Surah Al Baqarah (2) verse 185:
"Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide
to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between
right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home)
during that month should spendit in fasting, but if any one is ill, or
on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later.
Allah intends every facility for you; He does not wantto put to
difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to
glorify Him in thatHe has guided you; and perchance ye shall be
grateful. " [ 2:185 ]

How Rene Guenon Discovered Islam

Rene Guenon; Sheikh Abdul Wahid Yahya was a well-known French Scholar,
writer, philosopher and mystic. He was born on the 15th November,
1886to a well off Catholic family of France. His father was an
engineer of repute. So, Rene Guenon was born with a silver spoon in
his mouth. He got his early education from Blois. From his childhood,
he was an extra-ordinary intelligent and made distinction amongst his
classmates. He got his Bachelor's degree with distinction and joined
the University of Paris where he studied mathematics for about two
years.
During his study, he did not restrict his activities to formal
education only but started searching for the 'Ultimate Truth', because
he was not satisfied with his ancestral religion; Christianity. He did
not accept the so called Christian dogmas and rituals. Consequently,
he had not only a thorough and deep comparative study of religions,
but also he held discussions and had meetings with thinkers and
philosophers of fame.
Even then, his thirst for Truth was not quenched. Due to this
spiritual journey and mental chaos, he left the university even though
his education was incomplete. This state of affairs lasted up to 1909.
In the meantime, he met two 'Reverts to Islam' who were not only well
acquainted with Islam, but also competent in sociology.
The first of these two scholars was Sheikh Abdul Haq, formerly
Schamrino of French origin. He was a scholar of repute and edited a
magazine namely 'Al-Tareeq". The Christian name was Iavon Gustav.
After his reversion to Islam, he learned Arabic and had full command
over it. He used to contribute articles to 'Ansari' magazine which was
being published from Egypt.
In 1909, Rene Guenon started a magazine entitled "Al-Maarifat"
(Knowledge of God) with the collaboration of these scholars.
Discussions, discourses and critical articles relating to comparative
study of different religions were published in this comparative study
of different religions were published in this journal, which covered
Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
This journal remained active for about four years and ceased
publication in 1912, the year in which Rene Guenon entered the fold of
Islam. He took the Islamic name Abdul Wahid Yahya. His 'Reversion to
Islam' was the result of his own continuous search for Truth coupled
with thecooperation and guidance of Sheikh Abdul Haq and Sheikh Abdur
Rahman Elish El-Kebir (El-Alim El-Maliki School of Thought in Egypt),
a mystic and competent in Islamic Jurisprudence. As a token of
respect, Rene Guenon dedicated his book: "Symbolism of the Cross" to
the venerated memory of Sheikh Abudur Rahman who gave him the first
idea of the book.
In February 1930, Rene Guenon went to Cairo and settled there
permanently. Before his departure to Cairo, his father, mother and
wife died, so he left for Cairo with a heavy heart. In 1937, Rene
Guenon married Karima Bint Abdur Rahman, which proved a sort of solace
andcomfort for him. He dedicated the rest of his life for the cause
ofIslam and Muslims. It is note-worthy that through his writings and
personnel contacts a large number of European scholars embraced Islam.
Among his disciples who entered the foldof Islam is Sheikh Isa
Nuruddin, formerly Frithjof Schuon. (Born 1907). He is a well known
Professor of philosophy and is regarded an authority on 'comparative
study of Religions'. He has written a number of books.
The following books have won fame for him: Islam and the perennial
philosophy, Understanding Islam, Dimensionsof Islam, in the Tracks of
Buddhism, Spiritual Perspectives of the Self, Genosis: divine Wisdom,
Stations of Wisdom, In the face of Absolute, Survey of Metaphysics and
Esotericism, To have a Center, Christianity: Islam.
Then comes the name of a great mystic Abu Bakr Sirajuddin, formerly
Martin Lings, who has full command over English and Arabic and is
considered as a specialist on mysticism.
He is not only a religious scholar but also a poet and translator of
repute His writings include: Muhammad: his life based on the earliest
sources; The Qur'an; Catalogue of an exhibition of Qur'an manuscripts
at the British Library; The Qur'anic Art of Calligraphy and
Illuminations; What is Sufism? A Sufi Saint of theTwentieth Century;
The Secret of Shakespeare. Commenting on thelife of Prophet Muhammad,
Prof. Hamid Dabashi of Temple University writes: "In Reading Lings and
Muhammad", we detect an alchemical effect in his narration and
composition whichso evenly combines scholarly accuracy with poetic
passion. Lings is a scholar-poet. His life of the Prophet is a
biographical 'qasida "poem". It is a historical ghazal (a type of
poetry); a spiritual triumph; it is a majestic display of impassioned
scholarship". This book was awarded the first prize of 5,000 dollars -
by two-day 8th International Seerat Conference held in Islamabad… This
book was adjudged as the best work inEnglish in the biography of the
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) published in 1983.
Titus Burchhardt is another scholar who embraced Islam after being
inspired and impressed by Rene Guenon. He has made a thorough research
onAncient Civilization and written a marvelous book on mysticism. His
book "On 'Chemistry" is regarded the best one on this subject. He is a
multi-linguist and has full power over German, English, French, Swiss,
Arabic and Persian Languages.
His books include; Sacred Art in East and West; Moorish Culture in
Spain; Art of Islam; and Al-Karim Al-Jili's De l' Homme Universal;
extraits du liver al-Insan al Kamil.
In addition to the above-mentioned scholars, there are a lot of other
personalities who entered the fold of Islam under the persuasion and
guidance of Rene Guenon and are busy in the propagation and preaching
of Islam in Europe and America.
Rene Guenon breathed his last on7 th January, 1951 at the age of 65.
His death was mourned throughout the world. He had devoted his life
for the cause of Islam. He wrote countless articlesand numerous books.
East and West; Reign of Quantity; The Crisisof the Modern World;
Symbolism of the Cross, and The Multiple States of Being are his best
writings.

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.