Story |- WHOM TO BLAME

A boy was born to a couple after eleven years of marriage. They were a
Loving couple and the boy was the gem of their eyes.
When the boy was around two years old, one morning the husband saw a
medicine bottle open. He was late for office so he asked his wife to
cap the bottle and keep it in the cupboard. His wife, preoccupied in
the kitchen totally forgot about the open medicinebottle.
The boy saw the bottle and playfully went to the bottle fascinated by
its color and drank it all. It happened to be a poisonous medicine
Meant for adults in small dosages. When the child collapsed, mother
hurried him to the hospital, where he died. The mother was stunned.She
was terrified how to face her husband.
When the distraught father came to the hospital and saw the dead
child, he looked at his wife and uttered just five words.
The husband just said "I am with you Darling." The husband's totally
unexpected reaction is a proactive behavior.
The Child is dead. He can never be brought back tolife.
There is no point in finding fault with the mother. Besides, if only
he had taken time to keep the bottle away, this would not have
happened.
No one is to be blamed. She had also lost her onlychild. What she
needed at that moment was consolation and sympathy from the husband.
That is what he gave her.
If everyone can look at life with this kind of perspective, there
would be much fewer problems in the world. "A journey of a thousand
miles Begins with a single step." Take off all your envies,
jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears. Andyou will find
things are actually not as difficult asyou think.
Moral of the Story:
Sometimes we spend time in asking who is responsible or whom to blame,
whether in a relationship, in a job or with the people we know. By
this way we miss out some warmth in human relationship.

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Tawaf of Kaaba: in line with the Cosmic Law

Allah Almighty says: "And He it is Who created the night and the day,
and the sun and the moon, each in an orbit floating." (Al-Anbiya, 21:
33)
This glorious verse refers to a scientific fact concerning the system
of the universe. Scientific discoveries have proved that we live in a
huge universe that depends onrevolution. The earth revolves round the
sun once a year, the moon revolves around the earth once per lunar
month, and the other planets of the solar system also revolve round
the sun, each in itsown orbit. Besides, most of these planets have
moons that revolve around them, each, also in its own orbit.
Astronomers have discovered more than 60 of these moons so far.
The solar system, likewise, orbits a center of our galaxy, the Milky
Way. This galaxy consists of more than 130 billion stars. Galaxies, in
turn, revolve round a center that only Almighty Allah knows.
The law of revolution applies also to atoms, thesmallest units of
elementsthat cannot be seen even by microscopes. An atom is composed
of a nucleus whose diameter is less than a millionth of a millimeter.
An atom is surrounded by electrons that move round the atom in an
orbit. Since allmatter in the universe-whether solid, liquid, or
gaseous consists of atoms, this means that the law of revolution
applies to everything: stars, planets, moons, animals, plants, sand,
seas, air, and so on.
This includes cells as well.The cytoplasm in the cell moves around the nucleus.
There is a common factorbetween the orbital movements of all the
objects referred to above, this is, and their revolution is
anti-clockwise.
Contemplating the above lines, we come to realize that revolution is a
cosmic law.
With a believer's meditation upon such a scientific fact, another
image of revolution is brought to one s mind: the pilgrim's
circumambulation of the Kaaba, which is a basic ritual of Hajj in
Islam.
Circumambulating the Kaaba is a symbolic act ofworship, whose wisdom
may be hidden from some. It indicates the believer's utter submission
to Almighty Allah alone. The pilgrims go to Hajj in response to the
divine order that Prophet Ibrahim or Prophet Abraham (peace be upon
him) conveyed to people.
Allah Almighty says: "And (remember) when We showed Ibrahim the site
of the (Sacred) House (the Kaaba at Makkah), saying: Ascribe not
anything (in worship) with Me, and sanctify My House for those who
circumambulate it, and those who stand up (for prayer), and those who
bow (submit themselves with humility and obedience to Allah), and make
prostration (in prayer). And proclaim to mankind the Hajj
(pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel,
theywill come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to
perform Hajj)." (Al-Hajj, 22:26-27).
This signifies that the Kaaba is the spiritual center of the
believers. It refers to the close bond that should be between
abeliever and his Lord. A believer turns toward theKaaba five times a
day during the prescribed ritual Prayers.
A pilgrim circumambulates the Kaaba as if he or she is a celestial
body orbiting another greater body. Circumambulation of the Kaaba is
to be performedanti-clockwise. This indicates that there is a joint
factor between a pilgrim's expressing his ultimate faith in
AlmightyAllah by circumambulating the Kaaba in that way and between
the cosmic laws of revolution discussed above. This indicates
thatthere is consistency between the obligations of worship in Islam
and the natural laws that govern the universe, which indicates that
theyall belong to only one source, that is, Almighty Allah.
This proves the truthfulness of the call of Islam that there is no
godbut Almighty Allah. Thus, Islam is the true religion that provides
humankindwith a comprehensive view in conformity with the divine truth
that is apparent in the natural laws of the universe.
Tawaf: Utmost degree of love
Circumambulation meansto go round something. This act shows the
utmostdegree of love to the extent that a lover wishesto sacrifice
himself for the beloved. A real pilgrim who has thirst formeeting his
Beloved has been detached from everything. By going round the House of
the Beloved, he wishes to prove that he desires nothing but God.
The planets circumambulate the sun, for they take everything from it.
Inside an atom, the electrons circumambulate the protons. The whole
universe ranging from the invisible particles to the planets and
galaxies circumambulate. Man, being a part of the universe, should
circumambulate, too, with the difference that the planets
circumambulate in a compulsory way according to the laws of nature,
but man, the rational being and possessor of free will,
circumambulates with hislogic and will a House God has appointed to
honor human beings. Hence, it is natural for Muslims to offer their
prayers, to sit, to stand, to recite the Holy Quran, to sleep, to lie
down at the moment of death, to be put in grave, and finally to be in
that direction during their lifetimes and death.
"Say: Surely my prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are
all for Allah, the Lord of the worlds." (Al-Anaam, 6:162)
Survival of the Kaaba, a wonder
It is a wonder that all the royal palaces built throughout history
have been demolished but the Kaaba, a house built of mud and stone
about four thousand years ago by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son
Prophet Ismail (AS) in a parched land is still upright and will
continue to be loved by human beings until the Day of Judgment.
What is more wonderful is the attraction of this House. So many
glorious and majestic buildings in the world are found in areas of
good climate, but the Kaaba attracts people to itself without having
means of entertainment or being satisfying people's pleasure. The
reason however is natural. It is God Himself Who has created this
attraction in people's hearts through Prophet Ibrahim's supplication:
"And proclaim among men the pilgrimage: theywill come to you on foot
and on every lean camel, coming from every remote path." (The Holy
Quran, 22:27)
Kaaba Size and History
The small, cubed buildingknown as the kaaba may not rival skyscrapers
in height or mansions in width, but its impact on history and human
beings is unmatched. Thekaaba is the building towards which Muslims
face five times a day, everyday, in prayer. This has been the case
since the time of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) over
1400 years ago.
The Size of Kaaba:
The current height of the kaaba is 39 feet, 6 inches and total size
comes to 627 square feet. The inside room of the kaaba is 13x9 meters.
The kaaba's walls are one meter wide. The floor inside is 2.2 meters
higher than the place where people perform Tawaf.
The ceiling and roof are two levels made out of wood. They were
reconstructed with teak which is capped with stainless steel. The
walls are all made of stone. Thestones inside are unpolished, while
the ones outside are polished.
This small building has been constructed and reconstructed by Prophets
Adam, Ibrahim, Ismail and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).No other
building has had this honor. Yet, not very much is known about the
details of this small but significant building.
Holy Kaaba: The House of Allah (SWT) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The
Kaaba is covered by a black cloth known as 'Kiswa', which is produced
and changed every year. Special factory designed for the making of
Kiswa in Makkah. It costs approx. SR 17million.The cloth is made of
670kgs of Silver dyed black, about 120kgs of pure Gold and 50kgs of
Silver used in writing the Qur'anic verses over the cloth. The total
area of the cloth is 658sqr meter.
The Other Names of Kaaba:
Literally, kaaba in Arabic means a high place with respect and
prestige. The word kaaba may also be derivative of a word meaning a
cube. Some ofthese other names include:
1. Baitul Ateeq - which means, according to one meaning, the earliest
andancient. According to the second meaning, it means independent and
liberating. Both meanings could be taken.
2. Baitul Haram - the honorable house.
Scholars and historians say that kaaba has been reconstructed between
5 to 12 times. The very first construction of the kaabawas done by
Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). Allah says in Holy Quran that this
was the first house that was built for humanity to worship Allah.
After this, Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail (peace be upon them) rebuilt
kaaba.
The measurements of thekaaba's foundation by Prophet Ibrahim are as follows:
Eastern wall was 48 feet and 6 inches
Hateem side wall was 33 feet
Side between the black stone and the Yemeni corner was 30 feet
Western side was 46.5 feet
Following this, there were several constructions before the Prophet
Muhammad's (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) time.
Reconstruction of kaaba by Quraish:
Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) participated in one of
its reconstructions before he announced a Prophet.After a flash flood,
the kaaba was damaged and its walls cracked. It needed rebuilding.
This responsibility was divided among the Quraish's four tribes.
Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) helped with this
reconstruction.
Once the walls were erected, it was time to place the Black Stone,
(Hajar al-Aswad) on the eastern wall of the kaaba. Arguments erupted
about who would have the honor of putting the Black Stone in its
place. A fight was about to break out over the issue, when Abu
Umayyah, Makkah's oldest man, proposed that the first man to enter the
gate of the mosque the following morning would decide the matter. That
man wasthe Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam). The
Makkans were ecstatic. "This is the trustworthy one (Al-Ameen)" they
shoutedin a chorus. "This is Muhammad." He came to them and they asked
himto decide on the matter. He agreed.
Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) proposed a solution
that all agreed to - putting the Black Stone on a cloak, the elders of
each of the clans held on to one edgeof the cloak and carried the
stone to its place. TheProphet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam)
then picked up the stone and placed it on the wall of kaaba.
Since the tribe of Quraishdid not have sufficient funds, this
reconstructiondid not include the entirefoundation of kaaba as built
by Prophet Ibrahim. This is the first time kaaba acquired the cubical
shape it has now, unlike the rectangle shape which it had earlier. The
portion of the kaaba left out is called Hateem now.

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Eid Al-Adha (the festival of sacrifice in Islam) Sermon or Eid Khutbah:

Once again we have all been blessed by Allah (SWT) to witness and
celebrate this great day of Eid Al-Adha. Eid Al-Adha basically means,
'the festival of sacrifice inIslam'.
On this day, Muslims are reminded about that great trial, which
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) or Prophet Abraham (PBUH) was put to, of
sacrificing his young son Prophet Ismail (AS) or Prophet Ishmael
(PBUH). Prophet Ibrahim (AS) complied to the command of Allah (SWT)
and fully succeeded in it.
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is regarded as the champion of Monotheism.
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is one of themost favorite prophets ofAllah (SWT)
who is held him in very high esteem.
The Holy Quran speaks extensively about Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Infact
the name of Ibrahim has appeared in the Holy Quran 69 times. He has
been given many beautiful names and titles such as:
Khaleelullah (Friend of Allah)
Siddiq (The Truthful)
Nabi (The Prophet)
Imam (The leader)
Muslim (One who submitsto One God)
Haneef (A non-deviant Monotheist)
Ummah (A Nation)
The Great Trial of Sacrifice:
The story about the greattrial of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is an
interesting one and there are many lessons that can be derived from it
by those who believe in Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and claim to follow his
creed. To summarize what had transpired:
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) hadprayed to Allah (SWT) to grant him a son.
Allah (SWT) fulfilled his wish and gave him Prophet Ismail (AS) at
very old age.
"O God! Grant me with a righteous son. So We gave him the glad
tidingsof a forbearing son." (37:100-101)
When the child attained 13 years of age, Allah (SWT) commanded Prophet
Ibrahim (AS) in his dream to sacrifice himfor His sake.
"When he was old enough to assist in his endeavor, he said: 'My son! I
see in my dream that I am sacrificing you. See what you think?'"
(37:102)
Because it was the command from Allah (SWT), the righteous son
encouraged his old father to discharge his duty.
"He said: 'O Father! Do whatever you have been commanded. If Allah
wishes, you will find me to be patient." (37:102)
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) set out with his son Prophet Ismail (AS) to the
sacrificing spot. It was certainly not an easy task!
On the way, Shaytan or Satan appeared in a formof an old advising man.
He tried to stop Prophet Ibrahim (AS) from offering the sacrifice,
butbecause of the strong faith in Allah (SWT), Prophet Ibrahim (AS)'s
determination to comply with the command of his Creator could not be
shaken.
Shaytan then tried his luck with young Prophet Ismail (AS) and
persuade him to escape from his ill fate. As a result of his father's
invocation, Prophet Ismail (AS) was a righteous son and he too,could
therefore not be influenced.
Both, the father and the son chased Shaytan away. They then arrived at
the sacrificing spot at Mina.
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) tiedthe hands and the legs ofhis son so as not to
be perturbed by his pain and restlessness. He blindfolded himself and
carrying the knife enacted the command of Allah (SWT).
When Prophet Ibrahim (AS) removed his fold, he saw Prophet Ismail (AS)
by his side and in his place; a Ram lay slain before them. Prophet
Ibrahim (AS) trembled lest Allah (SWT) rejected his sacrifice.
Suddenly he heard a voice that was soothing:
"We called out to him: O Ibrahim! You have indeed fulfilled the
vision! Thus indeed We reward the virtuous. This indeed was a manifest
trial. Then We ransomed him with a great sacrifice, and We left
(thisblessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times:
Peace be to Ibrahim." (37:104-109)
Lesson from the Great Trial of Sacrifice:
One of the things that theHujjaj (the pilgrims to thehouse of God for
Hajj) do on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, and so do many Muslims all over
the world is to:
Slaughter a lamb, or a sheep, or a goat or a camel in remembrance
ofthis great sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
This act is not mere a ritual but it has a meaning and a significance.
Allah (SWT) has not commanded us tosacrifice animals because He (SWT)
is bloodthirsty or meat hungry.
In Suratul Hajj, verses 36 and 37, He (SWT) has made it clear:
"Thus we have disposed them (animals) for your benefit so that you may
give thanks." (22:36)
Then He (SWT) adds:
"It is not their flesh or their blood that reaches Allah. Rather it is
your piety that reaches Him. Thus has He disposed them for your
benefit so that you may magnify Allah for His guiding you. And give
good news to the virtuous." (22:37)
So what is the significance of offering sacrifice of animals on this
day of Eid Al-Adha?
The answer to this question is simple.
Allah (SWT) wants to trainus to follow the path of Prophet Ibrahim
(AS) who was willing to offer Allah (SWT) his dearest possession in
form of his son Prophet Ismail (AS).
Allah (SWT) did not want Prophet Ismail (AS) to be sacrificed, but
Allah (SWT)wanted Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to show his willingness to
sacrifice Prophet Ismail (AS), which he (AS) did bravely.
Dr. Ali Shari'ati in his book, 'Philosophy of Hajj'writes and I quote:
"This is a story of man's perfection and his freedom from selfishness
and animalistic desires. Itis man's ascension to a higher spirit and
loves, toa strong will that frees him from any thing that may hinder
his responsibility as a conscious man."
In other words, Allah (SWT) is telling us:
On this day of Eid Al-Adha, you should select your Ismail and bring
him to Mina! Who is your Ismail? Anything that is causing an
obstruction for you to reach your Lord and fulfill your duties towards
Him. Your Ismail could be:
Your wealth
Your job
Your rank
Your power
Your lust
Your greed
Your spouse
Your children
It could be anything and make sure that it is as dear to you as
Prophet Ismail (AS) was to Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
As you are sacrificing an animal on this day, bear in mind that you
are infact, sacrificing that dearest thing in your life and telling
Allah (SWT):
"O My Lord! Henceforth, this thing, which has been dearest to me in
life, will not hinder me from reaching You and acquiring Your
pleasure."
asked Shibli:
"As you slaughtered your sacrificial animal (during Hajj), did you
intend to cut off the throat of greed (that is hidden in you) by
clinging to the reality of Taqwa and to follow the exemplary tradition
of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) who intended to slaughter his dear son Prophet
Ismail (so as to discharge the command of Allah)?"
Shibli said, "No!"
"In that case" said the Imam Zainul Abideen (AS)"You have not
sacrificed your animal."
Similarly, whilst giving instructions to the Hujjaj (the pilgrims to
the house of God for Hajj) Imam Jafar Sadiq (AS) said to them: "Cut
the throat of carnal desires and greed by offering animal sacrifice."
We pray to Allah (SWT) onthis great day of Eid Al-Adha to grant us
with tawfeeq to follow in the path of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and forgive
all our past and future sins.

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Story | - Love or parents

I am a 17 years old girl, going through hell with my mother because of
myboyfriend, who is poor just like me, but he graduated High, going
tocollege in january, he's into an athletic career, heplays
Basketball, and he wants to study medical courses also. I haven't
finished yet because of her instability, moving from places back and
forth,but I'm getting my GED, I'm into modeling career and medical
too. Well, since he's 18 he don't have a so good job,he gets payed 200
dollarsa week, and that's pretty much to buy he's own little stuff.
I think back then my mom had a bad experience with love because she
doesn't believe in it. She tells me that I should be with a man that
can give me money and buy me everything I want. But I love my
boyfriend, and its normal for us not to have anything yet because
we're working to get everything. She even tells me that if I have sex
with a man, they should give me money, so I be like but mom that's
being a hoe fucking man for money, and she says I'm being a hoe for
fucking my bf and he's not giving me anything. I mean I alwayssaid
that I want a man to love and to take care of me, and sometimes I
think, maybe the main reason why she's a singlemother is because she
used to fuck guys for money, but I want to be different, I only want
to live with that one person and have my kids with him. But she
doesn't understand that.
A couple of days ago she told me I had to break upwith him, so it was
eitherher or him, and ofcourse I will have to break up with himbecause
after allshe is my mom, but I love him too much I haven't told him
what's going yet. I don't know what todo.