The secret behind the creation of good and evil

The life of this world is a test specially created by Allah. It is a
transitory thing with both good and bad in which humanbeings are
tested. There is, of course, considerable wisdom in this. It is
essential that evil exist beside good for people to understand the
value of Paradise. Human beings are tested in terms of the virtuous
behavior they display, by Allah's leave, in this sphere in which the
good are divided from the evil.
The life of this world is a sphere in which there is a constant
struggle between the good and the bad. However, good and badare not
separated from one another by just a few characteristics. They possess
totally different, comprehensive and detailed character traits. The
bad act entirely according tosatan's directions, while the good follow
their consciences. The bad know no bounds inspired by fear of Allah,
and are capable of doing anything at anytime. When the situation and
prevailing conditions require they are quite capable of lying,
slandering others, engaging in unlawful acts, disloyalty, treachery,
putting their own interests before those of others, hatred, envy,
imbalance and intrigue. Since they have no fear of Allah they are
potentially capable of all kinds of betrayal and wickedness. There is
nothing to stop them killing, for example, when they become
sufficiently imbalanced. The more evil they commit, the morethey come
under satan's control,and the more evil deeds they arecapable of
committing.
People under satan's control busy themselves with wrongdoing, making
life difficultfor others, and spreading darkness, fear and misery,
instead of enjoying life's blessings. They look at the life ofthis
world from a different perspective. Although they knowtheir lives will
be very brief, they still elect to waste this short time span on
feelings of greed and enmity, thinking of their own interests. And
their targets are people of good character.
Good people are those who act from a fear of Allah. The
delightscreated in this world are all blessings in the eyes of such
people. Fear of Allah leads them to behave well and properly
throughout their lives, to be loyal and honest, never to do anything
unlawful, never to infringe anyone else's rights, to put others above
themselves, to be friends and brothers to others, to be trustworthy,
to harbor no ulterior motives and never to plot and conspire. Such
people are highly virtuous at every moment in their lives. Theyare
never imbalanced, exhibit unexpected character traits or lose control
of themselves. Because of their fear of Allah, the good always behave
in a manner compatible with the Qur'an. This is one of the main
distinguishing features betweenthe good and the bad. It is also the
cause of the evil's eternal hostility to the good: Since the evil have
declared war on all thatAllah sees as good, they also hate those who
love Him.
Since the life of this world is a test in which the good are
distinguished from the bad, whenever there is chaos and evilin it, one
faces the need to live ina manner compatible with the Qur'an. Only
when people live forAllah's approval, and thus according to the
Qur'an, will thisworld be a flawless place of friendship, brotherhood,
honesty, love and compassion. The fact that this world was created as
described in the Qur'an is also evidence of the existence of the
Hereafter. People are tested according to whether or not they will
abide by the Qur'an. In one verse Almighty Allah reveals:
He Who created death and life to test which of you is best in action.
He is the Almighty, the Ever-Forgiving. (Surat al-Mulk, 2)
Perfection endures for all time inthe eternal Paradise created by
Allah. Our Almighty Lord will bestow His artistry of
perfection,together with the most delightful blessings, on true
believers in the Hereafter. Paradise is a sphere where thereis no
evil, imperfection, sorrow or fear, in which delights are bestowed for
all eternity. It manifests the sublime artistry ofAllah, He Who has
the power to create flawlessness and the finest blessings. As our
AlmightyLord reveals in other verses:
Those brought near will witnessit. The truly good will be in perfect
Bliss on couches gazing in wonder. (Surat al-Mutaffifin, 21-23)

According to the Qur'an the dominion of the morality of Islam over the world is an obligation

In many verses of the Qur'an Allah promises the dominion of the
morality of Islam all overthe world. The promise of our All-Mighty
Lord is true and Allah never failsto keep His promise. Those who
believe in Allah also believe that Allah's promise will absolutely
come true. Because our All-Mighty Allah gives the news of the dominion
of the morality of Islam over the world and promises it, what befalls
to sincerebelievers is to pray for its realization by heart, demand it
and strive for it with all their might. Believing that morality of
Islam will reign and making effort for the realization of this blessed
event is obligatory for every Muslim who abides by the Qur'an. In one
verse our All-Mighty Allah says:
Allah has promised thoseof you who believe and do right actions that
He will make them successors in the land as He made those before them
successors, and willfirmly establish for them their religion with
which He is pleased and give them, in place of their fear, security.
'Theyworship Me, not associating anything with Me.' Any who are
unbelivers after that, such people are deviators. (Surat an-Nur, 55)
Some other verses in which Allah promises thedominion of the morality
of Islam over the world are as follows:
Allah has written, 'I will be victorious, I and and My Messengers.'
Allah is Most Strong, Almighty. (Surat al-Mujadala, 21)
They desire to extinguish Allah's Light with their mouths but Allah
will perfect His Light, though the unbelievers hate it. It is He Who
sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth to exaltit
over every other religion, though the associaters hate it.
(Suratas-Saff, 8-9)
They desire to extinguish Allah's Light with their mouths. But Allah
refuses to do other than perfect His Light, even though the kafirun
detest it. It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the
Religion of Truth to exaltit over every other deen,even though the
associaters detest it. (Surat a-Tawba, 32-33)
Allah confirms the Truth by His words, even though the evildoers hate
it. (Surah Yunus, 82)
Those before them plotted but all plotting belongs to Allah. He knows
what each self earns, and the unbelievers will soon know who has the
Ultimate Abode. (Surat ar-Ra'd, 42)
We destroyed generations before you when they did wrong. Their
Messengers brought them the clear signs, but they were never going to
have faith. That is how We repay evildoers. Then We appointed you
after them to be successors onthe earth so We might observe how you
would act. (Surah Yunus, 13-14)
That those people of pure natural belief in Allah who do not associate
any partners toHim will be the inheritors of this world is a divine
Law which is stressed in many verses of the Qur'an:
We wrote down in the Psalms, after the Reminder came: 'It is My
servants who are righteous who will inherit the earth.' (Surat
al-Anbiya, 105)
We will leave you the land to live in after them. That is the reward
of those who fear My station and fear My threat.' They asked for
Allah's victory, and everyobdurate tyrant failed. (Surah Ibrahim,
14-15)
Moses said to his people,'Seek help in Allah and be steadfast. The
earth belongs to Allah. He bequeathes it to any of His slaves He
wills. The successful outcome is forthose who fear [and respect
Allah].' They said,'We suffered harm before you came to us and after
you came to us.' He said, 'It may well be that your Lord is going to
destroy your enemy and make you the successors in the land so that He
can see how you behave.' (Surat al-A'raf, 128-129)
We destroyed generations before you when they did wrong. Their
Messengers brought them the clear signs, but they were never going to
have faith. That is how We repay evildoers. Then We appointed you
after them to be khalifs on theearth so We might observe how you would
act. (Surah Yunus, 13-14)
Rather We hurl the truth against falsehood and it cuts right through
it andit vanishes clean away! Woe without end for you for what you
portray! (Surat al-Anbiya, 18)

Zamzam Water: The history & significance -III

The chemical analysis of Zamzam Water
Dr. Ahmad Abdul-Qaadir Al-Muhandiss indicates that the results of
chemical analyses showthat Zamzam Water is pure water, without color
or smell, has a distinct taste, and its hydrogen exponent is 7.5,
indicating that it is alkaline to some extent.
A study conducted in American laboratories showed that traces of
thirty elements were identifiedin Zamzam water by means of energizing
neutrons. Some of these elements scored less than 0.01.
After matching up the chemical analysis to international
specifications, especially to the specifications of the World
HealthOrganization (WHO), results proved the portability of
Zamzamwater as well as its beneficial effect on the body health.
Additionally, sodium is very high in Zamzam water and the
international specifications do not put a limit to the measurement of
its composition.
Minerals
Percentages
Calcium
I 9 8
Magnesium
43.7
Chloride
335
Sulfur
37 o
Iron
o. I 5
Manganese
o. I 5
Copper
o. I 2
This is an Analysis of a study conducted in the laboratory of the
Department of Water and Waste Water Treatment, the Western Province,
Saudi Arabia ( I 4 oo H.)
Zamzam water has also been treated by ultraviolet rays, and microbes
have no place to survive in it, which means that Zamzam water
preserves its taste and is not a congenial environment for bacteria.
According to various chemical analyses, dry weather make: Zamzam more
saline through evaporation, which is, with Allaah's might, good for
the human body.
In conclusion, it becomes clear that we should believe in the
Prophet's miracles and that he as described by Allaah (what meant):
"Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is only Inspiration that is
inspired." [Quran 53: 3-41]
Prophet Muhammad said:"Zamzam water is a lavish meal and a great
healer," and,"Zamzam water is what one intends to drink it for." Thus,
it is a Sunnah to Drink Zamzam water,wash with it, and splash it on a
sick person.
The Benefits of Drinking Zamzam Water
Ibn 'Abbaas said: "The peopleof Makkah used to be the fastest when it
comes to sprinting, and the most powerful when it comes to wrestling,
but as soon as they stopped drinking Zamzamwater, they started to
suffer froma disease in their legs."
He also said that the Messenger of Allaah had said: "Zamzam water is
what one intends to drink for. When one drinks it to be healed, Allaah
heals him; when one drinks it be full, Allaah makes him full; and when
one drinks it to quench his thirst, Allaah quenches it." [Ahmad and
Ibn Maajah]
There is no doubt that drinking Zamzam water is very beneficial. Thus,
dear brothers and sisters! One should drink Zamzam water because it is
the best water on earth. Ibn 'Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him,
said that the Prophet had said: "The best water on earth is Zamzam
water".
All the above proves the authenticity of the narration:"Zamzam water
is what one intends to drink for." Additionally, many Islamic scholars
drank it and experiencedits dazzling effects. For instance, Imaam Abu
Haneefah drank from Zamzam water in order to be a knowledgeable
scholar and he became the best among the scholars in his era.
Al-Bakri said: "I tried (Zamzam water) and sensed the truth about what
had been said about it, and when I drank it, I had no doubt about its
amazing effect."
It is also true that Imaam Shaafi'i felt its tangible results whenhe
drank Zamzam water in order to be a knowledgeable person and a good
arrow shooter, fittingnine out of ten targets at a time.
Al-Ajmi said that when drinking Zamzam water one should ask for
forgiveness from sins, one may say: "O Allaah! It came to my knowledge
that your Prophet said, 'Zamzam water is what one intends to drink it
for.' O Allaah! I am drinking it to forgive me. O Allaah! Forgive
me."Besides, when someone drinks it to be healed, it is good to say:
"O Allaah! I am drinking it to be healed. O Allaah! Heal me."
The ruling of carrying Zamzam Water outside Makkah
Al-Imaam Al-Faarisi mentioned that it is permissible to carry Zamzam
water outside Makkah according to the four juristic schools, and that
it is even recommended by Imaam Maalik and Imaam Shaafi'ee .
'Aa'ishah also mentioned that the Prophet, salallaahu alayhi wa
sallam, and herself used to do that. [At-Tirmithi]. Abu Hasan said:
"The Prophet wrote to Suhayl Ibn 'Amr : 'If you receive my message at
night, do not wait till the morning, and if you receive it in the
morning do not wait till night; just immediately send me some Zamzam
water.' Then, Suhail's wife with the help of his grandfather, Ayoob
Ibn 'Abdullaah, and their maids carried Zamzam water at night…"[Abu
Moosaa Al-Madeeni & Al-Azraqi]
Attaa stated that Ka'bah Al-Ahbaar used to carry it to ancient Syria.
'Aa'ishah carried Zamzam in bottles for sick people. The Prophet also
carried it in leather bags and used to pour it on the sick and give it
to them as a drink. [Al-Faakihi]

Zamzam Water: The history & significance -II

Venerable Even Before Islam
After the rebirth of Zamzam on the hands of Abdul-Muttalib, the
Makkans accorded Zamzam the veneration itdeserved. They used to drink
from Zamzam whenever they were about to engage in matter of grave
importance.
Al-Haarith Ibn Khaleefah As-Sa'di narrated that Quraysh always
commenced their preparation to fend enemies by drinking from Zamzam.
This was so customary that one could easily infer the gravity of
matters from the collection of pots near Zamzam.
The Makkans realized that Zamzam was blessedwater. They sought its
blessing in matters of gravity, and many a timesit was the difference.
The Location of the Well
The well is located only few paces from the Ka'bah, behind the Maqaam
(the stepping stone which Ibraaheem used while building the Ka'bah) to
the left. Its location is now clearly marked on the marbles of the
Mataaf (the nearly circular open space where the pilgrims
circumambulate around the Ka'bah). The well itself was lowered below
the ground to facilitate the modernization of water extraction from
the well, and to remove all obstacles from the path of Tawaaf.
It is worth mentioning that there are other wellsnamed Zamzam after
the original one. Such a well can be found, for example, in Madeenah.
The Names of Zamzam
Like any object of reverence, Zamzam commands both love and respect.
In addition to the sublime nature and the loft history of this unique
water, its attributes have originated its many names. Some of its
namesthat are related to its sublimity are `blessing' and `blessed'.
Another beautiful name is 'Bushra' which signifies glad tidings for
the believers.
Its lofty history contributed to its many names, such as 'sanctified'.
Another set of names derive from thefact that the Archangel Gabriel
(Jibreel) unearthed the water, such as 'Hamzat Jibreel' and 'Wat'at
Jibreel', with both names referring to the act of knocking the ground
open by the Archangel.
Zamzam's attributes, however, account for most of its names. Some of
these attributes were learned from teachings of the Prophet ;
otherswere coined as descriptive names for physical and spiritual
attributes of the water. These names include, for example, 'a cure for
illness', and 'a food for hunger'. It is also called 'sufficient',
'beneficent', and 'pure and sweet'.
The Heavenly Connection
Ibn 'Abbaas related that when a man drowned in Zamzam much of the
water was removed out of the well in order to retrieve the body. After
removing the body, Ibn 'Abbaas told the man who was at the bottom of
the well to collect water from the wellspring which flows from the
direction of the Ka'bah. The source of thiswellspring, said Ibn
'Abbaas is from Paradise. 'Abdullaah Ibn 'Amr corroborates the same
reference to the heavenly connection. This gives Zamzam yet a further
distinction whereby this earthly stream is mixed with water from
Paradise. Thisis a most generous gift ofAllaah.
A Clear Sign
Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (The Sacred Mosque in Makkah) is the first Houseof
worship appointed formankind. Along with this appointment, Allaah
blessed this sacred place with many signs of distinction. Allaah Says
(what means): "Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for
mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance
for Al-'Aalameen (the mankind and jinn). In it are manifest signs (for
example), the Maqaam (place) of Ibraaheem (Abraham); whosoever enters
it, he attains security..." [Quran 3:96-97]
Zamzam is one of those signs. Chronologically it isthe first, for when
Ibraaheem, the Patriarch left his wife and infant son at the barren
valley, following Allaah's command, he made a humble request: "O our
Lord!I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable
valley by Your SacredHouse (the Ka'bah at Makkah) in order, O our
Lord, that they may perform salaah (prayer). So fill some hearts among
men with love towards them, and (O Allaah)provide them with fruits so
that they may give thanks." [Quran 14:37] Zamzam was the first among
many fruits.
A Perpetual Water
One of the greatest attributes of Zamzam is that it will never dry up.
This is a gift from Allaah to Makkah and to its pilgrims. Ibn 'Abbaas
narrated that the Prophet said: "... May Allaah bestow his mercy upon
her (Hagar, the mother of Ismaa'eel), hadshe let go (of the water of
Zamzam) it would have become a spring (rather than a well) whose water
shall never dry." [Ahmad]
Every year, millions upon millions of pilgrims drink Zamzam water,
which has been around for thousands of years. It is fed daily to the
Prophet's mosque in Madeenah in large quantities, and is packaged and
shipped tomillions of Muslims worldwide, without the slightest blemish
in its flow. It is the epitome of munificence; the more we drink, the
more it gives.
A Friend of the Believer
Ibn 'Abbaas narrated that the Prophet said:"One difference between us
(believers) and the hypocrites is that they could not drink much from
Zamzam." [Ibn Maajah]
A Muslim loves Zamzam and drinks it abundantly until he is full,
whereas a hypocrite could not. This inability is caused by innate
dislike to whatever the believers do in accordance with Allaah's
wishes, which, in turn, causes the wretched one to forsake this divine
gift for a meremortal one.