I’m planning second marriage to a woman in need. How do I address thesecular government issues?

Q:-> Dear Sheikh and scholars of Islam, I hope you can help me with my
situationas I have reached a dead end and would like to seek the
advice of people of knowledge. May Allah reward you.
I am currently married andwould like to marry a second wife Insha
Allah. I am an American who lives and works in Singapore and my future
second wifeis from Indonesia.
The problem is the following: I am planning to make the marriage
official in Indonesia, but the Indonesian government requires a
document from my embassy called 'No objection to marriage'. This
document cannot be issued by my country because polygamy is illegal in
the US. So this means that I cannot make a civil marriage and my
marriage will not be recognized by any government offices (neither in
Indonesia nor in the US).
I have then thought aboutmaking a traditional marriage with the future
wife, her father (wali), andtwo witnesses under the auspices of an
Imam followed by a Walimah to publicize the marriage. The problem with
this is that if we have children, they will have several difficulties
because they will not be issued documents, will not have an official
father (on paper) and other problems.
I feel sad for this situation as this woman I am planning to marry is
reallyin need. She is a widow with 2 orphaned daughters who are 10
and2 years old. I feel our secular governments are making haram what
Allah has made Halal and are making the lives of Muslims very
difficult. Can you please advise on whatto do? I have prayed Istikhara
several times andmy feeling is positive towards marriage but I still
have these issues which have to do with thefuture of our offspring.
Please take note that I am seeking a second wife because my wife
cannot have children. Please advise your brother.
Jazakum Allah Khair
Wassalamu Aleikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
-sloumabs
A:-> I just want to start by saying, we are neither shaykhs nor
scholars. We are just laypeople trying to advise others as best as
possible insha'Allah, basedon our own personal experiences and limited
knowledge of Islam.
Unfortunately, I don't havethe extensive knowledge about the governing
countries you've mentioned to give any meaningful feedback about the
situation you are considering. From my heart, what I can tell you is
this: if you really believethat Allah is guiding you inthis direction,
then follow His guidance and trust Himto work out the details. In my
experience, when we follow Allah, even when situations seem
hopelesslycomplicated from our cognitive understanding, He has a way
of making everything work together for those involved. If it were me,
I would go forward with an Islamic Nikkah and take the next steps and
days one at a time, and work on each issue that may arise as it comes.
I can say, if your current wife (who I am presumingis also an American
citizen)already knows and consents to your intentions, maybe she would
be willing to give you a civil divorce (remaining married to
youIslamically) to help make the path clearer for you with the second
marriage. Then, possibly you can help your second wife attain US
citizenship, which would help the concerns you noted about possible
future children. However, if you haven't told your current wife about
what's going on or if she is not in cooperationwith you about this,
I'd say you have a bigger problem on your hands altogether.

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A Muslim man is the father of my new born baby, who nowignores us

I am a Native American/Mexican woman,I've lived in North Americamy
whole life. I met a Muslim man from Afghanistan and we started seeing
each other and fell in love. I will call him "Fred". I have never met
Fred's family and he has never met mine.
Four Months into our relationship I became pregnant. I was happy,
butnervous and scared because we hadn't been together very long and I
wasn't sure how Fred would react. At first Fred seemed happy and then
one day he came to me and told me that he didn't want the baby and
said that I would have to choose between him or the baby. It hurt to
hear Fred say this or to even think of getting rid of the baby.
I'm not religious but I consider myself to be a spiritual person and
do not believe in abortion. I decided that abortion wasn't an option
and continued on with my pregnancy. We continued to see each other and
the discussion of my pregnancy rarely came up and when it did most of
the time Fred would be defencive and not want totalk about it.
While we were together Fred told me that he would be kicked out of
hishome if he told his family. As far as I know Fred still never told
them about thebaby and I feel that I have lied to them even though we
don't know each other.There were times when Fred would express
happiness and interest in my pregnancy and it would make me so happy.I
thought that his negativity was just fear and that he would embrace
our child after he was born.
I now have a beautiful baby boy who is almost a year old and he's the
joy of my life. Unfortunately Fred stopped seeing me shortly before I
gave birth and has never met our son. I have tried to contactFred
several times in attempt to have him involved in our son's life. The
few times we spoke he said that he would come see our son, but the
last time I attempted to speak with Fred he hung up on me without even
saying hello and has ignored my calls since.
We never really discussed our religious beliefs while we were together
and I don't have much knowledge about Islam other than what I have
recently researched online.According to my research pre-maritial sex
is frowned upon and having a child before marriage is not allowed. My
child would be considered a "Haram Baby" and he would not be accepted
as part of Fred's family because he was born out of wed-lock.
In my heart I believe that Fred wanted to have this child with me but
has been restricted by his beliefs. I know that he is a good man and
he truly loved me. I am still in lovewith him and hope that someday
we might be a family. I'm filled with sadness because my son doesn't
have a father.
I'm hurt because I have been left to deal with this alone without
explanation. I have done everything for my son andeveryday is a
struggle mentally, emotionally and physically.
I have been considering filing for child support, butI don't want
cause any confrontation with Fred orhis family. I'm not interested in
money, but I don't think that I should have to take on all of this
responsibility by myself. I was hoping he would eventually come around
but it's been about a five months since the last timewe talked.
I'm searching for an understanding as to why he hasn't taken
responsibility for his son and if there will ever be a possibility of
him being in our son's life??
I'm curious what might happen if I approach his family with this
situation and what it would mean for Fred??
I'm also curious if Fred is never going to be involved in our sons
life, what can I do to teach ourson about his culture??
I don't wish to offend anyone so please correct me if I'm wrong about
theinformation I've researched.
- Janet


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Some one says

"Move in the direction thatyou want for yourself, andfocus on where
you want to be, while you make a real plan to get there (faith and
works go together)... And leave, leave, leave, those fairweather
friends alone. To grow, we've gotta let some folks go! Keep on moving,
don't stop... focus on what you want to see happen, and MAKE IT
HAPPEN. With GOD it's possible."

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The Miraculous Goat

Once there lived a very pious elderly lady named Fiddah. She was kind
and generous and always remembered Allah (SWT). One day Shaikh
Abu-ar-Rabie (RA) went to her village. He had been told that she had a
goat that gave both milk and honey.He bought a new bowl and went to
see the goat. When he got there, he was shown the goat and he milked
it. Sure enough, sweet white milk came gushing out. Shaikh
Abu-ar-Rabie (RA) drank tohis fill and then he asked they got the
goat. She narrated to him an amazing story.
She said, "There was a time when we were very poor and had nothing but
a she-goat. When Eid-ul-Adha came around, my husband suggested that we
sacrifice the goat and have a feast. The she-goat was our only means
of sustenance so I reminded my husband that Allah hasnot made it
necessary for us to sacrifice an animal under such circumstances.
Therefore, we spared the goat till the next Eid-ul-Adha. As chance
would have it, we had a guest onthat very same day. Since Allah has
commanded us to entertain our guests, I asked my husband if he would
now slaughter the animal and I would cook its meat for our guests.
Myhusband took the goat outside behind a wall, lest the children
should cry on seeing it killed. A little while later another goat
appeared bearing an exactresemblance to our own. By Allah! This was a
blessing. A miraculous she-goat that yields both milk and honey was
sent down to us as recompensefor feeding our guests."
Lady Fiddah often reminded her children thatthe goat feeds on what
grows in their hearts. "So long as your hearts continue to be noble
and un-tarnished by evil, its milk will remain good andsweet, but as
soon as yourhearts become false, its milk will also turn bad. Guard
your hearts against evil and Allah SWT will make everything beneficial
for you."

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Prayer

May Allah bless you, me and everyone of us with true Guidance, May
Allah Increase our knowledge to strengthen our Iman. May Allah Help us
to live this world as a test with patience. To attain the reward of
Jannahtul firdaus.

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Three Tough Questions

There was a young man who went overseas to study for quite a long
time. When he returned, he asked his parents to find him a religious
scholar or any expert who could answer his 3 Questions. Finally, his
parents were able to find a Muslim scholar.
Young man: Who are you?Can you answer my questions?
Scholar: I am one of Allah (SubHana Wa Ta`ala )'s slaves and
Insha-Allah (God willing), I will be ableto answer your questions.
Young man: Are you sure? A lot of Professors and experts were not able
to answer my questions.
Scholar: I will try my best, with the help of Allah(SubHana Wa Ta`ala).
Young Man: I have 3 questions:
1. Does God exist? If so, show me His shape.
2. What is takdir (fate)?
3. If shaitan (Devil) was created from the fire, why at the end he
will be thrown to hell that is also created from fire. It certainly
will not hurt him at all, since Shaitan (Devil) and the hell were
created from fire. Did God not think of it this far?
Suddenly, the Scholar slapped the young man's face very hard.
Young Man (feeling pain): Why do you get angry at me?
Scholar: I am not angry. The slap is my answer to your three questions.
Young Man: I really don't understand.
Scholar: How do you feel after I slapped you?
Young Man: Of course, I felt the pain.
Scholar: So do you believe that pain exists?
Young Man: Yes.
Scholar: Show me the shape of the pain!
Young Man: I cannot.
Scholar: That is my first answer. All of us feel God'sexistence
without being able to see His shape... Lastnight, did you dream that
you will be slapped by me?
Young Man: No.
Scholar: Did you ever thinkthat you will get a slap from me, today?
Young Man: No.
Scholar: That is takdir (fate)........ My hand that I used to slap
you, what is itcreated from?
Young Man: It is created from flesh.
Scholar: How about your face, what is it created from?
Young Man: Flesh.
Scholar: How do you feel after I slapped you?
Young Man: In pain.
Scholar: Even though Shaitan (Devil) and also the hell were created
fromthe fire, if Allah wants, insha-Allah (God willing), the hell will
become a very painful place for Shaitan (Devil).

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Doctor Dies, Patient Lives

The following incident was narrated by a well known preacher of this
age known as Colonel Sayed Amir Uddin, currently a Canadian resident.
Over 6,000 Non-Muslims have accepted Islam through him.
He narrates: I visited a friend in a hospital who had severe cancer.
While I was there, a doctor came and gave him the bad news that he
will live for only one more week. Thenthe doctor left to get
somemedicines for him. As the doctor was going down the stairs, he
slipped and fell down the stairs. He was seriously injured and died on
that day. On the other hand, my friend whowas suppose to die in one
week lived for three more years!
This incident shows that death is unpredictable. Today we hear about
hundreds of people dieing around us but Satan tells you and me that
let them die, you have a long way to go.

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Dark Circle Under the Eyes

Eyes are the first thing thatyou notice in a person. Andhealthy shiny
eyes are not easy to achieve. Many of usget dark circles under the
eyes if we miss a couple of night's sleep. Though it often indicates
nothing serious, the problem with dark circle is that they make you
look tired and worn out.

We need to remember thatnot always dark circles indicate poor health
and malnutrition. It can just be hereditary as well. While some people
have dark thin skin around the eyes their high cheek bones highlight
them. These can only be concealed and no treatment really works for
them.

1. You should massage the eye area daily with your ring finger. Use
coconut oil,castor oil or Vitamin E oil.

2. Apply the rejuvenating juice of cucumbers or potato.

3. Apply a good under eye cream twice daily.

4. After your bath use a cold wash cloth and press on the eyes!

5. Milk and (soaked and finely ground) almond paste can be applied all
over the face incudin the eye area.

6. Splash pure cold water on face. And gently press the eye are aiwth
your ringfinger.

7. Drink plenty of water forglowing skin.

8. Have a lot of carrot juice.Apply the remainder of ground carrots on
face and wash off.

9. After cleansing and exfoliating, massage your feet with olive oil
or your favourite cream once a week.

10. Do eye exercises - (You can learn them from me or an experienced &
certified yoga teacher!)

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Should We Really Laugh?

Hasan al-Basri (rahimaullah) was an eminent scholar and
piousindividual of his time. He would rarely laugh due to his
remembrance of death and the punishment of hell. One day he was
goingsomewhere when he saw a young man indugled in laughter. Hasan
al-Basri asked the youth, "Young man, have you already crossed the
bridge of Sirath? Have you already found out whether you are going to
paradise or hell?" The young man replied, "No." Hasan al-Basri told
him, "Then why are you laughing so much?" After that, no one saw this
young man laughing again as he cameto know the reality of this life.
Source: Story extracted from the book "Tambihul Ghafileen" by Shaikh
Abul Laith Samarkandi.
Many hours or probably days have passed away from our lives in
laughter and jokes. It is a sign that we have forgotten the life of
the hereafter. The sahabah used to do good deeds all day but still cry
during the night to Allah. On the other hand, we do sins all day and
still have no concerns! It is permissible to laugh at amazing things
and smile while being in company ofothers.

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Three Solid Truths

Once, a person was verbally abusing Abu Bakr (RA) while the Prophet
(SAW) was curiously watching with a smile. After taking much abuse
quietly, Abu Bakr responded to a few of his comments. At this, the
Prophet exhibited his disapproval, got up and left. Abu Bakr caught up
with the Prophet and wondered, 'O Messenger ofAllaah, he was abusing
meand you remained sitting. When I responded to him, you disapproved
and got up.' The Messenger of Allaah responded,
'There was an angel with you responding to him. When you responded to
him, Shaytaan took his place.'
He then said,
'O Abu Bakr, there are three solid truths: If a person is wronged and
he forbears it (without seeking revenge) just for the sake of Allaah
(SWT), Allaah will honour him and give him the upper hand with His
help; if a person opens a door of giving gifts for cementing
relationships with relatives, Allaah will give him abundance; and, if
a person opens a door of seeking charity for himselfto increase his
wealth, Allaah will further reduce his wealth.'
Reported from Aboo Hurairah in Mishkaah and Musnad Ahmad.

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Horse of Paradise

Hadrat Abu Ayyub Ansari (RA) reports that a desert Arab came to the
Holy Prophet (SAW) and submitted: "O Prophet of Allah, I am very fond
of horses. Will there be horses in heaven?" The Holy Prophet observed:
"Ifyou were sent to Paradise,you would be given a horse made of
emerald. The horse will have two wings. You would mount the horse and
it would fly you to where ever it might be your pleasure to go."
Source: Tirmidhi.
This horse will be an aircraft in Heaven. The worldly aircraft is
designed like a fish, whereas the heavenly aircraft will be in the
form of a horse. The worldly aircraft is made of aluminum; the
heavenly aeroplane will be made of emerald! (Comments from"Spectacle
of Death").

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Why do muslims say"Alhamdulill ah" when we sneeze?

Why do muslims say"Alhamdulill ah"
when we sneeze?
Because for that moment of the sneeze all your bodily functions stop even your
heart. When the sneeze is over and all bodily functions are restored
we are grateful and praise Allah for returning all back to us again.
SubhanAllah

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ASK ALLAH AND HE WILL ANSWER YOU! INSHA' ALLAH.

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 spend it 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 want to put
to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and
to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be
grateful. " [ 2:185 ]
Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 2 :
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 123:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of
the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils
are chained."
Listen to this Dua'a:
Transliteration: (how it sounds)
Wa-i th q a la ibr a heemurabbi ijAAal h atha baladan a minan wa o
rzuqahlahu mina a l ththamar ati man a mana minhumbi A ll a hi wa a
lyawmi al- a khiri q a lawaman kafara faomattiAAuhu qaleelan thumma a
dt arruhu il a AAa tha bi a l nn a ri wabi/saalmaseer
Meaning:
And remember Abraham said:"My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and
feed its people with fruits,-such of them as believe in Allah and the
Last Day." He said:"(Yea), and such as reject Faith,-for a while will
I grant them their pleasure, but will soondrive them to the torment of
Fire,- an evil destination (indeed)!" [ 2:126 ]
Name of Allaah
AL-KHAFIZ
(The Abaser)

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A Rainy Miracle

Narrated Anas: A man came to the Prophet on a Friday while he (the
Prophet) was delivering a sermon at Medina, and said, "There is lack
of rain, so please invoke your Lord to bless us with the rain." The
Prophet looked at the sky when no cloud could be detected. Then he
invoked Allah for rain. Clouds started gathering together and it
rained till the Medina valleys startedflowing with water. It continued
raining till the next Friday. Then that man (or some other man) stood
up while the Prophet was delivering the Friday sermon, and said, "We
are drowned; Please invoke your Lord to withhold it (rain) from us"
The Prophet smiled and said twice or thrice,"O Allah! Please let it
rain round about us and not upon us." The clouds started dispersing
over Medina to the right and tothe left, and it rained round about
Medina and not upon Medina. Allah showed them (the people) the miracle
of His Prophet and His response to his invocation.
Source: Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 115

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Encouragement to fast al-ayyaam al-beed and the month of Sha’baan

I have developed the habit of fasting al-ayyaamal-beed each month,
praise be to Allaah, but this month I did not fast. When I wanted to
fast I was told that it is not permissible and is bid'ah. Ifasted on
Monday the 1st of the month, then I fasted on Wednesday the 19th of
Sha'baan, and if Allaah wills I will fast tomorrow, Thursday, thenI
will have fasted three days. What is the ruling? And what is the
ruling on fasting a great deal during the month of Sha'baan?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Allaah has forbidden us tospeak about Him without knowledge, and He
mentions that alongside shirk and major sins. Allaah says
(interpretationof the meaning):
"Say (O Muhammad): (But)the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden
are Al-Fawaahish (great evil sins and every kind of unlawful sexual
intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly, sins (of all
kinds), unrighteous oppression, joining partners (in worship) with
Allaah for which He has given no authority, and saying things about
Allaah of which you have no knowledge"
[al-A'raaf 7:33]
An example of speaking about Allaah with no knowledge is what is
mentioned in the question, that some people say it is a bid'ah (an
innovation) to fast three days in Sha'baan in the manner described in
the question.
Secondly: it is mustahabb to fast three days each month, and it is
best to fast the ayaam al-beed, which are the 13th, 14th and 15th of
the month.
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him)
said: My close friend [the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him)] advised me to do three things which I will not give up
until I die:fasting three days of each month, praying Duha and going
to sleep after Witr.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1124); Muslim (721).
It was narrated that 'Abd-Allaah ibn 'Amr ibn al-'Aas (may Allaah be
pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) said to me: "It is sufficient for you to fast
three days every month, because for every good deed you will have (the
reward of) ten like it, so that will be like fasting for a lifetime."
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1874); Muslim (1159).
It was narrated that Abu Dharr said: The Messengerof Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to me: "If you fast any part of
the month, then fast the thirteenth, fourteenth andfifteenth."
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (761); al-Nasaa'i (2424).
This hadeeth was classed as hasan by al-Tirmidhi, and al-Albaani
agreed with him in Irwa' al-Ghaleel, 947.
Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on
him) was asked:
It was narrated in the hadeeth that the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) advised Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased
with him) to fast three days of each month. When should these fasts be
observed, and should they be one after the other?
He replied:
It is permissible to fast these days one after the other or
separately, and they may be at the beginning of the month, or in the
middle, or at the end. The matter is braod in scope, praise be to
Allaah, because the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) did not state any specific days. 'Aa'ishah (may Allaah be
pleased with her) was asked: Did the Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) fast three days of each month? She
said: Yes. It was asked: In which part of the month did he fast? She
said: He would not bother in which part of the month he would fast.
Narrated by Muslim, (1160). But the 13th, 14thand 15th are better,
because these are al-ayyaam al-beed.
Majmoo' Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen, 10/ question no. 376.
Thirdly: Perhaps the one who told you not to fast on those days in
this month (Sha'baan) said that because he knew that the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade fastingin the
latter part of Sha'baan.
In the answer to question no. 49884 we have explained that this
prohibition applies to onewho is starting to fast in the latter part
of Sha'baanand does not have a prior habit of fasting.
But if a person starts to fast in the first half of Sha'baan and
continues tofast in the latter half, or he has a prior habit of
fasting, then there is nothing wrong with him fasting in the latter
half ofSha'baan, such as one who has the habit of fasting three days
each month, or fasting on Mondays and Thursdays.
Based on this, there is nothing wrong with you fasting three days in
Sha'baan, even if some of those happen to be in the latter half of the
month.
Fourthly: There is nothing wrong with fasting a great deal in
Sha'baan, indeed that is Sunnah. TheProphet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) used to fast a great deal during this month.

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Why She Became A Muslim

Shaikh Khidir, a Khateeb inToronto, narrated the following conversion
incident of a woman during a Friday sermon last year. He mentioned
that a Non-Muslim woman moved to a Muslim country for some business
purposes. As she stayed among the Muslims and saw their lifestyle, she
was impressed and wanted to learn more about Islam. As a result, she
started borrowing books from the local library about Islam. A Muslim
lady in the library used to ask heroften if she was convincedto become
a Muslim yet. She would reply that the time hasn't come yet. Oneday as
she got some books from the library and was walking back home, the
iqamah for coming to the prayer was called in a masjid across the
road. She observed that a person who was sweeping the floor had left
his work and stood onthe line to pray and right beside him stood a
rich man who came to the masjid driving a very expensive car. At that
moment, she decided to become a Muslim as she was greatly impressed by
seeing that in Islam there is no difference between the rich and the
poor when they stood in front of Allah.
"O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you
into nations and tribes, that you may knowone another. Verily, the
most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa
[i.e. one of the Muttaqun (pious)]. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing,
All-Aware." Holy Quran, Surah Al-Hujuraat, 49:13

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A Youth's Search ForTruth

Some time ago there was a young boy by the name of Amsa. Amsa lived in
a little house with his mother Mariah and little brother Joshua. Amsa
worked hard everyday, listened to his mother, and often from time to
time he would go to the little mosques in town. The other boys in town
would often make fun of Amsa because instead of playing tag and
throwing rocks in the pond he would have much rather want to peer into
the door of the mosque where he would silently study and observe the
men as they prayed on there little carpets 5 timesa day. This
fascinated Amsa a lot he wanted to pray just like the men he observed,
but he knew that his friends and familywould object. So one day Amsa
just stopped sneaking to the door of the mosque and started throwing
rocks in the pond like the other boys did. Years passed and Amsa had a
family and became a good Muslim man but he never told his family that
he had became Muslim in fear of what they would say. But one day he
went to visit his mother and little brother and he noticed that Joshua
wasn't playing with the other boys instead he would go to the mosque
and peek into the door just as Amsahad did as a child. Seeing this
amazed Amsa so much that he had cried out to Allah in happiness. Amsa
immediately took Joshua by the hand and Joshua could see the visible
tears in Amsa's eyes. Amsa told Joshua all about Islam in that day and
Joshua immediately joined Islam the same day.
Allah has done somethingso wonderful for Amsa Allah gave Amsa the gift
of teaching Islam to his little brother.

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Sunnah is like Medicine

Shaikh Khidir from Toronto, Canada once gave a very beautiful example
on the importance of following the ways (sunnah) of Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him). He said that sunnah is like medicine. Usually,
when we visit the doctors for treatment, they write on the
prescriptions the medicines we need. We take these prescriptions to
pharmacists who then sell the medicines to us. Sometimes these
medicines are bitter and hard to swallow, but we still consume them as
we know that the cure is in them. Similarly, each and every sunnah has
physicaland spiritual cure for us inthis world and in the hereafter.
Even if some of sunnah are hard to follow,we should still follow them
as the cure is in them.
"...So take what the Messenger gives you, and refrain from what he
prohibits you..." Al Quran 59:7

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Ramadan Marathon! Are You Ready? Psychological Approach to AchievingYour Goals

MM Treasures are posts on MuslimMatters that we believe are overlooked
'gems' that NEED to be read, especially by our new readers.
Most people slack off all year religiously and wait for Ramadan to get
a new boost of spiritual energy. These individuals are spiritually
out of shape & religiously flabby- not praying any sunnah prayers,
lacking khushu (sincerity), barely having time to read the Quran. They
come into Ramadan completely depleted of iman, breathlessly crawling
towards the month in order to resuscitate themselves before they
spiritually die. It's a vicious cycle that a lot of people experience,
yet very few address.
What usually happens with these individuals whoare so religiously out
of shape? It takes them 2 weeks to get in the groove– the first week
will be filled with headaches and grogginess until the new schedule
falls into place, then when they finally get accustomed to the new
program, Ramadan is over. The abundance of blessings are so
overflowing during Ramadan that anyone who puts forth even the
smallest amount of effort will reap the rewards. However; they are
getting the bare minimum amount of blessings and missing out on an
ExtremeSpiritual Makeover !
What if we changed our perspective and started planning for Ramadan
the way we would plan for a marathon? How different will our
experience be if we were already prepared,sprinting into Ramadan with
full iman gusto? The way we can do that is by training way in advance
in order to build our spiritual stamina. Whether we are preparing for
Ramadan or any other event in our life there are a series of steps we
need to take in order to achieve our goals:
"A goal without a plan is just a wish." Larry Elder
1. Write down the goals, prioritize based on importance and make a plan.
Break down large goals into small, achievable goals. For instance, if
one of our goals is to completethe Quran during Ramadanthen make a
plan to read for instance 4 pages after each prayer. This will make
it easy to achieve. By starting ahead of time and taking small steps
towards the goal, once Ramadan comes along we will be prepared &
trained.
To start with the end in mind means to have a clear understanding of
the destination. Stephen R. Covey
2. We need to focus on what we want to achieve and what kind
ofoutcomes we want. Visualize achieving the goals. We need to see
ourselves overcoming our temptations, reaching our goals and having
success. See yourself achieving attainable goals for Ramadan.
What the mind of man canconceive and believe it canachieve! Napoleon Hill
3. Ask yourself good questions : The questions we ask or the questions
we fail to ask shapes our destiny. The way we evaluate our life is by
asking questions; therefore if we ask good questions then our mind can
come up with good answers which will affect our interpretation of
events. We need to ask what is good about this situation? What can I
learn from this test? How can I bring out the best in this person?
How can I make the most of Ramadan?
It's not the events that shape our life that determine how we feel and
act, but rather, it's the way we interpret and evaluate our life.
Anthony Robbins
4. Be optimistic: Having a nice, positive attitude makes all the
difference in achieving any goals. Whena person is hopeful, puts trust
in Allah and makes the necessary effort, anything is possible.
Right now we need to start implementing the steps to achieving our
Ramadan goals in order to get the maximum benefit:
1. Start fasting Mondays and Thursdays to prepareyour body for Ramadan
– this would be equivalent to 2 intensive work outs during a week to
prepare for a marathon.
'A'isha said, "The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant
him peace, used to take care to fast on Mondays and Thursdays."
[at-Tirmidhi]
2. Increase your baseline in worship by simply increasing your
worship, so if you currently only pray the obligatory prayers, start
praying sunnah and also do the dhikr afterwards – this would be like
increasing the amount of weight you are pumping in the gym.
3. Set goals for reading Quran daily - reading the Quran nourishes the
soul the way healthy, nutritiousfood rejuvenates the body.So start
feeding your soul!

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Allah’s Plan for You and Me

Allah had a plan for youbefore you were born, andHe still has a plan
for you. Allah's plan for you is necessary and glorious. Hisplan is
vital to your successand important to the world.
Allah's plan is not set in stone, as if we were robotspre-programmed
in the factory. That would strip us of free will and deny our natures.
Rather, I believe that Allah has a flexible plan for each human being:
a plan that allows that person to benefit the world with his/her
unique talents.
This is in fact the Islamic view of al-Qadar, or predestination. There
is nodoubt that Allah has decreed everything that happens in the
universe from the beginning of time to the end, and that Allah has
written it all in al-Lawh al-Mahfooz (the Book of Decrees).
"Know you not that Allahknows all that is in the heaven and on the
earth? Verily, it is (all) in the Book (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfooz). Verily,
that is easy for Allah" (Quran, al-Hajj 22:70)
In Saheeh Muslim (2653) itis narrated that 'Abd-Allah ibn 'Amr ibn
al-'Aas (may Allah be pleased with him)said: I heard the Messenger of
Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: "Allah wrote
down the decrees of creation fifty thousandyears before He created the
heavens and the earth."
Everything happens by thewill of Allah. Whatever He wills happens, and
whatever he does not will does not happen. However, as Sheikh Muhammad
Saalih Al-Munajjid explains ,
Belief in al-qadar does not contradict the idea that a person has free
will with regard to actions in which he has free choice. Sharee'ah and
real life both indicate that people have this will.
Allaah says concerning man's will (interpretation of the meaning):
"That is (without doubt) the True Day. So, whosoever wills, let him
seek a place with (or a way to) His Lord (by obeying Him in this
worldly life)!" [al-Naba' 78:39]
(and other similar ayaat)
These verses confirm that man has a will and the ability to do what he
wants and not to do what he does not want.
With regard to real life, everyone knows that he has a will and the
ability to do what he wants and not to do what he does not want. And
he can distinguish between the things that happen when he wants them
to, such as walking, and those that happen without him wanting them
to, such as shivering. But the will and ability of man are subject to
the will and decree of Allaah.
Sheikh Al-Munajjid's last paragraph is the key to understanding
Al-Qadar: walking (voluntary) versusshivering (involuntary). Other
scholars have explained it as two types of Qadar, fixed and flexible.
The fixed Qadar is that which happens to us from beyond our control.
For example the time and place of our birth, any illnesses and natural
disasters that befall us, etc.The flexible Qadar is that which is
within the realm of our free will. Whether we do good or evil, and
what we choose to believeand how we choose to live. Sheikh-ul-Islam
Ibn Taymiyyah wrote:
There are two types of provision and lifespan: the first type has
already been decreed and is written in Umm al-kitaab, and cannotbe
changed or altered. Thenext type of qadar, Allah has informed His
angels of His decrees. This is the type where provisions andlifespan
may increase or decrease. Hence Allah the Almighty says what may be
translated as, "Allah blots out what he wills and confirms [what He
wills]. And with Him is the Mother of the book." (Surat Ar-Ra'ad,
verse 39) The mother of the Book (Umm al-Kitaab) is
Al-Lawhal-Mahfoodh, in which Allah has decreed all things as they will
always be without change. However, the decrees contained in the books
of the angels, such as lifespanand provisions, may increase or
decrease according to various circumstances; thereafter, the angels
will re-write a person's provision and lifespan. If a person upholds
the ties of kinship,his provisions and lifespan will be extended,
otherwise they will decrease." [See Majmoo'al-Fataawa 8/540]
So Allah has a plan for you,but fulfillment of that planis up to you:
the choices you make, as well as your degree of faith, persistenceand
determination.
Allah's plan for you is important to the world because Allah created
nothing in vain. Look at His creation. Everything has a purpose, from
the sun that heats our world, to the bacteria that consume waste.
You are the same. You have a purpose. You are necessary to the world.
If your presence were not vital in some way, then you would not have
been made.
Discovering Allah's Plan
Allah's plan for us is not always what we might wish it to be.
How do we discover Allah's plan for us? Where do we find it? How do we
realize it in our lives?
It's not as difficult as we might think. It wouldn't make sense for
Allah to have a plan for us and then leave us stumbling in the dark.
Allah's plan doesn't have to be a mystery.....

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First Words of a Little Girl

The following incident was mentioned by a Shaikh from Toronto, Canada.
The incident is about his 18 months old daughter. The shaikh also has
a son who is about 3 years old. The shaikh has already started
teaching the young son about Quran and ahadith without wasting any
time. Mashallah, the boy has already memorized surah Fatiha and
various other surahs. One day, his young daughter who is only 18
months old was sitting beside the son while he was asked to recite
surah Fatiha by the shaikh. This little girl is pronouncing her first
words clearly in these days. Now, when the son recited the 5th verse
of surah Fatiha untill "IhdinaSirat...", the small girl suddenly said
"Al Mustaqim" and completedthe verse. Subhanallah! How blessed is this
child whose first words are among the words of the Holy Quran, which
she learned through her father when he was teaching her brother.
It is very important to teach Islam to our children in their early
childhood. We can easily bend trees in any direction when they are
still small. But when the trees become big and tall, 10 people pushing
together is unable to bend them. Similarly, teaching the children when
they are young is necessary so that they go towards the right
direction.

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Allah Will Protect Me

Once Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) was taking rest under a tree
when he was returning from an expedition and hung his sword from the
tree. A Non-Muslim personcame quietly, took hold ofthe sword and,
addressingthe Prophet said to him:"O Muhammad! now who will save you
from my hand?" The Prophet heardit, rose up from his seat and said:
"Allah will save me." Hearing the name of Allah, he was overawed and
the sword slipped from his hand. The Prophet rose up from his place,
took the sword intohis hand and questioned him: "Now who will save you
from my hand?" He felt sorry and begged apology. The Prophet forgave
him. He was so impressed by this kindness that he embraced Islam. He
then went to his tribesmen andexpressed that he never found a man
better than Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Source: "The Miracles of the Prophet" by Shaikh Ahmed S. Dehalvi; also
related in Bukhari and other sources with slight variations.
Related to the protection of the Prophet Muhammad, Allah has mentioned
in the Quran"O Apostle! proclaim the message which has been sent to
you from your Lord. If you do not do it, you would not have fulfilled
and proclaimed this mission. And Allah will defend you against men who
mean mischief. For Allah guides not thosewho reject faith." (Al Quran
5:67).

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Don't Complain, be Patient

Khabbaab ibn al-Aratt (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: "We
complained to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) whenhe was reclining on his cloak in the shade of the
Ka'bah. We said to him:"Why do you not ask Allaah to help us (grant
usvictory)? Why do you not pray to Allaah for us?" He said, "A man
from the people before you would be placed in a hole dug for him, then
they would bring a saw and cut his head in two, yet that would not
make him renounce his faith. They would use an iron comb to drag the
flesh and nerves from his bones, yetthat would not make him renounce
his faith. By Allaah, this matter will be completed (i.e. Islam will
be perfected and will prevail) until a rider travelling from Sana' to
Hadramawt will fear nobody but Allaah or the attack of a wolf on his
sheep, but you are too impatient." Source: Sahih Bukhari.
The conditions of Muslims may go up and down but Islam will always
remain on top. We should never lose hope even during themost difficult
times as Allah is always in control. Surely, Allah helps those who are
patient.

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Benefits Of Grapefruit Enzyme

Grapefruit is a subtropical fruit which is rich in enzymes and forms
the basis of many well planned diets. The health benefits of enzymes
have been widely studied and understood. Enzymes are asolution for
many health disorders and can be found as tablets, syrups and capsules
in the market. They are usually recommended if blood tests have shown
the deficiency of a particular enzyme and must be taken in the dose
suggested by a doctor. This will prevent any side effect and make the
enzyme work optimally. Grapefruit has most famously been used as part
of many weight loss diets and to assist in improved metabolism.
Thebenefits that can be obtained by using grapefruit enzyme on a
regular basis are describedbelow.
Uses And Functions Of Grapefruit Enzyme
--------------- --------------- --------------- -
* For Healthy Digestion- The most important function of fruit enzymes
is that they promote healthy digestion by replacing the enzymes in the
digestive juices, secreted by the body. In certain cases, the output
of enzymes may not be sufficient as the glands may be blocked by a
cancerous growth or a part of the stomach surgically removed. This is
when the grapefruit enzymes are very helpful as they aid in the
digestion of food and convert them into their constituent simple
molecules. They are also known to improve the function of the pancreas
which will directly have a positive impact on the process of
digestion. Grapefruit is a rich source of a substance called pectin
which is a type of dietary fiber and helps maintain good bowel
movement.
* An Antioxidant- The enzymes along with the antioxidant lycopene, can
help boost immune system substantially. This is one of the many goals
of enzyme therapy that has made it so popular. The pink and red
grapefruit have more of this helpful component when compared to the
ones that have a white flesh. The enzyme extractscan also help in
better absorption of the large amounts of vitamin C present in the
fruit. This is a very important vitamin, essential to build resistance
to common coldand other infections.
* Anti Aging- The enzymeshave many anti aging properties that can
prevent the damage to the DNA from pollutants such as cigarette smoke
and carbon in the environment. For this reason, a glass of homemade
grapefruit juice is recommended daily. The fresher the fruit, the
greater amount of enzymes that it contains. Areduction in enzyme
activity is seen if the fruit is subjected to even a small amount of
heat.
* For Better Absorption- Doctors often recommended syrups and enzyme
supplements when absorption of vital nutrients is poor. This prevents
the developmentof deficiencies which can hamper many body processes
and harm health. Grapefruit enzyme works along with other enzymes
produced in the body to improve the uptake of vitamins, minerals,
amino acids and glucose by the cells of the small intestine. This
makesone healthier and promotes growth and development in young
children. Many hospitalized patients who are suffering from long term
illness can also greatly benefit from this.
* As Anti Cancer- The enzymes have a very important property which is
their anti cancer ability. They increase the levels of Tumor Necrosis
Factor (TNF) in the body, which ingreater amount helps to prevent the
growth and spread of a tumor. This can reduce the risk of cancer and
also support radiation and chemotherapy to make the management of
cancermore successful in the initial stages.
* For A Healthy Heart- Grapefruit enzymes are important for a good
cardiovascular system as they dissolve clots and prevent them from
blocking arteries supplying the heart. It alsomaintains the
flexibility of the blood vessels and keeps them healthy and
functioning well . Two to three servings a week are recommended to
obtain all health benefits of grapefruit.
Use grapefruits more oftenin your diet to give your body its many
benefits. The use of enzymes in pregnant and lactating women is
forbidden without the prior approvalof a health care provider.

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Hinduism to Christianity to Islam

The following is about a brother from Guyana who became a Muslim from
being a Hindu and Christian Priest for 10 years.
His current name is Ahmed Tabarani. He was born in a poor Hindu family
in Guyana. However, he used to dislike worshipping statues since his
childhood. As he grew up, he became connected with the local Church
because they worshipped three divine beings (God, Jesus and Holy
Spirit) rather than worshipping hundreds of idols. Eventually, he
became a Christian and studied for many years to become a Christian
priest. The Church hired him and paidfor all his travelling and living
expenses. His familybecame very pleased to see that because he became
a Christian, their poverty was removed. As a result, the whole family
became Christians. During the 10 years of serving as a Priest, he
always used to wake up at night and meditate. He used to ask God to
show him whetherhe was following the truth. In one such nights, he had
a vision. He saw that three people dressed in white long throbes,
wearing turban and beardare walking towards him and these people are
to show him the true religion. After seeing this vision, many years
passedby but he didn't see such a thing happening. But one day, a
group of Muslims (part of Tabligh Jamah) visited a Masjid near his
place to call people towards Allah. That afternoon, as he was going to
the Church, he saw three of these Muslims are coming towards him.
Immediately, he remembered his vision. These three Muslims resembled
exactly what he saw in the vision. Thenhe approached them and asked
what religion they follow. The Muslims told him about Islam and he
became a Muslim on the spot and quit being a priest. Poverty again
took over his family as he quit his job. All his family members,
especially his mother, became angry at him for becoming a Muslim. But
he said the following words to his mother, "Dear mother, I could give
you a new pair of shoes, but they will become worn out. I could give
you a new dress, but that too will become old and ripped. But I can
give you something that will never finish. My mother, say 'There is no
god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger.'" The mother was really
touched by this statementand became a Muslim. Following her, everyone
else in the family also became Muslims. For 15 years, Ahmed Tabarani
is a practising Muslim serving Islam with his total energy. He is
currently living in Canada.

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*EID MUBARAK*

Suraj ki kirne,taaron ki bahaar.Chand ki chandni, apno ka pyaar.Har
ghadi ho khushaal.ussi tarhan Mubarak ho aapko Eid ka yeh tyohaar.'EID
MUBARAK'
Chupke se chand ki RoshniChoo Jaye Aapko,Dheere Se Ye Hawa Kuch Keh
JayeApko, jo Chahte Ho MaangLo Khuda Se,Hum Dua Karte Hain Mil Jaye Wo
Apko.EID MUBARAK
Socha kisi apne se baat karun,Apne kisi khaas ko yaad karun,Kiya jo
faisla eid mubarak kehne ka,Dil ne kaha kyun na aapse shuruwat
karun.*EID MUBARAK*
U fasted,u prayed,U been good 4 a whole 30 days.So ur merciful ALLAH
gave u a sign,Out came the moon 2 say come celebrate...Eid mubarak
Look Outside. It's so pleasant! Sun Smiling For you. Trees Dancing for
you. Birds singing for you.Because I requested them All to wish
You..*EID MUBARAK*

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If a married son does not live with his mother,is he regarded as being disobedient towards her?

I have been living with my husband's mother andsister for two years.
The problem is that his mother is married and herhusband lives with
us, which exposes me to a lotof haraam situations such as being alone
with him, or his entering upon me suddenly when I am not wearing
hijab. This communal living situationalso prevents us from fully
enjoying intimacy with one another and it deprives me and my husband
of many of our rights. I knew from the beginning that I would beliving
with my husband's family, but I did not realise that the matter would
be so difficult and that it would cause me psychological problems and
a sense of deprivation. Now I have begun to want separate
accommodation, as does my husband, but his mother objects on the
grounds that she is sick and needs him. Please note that she is still
working despite her sickness and she is living her life normally most
of the time. Her younger daughter also lives with her and her older
daughter lives nearby in ahouse that she gave to her, and she visits
her all the time. She also has three other houses that are rented out,
but she refuses to give us one of them and refuses to let uslive
anywhere except with her. She regards our desire for a separate home
to be a betrayal on my part and disobedienceon my husband's part. What
is the solution?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Accommodation is one of the rights of the wife that is obligatory upon
the husband according to scholarly consensus, because Allah, may He be
exalted, has decreed that the husband is obliged to provide
accommodation for the woman who is revocably divorced, as He says
(interpretation of themeaning):
"Lodge them (the divorced women) where you dwell, according to your means"
[at-Talaaq 65:6].
So it is more appropriate that he be required to provide accommodation
to the one who is still married. Moreover, Allah has enjoined kind and
honourable treatment between spouses as He says (interpretation of
themeaning):
"And live with them honourably"
[an-Nisa' 4:19].
Part of living with them honourably, as enjoined, is providing the
wife with accommodation in which she and her wealth are secure. The
wife cannot do without accommodation so as to shield her from prying
eyes, and so that she can have her privacy and keepher wealth. Hence
accommodation is one of the rights that she has over her husband.
The majority of Hanafi, Shaafa'i and Hanbali fuqaha' are of the view
that the wife has the rightto accommodation separate from her
husband's relatives, and that she has the right to refuse to live with
his father and mother or one of them.
See: al-Mawsoo'ah al-Fiqhiyyah, 25/109
See also the answer to question no. 7653
If the wife agrees to live with the husband's family,there is nothing
wrong with that, because it is a yielding of her rights on her part.
But that is subject to the conditions that she is safe from falling
into haraam situations with regard to being alone with a non-mahram or
looking, and she has the right to change her mind about this agreement
at any time, because her right to separate accommodation is not waived
as a result of her giving it up.
What you mention about the possibility of being alone with one who is
notpermissible for you, and the possibility of him catching you
unawares when you are not wearing hijab, confirms the necessity of
hasteningto find separate accommodation. It is not obligatory to obey
his mother in this case, because obedience is onlyin that which is
right and proper, and your staying in this family accommodation has
two obvious negative outcomes:
1. It is impossible to relax and enjoy time together which both spouses want
2. There is a risk of falling into haraam
So our advice to your husband is to hasten to find separate
accommodation for you both, and to strive to please his mother with
kind words, frequent visits, checking on how she is, gifts, and so on.
And he should understandthat his leaving his mother's house is not
regarded as disobedience towards her.
And Allah knows best.

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A Sign from Allah

The following incident hasbeen narrated by Colonel Amir Uddin who
originallyheard it from his wife. Colonel Amir Uddin is a well known
caller to Islamthrough whose effort over 6,000 people have accepted
Islam all over the world. He is 86 years old and have been to over56
countries to call peopletowards Allah.
During one such journeys to invite people to Islam, his wife met a
woman who was a new Muslim. While travelling, they came to know how
she became a Muslim. The woman said that she was originally a
Christian but her husband was a Muslim. Her husband usedto tell her
about the oneness of God everyday. One day while she was in the
Church, she asked the Priest whether the Muslims' cocept of oneness of
God was correct or the Christians' concept of Trinity was correct. The
Priest told herthat the Muslims are correct and he also advised her to
keep this matter secret. She becamevery confused after hearing this.
At night when she went home, sheprayed to God to show her which path
was the truth. She started reading the Bible thoroughly to search for
answers. One night after she prayed to God to show her the truth, she
opened the Bible and to her amazement, the entire Bible appeared to
her as Arabic text! She mentioned this to an Imam who told her that
this was a sign from Allah to accept the Quran as herguidance instead
of the Bible. She became Muslim there and then.
Dear readers, such incidents are nothing new. These incidents happen
on a daily basis tothose who are searching for the truth. We did not
come to this world with our own will. We will not leave this world
with our own will. Then why live this life according to our own will?
A Muslim is thatperson who submits to the will of Allah. Let us all
submit to Allah, Who is the Lord of everything in and out of this
universe."And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never
be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the
losers." (Al Quran, 3:85)

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Ruling on cutting and dyeing the hair without the husband’s permission

Is it the husband's right totell his wife not to cut or dye her hair?
Does she have the right to do that even if her husband does not
approve on the grounds that she is not doing anything haraam; rather
it is permissible? What are the limits on thewife's obeying the
husband so long as he does not tell her to do something sinful?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
The wife is obliged to obey her husband because he is in charge of
her. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): "Men are the
protectors and maintainers of women" [an-Nisa' 4:34].
Ibn Katheer (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 'Ali ibn Abi Talhah
said, narrating from Ibn 'Abbaas: "Men are the protectors and
maintainers of women" means: they are in charge of them, that is, the
wife should obey the husband in that in which Allah has commanded her
to obey him; part of that obedience is that she should treat his
family kindly and look after his wealth.
Something similar was stated by Muqaatil, as-Suddi and ad-Dahhaak.End
quote from Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 2/293
Two things are excluded from the obligation of thewife to obey her husband:
1. If obeying him will result in falling into sin, either by
failing to do something obligatory or by doing something that is
forbidden. In this case itis not permissible for the wife to obey her
husband,because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)
said: "There is no obedience to any created being if it involves
disobedience towards Allah, may He be glorified and exalted." Narrated
by al-Bukhaari, 6830; Muslim, 1840
2. If obeying the husband will result in harm to the wife or it
will lead to loss of her rights. In that case she is not obliged to
obey her husband, because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be
upon him) said: "Obedience is only in that which is right and proper."
And he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "There should
be neither harm nor reciprocating harm."
For more information see the answer to question no. 97125
Secondly:
It is permissible for a woman to cut and dye her hair, so long as that
cut does not resemble men or kaafir women or immoral women, and the
hair is not dyed black.
The ruling on cutting and dyeing the hair for women has been discussed
previously. Please see the answer to question no. 139414 and 82671
If the husband has not given his wife permission to cut or dye her
hair, then it is not permissible for her to do that. That is because
she is enjoined toobey him so long as he does not tell her to do
anything sinful and because it is the husband's right that his wife
should beautify herself for him. There is no doubt that the hair is
part of the woman's beauty.
And Allah knows best.

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How Kind is Allah!

There lived an idolator in the past who made an idol out of stone and
would worship it everyday. He would call it upon it by saying "Ya
Sanam." For seventy years, he worshipped this idol. One day by mistake
he uttered "Ya Samad" instead of Ya Sanam. Samad is a name of Allah
which means The Self Sufficient Master. Allah Ta'ala immediately
replied back to this idolator by saying "I am present oh My slave."
The angels asked Allah why He replied to him since hedidn't even call
upon Him intentionally. Allah told the angels that for seventy years I
have beenwaiting for this servant ofmine to turn towards Me!
If a mother has only one child then how much would she love him? He
would be the coolness of her eyes and the comfort of her heart. But if
this son calls her saying"Mommy" more than four or five times, she
would get irritated even though she loves him more than her ownself.
On the other hand, when we call Allah once, He replies back to us70
times by saying"Labbaik Ya Abdi (I am here oh My slave)." How
unfortunate we are that we have not recognized our Allah who is so
Kind, Merciful and Forgiving.

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Hadees

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever performs ablution for
prayer, performs it well, then walks in the prescribed prayer, and
then pray it with the people, or with the congregation, or in the
Masjid- Allah forgives him from his sins." [Related by Muslim (232)]

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Taraweeh Changed His Life

The following story is about how Taraweeh salah changed the life of a
person during the month of Ramadan.
About 20 years ago, brother Khawaja used to live with his family in an
apartment building in Toronto, Canada. During the month of Ramadan,
the local Muslims would get together and arrange asmall room in that
building to offer Taraweehprayers. Brother Khawaja states, "I wasn't
that particular about offering prayers so I didn't show much interest
in going to Taraweeh which was Sunnah and not even Fardh." His wife
would constantly tell him to go but that didn't change his mind.
However, she wouldprepare her two small sons and send them to
theprayer. One day, his sons returned back from Taraweeh with tears in
their eyes. Brother Khawaja became concerned and asked why they were
crying. They replied, "Everyone's father goes to Taraweeh but our
father doesn't go." This really touched his heart and he promised his
sons that he will go with them to Taraweeh the next day. It so
happened that there was a speech on that day after listening to which
Brother Khawaja decided to change his life. Since then, he has been
actively participating in many Islamic activities and have built and
supported various Masjids.
Many days of Ramadan hasalready passed by. Let us spend our time
properly toobtain as much as we can from this Ramadan. Be generous in
this month and increase your acts of worship.

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Sincerity of a Six Years Old

There was a little girl (six years old) who was fasting in Ramadhan,
even though it is not obligatory on people below the age of
puberty.She was in school, and at lunch time, when all the other
children went out to eat and have lunch, shesat in the classroom,
because she was fasting. Her (non-muslim) teacher thought that she was
too young to fast, and so said that it was not necessary, and she
could eat a little. The girl still didn't eat. Then the teacher
said:"Your parents are not here, it doesn't matter if you eat a
little". The girl replied: "I am not fasting for my parents, I am
fasting for Allah". This simple statement had such a profound effect
on the teacher, that later she accepted Islam.

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A new Muslim and his mother

The following is a touching story about a new Muslim and his mother.
Before he was a Muslim, he lived with his mother until he was about 18
years old. Then he moved out of his homeand lived in a different place
on his own. During those days, he met some Muslims and became a very
close friend of them. Eventually he himself became a Muslim after
learning about the beautiful religion of Islam from them. He made an
effort every day to learn more and more about Islam. One day, he came
to learn about the benefits of being good to one's parents. He learned
that a person who looks at his parents with the eyes of obedience gets
the reward of one accepted Hajj! (The reward is mentioned in
anauthentic hadith of Sahih Muslim). After knowing this, he decided to
visit hismother whom he did not visit for many years. He bought some
flowers and fruits for her on his way. His mother was very pleased to
see him after so long. He started spending lots of time withhis mother
on a regular basis. During his visits, he would stare at his motherand
tears would roll down from his eyes. The mother noticed this happening
many times and asked him one day the reason why he visits her so much
all of a sudden and why he cries. He told her about how he became a
Muslim and thatthe position of a mother in Islam is very high. He also
told her about the reward he gets for looking at her. But while
looking at her, he cries because the mother is nota Muslim and would
not be able to save herself if she dies in this state. The mother
immediately recognized the beauty of Islam and became a Muslim.

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Imam Bukhari curedfrom blindness

Imam Bukhari, who was one of the greatest compilers of ahadith, became
blind at a young age. He had recourse to many famous and skilled
doctors of his time but their treatments made no difference. His
mother was a pious worshipper and a righteous woman. She cried out for
help in the court of Allah the Almighty, for her child and begged for
the restoration of his eyesight. At last, "the riverof mercy flowed
over her," and Almighty Allah accepted her invocation. One night, she
visited Ibrahim alayhis-salam in adream and was told,"Allah has
restored the sight of your son because of your intense and beautiful
invocations." In the morning, as Imam Bukhari got up from his bed,
glimmers of light reached out into his eyes. That is, his eyesight was
fully restored.
Source: From the biography of Imam Bukhari (ra) located in
thebeginning of Sahih Al Bukhari 9 Volume English Translation.
Additional details were provided by Shaykh al-Hadith Allama Ghulam
Rasul Sa`idi.
Make use of salah and duato solve any problem thateven the best
experts of this world cannot solve. Unfortunately, the Muslims are
turning away from these deeds today when they need them themost. We
pray for Allah togive us the true understading of Islam.

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A Quality to Avoid

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrates that Rasulullah (peace be upon him)
happened to pass by a heap of grain and insertedhis hand into it; his
fingers were moistened by the wet grain. At this, he asked the owner
of thegrain: What is this? The man replied: O Rasulullah!It is due to
rain. Rasulullah (peace be uponhim) said: Why didn't you put the damp
(wet) grain on top of the heap, so people could see it? He who
deceives people doesnot belong to me (my Ummah).
Source: Sahih Muslim.
We should always remember that deception is one of the qualities of
Shaitan. Others may not see us when we are deceiving them but Allah is
there watching us. A true believer knowing that he has to stand in
front of Allah will avoid such activities.

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How a Person Could Change!

The following story was narrated to us by brother Mahmud from Preston,
England. Once, he along with a group of Muslims were visiting a city
for inviting others to Allah. They happened to pass bya group of
youths who were Muslims by birth butbecame gang members. The brothers
didn't give those gang members the negative attitude that others give
while passing by them. Rather, they went and hand-shook with them out
of brotherhood. With love and affection, the brothers invited the
youths to come to the Masjid. Not being familiar with such kindness,
the gang members were surprised and decided to come to the Masjid for
once. These youths were so much away from Islam that they were smoking
in the Masjid and doing a lot of other disrespectful acts. However,
brother Mahmud and others were discussing with them about the
Greatness of Allah with patience and endurance. A time came when the
brothers had to return to their homes andbefore leaving they advised
the gang members to turn towards Allah.
After several years, brother Mahmud was attending a large gathering of
Muslims when suddenly someone called him from the back. There were few
people dressed in sunnah standing behind him. They asked brother
Mahmud if he recognizes them. They told him, �We are those gang
members whom you visited few years back. We decided togo out and learn
more about Islam and eventually changed our lives.�
Dear readers, we should never underestimate certain people because of
the way they are as every individual has the capacity to become a
friend of Allah. It is only Allah who guides; we can only try with
kindness to reach out to their hearts.

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The Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and
four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled,his eyesight was
blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table.
But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made
eating difficult.Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he
grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and
daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. We must do something
about Grandfather," said the son.I've had enough of his spilled milk,
noisy eating, and food on the floor. So the husband and wife set a
small table in the corner.There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest
of thefamily enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or
two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a
tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had
for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four-year-old watchedit all in silence. One evening before supper,
thefather noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He
asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the
boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat
yourfood when I grow up." Thefour-year-old smiled and went back to
work.
The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears
started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both
knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's
hand and gently led him back tothe family table. For the remainder of
his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason,
neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was
dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
Allah mentions in Surah Al Isra 17:23-24
And your Lord has decreedthat you worship none butHim. And that you be
dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age
in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them
but addressthem in terms of honour.
And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy,
and say: "My Lord! Bestowon them Your Mercy as they did bring me up
when I was small."

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The One who did Sajdah to Allah

The following incident was mentioned by brotherAslam Nakhuda during a
lecture that he gave on 24/1/2004. Brother Aslam is an Imam of Jame
Masjid Brampton in Canada.
He said that three years back a group of eight brothers, including
him, set out to Texas, USA for dawah. They spent sometime there to
remindthe residents about the reality of this life. On their way back,
they stopped bya service station beside a highway to perform the
Magrib prayer. One of the brothers gave the Adhan (Call to prayer).
Two Non Muslim men were passing by when the Adhan was being called.
Being curious, they came to the brothers and asked them who they were,
where do they come from and what they were doing. The brothers told
them that they are Muslims who are coming from Toronto, Canada with
the glad tidings of Islam. A scholar, who was with them, discussed
about Islam with the non-Muslim men for 2 or 3 minutes. Then the
brothers prepared to offer the salah. The non Muslims who were
standing by asked what they should be doing now.The brothers told them
to join the prayer and just follow along. The two men decided to join
the prayer. The imam recited Surah Fatiha and another surah after it.
Then he went to Ruku' and both the Non Muslims did the same. When time
for sajdah (prostration on the ground) came, the Non Muslims started
hesitating and didn't know whether they should also prostrate on the
ground as they never did this before. One of them decided not to do so
and he left the prayer. However, the other one just went to sajdah.
After the prayer, this person who agreed to prostrate to Allah was
blessed with iman. He accepted Islam from the brothers.
Dear readers, this is what we have to do. We have tosubmit to the will
of Allah and in return He will bless us with iman. On the otherhand, a
person who is arrogant and decide not tosubmit to the will of Allah
may just be deprived of iman.

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An Orphan's Eid

It was the day of celebration and a day of rejoicing. There was an air
of festivity in the streets ofMadinah. All the people, both young and
old were dressed in their best clothes, especially for this special
day of Eid.
As it was time for early morning Eid prayers everyone made their way
to an open piece of land on the outskirts of the city.The Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh) arrived and led the prayers. After they had finished
they all greeted each other and everyone was walking back home. The
children running and playing in excitement, smiling and laughing,
without a care in the world. As the Prophet (pbuh) walked back home,he
suddenly became aware of a little boy (Zuhair Bin Saghir) sitting by
himself on the side of the path. The little boy was crying and looked
very sad. The Prophet (pbuh) bent down and patted him on the shoulders
and asked 'why are you crying?' 'Please leave me alone' sobbed the
little boy. The boy didn't even see who was talking to him. The
Prophet (pbuh) ran his fingers through the boy's hair and very gently
and kindly asked him again why he was crying. This time the boy said,
'My father was martyred fighting, and now my mother has married again
and my stepfather does not want me to live at home any more. Today is
Eid and everyone is happy.All the children have new clothes and nice
things to eat, but I don't have any clothes except what I am wearing.
I have no food and I don't even have a place to live.'
The Prophet (pbuh) said tohim, 'I know how you feel,I lost both my
mother andfather when I was a little boy.' The boy was surprised to
hear that it was an orphan who was comforting him, and whenhe looked
up to his great surprise it was the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and he
immediately jumped up tohis feet out of love and respect.
The Prophet (pbuh) said tohim 'If I were to become your new father and
Ayesha you new mother, and Fatima your new sister, would that make you
feel better?' 'Oh yes, that would be the best thing in the world!' The
boy started smiling. The Prophet took him home and gave him new
clothes and good food on this beautiful day of Eid. The boy indeed had
a wonderful Eid that day.
We should think of others that are less fortunate than ourselves on
this beautiful day of Eid. Not everyone has such a wonderful day. It
is a day of celebration, but take a moment to stop and thinkof those
who are less fortunate than ourselves.

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