When we keep provoking others and piercing them where it hurts most, and continue believing that it is part of our freedom to keep doing that, then we cannot expect them not to react through emotions rather than sound mindbecause after a certain point, even the most sane person wouldlose his mind. This is more likely when there is continued extreme provocation. Hence, whilst condemning hooliganism & violence in the strongest terms, we would be failing completely if we continue to cheer on its cause by not condemning those who intentionally & repeatedly provoke others in the most hurtful manner possible regarding what is dearest to them. I pray the Almighty guide myself& us all to be of the highest level of character & conduct, upholdingsound morals & values./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en

The Parable of Belief

The allegory of belief [iman] is that of a land that has five walls. Al-Hajjawi said in its commentary:It is said that the allegory of beliefis that of a land that has five walls. The first wall [the innermostwall] made from gold, the second from silver, the third from iron, the forth from cooked clay [aajurr], and the fifth [the outermost wall] from brick. As long as the people of the brick wall are diligent in protecting the brick, the enemy does not aspire [destroying] the second; but if they neglect this [brick wall], they will aspire for the second and then the third, until they demolishall of the walls. And like belief [iman] has five walls: certainty, then sincerity, then performing what is obligatory, then the recommended [sunan], and then refined behavior [aadab]. As long as one holds to and is diligent with having refined behavior, Satan does not scheme [to destroy] him. But if one forsakes refined behavior, Satan aspires to [destroying] the recommended works, then the obligatory, then sincerity, and then certainty./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en

Adapted from Shaykh Ibn Qayyim�s (rah) Madarij-us-Saalikeen Shaykh Ibn al-Qayyim (rah) says: �The reason which cause mahabbah (love) of Allaah to develop, are ten: First: Reciting the Qur�aan, reflecting and understanding its meaning and its intent. Second: Drawing closer to Allaah �the Most High � through optional deeds, after fulfilling the obligatory duties. Third: Being continuous in the dhikr (remembrance) of Allaah, with the tongue, the heart and the limbs � under all circumstances. The more continuant the dhikr, the more muhabbah develops and intensifies. Fourth: Giving precedence to what Allaah loves over personal loves, when being overcome by desires. Fifth: Contemplating and deliberating over the Names and Attributes of Allaah. Sixth: Recognizing and remembering the favors and bounties of Allaah � both manifest and hidden. Seventh: To be humble and submissive before Allaah � and this is the greatest matter. Eighth: To be in seclusion reciting the Qur�aan, during that time in which Allaah descends to the lowest heaven (which is the last third of every night), finishing this recitation with seeking Allaah�s forgiveness and repenting to Him. Ninth: To sit in the gatherings of the true and sincere lovers of Allaah, reaping the fruits of their speech, and not to speak except if there is benefit in it and that you know that such talk will increase you in goodness and that it will benefit others as well. Tenth: To stay clear of all those causes which distances the heart from Allaah � the Mighty and Majestic. So these are the ten reasons which cause the person to develop true love for Allaah and to reach the rank of al-muhabbah,by which he reaches his Beloved. / - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en

Marriage in Islam - if one chooses not to marry or is unable to get married.

The first post on marriage covered the introduction to marriage and generally what Islam portrays regarding marriage. From the topics mentioned, "If one chooses not to marry or is unable to get married" is the next topic to be discussed. Islam is a flexible religion but has its boundaries; its flexibilityallows one to adopt it as a way of life and implement its teachings into every situation; whereas its boundaries restrict man from becoming too engrossed into certain acts andtherefore becoming extreme infollowing their desires. Flexibility and boundaries set by Islam have created a perfectbalance for man to achieve good both in this world and thehereafter, it is a balance that allows man to be successful in both the worlds. Marriage also has boundaries and flexibilities; it is a matter which has been regarded as half of one's Imaan (religion). Marriage is taken seriously in Islam as it allows people to live in a clean and moral society where desires are fulfilled in a human and shameful manner. It is an act that increases the number of believers and will cause our beloved Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم to be proud by having the largest number of believers. The Prophet of Allah صلي الله عليه و سلم has clearly forbidden people from celibacy: "There is no celibacy in Islam" [Sahih al-Bukhari] However, in life it is not always possible to adopt the Sunnah act of marriage. There come in life situations that restrict that do not allow one to get married. Therefore, it is necessary to mention the ruling of marriage;is it Mustahab (desired/recommended), Sunnah (way of the Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم, therefore encouraged), Wajib/Fardh (obligatory). Similarly, there will be times when marriage will be ruled as Makrooh (disliked) or Haraam (forbidden). At this time we will deal with those rulings that concern that person who chooses not to marry or does not have the means to. According to Imams Abu Hanifah marriage is Sunnah and recommendatory. It is an act of worship and one should strive in fulfilling this act. However, if one is in a position where he cannot control his desires then it is Wajib (necessary) for such a person to get married as he will not be able to save himself from sinning. However, a person is excused from marrying, so much so thathe should refrain from it, if he does not possess the means of supporting his wife or the capability of fulfilling her rights. The question remains for that person who wishes to marry but does not possess the means, what should he do? Hadhrat 'Abdullah رضي الله عنه narrates that: "We were with the Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم while we were young and had no wealth whatsoever. So Allah's Apostle صلي الله عليه و سلم said, "O young people! Whoever amongst you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty, and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting is a shield for him (from desires)." [Sahih al-Bukhari] In this Hadeeth it is clearly mentioned that one who cannot marry should fast as thefasting will act as a shield for him from his desires. However, whilst doing this one should make an effort to resolve the matters that are stopping him from marrying. As a final note, it should be remembered that not being financially able and being in a position to provide for one’s wife means the basic essentialsthat are necessary. Having an elegant and extravagant wedding and inviting people is not part of ‘essentials’ and is in actual fact totally discouraged and forbidden in Islam. However, in today’s society we see people going to the extent of taking out loans to organise a ‘wedding to remember. Insha Allah this topic will be mentioned in later posts and how choosing the correct partner will save one from committing such a grave sin from the first day of such a blessed and auspicious act of worship. May Allah give us all the courage and strength to save ourselves from the sins of desires and may He also give those people who are in need of marriage the means and a pious partner. Aameen./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en