was also
the nephew of Hazrate Khadija (R.A) .
He (R.A) embraced Islam at the age of Twelve or Fifteen. His uncle
became furious when heheard about his conversion and decided to force
him to return to the path of his ancestors by tormenting and torturing
him.
Hazrat Zubair (R.A) used to be wrapped up in a rug with a rope tied
around him and then have smoke inserted into his (R.A) nostrils till
his breath was suffocated. His uncle would then comment that if he
(R.A) wishes to escape the torment, he must refute Muhammad. He (R.A)
always, very firmly replied in his roaring voice, "No, not at all! I
shall not return to the path of my ancestors at any cost".
He (R.A) was also elected as one of the member of the advisory
council, constituted by Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.A) to elect the Caliph
after him. He (R.A) was also one of those early Sahabah Iqraam who
migrated to Ethiopia andthen to Madina Shareef.
Hazrat Zubair (R.A) was also the most successful commanders of the
Rashidun army and served under the Rashidun Caliphs Hazrat Abu Bakr
Saddique (R.A) and Hazrat Umar (R.A) .
Hazrat Zubair (R.A) had the honour to be the first to draw out his
sword in the way of Islam for Jihad; he participated in all Ghuzwat
(Holy war) during the period of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) and during
the orthodox Caliphate. He (R.A) also participated in conquests of
Yarmouk and Hazrat Zubair (R.A) was the most successful field
commander during the Muslim conquest of Egypt.
Hazrat Zubair (R.A) passed away from this world at the age of sixty
seven. (Muhammad Rasool Allah, P.78, SheikhMuhammad Raza)

--


- - - - -

And Allah Knows the Best!

- - - - -

Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

- - - - - - -

California: The Ultimate Dream Vacation

From its spectacular citiesand storybook-perfect coast, to its
dazzling theme parks and breathtaking natural wonders, California is
one of those vacation spots where if you can't find something to see
or do, you're probably not looking very hard.
CALIFORNIA TRAVEL AND TOURISM COMMISSION / BLAISE
Where else in one day can you—with a healthy dose of California-style
enthusiasm and a good strong cup of coffee—surf ocean breakers in the
morning and hit the ski slopes before sunset? Admittedly, you might
want to chill a bit more than that on vacation, so you can just stash
the list of things you didn't get to this time for the next time you
come. In fact, it's not unusual to bump into Californians who haven't
seen everything in their home state—it's that big and that diverse.
Tapping into the wild side, and a golden past
As the third-largest state in the U.S., California has a huge variety
of natural features in its 150,000 square miles/389,000 square
kilometers. The state's renowned coastline stretches roughly 840
miles/1,352 kilometers—even more ifyou add bays and inlets. Over 400
recreational lakes sparkle across the state. Nature has left her mark
here in beautiful ways, with glaciers creating enormous granite
monoliths trimmed by waterfalls in Yosemite National Park . Towering
volcanoes jut into the sky in the state's northeastern corner.
Dramatic deserts like Death Valley and Anza-Borrego stretch across the
state's southeastern corner, while the jagged Sierra Nevada range
forms a granite backbone near the Nevada border. This is a land of
extremes, with the continental U.S.'s tallest mountain, 14,492-foot
(4,417-meter)Mt. Whitney, and lowest point, Death Valley's Badwater,
282 feet (86 meters) below sea level, within about 100 miles (161
kilometers) of each other, as the vulture flies.
Californians treasure these natural riches: roughly one-fourth of the
state is protected against development, with well over 5 million acres
set aside as state or federal parkland. That's not to say folks
haven't historically taken advantage of some of these treasures—most
notably gold. The precious metal was found in the Sierra foothills in
1848, sparking an almost rabid wave of emigrants to descend on the
aptly named "Gold Country" in search of their fortune. While flecks of
gold and the occasional nugget still turn up in creeks andrivers
there, the best wayto mine the region's rich history is to visit its
excellent state parks, such as Marshall Gold Discovery State Park in
Coloma and Columbia State Historic Park in Sonora , which commemorate
this fascinating and raucous time in California's history.
Perhaps California's most distinctive natural feature—and one that
draws millions of visitors every year—is its remarkable coastline,
ranging from the romantic wildness of the Mendocino Coast in the
northwest to the spread-out-the-beach-towel perfection of San Diego's
flawless sandy crescents. In between are hundredsof miles showcasing
secret coves, soaring ocean bluffs, and broad beaches, as well as
unforgettable road trips, like the S-curve thrills of Big Sur .
Charming beach towns up and down the coast put out a sandy welcome
mat. Whether it's the kickback surf scene in towns like Santa Cruz or
Huntington Beach, the relaxed luxury of Spanish-tiled Santa Barbara,
or the movie-star sexiness of Malibu, there's a town that will suit
your style—and evenyour dog's (beach towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea are
paws-down some of the most pet-friendly places anywhere).
World-class cities & magical attractions
But California is a lot more than a pretty, suntanned face. With
cities as drop-dead gorgeous as San Francisco, as exciting as
star-studded Los Angeles, and as diverse and inviting as sun-and-surf
San Diego, California can serve up plenty of urban action. Top chefs
create meals so amazing you'll be posting photos on Facebook as soon
as you're served. In California, it's all about celebrating every
flavor and style of cooking, as long as it's fresh and local—and
paired with elegant California wines, of course. Museums drawcrowds
with exhibits ranging from classical and modern artworks to intriguing
science displays and even living rooftops. Shops beckon with
everything from designer outfits and sparkling Tiffany diamonds to
unusual handmade crafts for the perfect souvenir. Theater,music,
dance, and nightlife keep things lively once the sun goes down.
And of course there are the 100-percent California attractions,
likeSouthern California's Disneyland Resort , whereyou'll never forget
seeinga child's joy when she first hugs Mickey or Minnie. Also in the
southlands you can experience the excitement of SeaWorld San Diego,
home to leaping orcas and splashing dolphins and the charm of Legoland
California and its remarkable cityscapes made of millions of tiny
plastic blocks. At the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park ,
you can take exotic adventures todiscover animals from far-away lands.
And in Los Angeles, you can get a glimpse of movie-making magic at
Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros, and Paramount Studios , and
even slip your hands into the tiny prints made my Marilyn Monroe in
thecement courtyard fronting Hollywood's Graumann's Chinese Theatre .
Along the Central Coast is the Monterey Bay Aquarium , with tanks as
tall as buildings swirling with sea life—don't be surprised if you
find yourself swaying with the soaring strands of underwater kelp as
they pulse to the natural ebb and flow of the nearby ocean. The
California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco also lets you explore
the natural world, including a four-story rainforest, an all-digital
planetarium, and an undulating roof carpeted with wildflowers.
Exploring the road less traveled
There's a whole other world to explore beyond California's gateway
cities and big attractions.Indulge in a romantic getaway at a
luxurious wine-country resort in the Napa or Sonoma Valleys , or a
find a cozy mountain hideaway overlooking lapis-blue Lake Tahoe .
Follow a country road in the Central Valley , the state's agricultural
heartland, to visit friendly farm stands overflowing with just-picked
fruits and vegetables, and other local products, like artisan olive
oils and sweet preserves (sometimes even a baked-that-morning
fruitpies). Float over vineyards and valleys in ahot-air balloon in
Temecula , east of San Diego. Lean back and look way, way up to
experience the staggering beauty of 1,000-year-old coastal redwood
trees, the world's tallest living things, in parklands dotting
California's lush northwest corner. Or head to Sequoia/Kings Canyon
National Park , onthe southwestern flanks of the Sierra east of
Visalia. Here you can wander among the world's largest living
trees—the giant sequoia,measuring 40 feet/12 meters wide and living
over 2,000 years.
Pick your time to visit
Choosing a best time to visit California is like picking a treat from
your favorite box of chocolates—each season has its own charms and
surprises. In spring, discover waterfalls tumbling into Yosemite
Valley and wildflowers painting the coastal hills. Come summer, watch
surfers along Southern California beaches and relax on a warm evening
at a rooftop restaurant indowntown L.A. Summer also fills those farm
stands with juicy peaches, plums, berries, and cherries. In autumn,
take part in harvest time at vineyards north to south (check for local
festivals and events). In winter, look for migrating whales along the
coast, or schuss downSierra ski slopes. Snow is virtually guaranteed
in the Sierra Nevada during the winter months. Mammoth Mountain has
one of the longest skiing seasons in North America,with really big
years stretching from October to July or even August. Or dodge the
snow and indulge in the poolside splendor and golf-greensluxury of
Palm Springs, the ultimate desert oasis.
Much of California enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with sunny, warm
summers and wet, fairly mild winters, although weather varies greatly
throughout the state. There are five main climate zones: coastal,
valley, foothill, mountain,and desert. Average summer highs on the
coast are 70º to 80ºF (about 21º to 27ºC), with temperatures rising as
you head south. San Francisco is famous for itschilly summer fog,
while Los Angeles typically basks in sunshine most ofthe year. Inland
areas and foothills tend to be hot and dry in summer; desert
temperatures soar well over 100ºF (37ºC). Travelers to mountain
regions can expect snowy winter conditions from November through April
or May.
While the blue Pacific canlook tempting, there's a reason surfers wear
wetsuits year-round: it's cold out there, particularly in the north,
with an annual average water temperature of only 48º to 55ºF (9º to
13ºC). Southern Californiawaters tend to be a bit warmer: 57º to 68ºF
(14º to 20ºC).
So stick your toes in the California sand, or carve fresh tracks in
the Sierra snow. Ride a bike across the Golden Gate Bridge , or take
in the grandeur of Yosemite. Search for movie stars in Hollywood,or
buy mouse ears for your kids at Disneyland . And when you're done with
all that, don't be surprised if there are still another thousand
things on your California bucketlist that you'll already be scheming
to check off thenext time you visit.

--


- - - - -

And Allah Knows the Best!

- - - - -

Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

- - - - - - -

Bristlecone Pine - World's Oldest LivingTrees

The bristlecone pines are a small group of pine trees (Family
Pinaceae, genus Pinus, subsection Balfourianae) that are thought to
reach an age far greater than that of any other singleliving organism
known,up to nearly 5,000 years.
The oldest (acknowledged) living organism known is a bristlecone pine
tree nicknamed"Methuselah" (after Methuselah, the longest-lived person
in the Bible). Methuselah is located in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine
Forest in the White Mountains of eastern California, however its
precise location is undisclosed by the U.S. Forest Service to protect
the tree from vandalism. The age of Methuselah was measured by core
samples in 1957 to be 4,789 years old.
Bristlecone pines grow in isolated groves at and just below the
treeline. Because of cold temperatures, dry soils,high winds, and
short growing seasons, the trees grow very slowly. The wood is very
denseand resinous, and thus resistant to invasion by insects, fungi,
and other potential pests. As the tree ages, much of its vascular
cambiumlayer may die. In very old specimens, often only a narrow strip
of living tissue connects the roots to a handful of live branches.

--


- - - - -

And Allah Knows the Best!

- - - - -

Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

- - - - - - -