Beneficial means to reflect upon the Quran

Allaah Says (what means): "[This is] a blessed Book which We have
revealed to you, [O Muhammad ], that they mightreflect upon its verses
and that those of understanding would bereminded." [Quran: 38: 29]
Reflecting upon the Quran is one of the reasons behind its revelation;
it is the way to comprehend its rulingsand find out its objectives and
meanings.The Quran will not be properly understood, norwill its
objectives be trulyrealized except by pausing at each verse and giving
it its due rightof pondering to discover the meanings and wisdom
within it.
All perfect praise is due to Allaah, that we still seemany Muslims
reciting the Quran day and night, which is good, yet many of them
recite it without the due reflection or understanding. Thus people
miss the main reason for which the Quran was revealed, to apply its
rules, adher to its commands and refrainfrom its prohibitions.
In an attempt to practically apply the Words of Allaah (which mean):
"And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits thebelievers." [Quran:
51: 55] we designate this article to address some important ways by
whicha person may ponder the Nobel Quran and thus properly understand
it.
One such way is to be acquainted with the Arabic language and its
methods of expression. The Quran was revealed in Arabic, and can only
beunderstood according to the rules of this language, and all scholars
attach great importance to learning the Arabic language and encourage
their students to learn it. The one who does not know the rules of the
language could easily misunderstand the following saying of Allaah
(which means): "And ask the city in which we were and the caravan in
which we came" [Quran: 12: 82] and he will not be able todistinguish
between the sayings of Allaah (which mean): " It is You we worship and
You we ask for help " [Quran: 1: 5] and the saying: "We worship You,"
and so on.
It must be pointed out here is that not every onewho recites the Quran
is asked to be a grammarian; rather, all he needs to obtain is enough
knowledge and command on the language with which he can understand the
Book of Allaah and reflect upon it.
An important practice which can help a person reflect upon the Quran
is to study the biography ofthe Prophet . We must know that he was the
authentic interpreter of the Quran and that his manners were all
derivedfrom the Quran. We must also know that he was a practical Quran
walkingon earth, in the sense that he clarified to versesthat were
revealed in general terms and verses that may have sounded confusing.
Knowing all this makes a Muslim realize that in order to properly be
able to reflect upon the Quran, he must return to the biography of the
Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa salla, and the authentic Sunnah.
Knowing the historical context in which specific verses of the Quran
were revealed increases the reader's understanding, because many
verses were revealed pertainingto a certain incident.
Without knowing the reason for its revelation and what it came down to
address, one could read a verse but not really understand what
itintends. For example the following saying of Allaah (which means):
"So do not weaken and do not grieve,and you will be superior if you
are [true] believers. If a wound should touch you- there has already
touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it" [Quran: 3:
139-140]. This saying was addressed to the companions, may Allah
pleased with them, during the battle of Uhudin which they suffered
causalities fighting the disbelieving enemies. They are being rallied
to fight harder by Allah's reminder that they had already inflicted
similar suffering upon these enemies during their previous battle of
Badr.
One other helpful factor in reflecting on and understanding the Book
of Allaah, is referring to the trustworthy books of interpretation of
the Quran, and reading what the scholars have said. Such books contain
manyof the interpretations of the Salaf whether the statements of the
companions or those who came after them . Some of these books of
Tafseer (i.e. interpretation) are by At-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi, Ibn
Katheer and others . Reading these sources helps the person reading
the Quran reflect upon the verses and better understand them.
Reciting the Quran attentively while thinking of what one is reading
is a matter that was stressed in the Quran, and it helps one reflect.
Allaah says (what means): "Say, `I only advise you of one [thing] -
that you stand forAllah, [seeking truth] in pairs and individually,
and then give thought`" [Quran: 34: 46]. This better helps the reader
understand the Quran.
Another important rule regarding reflecting upon the Quran is applying
it to reality. Thismeans (in short) that the Quran was not revealed
just for a certain period or a specific place;but is applicable during
all times and places. One canbest understand The Quran and feel it
alive, when it is applied to reality and to the issues of the Muslim
nation. For example, every era has itsown disbelievers and hypocrites
and every era has its own 'Pharaohs' and oppressors.
A serious mistake in this regard is applying verses to those for whom
it was not intended, like applying the verses about hypocrites to the
believers, or the verses about righteous people to the disbelievers,
as thisleads to clear and seriousmisguidance.
To conclude, we would like to remind the reader with the following
prophetic narration, of Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet said: "Any group
of people that assemble in one ofthe Houses of Allah to recite and
study the Quran, tranquility will descend upon them, mercy will engulf
them, angels will surround them and Allah will make mention of them to
those (the angels) in His proximity." [Muslim]. Note how the narration
connected reciting and studying, and made this a precondition for the
fourmagnificent virtues to be achieved.
Perhaps the reason for the current situation of Muslims is that we
read the Book of Allaah but donot reflect upon it, and thus our
application coincides with our degree of reflection which led us to
our current situation.

The miracle of honey asan alternative medicine

Honey is a sweet and viscous fluidproduced by honeybees from the
nectar of flowers. "The definition of honey stipulates a pure product
that does not allow for the addition of any other substance. This
includes, but is not limited to, water or other sweeteners," according
to the United States National Honey Board 2003 and other nations' food
regulations. Honey is significantly sweeter than table sugar and has
attractive chemicalproperties for baking. Honey has a distinctive
flavor which leads some people to prefer it over sugar and other
sweeteners.
Liquid honey does not spoil. Because of its high sugar concentration,
it kills most bacteria by crenation. Natural airborne yeasts cannot
become active in it because the moisture content is too low. Natural,
raw honey varies from 14% to 18% moisture content. As long as the
moisture content remains under 18%, virtually no organism can
successfully multiply to significant amounts in honey, though,
importantly, enough bacteria survive to make honey dangerous for
infants (especially Clostridium botulinum).
The study of pollens and spores in raw honey (melissopalynology)can
determine floral sources of honey. Because bees carry an electrostatic
charge, and can attract other particles, the same techniques of
melissopalynology can be used in area environmental studies of
radioactive particles, dust, or particulate pollution.
A main effect of bees collecting nectar to make honey is pollination,
which is crucial for flowering plants.
Islam and honey
More than 1400 years ago Allaah and His messenger told us that honey
can heal a variety of medical problems.
Allaah Says (what means): "And the Lord inspired the bee, saying: Take
your habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they
erect. Then, eat of all fruits and follow the ways of your Lord made
easy (for you)'. There comes forth from their bellies a drink of
varying colors wherein is healing for men. Verilyin this is indeed a
sign for people who think." [Quran 16:68-69]
The Prophet has also told us of the healing found within honey for a
variety of medical problems, including stomach ailments. It is
reported by Al-Bukhaari that a man cameto the Prophet because his
brother had a stomach disorder. The Prophet said: "Let him drink
honey." The man returned asecond time complaining that no improvement
happened in his brother's case, and again the Prophet responded: "Let
him drink honey." The man returned again, and said: "I have done
thatbut to no avail." Thereupon the Prophet responded: "Allaah has
said the truth, but your brother's stomach has told a lie. Let him
drink honey." He drank it and was cured.
It is also reported that the Prophet said: "Make use of the two
remedies: honey and the Quran." (At-Tirmithi)
Modern medicine has only recently discovered the fact that honey is a
remedy to many diseases. Traditional uses of honey have included honey
mixedwith lemon for sore throats. Honey coats the throat and reduces
throat irritation. Research has already shown that honey blocks the
growth of oral bacteria.
Honey has also been used for stomach pains and problems. Modern
research shows that honey is effective when used in the treatment of
gastric or pepticstomach ulcers. Research has also revealed that honey
is effective in the treatment of various wounds and infections because
of its antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal)
properties.
Researchers are not absolutely sure why honey heals but they are
learning new things about honey everyday. As mentioned in the
beginning, honey contains a variety of sugars and minerals. Honey is
also considered an antioxidant. This means it allows the blood to
circulate better and provide more oxygen to areas of the body such as
the brain.
Honey can also be used externallyto promote healing when appliedto
wounds, even postoperative wounds. Honey has also been effective in
its use to treat burns. It has even been shown to be lowin calories
and useful as a sweetener for diabetics, people with heart disease or
those overweight.
Although there is healing in honey for a variety of medical disorders,
certain precautions should be taken:
1- Children under the age of one year should not be given honey
due to the possibility of infant botulism. This type of foodpoisoning
can be deadly, however, it only seems to affect infants under one year
of age.
2- If you have any known allergies to specific plants, then you
should make sure the honey you are using is not produced from that
plant.
3- People with allergies to bee stings should be careful when
using other bee-related products such as propolis or royal jelly.
However, if these precautions arefollowed, then honey may, Allaah
willing provide healing for you.
Conclusion
Muslims acknowledge and acceptthat Allaah and His Prophet know better
and that our CreatorHas revealed the truth. Therefore,we study the
research that is available, not to confirm or deny the truth that has
been revealed by Allaah and his Prophet but to learn of new ways we
can use honey.

Dought & clear,- He promised his mother to give her money that she could put towards building a mosque, then she died.

My mother asked me for some money that she could put towards a mosque
that was being built in our village, but at that time I did not have
any money that was surplus to my needs with which I could fulfil her
request. So I promised her that in the future I would give her money
if Allaah willed. Then I travelled outside of my country to seek
halaal provision. During that period, Allaah decreed that my mother
fell sick and she died as a result. Does that promise that I made to
her remain as a debt that I owe, and do I haveto give what I promised
her to that particular mosque, or is it permissible to give it to
another mosque that needs money, or is that promise no longer a debt
that I owe and am Ithus pardoned from it?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Yes, you must certainly fulfil your promise and give that money to the
mosque that your mother wanted to give itto, as that you promised to
do. It is part of honouring her and treating her kindly to fulfil this
promise, in the hope that Allaah, may Hebe glorified and exalted,will
accept its and benefit her thereby. Thisis part of honouring her and
treating her kindly. If the mosque that your mother wanted to support
has no need of it and its expenses are covered, then you may give it
to any other mosque, but as we have mentioned, you should not neglect
this promise and fail to give this money, rather you should and most
certainly must fulfil this promise, as a way of honouring your mother.
And Allaah knows best. End quote.
Majmoo' Fataawa al-Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan (2/708).

Dought & clear,- Arguments with her husband – she is asking how to become a righteous wife .

I am a new muslimah and am fromthe U.S. I have been raised not to let
a man controll me. Now the problem is that my husband is not from here
and we tend to argue alot.I know more of the laws and commoneveryday
things more than he does.His english is not that great, so, I have to
explain to him sometimes and he is used to how his country and culture
are, so, in public I tend to do the talking alot.This makes him mad
sometimes but I feel it is the only way toget things done right most
of the time. Now we argue alot and I don't know how to be the "wife"
that I am supposed to be Islamically. I am still in the learning
process, butthat is were I have my biggest problem.How can I change
that or try to make the problem better.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
We praise Allaah for guiding you to Islam, which is the greatest
blessing that Allaah can bestow upon His slaves.
We would like to tell youthat Allaah has given yourights over your
husband, and has enjoined upon you duties towards him. You can read
question no. 10680 to find out more about this.
You have to do the duties towards your husband which Allaah has
enjoined upon you. Islam regards the husband's rights as greatbecause
of the husband's great importance in building the Muslim household,
and because Allaah has enjoined him (the husband) to look after his
family's interests and take care of them.
The Muslim woman should be wise in her dealings with her husband,
because man – usually – is pleased with kind words and appreciates
kind treatment. So if that comes from his life-partner, that will
have a greater effect. The wise woman must also keep away from all
kinds of behaviour that will offend her husband,and rid herself of
every kind of action that annoys him, and try not to control him. The
man has the role of qawwaam (protector and maintainer), and
theresponsibility is his. Making him feel that he is falling short in
certain situations may make himangry and not treat his wife well. One
of them said: "The best wife is the one who knows howto create harmony
in hermarriage and strikes a balance between obeying and respecting
her husband and expressing her own strong personality."
Your speaking to people on his behalf – because he does not speak your
people's language well –is permissible according to sharee'ah, but as
stated above, you have to be wise in doing this. When doing these
thingsyou should not make him feel that he is lacking or that he is
not important. Rather you should refer to him when speaking to the
people, and consult withhim, and do not make decisions in his
presencewithout asking his permission. You should do that in front of
the people to whom you arespeaking so that he will feel that he is
important.Try to make him feel thathe speaks his own language better
than you do, and that you complement one another; and you can help him
to learn your language, and he can help you to learn his language.
This is what we advise you to do, and this is what may reduce his
anger and stop him frombehaving in this manner.It seems that it is
only a matter of time, and you have to be careful in handling this
situation until he becomes more fluent in your language and is able to
do things himself, on his own.
Secondly:
In order to become a good wife, you have to learn what Allaah has
enjoined upon you, so that you can do it. You have to know how
righteous women behave, their attitude and the way they interact with
their husbands. You will need to strive hard until you get used to it,
but it is not impossible. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) said: "Knowledge comes by learning, and patience comes by
trying to be patient. Whoever seeks goodness will be given it, and
whoever fears evil will be protected from it." Narrated by
al-Daaraqutni in al-Afraad; this is a hasan hadeet, as was stated by
al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami', 2328.
Some of these characteristics and attitudes are those of which a wise
mother advised her daughter before marriage, which is comprehensive
advice.We ask Allaah to help you to achieve this. That mother said to
her daughter:
"O my daughter, you are leaving your house in which you grew up, and
going to live with a man whom you do not know,a companion whom you are
unfamiliar with. Be like a slave woman to him and he will be like a
slave to you. Remember ten characteristics whichwill be a stored
treasure for you:
The first and second are to be devoted to him and be content, listen
to him and obey.
The third and the fourth are to consider his nose and eyes; do not let
him see anything ugly of you, or let him smell anything but a good
fragrance.
The fifth and the sixth are consider the time of his sleeping and
eating, for hunger burns and disturbance of sleep causes anger.
The seventh and the eighth are to look after his wealth and to take
care of his family and hisdependents.
The ninth and the tenth are to look after his wealth and take care of
his dependents."
Thirdly:
The husband has to fear Allaah his Lord, and not transgress the rights
of his wife. He should give her her rights as Allaah has enjoined upon
him. He should realize that people vary, and that what he knows, many
people are ignorant of, and what he is ignorant of, many people know.
For him to have a wife who will translate for him and show him what
will benefit him and how things are done is better for him than having
someone with him whom he cannot trust. Knowledge can only be acquired
by learning, and the way tolearn is by striving and working hard.
Advise him to try to control himself at times of anger, and not to get
angry unless you have transgressed one of the sacred limits of Allaah.
This is the kind of anger that is regarded as praiseworthy.
And Allaah knows best.