Protein synthesis in the cell is a miracle

Every process in the body takes place by way of proteins. For that
reason, every cell needs protein at every moment.
As a result, protein needs to be manufactured in the body every second.
The place in the cell where protein is manufactured is the DNA.
When any of the 100 trillion or so cells in the body needs protein,
a message is sent to the DNA by way of hormones.
The proteins in DNA, in other words enzymes, go into action in order
to take the code necessary for the protein to be manufactured from
the DNA.
The way that enzymes find the information needed to be able to
manufacture a single protein is like trying to FIND A SINGLE PAGE in
an encyclopedia of 1,000 volumes.
That part of the DNA containing this code is opened up. Enzymes
open up the relevant part of the helix and hold it open as far as
the end of the section the relevant code will be extracted from.
There is no need for any other sections to be opened up.
While these enzymes hold open the edges of the section needed for
the code, another enzyme arrives on the scene and produces a copy
of the section in question.
The extracted copy is called "messenger RNA." The messenger RNA sets
out for the factory where the protein is to be manufactured.
The messenger RNA carefully transports the copy and leaves the
nucleus. There are gatekeepers waiting at the exit from the nucleus
during this stage. They decide what can enter the nucleus or not and
open the gate accordingly. The gate is always opened for messenger
RNA.
The messenger RNA takes the copy and departs the nucleus, carrying
the copy directly to the ribosome, the factory where the new
protein is to be manufactured.
The messenger RNA binds to the relevant part of the ribosome and
begins preparations for the manufacture of new protein.
In order for production to take place in the ribosome, the factory
in other words, raw materials have to be brought in and installed
in line with the code.
These raw materials are amino acids. These are brought in by
"transfer RNA." The amino acids are brought in and establish a
glorious protein chain, consisting of at least a hundred sequences
each.
Amino acids bind to one another with special chemical bonds known
as "peptide bonds." These chemical bonds are some of the most
powerful bonds of all. Proteins therefore have a very sound
structure and are not easily damaged by external factors.
The way these amino acids are arranged determines the nature of that
protein. It is therefore exceedingly important which amino acid
follows which in the sequence. Enzymes never make a mistake as they
establish the sequence. After the new protein chain has been
manufactured, it is sent to a special section in the factory, in the
ribosome in other words, where it assumes a special three-
dimensional form through being folded and pleated in various ways.
This three-dimensional shape created by this folding and pleating
determines the nature of the protein. Unless it is given a special
shape the protein cannot function, even if the sequence is
completely accurate.
When the chain assumes its three-dimensional form, the process is
now complete. A new protein has been built. When the new protein
departs this special section, an enzyme arrives on the scene. It
picks up the newly constructed protein and carries it right to
where it is needed in the cell.
The protein synthesis process, described here in very general terms,
takes place in every cell, 2,000 times per second. All the
components know just what to do as they carry out the process. Not
a single enzyme fails to reach its target and objective; production
never goes wrong inside the factory; the special folding of the new
protein chain is never forgotten; the messengers never get lost.
The cell is aware of the importance and delicate nature of this
production at every moment.
They know, because every part of the cell acts under our Lord's
inspiration at every moment. Every enzyme, every amino acid and
every atom that goes to make them up is a manifestation of Almighty
Allah's infinite power and omniscience. Everything has bowed its
head to our Almighty Lord, Lord and Ruler of all the worlds, He Who
is omnipresent at all times. Everything is in His knowledge and all
things have submitted to Him. Creating all these worlds from nothing
is a most easy matter for Allah the Merciful.
Everything in the heavens and everything in the earth belongs to
Him. Allah is the Rich Beyond Need, the Praiseworthy.(Surat al-Haj,
64)

Allah, the infinitely merciful, protects us from giant meteoroids hurtling toward the Earth

As you read this article, the upper layer of the atmosphere is being
bombarded by meteors.
Millions of meteoroids in the vastness of space represent a major
threat to the Earth.
A meteor could fall to Earth at any moment, maybe in the exact
region you are in now.
And that could mean the end of all mankind. Under the effect of such
an impact, earthquakes, fires and volcanic eruptions would follow
hard on one another's heels, and no life would remain on Earth.
But have you ever thought that a meteor could be hurtling toward
where you are at this very moment?
A GIANT METEOROID IS APPROACHING THE EARTH
A recent report announced that a meteoroid weighing 55 million tons
is speeding toward the Earth.
It was announced that this giant meteoroid, discovered by
astronomers 6 years ago, will pass close by the Earth on 8 November,
2011.
It has been calculated that this meteoroid, which will pass by the
Earth at a distance of 35,000 km, making it the closest ever.
If this meteoroid, known as YU55, were to hit the Earth, it would do
so with the impact of a 65,000 ton atom bomb and leave a crater 600
meters deep.
Many meteoroids have passed close by the Earth in previous years.
On 15 March, 2002, a meteoroid measuring 50 to 100 meters in
diameter came within 450,000 kilometers of the Earth. Had it hit, it
would have caused an explosion equivalent to a nuclear bomb going
off.
On 22 June, 2002, a meteoroid the size of a football pitch came even
closer, passing by the Earth at a distance of 120,000 kilometers and
at a speed of 37,000 kilometers an hour.
Do not forget that if just one of these meteoroids had hit the Earth
instead of passing by it, you would in all probability not be
watching this film today.
But our Almighty Lord protects us from this danger with His infinite
love. That protection is one of the manifestations of His infinite
compassion.
Allah reveals in the Holy Qur'an that all things survive solely
because Allah so desires: I seek Refuge in Allah from the accursed
satan
Allah keeps a firm hold on the heavens and earth, preventing them
from vanishing away. And if they vanished no one could then keep
hold of them. Certainly He is Most Forbearing, Ever-Forgiving.
(Surat al-Fatir, 41)
There is no doubt that Allah is mighty enough to destroy the entire
universe when He so wishes. Allah has appointed an hour for the Day
of Reckoning, which will spell the end of this world, and the
meteoroids surrounding the Earth are hurtling rapidly in the
direction of that hour.
I seek Refuge in Allah from the accursed satan
Mankind, have taqwa of your Lord! The quaking of the Hour is a
terrible thing... the Hour is coming without any doubt and Allah
will raise up all those in the graves. (Surat al-Hajj, 1,7)
With the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), Allah has initiated the
process by which mankind will turn toward the moral values of the
Qur'an for the last time. Hundreds of thousands of meteoroids have
surrounded the Earth like a cloud, all ready to strike it at any
moment. As revealed in the hadiths, Hijri 1400 is the date of the
coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh). There has been the most enormous
increase in the numbers of meteoroids around the Earth in the 30
years between Hijri 1400, or 1980, and 2010. It is noteworthy that
the number has increased particularly rapidly since 1999.
A verse referring to the rise in meteoroids in 1999 reads:
I seek Refuge in Allah from the accursed satan
If they saw a lump of heaven falling down, they would just say,
'Banked-up clouds!' (Surat at-Tur, 44)
Abjad calculation of this verse gives a date of 1999. The way that
meteoroids began increasing in number as of 1980 and that this rise
continued to climb extraordinarily rapidly until the end of 1999 are
some of the portents of the Day of Reckoning. Allah knows the truth.

Fathwa, - Niqab and loneliness

Question:
I was 14 when i decided to wear the niqaab and I moved to another
country at 15 and now at 16, I'm starting to feel doubts about wearing
it. To start off with, I'm mixed race and for some reason or the other
i don't feel fully accepted by my father's family (who are all
Pakistani) and we don't have a lot of contact with my maternal side,
although they're wary of us as they're not Muslim. Anyway, I've been
bothered by a sense of alienation for quite some time now. Having
spent the last two years in loneliness(being an introverted person i
find it hard to establish new friendship .... So, with no friends and
no family who I can rely on, I'm quite lonely... Although Allah should
be enough for me.
I started wearing the niqaab when my brother, who was in Jordan, told
me that the ladies in his area all wear niqaab, so i said i would wear
niqaab too and i didn'ttake it off after that. I returned to England
and i continued to wear it. Alhumdulillah,I've never
encounteredanything other than verbal abuse - Allah has protected me
Alhumdulillah.
But this feeling of alienation has been bothering me increasingly as
of late.... I'm so confused and this confusion is emotionally
exhausting. What do i do?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Dear Sister,
I pray you are in good health and iman.
Thank you for your message. I apologize for the delay in responding.
Dear sister,
Wearing niqab is a good thing to do if it gives youpeace of mind.
However, please keep in mind that you are not shirking your obligation
to Allah Ta'ala if you remove yourniqab. I understand that you were
inspired by theexample of the women in Jordan.
However, if you allow me, I suggest that not every woman has the same
experience wearing niqab. A woman's ability to wear niqab is often
contingentupon her environment. Some environments are very welcoming.
Others are not. I'm not sure what your environment is like in
Pakistan. However, I do know that wearing niqab in the West is very
difficult. Some of the scholars on SunniPath, most notably Shaykh Nuh
Keller, caution against wearing niqab in the West [generally]. Why?
Because women who wear niqab in places likeAmerica and Europe often
experience the very alienation and verbal abuse that you describe.
What is most important is establishing your own relationship with
Allah Ta'ala, not so much based on what other women do, but on your
own personal convictions. Your obligation is to wear hijab: to cover
your bodywith modest, loose-fitting clothing. You are allowed to show
your face, hands, and feet (according to the Hanafi School). Focus on
fulfilling this obligation first. At the same time, focus on your
relationship with Allah Ta'ala. Be constant in reading the Qur'an.
Makeremembrance of Allah. Ask Him for guidance and comfort. You should
definitely make salat al-istikhara, or the guidance prayer in this
situation.
_______________________________________________Dear Sister, please try
to find some friends. Don't think that wearing niqabis preventing you
from making friends. It soundslike the problem is more an issue of
cultural alienation. Learning something of the people's language and
customs probably wouldn't hurt and might help you to adjust better.
Last but not least, why not try to make some inroads with your family
in Pakistan and back in the West. Even some basic communication might
help, such as a letter, a card, or even a phone call. Whatever youdo,
please keep in mind that wearing niqab and having a good relationship
with your family are separate issues.
Don't feel guilty for wanting to take off your niqab. It's possible
that now is not the best time to wear niqab. It's completely natural
for you to feel lonely. The main point is to try to remedy your
loneliness while drawing closer to Allah Ta'ala.
Here's a beautiful Hadith Qudsi in that spirit:
Hadith Qudsi 25:
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who
said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon
him) said:
"Allah (mighty and sublime be He) said:
'Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war
with him. My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by
Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him,and My servant
continuesto draw near to Me with supererogatory works sothat I shall
love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his
seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot
with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely
give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant
him it. I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about
[seizing] the soul of My faithful servant: he hates death and I hate
hurting him.'"
May Allah Ta'ala facilitatea beneficial solution for you and give you
good friends.
And Allah knows best.

Fathwa, - Prayer> Istikhara: The Guidance Prayer

Question:
Several people I know are confused on the topic of salat ul-
Istikhara. Is it meant to be prayed several days in a row until a
decision is made, or only once? Is it meant to be prayed after one
has pretty much made up their mind, or whensomeone hasn't really
figured out what to do? Are their various valid opinions?
Answer:
Assalamu alaikum,
When one is not clear about the result of the istikhara, the fuqaha
mention that it is recommend to repeat it, upto 7 times if necessary
(usually done on separate occasions). [cf: Radd al-Muhtar]
It is not necessary that you get a dream or even a "feeling." Rather,
the istikhara is a prayer that Allah guide you towards that which is
best (khayr)for you. If you do the prayer of guidance (istikhara) with
the proper manners, the most important of which is to truly consign
the matter to Allah and suspend your own inclinations, then Allah will
make events unfold in the direction that is the best for your worldly
and next-worldly affairs.
In general, when it is notpossible to perform the istikhara prayer
itself (such as when one is out on the road, or in one's menstrual
period), it is recommended to simply read the dua itself. [Radd
al-Muhtar]
The istikhara prayer may be made for a specific matter or be made for
a general seeking of all that is best. Some scholars, including Imam
Abd al-Wahhab al-Sha`rani and Ibn `Arafah before him saw this kind of
istikhara prayer as being superior.Others, including Shaykh Ibn
al-Arabi, recommended performing a general istikhara prayer for all
that is good every day, ideally at the time of the Duha prayer (after
sunrise).
Imam al-Nawawi mentioned that before the istikhara prayer, one should
seek advice (istishara) from those whose knowledge, wisdom, and
concern one is confident. Ibn Hajar al-Haytami and others mentioned
that one of the benefits of this is to further distanceoneself from
the desires of one's own egotistic inclinations.
It is recommended to open the dua of istikhara[below], with praise of
Allah and sending blessings on the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him
peace), and to close it in this manner, too.
Like other duas, it is recommended that one face the qibla.
It is disliked to 'hasten' inseeking the answer to one's istikhara,
like otherduas, because the Prophet (Allah bless him& give him peace)
said,"Your prayers are answered, unless you hasten, saying, 'I prayed,
but no answer came.'"
One should be pleased with what Allah chooses for one, and not seek to
follow one's whims after the answer to one's supplication becomes
clear.
There is a pious lady in our community who has offered to pray
istikhara for me to help me make a decision for marriage.... [ .... ]
my question to you is if you know if this idea of relying on someone
else's istikhara is a good idea and compatible with the teachings of
Islam on how to make dua and decisions. should I follow her advice
(according to her dreams and feelings) to me on this issue or not?
This is one means you can take: to seek the istikhara of a pious
person. The permissibility of this was mentioned explicitly by the
Malikis and Shafi`is. The Hanafis do not appear to have discussedthis
issue [al-Mawsu`a al-Fiqhhiyya,Kuwait], butthere is nothing in it
thatwould indicate its impermissibility. Rather, it is merely the
taking of a means, which is permitted as long as one knows that the
one who gives and takes, benefits and harms is Allah alone.
In such cases, though, one should not leave doing the istikhara oneself...
Salat al-Istikhara
CONCERNING THE RITUAL PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE IN CHOOSING THE BEST OPTION
[SALAT AL-ISTIKHARA], AND THE PRAYER OF SUPPLICATION [DU'A']
APPROPRIATE TO IT.
According to a traditional report transmitted on the authority of
Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir, it was Jabir ibn 'Abdi'llah (may Allah be
well pleased with him and with his father) who said:
"Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) used to teach
us how to seek guidance in choosing the best optionavailable in a
practical enterprise [al-istikhara fi'l-amr], just as he would
sometimes teach us a Chapter [Sura] from the Qur'an. :
"'If one of you is concerned about some practical undertaking, orabout
making plans for ajourney, he should perform two cycles of ritual
prayer [rak'atain], not as an obligatory observance [farida], but
voluntarily. Then he should say:
'"O Allah, I ask You to show me what is best, through Your knowledge,
and I ask You to empower me, through Your power, and I beg You to
grant me Your tremendous favor, for You have power, while I am without
power, and You have knowledge, while I am without knowledge, and You
are the One whoknows all things invisible.
Allahumma inni astakhiru-ka bi-'ilmi-ka wa astaqdiru-ka bi-qudrati-ka
wa as'alu-ka min fadli-ka 'l-'azim fa-inna-ka taqdiru wa la aqdiru wa
ta'lamu wa la a'lamu wa Anta 'Allamu 'l-ghuyub :
O Allah, if You know that this undertaking is in thebest interests of
my religion, my life in this world, and my life in the Hereafter, and
can yield successful results in both the short term and the long term,
then make it possible for me and make it easy for me, and then bless
me in it.
Allahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna hadha 'l-amra khairun li fi dini wa
dunyaya wa akhirati wa 'aqibati amri wa 'ajili-hi wa
ajili-h:fa-'qdir-hu li wa yassir-hu li thumma barik li fi-h:
If not, then turn it away from me, and make it easy for me to do well,
wherever I may happen to be, and make me content with Your verdict, O
Most Merciful of the merciful.'"
wa illa fa-'srif-hu 'an-ni wa yassir liya 'l-khaira haithu kana ma
kuntu wa raddi-ni bi-qada'i-ka ya Arhama 'r-rahimin :
The information presented here is copyright of Al-Baz Publishing, Inc.
and may not be reproduced by any means for distribution or commercial
gain.
Copyright holder grants to reader license to print single copy for
personal use or study
only._______________________________________________The South African
Jamiatul Ulama Transvaalcollected this:
The Etiquette of Du'�
These etiquettes are narrated in the Hadith. For reasons of brevity,
only the following summary and reference of each Hadith is mentioned
instead of theentire Hadith.
To abstain from haraam food, clothing and earnings. (Muslim : Tirmidhi)
To make Duaa with sincerity. In other words,one should firmly
believethat nobody but Allah Ta'aala will fulfill his objectives.
(Haakim)
One should perform a good deed prior to making the Duaa & he should
mention this during the course of the Duaa. For e.g. He should say, O
Allah! I had performed so & so deed solely for Your pleasure. O Allah!
accept my Duaa due to the barkat of that deed. (Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu
Dawud).
To make Duaa whilst oneis paak & clean. (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Ibn
Majah, Nasai, Ibn Hibbaan, Mustadrak).
To make wudhu before the Duaa (All six major hadith collections)
To face the Qiblah (All six major hadith collections)
To sit as in the Tashahhud position (AbuAwanah)
To praise Allah Ta'aala at the beginning as well as at the end of Duaa
(All sixmajor hadith collections)
To convey Durood upon Rasulullah ( ) at the beginning as well as the
end. (Abu Dawud, Musnade-Ahmad)
To spread out both the hands. (Tirmidhi, Mustadrak)
To raise both the hands up to the shoulders (Abu Dawud, Musnade-Ahmad)
To sit with humility and respect. (Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)
To mention ones helplessness and dependence. (Tirmidhi)
To abstain from raising the eyes towards the sky whilst making Duaa (Muslim)
To mention the Asmaal-Husnaa (the names of Allah Ta'aala ) and the
sublime qualities Of AllahTa'aala. (Ibn Hibbaan and Mustadrak)
To abstain from ceremonies rhyming of the Duaa phrases (Bukhari)
To abstain from saying the Duaa in a "sing-song" tone if the Duaa is
in a poetic form (Hisn)
One should make Duaa through the medium of the Ambiyaa
(alayhimus-salaam) and other Pious servants. (For e.g. He should say.
O Allah! Accepts my Duaa throughThe good offices of thesesaintly
people). (Bukhari,Bazzaar, Haakim)
To make the Duaa in a soft voice (All six major hadith collections on
the authority if Abu Musa )
To utter the Duaa phrases transcribed fromRasulullah Sallalahu Alayhi
Wasallam because Rasulullah Didn't leave out a single need of the Deen
nor of the dunya whilst teaching us how to make Duaa (Abu Dawud/Nasai)
To make a Duaa that encompasses most of theneeds of Deen and the
dunya. (Abu Dawud)
To make Duaa in favour of oneself first, thereafter ones parents and
to include the other Muslims in the Duaa as well (Muslims)
If the Imam is making Duaa, he should not make Duaa for himself only
but he should Include all the congregants in the Duaa (Abu Dawud,
Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
Abu Dawud (R.A.) Narrates that Rasulullah Said that the Imam who makes
Duaa for himself only, has betrayed the people." In other words, the
Imam should not Make a Duaa that is restricted to him alone. For e.g.
He should not say, "O Allah! cure my son." or "O Allah! Return my lost
item." etc. but he should make a Duaa that includes all the
congregation for e.g. He may say "O Allah! Forgive us and have mercy
upon us."
To make Duaa with firm conviction (for e.g. he should not say: "O
Allah! If you wish fulfil so and so task of mine." (All six major
hadith collections)
To make Duaa with enthusiasm & yearning. (Ibn Hibbn & Abu Awana).
As far as possible endeavour to bring about a "presence of heart and
mind" and cherish a high hope of the Duaa being accepted.(Haakim)
To make Duaa repeatedly. (Bukhari, Muslim)
This repetition should beat least thrice (Abu Dawud)
Note One may repeat the Duaa thrice in none sitting or he may repeat
it on three different occasions. The"repetition of the Duaa" can be
interpreted in both ways."
To make Duaa earnestly and insistently. (Nasai, Hakim, Abu awanah)
To abstain from making Duaa of severing family ties or other sins.
(Muslim, Tirmidhi)
Avoid making Duaas of pre-determined and fixed things (for e.g. woman
should not make a duaa of being transformed into a man or a tall
person shouldn'tmake Duaa thus: "O Allah!Make me short ." etc)
(Nasai).
Don't Make Duaa for impossible things. (Bukhari)
Don't make a Duaa in which you ask Allah Ta'aala to confine His mercy
to yourself Only (Bukhari, Abu Dawud, Nasai, Ibn Majah)
Ask only Allah Ta'aala alone for all your needs. Do not depend upon
His creation. (Tirmidhi/Ibn Hibbaan)
The one making the Duaa as well as the person listening to it, both
should say Aameen at the end. (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasai)
Rub both hands over the face at the termination of the Duaa (Abu
Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibbaan, Majah, Hakim)
Don't be impatient over the acceptance of Duaas. In other words, don't
say: "I've made Duaa repeatedly but to no avail." (Bukhari, Muslim,
Abu Dawud, Nasai, Ibn Majah)
Wassalam,