The Best Quality is to Have Trust in Allaah Shaykh ul-Islaam ibn Taymiyyah rahimahullaah

As for the next part of the question, about the most valuable quality
to aim for,then the answer to this is that the best prize is to have
trust in Allaah, reliance upon Him of His sufficiency, and keeping a
good opinion of Him, the latter being that if anyone is anxious
regarding their sustenance then he shouldturn to the shelter of
Allaah, as the Exalted said, from what is narrated by His Prophet,
sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam,
"O My servants, all of you are hungry except for those I have fed, so
seek food of Me and I shall feed you. O My servants, all of you are
naked except for those I have clothed, so seek clothing of Me and I
shall clothe you." [Upon Aboo Dharr, related by Muslim, at-Tirmidhee,
and Ahmad]
In this regard there is also a hadeeth which at-Tirmidhee narrates
from Anas (radiyallaahu `anhu), who said that the Messenger of Allaah
(salalllaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said,
"Each of you should ask forhis needs from Allaah, even if the strap of
your sandal breaks, because if Allaah does not facilitate it, it will
never be possible."
Allaah the Most High says in His Book:
"...But ask Allaah for His bounty..." [4:32]
"And when the prayer is finished, then you may disperse through the
land, and seek the Bounty of Allaah..." [62:10]
Although this aayah is in the context of the congreagational Friday
prayer, its meaning appliesto all the prayers. That is why- and Allaah
knows best - the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam instructed the
person entering the mosque to say,
"AllaahummaftaH lee abwaaba raHmatik" (O Allaah! open the doors of
Your mercy for me)
and when leaving the mosque to say,
"Allaahumma innee as'aluka min faDlik" (O Allaah! I ask of You some of
Your Bounty)
[Muslim, Aboo Daawood, an-Nasaa'ee, ad-Daarimee, ibn Maajah, Ahmad,
Aboo 'Awaanah, Abdur-Razzaaq and al-Baihaqee]
Also the Friend of Allaah (i.e. Ibraaheem, `alayhis salaam) had said,
"...then seek sustenance from Allaah, serve Him, and be grateful to
Him." [29:17]
This is a command, and a command signifies obligation. Therefore, to
seek help from Allaah and to entreat to Him in the matter of
livelihood and others is a fundamental principle. Furthermore, it
isimportant in seeking a livelihood that one should acquire wealth
with generosity of heart and not with greed so that he may be blessed
in it. Neither should he make the wealth the primary aim; rather, he
should regard wealth much as he regards the toilet, which he has need
of but it has no place in his heart, and he only resorts to it when
necessary.
A marfoo` (i.e. report consisting of a chain of narration that goes
back to the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) hadeethwhich is
related by at-Tirmidhee and others states that, "He who begins the
morning with this world as his greatest concern, Allaah disperses his
collected gains and puts its loss in front of him, and only that of
the world comes to him whichis written for him. And he who begins the
morning with the Hereafter as his greatest concern, Allaah gathers for
him his works and creates richness in his heart due to them, and
theworld comes to him subserviently." [Related by at-Tirmidhee with a
da`eefisnaad, but the hadeeth is saheeh due to the supporting
narrations of ibn Maajah, Ibn Hibbaan and Ahmad]
One of the Salaf said, " Eachof you is in need of the world, but you
are in moreneed of your portion in theHereafter. Therefore, if youare
in search of your portion in the Hereafter first and foremost, then
you will achieve your portion of the world in passing, such that it is
taken care of as it comes."
Allaah the Exalted says:
"I have only created jinn and men that they may worship Me. No
sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they should
feed Me.For Allaah is He who gives (all) sustenance, Lord of Power,
Steadfast (forever)." [51:56-58]

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A miracle of the Prophet

Imran bin Husain (RA) narrates that the companions of the Prophet
(SAW) submitted to him their grievence about thirst during a journey.
The Prophet (SAW) got down from his conveyance and ordered Ali (RA)
and another person to go and serch forwater. "So, they went
accordingly. They met a woman possessing two small water-skins
contaning water. They brought her to the Prophet (SAW). The Prophet
(SAW) caused a pot to be brought and poured in it the water of both
the water-skins and asked the companions to drink from it. Imran (RA)
stated: "We, the forty thirsty men drank water from it very well and
we filled all our pots and water-skins with water. I swear by Allah
Almighty that the water-skins (of the woman) seemed to befull with
water than before." Source: Bukhari and Muslim.
Subhan-Allah! Allah is ableto suffice 40 thirsty people plus fill all
their water pots and containersfrom water that wouldn't be enough for
one person.

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Allah is the Most Forgiving

It was narrated that in thedays that Musa (Alahi salaam) wandered with
Bani Israel in the desert an intense drought befell them. Together,
they raised their hands towards the heavens praying for the blessed
rain to come. Then, to the astonishment of Musa (Alahi salaam) and all
those watching, the few scattered clouds that were in the sky
vanished, the heat poured down, and the drought intensified.
It was revealed to Musa that there was a sinner amongst the tribe of
Bani Israel whom had disobeyed Allah (Subhanahu wa ta�ala) formore
than forty years of his life. �Let him separate himself from the
congregation,� Allah (Subhanahu wa ta�ala) told Musa (Alahi salaam).
�Only then shall I shower you all with rain.�
Musa (Alahi salaam) then called out to the throngs of humanity, �There
is a person amongst us who has disobeyed Allah for forty years. Let
him separate himself from the congregation and only then shall we be
rescued from the drought.� That man, waited, looking left and right,
hoping that someone else would step forward, but no one did. Sweat
poured forth from his brow and he knew that he was the one.
The man knew that if he stayed amongst the congregation all would die
of thirst and that if he stepped forward he would be humiliated for
all eternity.
He raised his hands with asincerity he had never known before, with a
humility he had never tasted, and as tears poured down on both cheeks
he said: �O Allah, have mercy on me! O Allah, hide my sins! O Allah,
forgive me!�
As Musa (Alahi salaam) and the people of Bani Israel awaited for the
sinner to step forward, the clouds hugged the skyand the rain poured.
Musa(Alahi salaam) asked Allah(Subhanahu wa ta�ala), �OAllah, you
blessed us with rain even though the sinner did not come forward.� And
Allah (Subhanahu wa ta�ala) replied, �O Musa, it is for the repentance
of that very person that I blessed all of Bani Israel with water.�
Musa (Alahi salaam), wanting to know who this blessed man was, asked,
�Show him to me OAllah!� Allah (Subhanahu wa ta�ala) replied, �O Musa,
I hid his sins for forty years, do you think that after his repentance
Ishall expose him?

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Words of remembrance for morning and evening

The evil & wretched Jinn have no power against theword of Allah...
if you are regular in Dhikr of Allah they cannot harm you!
Make it a habit to recite the Adhkar of morning & evening, Sisters &
Brothersand advise your family to do the same! Stay Protected!

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Animals do see angels and shaitan. When a rooster sees an angel, it starts crowing. However, when a donkey starts braying it is seeing a jinn.

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Questions and Answers on Jinns

Question 1: Who are the jinn?
The jinn are among the creatures that Allah (swt) created. Allah (swt)
created angels, jinn, mankind, animals, plants and others. Jinn have
some qualities like humanbeings. These qualities areintellect,
discrimination, freedom, and the power to choose between right and
wrong, between true and false, as well as between good and bad.
Question 2: When did Allah (swt) create the jinn?
Allah (swt) created the jinn before Adam (pbuh) was created. Both were
created in heaven and lived in paradise. One mayread in Surah Al-Hijr
(The Rocky Tract) [Qur'an, 15:26-27]. However, nothing was mentioned
about the duration of time of the jinn's creation before Adam (pbuh).
Question 3: What are jinn created from?
Jinn are created from fire of hot wind [Qur'an, 15:27]; and from
smokeless fire [Qur'an, 55:15]. They were originally made from fire
and then molded and shaped in the form and shape that Allah (swt)
wanted them to be.
Question 4: Do jinn have bodies?
Yes and no! It depends upon the information thatone has. One group of
scholars believe that jinn do not have bodies of their own. They also
do not inhabit bodies of other creatures. However, they do exist
independently by themselves. Therefore, they do not know how they
exist without bodies:smoke, flame, fire or what?
The other group of scholars do believe that jinn do have bodies
eitherdefinite or subtle. If their bodies are definite then they have
some density; otherwise, if they are subtle, then they are so fine
that our weak eyes cannot see them. One may read Surah Al-A'raf (The
Heights) [Qur'an, 7:27]. Even if they are subtle they should have
weight and density similar to that of the air itself.
Question 5: Do jinn die?
Yes. Jinn do die. As long asthey are creatures createdby Allah (swt),
they should die. They are creatures that marry, produce children, eat,
drink, and die like all other creatures in the universe. One may read
Qur'an Surah Al-Rahman (The Most Merciful) [Qur'an, 55:26-28].
Question 6: Do the jinn feel envy of us?
Yes. There are two types of evil eye: human and the jinn. One has to
read regularly 'A'oozu Billahi Minash-shaitanir Rajeem. Also, by
reading Ayah Al-Kursi and Al-Mu'awwazatain, one will be protected from
theevil eyes of both the jinn and mankind.
Question 7: Are there messengers and prophets from within the community of jinn?
Yes. Allah (swt) has sent prophets and messengers to jinn from within
the jinn community. Also, Allah (swt) sent Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to
mankind, to jinn, and to other creatures. In Surah Al-An'am (The
Cattle), Allah (swt) explains that He sent messengers to men and to
jinn. See Qur'an [6:130].
Question 8: Do jinn have different religions, sects and denominations?
In Surah Al-Jinn (Ch. 72), Allah (swt) informs us thatsome jinn
accepted Islam, while others refused. Those who refused have deviated,
and developed for themselves different methods, different ways of
life, and different religions, sects and denominations.
Question 9: Do jinn marry and have children?
Yes. Jinn do marry and they do have children. Theway they marry is not
known to us yet. We may be able to know the future if Allah (swt)
wantsus to know.
People never knew about microbes, viruses, and the unseen micro
creatures. Now we are able to knowmany things about their life cycles,
their life duration, their methods ofduplication or reproduction:
sexually and asexually. The mere fact that we do not know how the jinn
marry and reproduce does not negate their being married and
reproduced. The Qur'an stipulates in Surah Al-Kahf (18:50) that they
have offsprings. Similarly, the Qur'an states in Surah
Al-Rahman(55:56) that jinn and human beings never touched (married)
the ladies of paradise.
Question 10: Do jinn have animals as pets?
Yes. Jinn do have animals or beasts of their own. The Prophet (pbuh)
mentioned that every piece of dung is fodder forthe beasts of the
jinn. However, we do not know what type of beaststhe jinn have. The
same thing is to be said as to the varieties of beasts, their number,
their shape,their size, their weight and so on.
Question 11: Do jinn have homes of their own?
Yes. The jinn do have homes. They live all over the planet earth.
However, there are specialplaces that one may find them in abundance
and on a regular basis. These are deserts, ruins, places of impurities
such as dunghills, bathrooms and graveyards. They live in houses of
human beings too. For those who enter their houses mentioning the name
of Allah (swt), the jinn cannot have a place to stay overnight in that
house. If the people of the house mention the name of Allah (swt)
before eating, then the shaitan will not be able toeat with them.

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Should he delay the ‘aqeeqah of his child until he comes back from his travels, or should he appoint someone to slaughter the ‘aqeeqah on his behalf?

I live in France, and my wife is going to leave to Syria to give birth
there. I read on your website about the rulings on the newborn and the
'aqeeqah, but I want to ask you: is it permissible to delay the
'aqeeqah until I go to Syria in a few months time, in sha Allah, or
does it have to be doneafter the birth? Do I have to do appoint
someone tobuy it, slaughter it and distribute it on my behalf?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
The 'aqeeqah is Sunnah and mustahabb; it is not obligatory at all, so
there is no sin on the one who does not do it, or the one who delays
it and does not do it at the time that is mustahabb, although he
misses out on the virtue and reward of that. (He may delay it) until
he is able to do it, or he may omit it.
See the answer to question no. 38197
Secondly:
The Sunnah with regard to the 'aqeeqah is to do it on the seventh day,
and delaying it until after that is contrary to the Sunnah, because
the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "Every
child is in pledge for his 'aqeeqah which should be sacrificed for him
on the seventh day, and his head should be shaved and he should be
given a name."
Narrated by Abu Dawood(2838); classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani
in Saheeh Abi Dawood.
Al-Layth ibn Sa'd said: The'aqeeqah should be offered for the newborn
on the seventh day; if they are not able to offer the 'aqeeqah on the
seventh day, there is nothing wrong with themdoing so afterwards. It
is not obligatory to offer the'aqeeqah for him after seven days.
End quote from Tuhfat al-Mawdood, p. 63
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
If it is slaughtered on his behalf on the fourth or eighth or tenth
day, or after that, it is acceptable.
End quote from Tuhfat al-Mawdood, p. 63
The Scholars of the Standing Committee said:
The 'aqeeqah is a Sunnah mu'akkadah (confirmed Sunnah), two sheep on
behalf of a boy, each of which should be acceptable as an udhiyah, and
one sheep on behalf of a girl. It should be slaughtered on the seventh
day, and if it is delayed until after the seventh day it is
permissible to slaughter itat any time. There is no sin in delaying
it, although it is preferable to do it sooner if possible.
End quote from Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa'imah, 11/439
Thirdly:
There is nothing to say that the 'aqeeqah should not be delayed if
there is a reason to delay it or if doing so will achieve a better
purpose, and so on.
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan (may Allah preserve him) was asked:
If I am in my city and Allah blessed me with a baby boy or girl, but I
willnot be able to go back to my husband in the other city where he
lives until after a month or more, doI have to do the 'aqeeqah on the
seventh or fourteenth or twenty-firstday as mentioned in the hadeeth
of 'Aa'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), or is it permissible for
me to delay it until I go back to my husband and do it when I am with
him?
He replied:
There is nothing to say that slaughtering of the 'aqeeqah cannot be
delayed until a time that is more suitable and easier for the parents
or for one of them. Rather slaughtering it on the seventh or
twenty-first day is recommended if that is possible. But if it is not
possible then there is nothing wrong with delaying it until another
time, according to what they are able to do. It should be noted that
slaughtering the 'aqeeqahshould be done by the father of the child and
it isone of the rights that the child has over his father.
End quote from al-Muntaqa min Fataawa al-Fawzaan, 84/5
Fourthly:
If you are able to appoint someone among your family or acquaintances
toslaughter the 'aqeeqah ontime, this is better and is preferable to
delaying it until the time of your arrival.
But if that is too difficult for you or you do not have enough money
to do that, or you do not have anyone who can do that on your behalf,
then as stated above there is nothing wrong with delaying it,
especially if there is a reason preventing you from slaughtering it on
time.

And Allah knows best.

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Jinn's reckoning on the Day of Resurrection

The jinn will be called to account on the day of Resurrection.
Mujaahid (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, concerning the aayah
(interpretation of the meaning): "...but the jinns know well that they
have indeed to appear (before Him) (i.e., they will be brought to
account)" [al-Saffaat 37:158]: "They will be brought to judgement."
Saheeh al-Bukhaari, Baab Dhikr al-Jinn wa Thawaabihim wa 'Iqaabihim.

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A boy with strong belief

Shaykh Fath al-Mowsily relates, once I saw a young boy walking through
the jungle. It appeared as if he was uttering some words. I greeted
him with Salaam and he replied accordingly. I inquired,"Where are you
going?" He retorted, "To the houseof Allah (Makkah)." I further asked,
"What are you reciting?" "The Qur'an" he replied. I remarked, "You are
at a tender age, it is not an obligation that you are required to
fulfill." He said, "I have witnessed death approach people younger
than me and therefore would like to prepare if death was to knock on
my door." I astoundingly commented,"Your steps are small and your
destination far." He responded, "My duty is to take the step and it
remains the responsibilityof Allah to take me to my destination." I
continued to ask, "Where is your provision and conveyance(means of
transport)." He replied "My Yaqeen (belief) is my provision and my
feet are my conveyance." I explained,"I am asking you regarding bread
and water." He replied "Oh Shaykh if someone invitedyou to his house,
would itbe appropriate to take your own food?" I exclaimed,
"No!""Similarly, My Lord has invited His servant to His house, it is
only the weakness of your Yaqeen that makes us carry provisions.
Despite this, do you think Allah will let me go to waste?" "Never"I
replied. He then left. Sometime later I saw him in Makkah. He
approachedme and inquired, "Oh Shaykh are you still of weak belief?"

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The First Muslim Jinns

Allaah tells us that some of the jinn said (interpretation of the meaning):
" 'And some of us are Muslims, and of us some are al-qaasitoon
(disbelievers - those who have deviated from the Right Path). And
whosoever has embraced Islam, then such have sought the Right Path.
And as for the qaasitoon, they shall be firewood for Hell.'" [al-Jinn
72:14-15]
The Muslims among the jinn are of different levels as regards
righteousness and taqwa. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"[Some jinn said:] 'There are among us some that are righteous, and
some the contrary; we are groups, each having a different way
(religious sects, etc.)'" [al-Jinn 72:11]
The story of how the first jinns of this ummah became Muslims was
narrated by 'Abd-Allaah ibn 'Abbaas, who said:"The Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) went out with a group of his
Companions heading for the marketplace of 'Ukaaz.This was when the
shayaateen were prevented from getting any news from heaven, and
shooting stars had been sent against them. The shayaateen went back to
their people, who said, 'What is the matter with you?' They said, 'We
cannot get news from heaven, and shooting stars were sent against us.'
Their people said, 'Nothing is stopping you from hearing news from
heaven except some new event that must have happened. Go and look in
the east and the west of the earth, and see if you can find out what
it is that is stopping you from hearing news from heaven.' Those who
went out in the direction of Tihaamah came upon the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) in Nakhlah, when he was on his way to
'Ukaaz, and found him leading his Companions inFajr prayer. When they
heard the Qur'aan, they listened to it and said, 'By Allaah, this is
what is stopping us from hearing news from heaven.' Whenthey went back
to their people, they said, 'O our people, we have heard a wonderful
Recital (the Qur'aan). It guides to the Right Path, and we have
believed therein, and we shall never join (in worship) anything with
our Lord (Allaah). [al-Jinn 72:2 - interpretation of the meaning].
Then Allaahrevealed to His Prophet peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) the words (interpretation of the meaning): "Say (O
Muhammad): 'It has been revealed to me that a group of jinns listened
(to this Qur'aan)...' [al-Jinn 72:1], and Allaah revealedto him what
the jinn had said." (reported by al-Bukhaari, 731).

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From a new believer

Today, we had the opportunity to talk with abrother who turned towards
Allah just 13 daysago. He was saying that: Look at a car. After few
years of driving you have to change the tires. But look at your feet,
all your life you walk with them but don't need to keep changing them.
Then lookat the joints of machines. If they are not regularly
lubricated using chemicals, then you will hear annoying scratching
sounds coming out of them. But look your jointsin the body, we never
lubricate them yet they function perfectly withoutmaking any
scratching sounds. These are indeed the signs of Allah.
"Lo! In the creation of the heavens and the earth and (in) the
difference of night and day are signs (of His Sovereignty) for men of
understanding..." Surah Al Imran verse 190.

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The last touch

The Holy Prophet (SAW) was sitting in the row of his Sahabah on the
day of the battle of Badr. He had an arrow without point inhis hand.
Suwaid bin Ghazia (RA) was a little forward from the row. He (SAW)
pushed his belly gently with this stick asking him to stay erect. He
said "O Prophet of Allah! You have caused pain to me although Allahhas
sent you for establishing truth and justice. Hence let me take my
revenge." Thereupon, he (SAW) raised his clothe from his body and
asked him to take his revenge. Now Suwaid (RA) hugged him and kissed
his belly."What made you to do so O Suwaid!" he (SAW) inquired. He
submitted"You see what is lying before us. I thought to have the last
meeting with you in a state that my skin get in touch with that of
yours." Hearing this, he (SAW) prayed for his welfare. Source:
Transmitted by Ibn Is'haque from Hib'ban.
The companions of the Prophet loved him (SAW) more than anyone else.
Even at the last moment, they wish to be in touch with Rasulullah
(SAW) rather than their family members. Indeed, we will be raised with
those whom we love.

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The mysterious visitor

The following story was told by a brother which shows the condition of
most of our worship. The incident took place in South Asia. A man was
offering salah in his house. He was praying as fast as he could as
many of us do. All of a sudden, he heard the door behind him open.
Since, someoneentered the room, he started making his ruku and sujud
longer. Upon completion of the salah, he looked back to see who it
was. To his amazement, it was a dog!
Today, we are ready to perfect our salah for a dog. But for the
Creator, we rarely lengthen our qiyam, ruku and prostration.

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Face or Feet?

Once a Muslim scholar was flying to a country with an airplane. When
the time for salah came, he went to the bathroom to make wudhu
(ablution). Since, the bathrooms in airplanes are very small, he had
to open the door to lift up his foot to the sink. An air hostess came
to him and told him not to wash his feet in the sink because they are
dirty. The scholarcalmly asked the hostess"How many times do you wash
your face?" The hostess replied "Usually once or twice." Then the
scholar replied "I wash my feet five times a day for prayers.
Therefore, my feet are cleaner than your face."
The purpose of this story is not to get a good laugh.However, it
teaches us how regular we should beabout prayers.

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Giving it away

Uqbah (RA) has narrated that he offered his 'Asr' salah with
Rasulullah (SAW). At the end of salah Rasulullah (SAW) hastily got up
and, stepping over the shoulders of the people, went to the houses of
one of his wives. People, not knowing what the necessity was, were
perplexed over his haste. On his return he perceivedthe people's
anxiety and explained that he had suddenly remembered leaving behind a
piece of gold in the house and he was afraid (lest his death should
take place while he owned a piece of gold; which would become
objectionable for him on the Day of Judgement). So, he had hurried
home to tell them to distribute it immediately. Source: Bukhari and
Mishkaat.

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Statistics About Domestic Abuse

DID YOU KNOW THAT:
Approximately 95% of the victims of domestic violence are women.
(Department of Justice figures)
Every 9 seconds in the United States a woman is assaulted and beaten.
4,000,000 women a year are assaulted by their partners.
In the United States, a woman is more likely to be assaulted, injured,
raped, or killed by a male partner than by any other type of
assailant.
Every day, 4 women are murdered by boyfriends orhusbands.
Prison terms for killing husbands are twice as longas for killing wives.
93% of women who killed their mates had been battered by them. 67%
killed them to protect themselves and their children at the moment of
murder.
25% of all crime is wife assault.
70% of men who batter their partners either sexually or physically
abuse their children.
Domestic violence is the number one cause of emergency room visits by women.
73% of the battered women seeking emergency medical services have
already separated from the abuser.
Women are most likely to be killed when attemptingto leave the abuser.
In fact,they're at a 75% higher risk than those who stay.
The number-one cause of women's injuries is abuse at home. This abuse
happens more often than car accidents, mugging, and rape combined .
Up to 37% of all women experience battering. This is an estimated
566,000 women in Minnesota alone.
Battering often occurs during pregnancy. One study found that 37% of
pregnant women, across all class, race, and educational lines, were
physically abused during pregnancy.
60% of all battered women are beaten while they are pregnant.
34% of the female homicide victims over age 15 are killed by their
husbands, ex-husbands, or boyfriends.
2/3 of all marriages will experience domestic violence at least once.
Weapons are used in 30% of domestic violence incidents.
Approximately 1,155,600 adult American women have been victims of one
or more forcible rapes by their husbands.
Over 90% of murder-suicides involving couples are perpetrated by the
man. 19-26% of male spouse-murderers committed suicide.
When only spouse abuse was considered, divorced or separated men
committed 79% of the assaults and husbands committed 21%.
Abusive husbands and lovers harass 74% of employed battered women at
work, either in person or over the telephone, causing 20% tolose their
jobs.
Physical violence in dating relationships ranges from 20-35%.
It is estimated that between 20% to 52% of high school and college age
dating couples have engaged in physical abuse.
More than 50% of child abductions result from domestic violence.
Injuries that battered women receive are at leastas serious as
injuries suffered in 90% of violent felony crimes.
In 1991, only 17 states kept data on reported domestic violence
offenses. These reports were limited to murder, rape, robbery, and
serious bodily injury.
More than half of battered women stay with their batterer because they
do not feel that they can support themselves and their children alone.
In homes where domestic violence occurs, children are abused at a rate
1,500% higher than the national average.
Up to 64% of hospitalized female psychiatric patientshave histories of
being physically abused as adults.
50% of the homeless women and children in theU.S. are fleeing abuse.
The amount spent to shelter animals is three times the amount spent
toprovide emergency shelterto women from domestic abuse situations.
Family violence kills as many women every 5 years as the total number
of Americans who died in the Vietnam War.

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The dwelling-places of the jinn

The jinn live on this earth where we do. They are mostly to be found
in ruins and unclean places like bathrooms, dunghills, garbage dumps
and graveyards. Hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) taught us to take precautions when entering such places, by
reciting the adhkaar (prayers) prescribed by Islam. One of these was
reported by Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him), who
said: "When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) entered the toilet, he would say, 'Allaahumma innee a'oodhu
bika min al-khubuthi wa'l-khabaa'ith (O Allaah, I seek refuge with You
from the evil ones, male and female).'" (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 142;
and Muslim, 375).
Al-Khattaabi explained that khubuth is the plural of khabeeth (evil or
dirty -masculine form), and khabaa'ith is the plural of khabeethah
(evil or dirty -feminine form), and that what is meant is male
andfemale shayaateen.

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Recitation of the Quran During Menses and Post Natal Bleeding

First of all, the Shariah deals with the sexually defiled men/women
and menstruating women in very different matters and ways. There are
lots of differences between them:
*. The sexually defiled man/woman can at any time he/she wishes remove
that state. He/she can make ghusl and if there is no water then they
can perform tayammum.
*. Menstruating woman can not do such a thing, she is in that state
for as long as Allah (SWT) wills, until her period comes to an end.
Recitation of the Quran by menstruating and post-partum bleeding women
has been made permissible by the Malikis, Shafis, Hanbalis, Abu
Hanifa, and a number of other scholars. Their proof being:
*. Hadith of Bukhari and Muslim concerning the Eid prayer. Narrated
Umm 'Atiya (RA):
*. "I heard Allah's Messenger (SAW) saying that the unmarried virgins
and the mature girls and the menstruating women should come out and
participate in the good deeds as well as invocations of faithful
believers but the menstruating women should keep away from the
Musallah - praying place [Salat (prayers)]. Someone asked (Umm
'Atiya)(surprisingly), "Do you say the menstruating women?" She
replied, "Doesn't a menstruating woman attend 'Arafat (Hajj) and such
and such(other deeds)?"
*. Takbeer is a type of remembrance of Allah (SWT) and supplication is
not any different from dhikr
*. Hadith of Bukhari regarding Aisha (RA) when she got her menses on
the way to Mecca.
Narrated 'Aisha (RA):
"We set out with the sole intention of performing Hajj and when we
reached Sarif, (11 kms. from Makka, I got my menses. Allah's
Messenger (SAW) came to me while I was weeping. He said "What is the
matter with you? Have you got your menses? I replied, "Yes." He said,
"This is a thing Allah (SWT) has ordained for the daughters of Adam.So
do what all the pilgrimsdo with the exception of Tawaf
(Circumambulation) round the Ka'bah." 'Aisha (RA), added, "Allah's
Messenger (SAW) sacrificed cows on behalf of his wives."
Pilgrims make dhikr and read Quran. There was no objection from the
Prophet (SAW) and he (SAW) actually "told" Aisha(RA) to do so.
Another reason being hardship. A woman might forget what she memorized.
So therefore if there is no text forbidding such an act, one cannot
conclude that the act is not allowable. The burden of proof is on
those who claim that such women cannot recite the Quran, and they
offer no clear or direct proof.
There is no harm whatsoever in a menstruating woman or post-partum
bleeding woman reciting the Quran from their memory without actually
touching the Quran.
Touching the Quran During the Menstruation and Post-Partum Bleeding
The most often quoted evidences, is an Ayat from the Quran:
".... None can touch but those who are pure..." (Al-Waqi'a 56:79)
A common mistake, is people taking verses and applying it to a
particular Fiqh (point). Yet when you study the verse in more detail
you will find, in fact, it is not related to the point whatsoever.
"That (this) is indeed an honourable recital (the Noble Quran). In a
Book well-guarded (with Allah in the heaven i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz).
Which (that Book with Allah) none can touch but those who are pure
from sins (i.e. the angels). A Revelation (this Quran) from the Lord
of the Alamin (mankind, jinns, and all that exists). (Al-Waqi'a
56:77-80).
Put into context this A yat refers to "…a Book well-guarded," and this
means a Book with Allah (SWT). It is not talking about the physical
Quran we have in our presence here on earth..
Ibn Abbas (RA) and others, along with the early scholars, agree that
this verse is not talking about the Quran that we have in our hands. A
Book well-guarded refers to something that is hidden (Maknoon) . It is
not referring to the Quran we have in our presence here on earth.
Early scholars all agree to this conclusion.
"...In a Book well-guarded (with Allah in the heaven i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz).
According to the Tafsir of Tabari and Ibn Kathir and also according
to Jamal al-deen al-Qasami, this Ayat is not in reference to humans
having to be free from impurities.
" Which (that Book with Allah) none can touch but those who are pure
from sins (i.e. the angels)."
This verse in reference to the Angels and not mankind. In a Hadith
narrated by Abu Hurayrah (RA), the Prophet (SAW) states, "a believer
never becomes impure."
"The Prophet (SAW) came across me in one of the streets of Medina and
at that time I was in a state of Janaba. So I slipped away from him
and went to take a bath.

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Fragrance from a grave

A group of learned scholars were travelling through some villages of
Pakistan. They reached a particular village where some people came up
to them and requested themto visit a grave yard. Uponreaching the
graveyard, they smelt a beautiful fragrance coming out from one of the
newly dug graves. The villagers asked the scholars if they knew why
this smell is eminating from that particular grave. The scholars
decided to meet some family members of that person who died to find
out what he used to do. After meeting them, they discovered that the
man didn't know how to read the Quran. However, after every Fajr
salah, he would sit with the Quran and put his fingers on verses and
say "My Lord has spoken the truth here.My Lord has spoken the truth
here." Then the scholars concluded that the beautiful fragrance is
coming out because of this deed of that man. Source: This story was
narrated to me by Shaikh Mahmud Abdi from Yemen who personally knows
one of the scholarswho were travelling.
May Allah also give us the ability to read and love the Holy Quran. Ameen.

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Giving it away

Uqbah (RA) has narrated that he offered his 'Asr' salah with
Rasulullah (SAW). At the end of salah Rasulullah (SAW) hastily got up
and, stepping over the shoulders of the people, went to the houses of
one of his wives. People, not knowing what the necessity was, were
perplexed over his haste. On his return he perceivedthe people's
anxiety and explained that he had suddenly remembered leaving behind a
piece of gold in the house and he was afraid (lest his death should
take place while he owned a piece of gold; which would become
objectionable for him on the Day of Judgement). So, he had hurried
home to tell them to distribute it immediately. Source: Bukhari and
Mishkaat.

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The light of guidance

I was coming back from a long journey, and Allaah decreed that my seat
in the airplane should be beside a group of carefreeyoung men whose
loud laughter and voices were too much, and the air wasfilled with
clouds of smoke from their cigarettes. By the wisdom of Allaah, the
plane was completely full and I could not change my seat.
I tried to escape from the problem by sleeping, but it was impossible�
When Igot fed up of their noise, Itook out my Mus-haf (copy of the
Qur�aan), andstarted to read what I could of the Qur�aan in a soft
voice. Soon after that these young men started to quieten down. Some
ofthem started to read newspapers, and some of them fell asleep.
Suddenly one of them said in a loud voice, even though he was sitting
right next to me, �Enough! Enough!�
I thought that I had disturbed him because myvoice was too loud, so I
apologized to him and carried on reading in a whisper that only I
could hear. I saw him holding his head in his hands, then fidgeting in
his seat, moving a lot. Then he raised his head and said to me
angrily, �Please, stop it, I can�t stand it!!�
Then he got up from his seat and went away for a while, then he came
back, greeted me with salaams, and apologized. He fell silent, and I
did not know what was going on. But after a while he turned to me with
his eyes full of tears and said to me in a whisper, �For three years
or more I have not put my forehead on the ground, and I have not read
even one aayah!
For a whole month I have been on this trip, and there is no evil
action thatI did not indulge in. Then Isaw you reading Qur�aan, and my
world turned black and my heart was filled with despair. I felt asif
someone was stranglingme� I felt every aayah that you read coming down
on my body like a whip .
I said to myself, for how long will this negligence go on? Where will
this path lead you? What will happen after all this foolish play? Then
I went to the washroom, do you know why?
I had the strong urge to weep, and I could not findanywhere else to
hide from the people�s sight!�
I spoke to him in general terms about tawbah (repentance) and turning
back to Allaah, then he fellsilent.
When the plane landed, he stopped me, and it seemed that he wanted to
keep away from his companions. He asked me,with a serious expression
on his face, �Do you think that Allaah will accept my repentance?� I
said, �If you are sincere and serious in your repentance, then Allaah
will forgive all your sins.�
He said, �But I have done terrible things, very terrible.�
I said, �Have you not heard what Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
�Say: O �Ibaadi (My slaves)who have transgressed against themselves
(by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of
Allaah, verily,Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft Forgiving,
Most Merciful� [al-Zumar 39:53]?�
I saw him smiling with joy, with his eyes filled with tears, then he
bade me farewell and left. Subhaan Allaah al-�Azeem!
No matter how great a man's evil and sin, in his heart there is a seed
of goodness. If only we can reach it and make it grow,it will bear
fruit, in sha Allaah.
This seed of goodness is always fighting in man's heart, even when it
is covered by layers of whims and desires. When Allaah wills good for
His slave, He causes the light of guidance to shine in hisheart and
guides him to the path of those who areguided. Allaah says
(interpretation of the meaning):
�And whomsoever Allaah wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islam;
and whomsoever He wills to send astray, He makes his breast closed and
constricted, as if he is climbing up to the sky� [al-An�aam 6:125]
Ahmad ibn �Abd al-Rahmaan al-Swiyaan
From al-Bayaan magazine, issue # 152, Rabee� al-Aakhir 1421, pp. 66-67

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Toilets of Satan

In a Masjid of France, a Shaikh turned to see only a few people who
were present for Fajr Salah. Then he gave a short talk to remind them
to be dutiful to their Lord. When talking about the current condition
of the Muslim Ummah, he broke into tears and said the following words:
The Muslims have become the toilets of Satan. Someone from the
gathering asked the Shaikh to explain what he has just said. Then the
Shaikh narrated the following hadith fromBukhari that the Prophet
(peace be upon him) was asked about a man who sleeps until the morning
comes, that is, after the time of the dawn prayer. He said, "That is a
man whom Satan has urinated into his two ears."

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The food and drink of the Jinn

The jinn eat and drink. IbnMas'ood said: "The Messenger of Allaah
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: 'Someone from among
the jinn called me, and I went with him and recited Qur'aan for them.'
He took us and showed usthe traces of where they had been and the
traces of their fires. They asked him for food and he said, 'You can
have every bone on which the name of Allaah has been mentioned that
comes into your possession, as meat, and all the droppings as food for
your animals.' The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said, 'So do notuse [these things] for cleaning yourselves [after
relieving oneself], for theyare the food and provision of your
brothers.'" (Reported by Muslim, 450).
According to another report: "A delegation of jinn from Naseebeen came
to me, and what good jinn they are! They asked me for food and I
prayed to Allaah for them,so that they would not pass by bones or
droppings, but they would find food on them." (Reported by
al-Bukhaari, 3571). The believing jinn may eat any bone on which the
name of Allaah has been mentioned, because the Messenger (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not permit them to have anything
onwhich Allaah's name has not been mentioned - those are for the
kuffaar among the jinn.

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Friends, visite this Page & Press 'like' |tnx
http://www.facebook.com/mNajimudeenBscIndia- - - - - - -

Jinn's Powers

Allaah has given the jinn powers that he has not given to humans.
Allaah has told us about some oftheir powers, such as the ability to
move and travelquickly. An 'ifreet from among the jinn guaranteed to
the Prophet Sulaymaan (peace be upon him) that he would bring the
throne of the Queen of Yemen to Jerusalem in a moment faster than that
needed for a man to get up from where he was sitting. Allaah says
(interpretation of the meaning):
"An 'ifreet (strong one) from the jinns said: 'I will bring it [her
throne] to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily,
I am indeed strong,and trustworthy for such work.' One with whom was
knowledge of the Scripture said: 'I will bringit to you within the
twinkling of an eye!' - then when Sulaymaan saw it placed before him,
he said, 'This is by the Grace of my Lord...'" [al-Naml 27:39-40].

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We all have a Jinn Companion

Every individual among the sons of Aadam has a jinn who has been
appointed to be his constant companion (qareen). Ibn Mas'ood said:
"The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said, 'There is not one of you who does not have a jinn appointed to
be his constant companion.' They said, 'And you too, O Messengerof
Allaah?' He said, 'Me too, but Allaah has helpedme and he has
submitted,so that he only helps me to do good.'" (Reported by Muslim,
2814). Al-Nawawi said in his commentary on Muslim (17/175): "'He has
submitted' ... he became abelieving Muslim. This is the apparent
meaning. Al-Qaadi said: Know that the ummah is agreed upon the fact
that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was
protected from Shaytaan, physically and mentally, and with regard to
his speech. This hadeeth contains a reference to the warning against
the fitnah (temptation, trial) and whispers of the qareen (constant
companion from among the jinn). We know that he is with us sowe should
beware of him as much as possible."

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Types of Jinns

Allaah has created different types of jinn. Among them are some who
can take on different forms, such as dogs and snakes; some who are
likeflying winds with wings; and some who can travel and rest. Abu
Tha'labah al-Khushani said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: 'The jinn are of three types: a
types that has wings, and they fly through the air; a type that looks
like snakes and dogs; and a type that stops for a rest then resumes
its journey."
(Reported by al-Tahhaawiin Mushkil al-Athaar, 4/95,and by al-Tabaraani
in al-Kabeer, 22/214. Shaykhal-Albaani said in al-Mishkaat (2/1206,
no. 4148): al-Tahhaawi and Abu'l-Shaykh reported it with a saheeh
isnaad).

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Do Jinns Exist?

The Qur'aan and Sunnah indicate that the jinn exist, and that there is
a purpose for their existence in this life, which is to worship
AllaahAlone, with no partner or associate. Allaah says (interpretation
of the meanings):
"And I (Allaah) created notthe jinns and humans, except they should
worship Me (Alone)." [al-Dhaariyaat 51:56].
"O assembly of jinns and mankind! Did there not come to you Messengers
from amongst you, reciting unto you My Verses...?" [al-An'aam 6:130]
The world of the jinn is anindependent and separateworld, with its own
distinct nature and features that are hidden from the world of humans.
Jinns and humans have some thingsin common, such as the possession of
understanding and the choice between the way of good and the way of
evil. The word jinn comes from an Arabic root meaning "hidden from
sight". Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"...Verily he [Shaytaan] and his qabeeluhu [his soldiers from the jinn
or his tribe] see you from where you cannot see them..." [al-A'raaf
7:27]
Allaah has told us in His Book the essence from which the jinn were
created. He says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And the jinn, We created aforetime from the smokeless flame o fire."
[al-Hijr 15:27]
"And the jinns did He create from a smokeless flame of fire."
[al-Rahmaan 55:15].
According to a hadeeth narrated by 'Aa'ishah, the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "The angels were created from
light, the jinn were created from fire, and Aadam was created from
that which has been described to you." (Reported by Muslim, 5314).

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Fwd : Assalamu Alaikum - - 11.jul.wed

--- On Wednesday, July 11, 2012 7:27 AM, Editor - M.Najimudeen.Bsc <aydnajimudeen@gmail.com> wrote:

It's not easy to be strong when you are weak.
It's not easy to be patient when you are restless.
It's not easy to be happy when you are depressed.
But it's not hard to lift up your hands in supplication to Allah and
enliven your heart with HIS Remembrance!!
O ALLAH protect this ummah. Aameen.

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a story

"Without asking a single question, my father opens the door and to my
surprise, he wraps his armsaround my shoulders. The old clock starts
ringing its alarm. It startles him, brings him to a halt for a
minute-—but then, with great relief, he kisses me; which makes me
mumble, Were you waiting up for me? Really? Oh. Sorry, dad.I guess I
was lost."

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Story of an idolator

Abdul Wahid b. Zaid (mercy be upon him) whobelonged to a lineage of
saints said, "We were once sailing in a boat. A gush of wind blew away
our boat to an island where we saw a man busy adoring an idol. We
asked him what he was worshipping. He pointed towards the idol. We
said to him that this idol was made with his own hands.How could he
worship it? The God whom we worship creates all such things Himself,
and so deserves to be worshipped, alone." He then asked us, who do you
worship? We told him, "We worship the Great God (Allah) who lives in
the highest heaven. He alone controls the heavens and the earth. All
other creatures whether human or animaldepend on Him for their
sustenance." He further asked how we came to know about this Glorious
God. We replied, "He sent His final Messenger (Peacebe Upon him) to
the whole of mankind to teach them about His Greatness." He proceeded
to enquire "Let me know of the place where this Prophet of God is?" We
replied, "After the Prophethad completed his mission by conveying the
message of God he died and returned to his Lord". He continued to ask,
"Did this Messenger of God leave behind a thing for your guidance?" We
explained, "Yes, he left behind a Book (the Qur'an), which was
revealed by God. He askedto see the book. We offered him the Holy
Qur'an. He told us he was unable to read and so we recited a few
verses for him instead. During the course of its recital he repeatedly
wept until we stopped. He finally asserted, "This can only befrom
Allah, the Most High", and immediately confirmed his Faith in Allah
and His Messenger. We informed him about the duties of Islam and also
explained some verses of the Holy Qur'an.
After the late night prayerwe went to bed and the man continued to ask
questions. "Does Allah sleep at night? he wondered aloud as we
laycomfortably in our beds."Our Exalted God is Everliving and
Everlasting.He does not sleep or rest!"we exclaimed. On hearing this
he cried, "What disobedient slaves you are! Your Lord keeps awake,
whereas you sleep!" We were dumbstruck by his remark.
When we were about to return from this island, hebegged us to take him
with us to allow him to learn more. We agreed. On reaching the city of
'Aabadan, says Abdul Wahid, I said to my companions, "This man is our
brother, therefore we should provide him with some livelihood". Some
dirhams were offered to him but he refused to accept them and
exclaimed, "What is this?"We replied, "These are some dirhams for your
expenditure." He said, "It is enough that you have shown me the right
path. I was upon error and Allah guided me. I did not even worship him
yet He neither destroyed nor killed me. I am so gratefulto Him and
you.
After a few days, we weretold that he was about to breathe his last.
We went to see him and asked him if there was any need of his to be
satisfied. He said no and that he was happywith all that he had gained
from Allah. Abdul Wahid said, "I was all of a sudden, overcome by
sleep and hence slept there. While sleeping, I saw a very fertile
garden wherein was a very fine vault; a throne occupied by a very
beautiful girl, a beauty that I had never seen before. She said to me,
'By Allah, I returned him to His Lord quickly', By seeing her in such
a state I became very anxious. He added, ''WhenI woke up, the man had
passed away. We managed to bury him immediately.'' Again at night,
said Abdul Wahid; ''I witnessed the same garden, the same vault and
the same girl sitting besides the man who had died. She was reciting
the following Qur'anic verse, the translation of which is''And the
Angels visit them from each door and send them their compliments, glad
tidings for peace and safety against each kind of misfortune. All this
is the fruit of your contentment (and steadfastness for the religion
of Islam). There is therefore a good reward for you in the
Hereafter.''
This story of the idolator shows the Greatness of Allah and His Mercy
towards the man who previously worshipped idols. He sent the people to
the island as a means to guide the idolator and thus rewarded him a
magnificent reward in thehereafter.
''O Master of the world ! Whom Thou giveth to, nobody can withhold and
whom Thou giveth not, no one can confer upon him.''

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Commentary on the verse in which Allaah says: “Verily, Allaah will not change the (good) condition of a people aslong as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves (by committing sins andby being ungrateful anddisobedient to Allaah)” [al

Commentary on the verse in which Allaah says: "Verily, Allaah will not
change the (good) condition of a people aslong as they do not change
their state (of goodness) themselves (by committing sins andby being
ungrateful anddisobedient to Allaah)" [al-Ra'd 13:11]
-
What is the meaning of the words of Allaah, may He be blessed and
exalted, in Soorat al-Ra'd (interpretation of the meaning): "Verily,
Allaah will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as
they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves (bycommitting
sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allaah)" [al-Ra'd
13:11]?.
Praise be to Allaah.
This is an important verse which indicates that Allaah, may He be
blessed and exalted, in His perfect justice and wisdom does not change
the condition of the people from good to bad or from bad to good, from
ease to hardship or from hardshipto ease, unless they change their
condition themselves. So if they are in a state of righteousnessand
goodness and they change, Allaah will changethings for them with
punishment, calamities, hardship, drought, famine,disunity and other
kinds of punishments as appropriate requital. Allaah says
(interpretationof the meaning): "And your Lord is not at all unjust to
(His) slaves" [Fussilat 41:46].
Or He may give them respite and give them time so that they might
truen to the right path, but if they do not then they will be seized
unexpectedly, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): "So, when
they forgot (the warning) with which they had been reminded, We opened
for them the gates of every (pleasant) thing, until in the midst of
their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We
took them (inpunishment), and lo! Theywere plunged into destruction
with deep regrets and sorrows" [al-An'aam 6:44]., meaning despairing
of all goodness -- we seek refuge in Allaah from the punishment and
wrath of Allaah. Or they may be given respite until the Dayof
Resurrection, when their punishment will be more severe, as Allaah
says (interpretation of themeaning):
"Consider not that Allaah is unaware of that which the Zâlimûn
(polytheists, wrongdoers) do, but He gives them respite up to aDay
when the eyes will stare in horror"[Ibraaheem 14:42], meaning that
they are given respite until after death, and that will be a greater
and more severe punishment.
Or they may be in a state of evil and sin, then they repent to Allaah
and turn back to Him, and they regret their sins and adhere to
obedience, so Allaah changes their state of wretchedness, hardshipand
poverty to ease, unityand righteousness because of their good deeds
and their repentance to Allaah, mayHe be glorified and exalted. It
says in another verse (interpretation of the meaning): "That is so
because Allaah will never change a grace which He has bestowed on a
peopleuntil they change what is in their ownselves" [al-Anfaal 8:53].
This versetells us that if they are in a state of ease, comfort and
goodness, then they change and turn to sin, their situation will be
changed -- there is no power and no strength except with Allaah -- or
they may be given respite, as stated above. The opposite is also true:
if they were in a state of evil and sin, or disbelief and misguidance,
then they repent, regret their sin and adhere to obedience to Allaah,
Allaah will change their situation from bad to good; He will change
theirdisunity into unity and harmony; He will change their hardship to
ease, well being and plenty; He will change their situationfrom
draught, famine, , lack of water and so on torainfall, fertile land
and other kinds of goodness. End quote.

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Nothing, Only Love

He comes to you with barbs in his skin
and blood on his cheek.
He comes with eyes of loam and gold.
He comes to you again andagain,
as a youth and a man.
He has never forgotten you.
He comes with burns on his back
but standing straight,
hiding his scars and his shame,
wearing a half-thawed grin.
He has never stopped thanking you.
He comes with no answers,
with nothing, only love,
a heart like a sun,
and a soul like an African rain.
Will you open your arms to him
and hold him so tightly
that when you let go
he falls down laughing
happy to be alive,
happy to be a father and a man,
happy for you
and for the first time, yearsago
that he heard your voice
like the whisper
of a summer wind?

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THE STATUS OF WOMAN IN ISLAM

The Spiritual Aspect
-
The Qur'an provides clear-cut evidence that woman iscompletely equated
withman in the sight of God interms of her rights and
responsibilities. The Qur'anstates:
"Every soul will be (held) in pledge for its deeds" (Qur'an 74:38). It
also states:
...So their Lord accepted their prayers, (saying): I will not suffer
to be lost the work of any of you whether male or female. You proceed
one from another ...(Qur'an 3: 195).
Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily to
him will We give a new life that is good andpure, and We will bestow
on such their reward according to the their actions. (Qur'an 16:97,
see also 4:124).
Woman according to the Qur'an is not blamed for Adam's first mistake.
Both were jointly wrong in theirdisobedience to God, both repented,
and both were forgiven. (Qur'an 2:36, 7:20 - 24). In one verse in fact
(20:121), Adam specifically, was blamed.
In terms of religious obligations, such as the Daily Prayers, Fasting,
Poor-due, and Pilgrimage, woman is no different from man. In some
cases indeed, woman has certainadvantages over man. For example, the
woman is exempted from the daily prayers and from fasting during her
menstrual periods and forty days after childbirth. She is also
exempted from fasting during her pregnancy and when she is nursing her
baby if there is any threat to her health or her baby's.If the missed
fasting is obligatory (during the month of Ramadan), she can make up
for the missed days whenever shecan. She does not have to make up for
the prayers missed for any of the above reasons. Although women can
and did go into the mosque during the days of the prophet and
thereafter attendance et the Friday congregational prayers is optional
for them while it is mandatory for men (on Friday).
This is clearly a tender touch of the Islamic teachings for they are
considerate of the fact thata woman may be nursing her baby or caring
for him,and thus may be unable togo out to the mosque at the time of
the prayers. They also take into account the physiological and
psychological changes associated with her natural female functions.
The Social Aspect
a) As a child and an adolescent
Despite the social acceptance of female infanticide among some Arabian
tribes, the Qur'an forbade this custom, and considered it a crime like
any other murder.
"And when the female (infant) buried alive - is questioned, for what
crimeshe was killed." (Qur'an 81:8-9).
Criticizing the attitudes of such parents who reject their female
children, the Qur'an states:
When news is brought to one of them, of (the Birth of) a female
(child), his facedarkens and he is filled with inward grief! With
shame does he hide himself from his people because of the bad news he
has had! Shall he retain her on (sufferance) and contempt, or bury her
in the dust? Ah! What an evil (choice) they decide on? (Qur'an 16:
58-59).
Far from saving the girl's life so that she may later suffer injustice
and inequality, Islam requires kind and just treatment forher. Among
the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (P.) inthis regard are the following:
Whosoever has a daughterand he does not bury her alive, does not
insult her, and does not favor his son over her, God will enter him
into Paradise. (Ibn Hanbal, No. 1957).
Whosoever supports two daughters till they mature,he and I will come
in the day of judgment as this (and he pointed with his two fingers
held together).
A similar Hadeeth deals in like manner with one who supports two
sisters. (Ibn-Hanbal, No. 2104).
The right of females to seek knowledge is not different from that of
males. Prophet Muhammad (P.) said:
"Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim". (AlBayhaqi). Muslim
as used here including both males and females.
b) As a wife:
The Qur'an clearly indicates that marriage is sharing between the two
halves of the society, and that its objectives, beside perpetuating
human life, are emotional well-being and spiritual harmony. Its bases
are love and mercy.
Among the most impressive verses in the Qur'an about marriage is the following.
"And among His signs is this: That He created mates for you from
yourselves that you may find rest, peace of mind in them, and He
ordained between you love and mercy. Lo, herein indeed are signs for
people who reflect." (Qur'an 30:2 1).
According to Islamic Law, women cannot be forced to marry anyone
without their consent.
Ibn Abbas reported that a girl came to the Messengerof God, Muhammad
(P.), and she reported that her father had forced her to marry without
her consent. The Messenger of God gave her the choice . . .(between
accepting the marriage or invalidating it). (Ibn Hanbal No. 2469)

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WOMEN'S LIBERATION THROUGH ISLAM

Today people think that women are liberated in the West and that the
women's liberation movement began in the 20th century. Actually, the
women's liberation movement was not begun by women but was revealed by
God to a man in the seventh century by the name of Muhammad (peace be
upon him), who is known as the last Prophet of Islam. The Qur'an and
the Traditions of the Prophet (Hadith or Sunnah) are the sources from
which every Muslim woman derives her rights and duties.
I. HUMAN RIGHTS
Islam, fourteen centuries ago, made women equallyaccountable to God in
glorifying and worshipping Him - setting no limits on her moral
progress. Also, Islam established a woman's equality in her humanity
with men. In the Qur'an, inthe first verse of the chapter entitled
"Women,"God says, "O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord Who
created you from a single soul and from it its mate and from them both
have spread abroad a multitude of menand women. Be careful of your
duty toward Allah in Whom you claim (your rights) of one another,
andtowards the wombs (that bore you). Lo! Allah has been a Watcher
over you." (4:1) Since men and women both came from the same essence,
they areequal in their humanity. Women cannot be by nature evil (as
some religious believe) or then men would be evil also. Similarly,
neither gender can be superior because it would be a contradiction of
equality.
II. CIVIL RIGHTS
In Islam, a woman has the basic freedom of choice and expression based
on recognition of her individual personality. First, she is free to
choose her religion. The Qur'an states: "There is no compulsion in
religion. Right has been made distinct from error." (2:256) Women are
encouraged in Islam to contribute their opinions and ideas. There are
many traditions of the Prophet (pbuh) which indicate women would pose
questions directly to him and offer their opinions concerning
religion, economics and social matters. A Muslim woman chooses her
husband and keeps her name after marriage. A Muslim woman's testimony
is valid in legal disputes. In fact, in areas in which women are more
familiar, their evidence is conclusive.
III. SOCIAL RIGHTS
The Prophet (pbuh) said:"Seeking knowledge is a mandate for every
Muslim (male and female)." This includes knowledge of the Qur'an and
the Hadith as well as other knowledge. Men and women both have the
capacity for learning and understanding. Since it is also their
obligation to promote good behavior and condemn bad behavior in all
spheres of life, Muslim women must acquire the appropriate education
to perform this duty in accordance with their own natural talents and
interests. While maintenance of a home, providing support to her
husband, and bearing, raising and teaching of children are among the
first and very highly regarded roles for a woman, if she has the
skills to work outside the home for the good of the community, she may
do soas long as her family obligations are met. Islam recognizes and
fosters the natural differences between men and women despite their
equality. Some types of work are more suitable for men andother types
for women. This in no way diminishes either's effort nor its benefit.
God will reward both sexes equally for the value of their work, though
it may not necessarily be the same activity. Concerning motherhood,
the Prophet (pbuh) said: "Heaven lies under the feet of mothers." This
implies thatthe success of a society canbe traced to the mothers that
raised it. The first and greatest influence on a person comes from the
sense of security, affection,and training received fromthe mother.
Therefore, a woman having children must be educated and conscientious
in order to be a skillful parent.
IV. POLITICAL RIGHTS
A right given to Muslim women by God 1400 yearsago is the right to
vote. Onany public matter, a woman may voice her opinion and
participate in politics. One example, narrated in the Qur'an (60:12),
is that Muhammad(pbuh) is told that when the believing women come to
him and swear their allegiance to Islam, he must accept their oath.
This established the right of women to select their leader and
publicly declareso. Finally, Islam does not forbid a woman from
holding important positions in government. Abdur-Rahman Ibn Auf
consulted many women before he recommended Uthman Ibn Affan to be the
Caliph.
V. ECONOMIC RIGHTS
The Qur'an states: "By the creation of the male and female; Verily,
(the ends) ye strive for are diverse." (92:3-4) In these verses, God
declares that He created men and women to be different, with unique
roles, functions andskills.

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Who goes first?

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah:
The Prophet collected every two martyrs of Uhud (in one grave) and
then he would ask,"Which of them knew the Quran more?" And if one of
them was pointed out for him as having more knowledge, he would put
him first in the Lahd. The Prophet said, "I will be a witness on these
on the Day of Resurrection." Thenhe ordered them to be buried with
their blood on their bodies and he didnot have them washed.
Source: Sahih Bukhari Volume 2, Book 23, Number 436.
At the time of Rasulullah (SAW), people were honoured according to the
knowledge of Islam but sadly today, people are honoured according to
the knowledge of this material world.
May Allah give us the ability to appreciate thosewho excel in the
knowledge of Islam.

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Why do Muslims fast?

I live in England, and I often get asked by many non-muslims, why do
muslims fast? I know thatI should know this answer, but I do not know
what to say exactly.What should I give as an answer?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
We Muslims fast the month of Ramadaan because Allaah has commanded us
to do so. Allaah says (interpretationof the meaning):
" O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for
you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become
Al-Muttaqoon (pious)"
[al-Baqarah 2:183]
So we worship Allaah by doing this act of worship which is beloved to
Allaahand which He has enjoined upon us.
The believers hasten to obey the commands of Allaah and His Messenger
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), in obedience to His words
(interpretation of the meaning):
"The only saying of the faithful believers, when they are called to
Allaah (His Words, the Qur'aan) and His Messenger, to judge between
them, is that they say: 'We hear and we obey.' And such are the
successful (who will live forever in Paradise)"
[al-Noor 24:51]
"It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allaah and His Messenger
have decreed a matter that they should have anyoption in their
decision. And whoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger, he has indeed
strayed into a plain error"
[al-Ahzaab 33:36]
Secondly:
It is by His wisdom that Allaah has prescribed a variety of acts of
worship, so as to test people with regard to how they will obey all
these commands.Will they only choose to do that which suits them, or
will they do that whichpleases Allaah? If we think about the five acts
of worship: testimony of faith, prayer, zakaah, fasting and
pilgrimage, we will see that some of them are purely physical, some
are purely financial, some are both, so that themiser will become
distinctfrom the generous. For some people it may be easy for them to
pray onethousand rak'ahs but not to give a single dirham; for others
it may be easy to give a thousand dirhams but not to pray a single
rak'ahs. So Islam came to prescribe a variety of acts of worship so as
to determine who will follow in obedience to the command of Allaahand
who will follow only that which suits him.
Prayer, for example, is a purely physical action, butits prerequisites
require some expenditure, such asthe water for wudoo', andclothes to
cover the 'awrah. These are not partof the prayer but they are its
prerequisites.
Zakaah is purely financial, but physical actions are required to
fulfil this duty such as calculating one's wealth and transferring the
zakaah to the poor and needy. These are not part of zakaah but they
are its prerequisites.
Hajj involves spending wealth and physical action, except for the
people of Makkah who may not need money, butthe yare very few compared
with those wholive in Makkah.
Jihad for the sake of Allaah may require both money and physical
effort. A person may spend money for the sakeof Allaah and not fight,
or he may go and fight but not spend money.
Commands are of two types: commands to refrain from things that man is
inclined towards, and commands to spend that are precious.
Refraining from things that are loved includes fasting, and
expenditure of things that are loved includes zakaah. Wealth
issomething that is loved and no one spends the wealth that he loves
except for something thatis loved even more.
The same applies to refraining from things that are loved, for a
person may like to spend a thousand dirhams, but not fast a single
day, or vice versa.
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen, al-Sharh al-Mumti', 6/190.
Thirdly:
There is another great reason why fasting is prescribed, which has
been discussed in part in the answer to question no. 26862 .
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen was asked about the reason why fasting was enjoined?
He replied:
If we read the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning):
" O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for
you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become
Al-Muttaqoon (pious)"
[al-Baqarah 2:183]
we will know the reason why fasting was prescribed, which is taqwa
(piety) and submission to Allaah. Taqwa means giving up haraam things,
and in general terms includes both doing what is commanded and
abstaining from what is forbidden. The Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever does not give up false speech and
actingupon it and offensive speech and behaviour, Allaah has no need
of his giving up his food and drink." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6057.
See also questions no. 37658 and 37989 .
Based on this, it is important for the one who is fasting to carry
outreligious duties and avoid haraam things in word and deed.

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Who goes first?

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah:
The Prophet collected every two martyrs of Uhud (in one grave) and
then he would ask,"Which of them knew the Quran more?" And if one of
them was pointed out for him as having more knowledge, he would put
him first in the Lahd. The Prophet said, "I will be a witness on these
on the Day of Resurrection." Thenhe ordered them to be buried with
their blood on their bodies and he didnot have them washed.
Source: Sahih Bukhari Volume 2, Book 23, Number 436.
At the time of Rasulullah (SAW), people were honoured according to the
knowledge of Islam but sadly today, people are honoured according to
the knowledge of this material world.
May Allah give us the ability to appreciate thosewho excel in the
knowledge of Islam.

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- - - - - - -

Busy or Not

A brother was asked to give advice to some people in a gathering. He
said the following things about being punctual in offering Salah
(prayer). Heasked us if any day passedby when we were so busywith work
that we couldn't attend the call of nature (urinate, excrete etc). All
of us replied to the negative because we all had to relieve ourselves
no matter how busy we were. So, he said that in the same manner, no
day should pass by where we couldn't offer salah because of being
busy. Indeed, salah is more necessary for us than relieving ourselves.
May Allah give all of us the ability to offer salah inall conditions.
Ameen.

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good morning tips

We're not 2 close in distance. We're not 2 nearin miles. But text can
still touch our hearts n thoughts can bring us smiles. Good morning
U need a little inspiration to get going,a little smile to brighten up
and AMS from someone who cares to color ur day.. GOOD MORNING
ur soul came back from dreamland reunited with a sleeping senseless
piece of ur self slowly open ur eyes realist it's a brand new day. GM
The world does not need more mountains 2 climb,More seas to cross,or
more stars 2 shine, What the world needs is only more of U Gud Morning
somewhere out there beneath the pale moon light someone think in of u
some where out there where dreams come true. good Morning
welcome to new morningwith a smile on ur face,love in ur heart,good
thoughts in ur mind u willhave a wonderfull day,gud morning

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