What does Islam sayabout Domestic violence?

Islam condemns domesticviolence. Once a number of women came to the
prophet, on whom be peace, to complain that their husbands had beaten
them. The prophetannounced that men whobeat their wives are not good
men. The prophet also said: Do not beat the female servants of Allah.
Allah knows that life is not always a bowl of cherries. And so He
stipulates that a man must be kind to his wife even if he happens to
dislike her (Qur'an 4:19). Allah offers a good reasonas to why men
should notdislike their wives. Allah says that He has placed much good
in women (Qur'an 4:19). In this regard the prophet Muhammad, on whom
be peace, said that no believing man should hold a grudge against a
believing woman. So what is a husband to do ifhe dislikes some things
about his wife? This is bound to occur, since no human being is
perfect. The prophet instructed that men should look for the agreeable
traits in their wives rather than focus on their faults. (See Saheeh
Muslim, chapter on advice relating to women).
The prophet also advised men that if they wish to benefit from
marriage they should accept their wives as they are rather than try to
straighten them out and thus end upin divorce. In the following verse
of the Qur'an, Allah warns men that if they retain their wives in
marriage it should not be to take advantage of them. The verse reads:
Retain them in kindness or release them in kindness. But do not retain
them to their hurt so that you transgress (the limits). If anyone does
that he wrongs his own soul. Do not take God's instructions as a
jest(Qur'an 2:231).
Once the prophet, on whom be peace, was asked what are the obligations
of husbands toward their wives. He replied:
Feed her when you eat, and provide her clothing when you provide
yourself. Neither hit her on the face nor use impolite language when
addressing her (See Mishkat, chapter on the maintenance of women).
The prophet equated perfect belief with good treatment to one's wife
when he said:
The most perfect believer is one who is the best in courtesy and
amiable manners, and the best among you people is one who is most kind
and courteous to his wives (see Tirmidhi, chapter on the obligations
of a man to his wife).
Finally, the prophet, the best example of conduct said:
The best among you is the one who treats his family best.
Some of the last words of the prophet delivered during the farewell
pilgrimage enjoins that men should hold themselves accountable before
Allah concerning the question of how they treat their wives. Therefore
his advice to all men, is as follows:
You must treat them withall kindness.

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Why do Muslim women cover their heads? Isn't this a sign of subjection ofwomen?

Muslim women cover their heads because God so directed in His final
book, the Glorious Qur'an. The head cover is specifically mentioned in
24:31. This instruction from God is only one aspect of a wider context
of purity of thought and action for men and women.
Islam has very strict rules against adultery and fornication, and
introduces many cautious measures to ensure the prevention and
avoidanceof such sins. One measure is the prescription that men and
women should avoid intermingling as far as possible (see Qur'an
33:53). This is why men and women pray in separate areas or
separaterows in the mosque. Another measure is that men and women
should cover the specified areas of their bodies the sight of which
arouse sexual desire in others (see Qur'an 7:26; 33:59). Yet another
measure is that men and women should lower or turn their gaze away
from looking at a person of the opposite sex (see Qur'an 24:31).
The idea that the head covering is a sign of subjection of women is
found not in the Qur'an but in another religious book with which the
Qur'an does not always agree. That other book teaches that women
should have a sign of authority over their headsbecause man was not
created from woman, but woman from man. The same book says that a man
should not cover his head because he is the image and glory of God;
and a woman should cover her head because she is the glory of man. The
Qur'an does not identify with any of these ideas. The Qur'anic
prescription of head coverdoes not in any way imply the subjection of
women.
People often confuse the Islamic prescriptions with ideas they are
already familiar with. Therefore when they see Muslim women covering
their heads they hastily conclude that it is for the same reasons
mentioned in some other religious book. But to gain a better
understanding of Islamic prescriptions, they have to be viewed within
the framework of Islamic thought.
Another mistake made by many is as follows. When they hear that the
Qur'an includes the story of Adam and Eve they conclude that the
Qur'an also upholds the idea thatEve was responsible for the fall of
man, and that the subjection of women is a necessary result of God's
curse on them. On the contrary, the Qur'an is free of such ideas. In
the Qur'an, Adam and Eve were both approached by the Devil. The Devil
did not approach Adam through Eve. Adam is therefore specifically
blamed in the Qur'an 20:121. In other verses they are both blamed;
butin no verse is Eve alone singled out to be blamed for the fall of
man. Although men are charged with the responsibility of leadership in
Islam too, this is in view of the practical dynamics of human
interaction as prescribed by God. It is not because of a curse on
women.
It would be a mistake to take the prescriptions of Islam and associate
them with ideas held outside ofIslam. Within Islam, women are capable
of as much good as men, and they stand before God equally honored.

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Isn't it true that Islam was spread by the sword?

No. This is not true. However, this is a common misconception inthe
minds of many people. The Qur'an declares:
There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth
distinct from error (Qur'an2:256).
This Qur'anic verse shows that God has made truth and falsehood
distinct from each other and people are therefore free to choose one
or the other. No one can be forced to believe in a religion since
belief is something very personal. One who follows the Qur'an will not
try to forceanother person to believe.
Even the prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, could not force another
person to become a Muslim. God revealed to him the following words:
And if your Lord willed, allwho are in the earth would have believed
together. Would you thencompel people until they become believers? It
is not for any soul to believeexcept by the permission of Allah
(Qur'an 10:99-100).
This instruction from God makes it clear that anyone is mistaken who
thinks that he or she can compel others to believe. If God wanted, He
could make everyone believers, but rather has given themfree choice.
Even so, no one can believe upon being forced. It is the grace of God
on a person that will result in belief. Isthere a teaching more
beautiful than this? How could any true follower ofthe Qur'an turn
around and force his faith on others? On the contrary, the Qur'an
instructs its followers on how to call people to true faith as
follows:
Call unto the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair exhortation, and
reason with them in the better way (Qur'an 16:125).
Where does the Qur'an tell anyone to call people at the point of a
sword? Itdoes not. God instructed his messenger, on whom be peace, as
follows:
Say: This is my Way: I invite unto Allah with sure knowledge, I and
whosoever follows me (Qur'an 12:108).
Here again, the call is to be made with sure knowledge, with clear
evidence. Putting these instructions together, a Muslim understands
that he or she must present Islam with clear evidence (i.e. sure
knowledge) and use wisdom and fair exhortation to reason with people
to accept the evidence for faith. Where is there any mention of sword
in all of this?
The Junior Encyclopedia ofCanada says:
Islam is the fastest-growing religion worldwide (The Junior
Encyclopedia of Canada, Hurtig Publishers, Canada, 1990, Vol.2.
p.396).
What explains this phenomenon? Who is forcing anyone today to become
Muslims? Muslimsare not even engaged in active preaching in any
noticeable degree. People are voluntarily coming into Islam because
they find that Islam makes sense.
Huston Smith discusses in his book entitled The World's Religions, on
page256, how the prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, granted freedom
ofreligion to the Jews and Christians under Muslim rule. The prophet
had a document drawn up in which he stipulated that Jews and
Christians shall be "protected from all insults and vexations; they
shall have an equal right with our own people to our assistance and
good offices," and furthermore, that they shall "practice their
religion as freely as the Muslims" (Quoted in The World's Religions by
Huston Smith, Harper Collins, 1991, p.256). Smith points out that
Muslims regard that document as "the first charter of freedom of
conscience in human history and the authoritative model for those of
every subsequentMuslim state" (p.256).
So, was Islam spread by the sword? The following short answer comes
from Ira Zepp Jr., a non-Muslim, in his book entitled A Muslim Primer:
It is unfortunate that Islam has been stereotyped as the 'religion of
the sword' or that Islam was 'spread by the sword.' The historical
reality is that the expansion of Islam was usually by persuasion
andnot by military power. In any case, Islam cannot be forced on
anyone; if profession of the shahadah [i.e. the declaration of Islam]
is forced on someone, it is not true Islam (A Muslim Primer by Ira
Zepp, Jr., 1992, Wakefield Editions, US, p.134).

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As milk covers the water

Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) was mercilessly persecuted by
his master. Umayya bin Khalaf who was the worstenemy of Islam, would
make him lie down on theburning sand at mid-day and would place a
heavy stone on his chest so that he could not move even alimb. He
would then say to him: Renounce Islam orswelter and die in this state.
Even under these afflictions Bilal would exclaim: Ahad (the One Allah)
Ahad (the One Allah). At last Abu Bakr freed Bilal from Umayya.
Dear Muslims, when Bilal was asked how he endured all these
torturesand pain, he remarked that his belief in Allah covered all the
pains. It's like a glass of milk. If you put water into the glass of
milk, the water takes the colour of the milk. Thesame way, when Bilal
wastortured, his faith overcame the pain.

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What does Jihad mean?

The word Jihad representsa concept which is much misunderstood in the
West. The concept is explained nicely by the Christian scholar Ira 6.
Zepp, Jr. in his book entitled A Muslim Primer on pages 133-135. We
adapt from his answer thefollowing:
The essential meaning of Jihad is the spiritual, psychological, and
physical effort we exert tobe close to God and thus achieve a just and
harmonious society. Jihad literally means "striving" or "struggle" and
is shorthand for Jihad fi Sabeel Allah (struggle for God's cause). In
a sense, every Muslim is a Mujahid,one who strives for God and
justice.
Al-Ghazali captured the essence of Jihad when he said: "The real Jihad
is the warfare against (one's own) passions. Dr. Ibrahim Abu-Rabi
calls Jihad "the execution of effort against evil in the self and
every manifestation of evil in society." In a way, Jihad is the
Muslim's purest sacrifice: a struggle to livea perfect life and
completely submit to God.
Another form of Jihad is the striving to translate the Word of God
into action. If one has experienced God and received guidance from the
Qur'an, one struggles to apply that guidance in daily life. So the
larger, more prevalent meaning of Jihad is the spiritual struggle of
the soul. In this case, Jihad is always present for the believer
whether there is an external enemy or not. We should never reduce
Jihad to violence.
A third level of Jihad is popularly known as "holy war." The classic
passage is found in the Qur'an:
Fight in the way of Allah those who fight against you, but transgress
not the limits. Truly Allah likesnot the transgressors (Qur'an 2:190).
It is crucial to note here that what is condoned is defensive warfare;
Islam cannot justify aggressive war. Muhammad and the Tradition are
also against killing non-combatants, torturing of prisoners, the
destruction of crops, animals and homes. Adapted from Ira 6. Zepp,
Jr., A Muslim Primer (1992,Wakefield Editions, US) pp.133-135.
Robert Ellwood of the University of Southern California has the
following to say about the Muslim concept of Jihad:
Out of the community ideal of Islam comes the concept of jihad, or
holy war, which is designed to defend Islam and allow itssocial
practice, though notto force individual conversions, which is
forbidden. Since Islam in principle is a community as well as a
religion, presumably only an absolute pacifist would beable to reject
the theory of jihad out of hand, since other communities also fight to
defend or expand their ways of life. (Many Peoples, Many Faiths by
Robert S. Ellwood, 4th edition, Simon & Schuster,US, 1982, p.346).

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Value Yourself

It would be nice if we all had loving and supportive parents. Some do,
Alhamdulillah. But some have parents who are critical, demeaning and
harsh. If you have an abusive parent who tells you that you are
worthless, stupid and good for nothing, you can't spend your life
waiting and hoping for that parent to love you and be proud of you.
It's not going to happen, my friend. Most likely your parent was
raised harshly himself/herself and doesn'tknow how to act any other
way. Accept that reality and learn to value yourself, no matter what
anyone says.
You will have to be strong and independent in spirit. You will have to
find validation of your worth within yourself. You do have worth,
after all. You are as unique and beautiful as the sun and the moon,
the sea and the stars. You are special and gifted and you will need
torealize that on your own, even in the face of external abuse.
Seek your support from Allah.
"And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them
on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and
preferred them over much of what We have created…" – Quran, 17:70.
Allah has honored you. Dignity is your birthright. It's okay if you're
not perfect. No one is. You can still love yourself, with all your
special gifts and funny habits, and whatever is lacking, well, you can
work on it. That's what all of us do.
"I Know Who I Am"
It can be very hard to resist the negative labels that parents put on
us. Their words have a way of worming into our brains even when we
know better. We must be patientwith them and love them, without buying
into their negativity.
Write some positive affirmations about yourself. Affirmations are true
statements that express your best qualities,and also express what kind
of person you strive to be. They represent the ideal you.
I personally have a list of 29 affirmations, and here'snumber 12 on my list:
"12. I am a good son to my parents. I am patient and loving with them.
When speaking to them I maintain a positive, independent and calm
spirit, knowing who I am and confident in my choices."
Read your affirmations every day. Even if you don't quite believe your
own affirmations at times, even if you feel inwardly skeptical, keep
reading them. When you speak to your parents, breathe deeply and
slowly. Don't let anything they say make you anxious or excited. Tell
yourself silently, "I know who I am."
Allah loves you and has a plan for you. Believe this and move forward,
and when you have children, shut down the cycle of negativity and do
better than your parents did. It's okay to be better than your
parents. Any good parent wants their children to surpass them.
Show your own children patience, gentleness and endless love.
May Allah bless you and fillyour heart with self-knowledge,
self-dignity, and hope for the future.

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Bellies and Souls

Most of us are concerned with our bellies and the souls of others;
when we should be concerned with our own souls, and the bellies of
others. The first thing the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said when he
arrived in Madinah was, "Spread peace, and feed the people."
Instead of judging others, care for them. Feed them, help them, and
spread peace. That is your representation as a Muslim, your da'wah,
and your salvation of the world. In the process, you save your own
soul.

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The Intensity of its Fire

Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated: "When Allah's Messenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, 'Your ordinary fire is one of the 70
potions of the Hellfire,' someone commented, 'O Messenger of Allah,
wouldit (ordinary fire) not be sufficient (to burn the wrongdoers)?'
At that, Allah's Messenger (SAW) said, 'The Hellfire has 69 more
portions than ordinary (worldly) fire, and all of them are as hot as
this (worldly fire).'"
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
"Verily, Allah has cursed the disbelievers and prepared for them a
Blazing Fire. Dwelling therein forever, and they will find no
protector or helper."
[al-Ahzab, 33: 64-65]
"But he who is given his record behind his back will soon cry for
destruction, and he will enter a blazing Fire."
[al Inshiqaq, 84: 10-12]
"No, they deny the Hour (of the judgment to come), but We have
prepared a blazing fire forsuch as deny the Hour. When it sees them
from a far off place, they will hear its fury and its ragingsigh. And
when they are cast, bound, in chains, intoconstricted place therein,
they will plead therein fordestruction. Do not plead today for a
single destruction; plead for destruction oft-repeated."
[al-Furqan, 25: 11-14]
"The companions of the left hand - what are the companions of the left
hand? (They will be) in the midst of a fierce blast (of fire) and in
boiling water."
[al Waqi'ah, 56: 41-42]
"But, he whose scales are light his home will be a pit. And what will
make you understand what thatis? (It is ) a fire, blazing fiercely."
[al Qari'ah, 101: 8-11]
"Soon will I cast him into Saqar (the Hellfire). And what will explain
to you what Saqar is? It permits nothing to endure, and it leaves
nothing alone, darkening and changing the color of man."
[al Muddaththir, 74: 26-29]
"Their abode will be Hell. Every time it abates. We will increase for
them the blaze (the fierceness) of the fire."
[al Isra, 17: 97]
"Those are the ones, who have exchanged the Hereafter for the gains of
this worldly life. The punishment will not be lightened for them, and
they will not be aided."
[al Baqarah, 2: 86]
"So taste, (the result of your deeds), for We will not increase you
except inpunishment."
[an Naba, 78: 30]
Anas (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu
alayhi wasalam) said: "The most favored man among the dwellers of the
Earth will be brought from among the people of the Fire on the Day of
Resurrection. He will be dyed in the Firebut once, and then it will be
said to him, 'O son of Adam, have you ever seengood at all? Has any
pleasure ever come to you?' He will say, 'No, by Allah, O Lord.' Then
the most miserable people in the world will be brought from the people
of Paradise and will be dyed with the dye of Paradise. It will be said
to him, 'O son of Adam, have you ever seen any misery, andhas any
hardship ever come to you? ' He will say,'No, by Allah, O my Lord. No
misery ever came to me, nor did I see any hardship.'"
[Muslim]

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The Fuel of Hell-Fire

People:
"Those who has disbelieved - their wealth and their children will
never benefit them anything with Allah. And those are the ones who are
the fuel of Hellfire."
[ali'-Imran, 3: 10]
Jinn:
"And there are among us Muslims (in submission to Allah) and others
who deviate from justice. And whoever accepts Islam has sought out the
right path. As for those who deviate, they will be firewood for the
Hellfire."
[al-Jinn, 72: 14-15]
Stones:
"But if you cannot - and ofa surety you cannot - thenfear the fire
whose fuel is men and stones, which is prepared for those who reject
faith."
[al Baqarah, 2: 24]
"O you who believe, save yourselves and your families from a fire
whosefuel is men and stones, over which are appointed angels, stern
and severe, who do not disobey Allah in what He orders them and who do
precisely what they are commanded."
[al-Tahreem, 66: 6]
False Gods
"Verily, you (unbelievers) and what you worship besides Allah are fuel
for Hellfire, You will surely come to it. If those had (truly) been
gods, they would not have come to it. But all will abide therein
eternally."
[al-Anbiya, 21: 98-99]
"And the Fierce Fire will be brought out before those straying in
evil, and it will be said to them, 'Where are those you worshipped
besides Allah? Can they help you or help themselves?' Thenthey will be
thrown into it(the Hellfire) on their faces- they and those straying
in evil and the soldiers of Iblees, all together."
[ash Shu'ara, 26: 91-95]

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good Morning

Every bad situation will have something positive.Even a stopped Clock
is correct twice a day.Think of this n lead urlife.Good Morning
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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Life is like baking a cake

A little boy is telling his Grandma how"everything" is going wrong.
School, family problems, health problems, problems with friends, etc.
Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would
like a snack, which, of course, he does.
"Here, have some cookingoil." *"Yuck" says the boy.
"How about a couple raw eggs? " "Gross, Grandma!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"
"Grandma, those are all yucky!"
To which Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by
themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make
a wonderfully delicious cake!
God works the same way. Many times we wonder why he would let us go
through such bad and difficult times.
But Allah knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they
always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they
will all make something wonderful!"

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So fond of meeting his Lord

Someone asked Junaid Baghdadi (may Allah havemercy on him), "How was
it that Abu Sa'eed Khazzaz(he was a very pious man)was in such a joy
at the point of death?" Junaid replied, "He was so fond of meeting his
Lord that one could expect his soul to fly to heavens even before the
time of death to meet his Lord." Source:"Fadhail-e-sadaqaaPart II",
translated by Prof. Abdul Karim.
My dear friends, today we are so involved with the worldly affairs
that meeting Allah is the last thing we consider.

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786 - SOLUTION to Every Problem:-> - Ar Rehman (The Beneficent) One who recites this name 100 times will get sharp memory./

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Fasting on the Day of Doubt with the intention of making up a missed Ramadaan fast

I know that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
did not allow fasting on the Day of Doubt, and he forbade fasting two
days before Ramadaan, but is itpermissible for me to make up missed
Ramadaan fasts on these two days?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Yes, it is permissible to make up missed Ramadaan fasts on the day of
doubt and one or two days before Ramadaan.
It was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) forbade fastingthe day of doubt, and he forbade anticipating
Ramadaan by fasting one or two days before it begins, but this
prohibition does not apply to a person who has a habitual pattern of
fasting, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: "Do not anticipate Ramadaan by fasting one or two days
before it begins, but if a man habitually fasts, thenlet him fast."
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1914; Muslim,1082. So if a person is used to
fasting on Mondays, for example, and that coincides with the last day
of Sha'baan, then it is permissible for him to observe that as a
voluntary fast and it is notforbidden for him to do so.
If it is permissible to observe a voluntary fast that one does
regularly, then it is more appropriate that it should be permissible
to make up a missed Ramadaan fast, because that is obligatory, and
because it is not permissible to delaymaking up missed fasts until
after the following Ramadaan.
Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo', 6/399:
Our companions said: It is not correct to fast on the day of doubt
when it is uncertain that Ramadaan has begun, and there is
nodifference of scholarly opinion on this point… But if a person fasts
it to make up for a missed fast,or in fulfillment of a vow, or as an
act of expiation (kafaarah), then it is permissible, because if it is
permissible to observe a voluntary fast on that day for one who has a
reason to do so, then it is more appropriate that one should be
allowed to observe an obligatory fast. This is like the time when it
is forbidden to pray (when one may nevertheless offer a prayer for
which there is areason). And if a person still owes some missed
Ramadaan fasts, then he has to observe those fasts,because the time
for making it up has become very short.

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Do the thirty juz’ of the Qur’aan have special names?

Is there are any title nameof all 30 juz. Like we always called # 30
as juz AMMA. How about the other 29? Do they have name?if do then what
arethose.
Praise be to Allaah.
The thirty juz' of the Holy Qur'aan do not have special names by which
they are known. This is indicated by two important matters:
1.
The division of the Qur'aan into thirty juz' and sixty hizb – as is
well known in the Mushafs that are widely available nowadays – is not
something that was narrated from the Prophet (blessings and peace of
Allah be upon him) and his Companions. Rather it is something worked
out by al-Hajjaaj ibn Yoosuf al-Thaqafi (d. 110 AH), as it says in the
history books, and it was implemented in the Mushafs, as he was in
power at the time, and it has abided until the present day. It is a
matter that some may have many reservations about, but it has to do
with a minor matter and does not have to do with worship or beliefs.
We have previously discussed this point in detail on our website, in
the answer to question no. 109885 .
The Standing Committee for Issuing Fatwas stated:
We do not know of any textual evidence for the system of division that
appears in the margins of the Mushafs that people have in their hands
nowadays. End quote.
'Abd al-'Azeez ibn Baaz, 'Abd al-Razzaaq 'Afeefi, 'Abd-Allah ibn
Ghadyaan, 'Abd-Allah ibn Qa'ood
Fataawa al-Lajnah, 4/30
2.
There is no report from the Sahaabah or from the Taabi'een of special
names for the thirty juz' of the Holy Qur'aan. Indeed we have not
found that in the books on the sciences of the Qur'aan. Rather the
namesthat are well known nowadays for some juz' are something that has
been invented by those who memorised the Holy Qur'aan and by seekers
of Qur'aanic knowledge, as akind of shorthand and to make things
easier. They are not names that have been narrated in reports. These
names are: Juz' 'Amma, Juz' Tabaarak, Juz'Qad Sami'a, Juz'
al-Dhaariyaat and Juz' al-Ahqaaf; beyond that, the other juz' are not
known by special names because the juz' often begins in the middle of
a soorah and not at the beginning.
To sum up, there are no special names for the juz' of the Holy Qur'aan
that have been narrated in reports by the scholars.
And Allah knows best.

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Allah Prepared the Earth for Us

"As the pregnant mother excitedly prepares the cradle for the arrival
of hernew baby, Allah also prepared the earth for us before He sent
Adam and Hawaa. He set all in place for us: the earth as a soft bed,
the heavens as a canopy, the rain, the fruits,the stars, even
companions and love. He (SWT) gave us everything we need to live and
fulfill our needs. It's truly amazing."

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Capacity and Depth of Hell

On the Day of Judgment the inhabitants of Hell willsee their destined
abode face to face and will realize the error of their ways. But, of
course, it will be too late. The Qur'an states: "No! When the earth is
pounded to powder, and your Lord comes with His angels, rank upon
rank, and Hell, that Day, is brought [face to face] - on that Day will
man remember? But how will that remembrance profit him?"
[al Fajr, 89: 21-23]
"On the Day We will say to Hellfire, 'have you beenfilled?' it will
say, 'Are there some more?'"
[Qaf, 50: 30]
Ibn Mas'ud (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "Hell will be brought on that Day.
ITwill have seventy thousand reins with seventy thousand angels
drawing it by each rein."
[Muslim]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu
alayhi wasalam) said: "And his (the disbeliever's) seat in Hellfire is
as much as (the distance) between Makkah and Madinah."
[at-Tirmidhi and al-Hakim]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported: "While we were in the company
of Allah's Messenger (SAW), we heard a terriblesound. Thereupon,
Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, 'Do you know what
that sound is?' When we answered, 'Allah and His Messenger know best.'
He said. "That is a stone which was thrown into Hell seventy years ago
and has been constantly falling until now when it finally reached the
bottom.'"
[Muslim]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "Hell and Paradise fell into a
dispute during which Hell said, 'I have been distinguished by the
proud and the haughty.' And Paradise said, 'What is the matter with me
that only the meek and the humble and the downtrodden and the simple
enter me?'
Thereupon, Allah said to Paradise, 'You are the means of My mercy
whereby I show mercy to those of My servants whom I wish.' Then HE
said to Hell, 'You are the means of punishment whereby I punish those
ofMy servants whom I wish.Both of you will be full.' Hell will not be
filled up until Allah puts His foot over it. Then Hell will say,
'Enough, enough, enough,'at which point it will be filled up, all of
its parts integrated together."
[Muslim]
Anas bin Malik (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "Hell will continue to ask, 'Is there
anything more?' until Allah, the Exalted, and High will place His foot
thereon, Then it will say, 'Enough, enough, by Your honor,' and some
of its parts will draw close together.'"
[Muslim]

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Levels of Hell

"To all are degrees or ranks according to their deeds."
[an-An'am, 6: 132]
"Is the man who follows the good pleasure of Allahlike the one who
draws upon himself the wrath ofAllah and whose abode is in Hell - an
evil refuge? They are varying grades in the sight of Allah, and Allah
sees well all that they do."
[ali'-Imran, 3: 162-163]
"Indeed the hypocrites are in the lowest depths of the Fire; you will
find no helper for them."
[an Nisa, 4: 145]

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Islamic joke

True Incident: During a Jumah Khutbah in a small town, an Imam talked
about the significance of saying "Insha Allah" (which means if Allah
wills) when planning to do something in the future. After a few days,
a man who had also attended the Khutbah was going to buy a cow from
the market. On the way, he met a friend who asked him where he was
going. He told him about buying the cow but did not say Insha Allah in
the end. His friend reminded him about the Khutbah and told him to say
Insha Allah. However, this individual said that he had the money he
needs and the energy to go to the market, thus, there is no point of
saying Insha Allah as he will certainly buy the cow. He thought that
saying Insha Allah will not make any difference.
When he reached the market, he found a cow that met his
expectations.He bargained with the seller and came to a reasonable
price. Finally, he decided to pay for the cow but was dumbfounded when
he discovered that his moneywas missing. A thief had stolen the money
while he was walking through the busy market. The cow seller asked him
whether he was going to buy the cow or not. "Insha Allah, I will buy
it next week," he said. When he reached home, his wife inquired about
the cow. He told her about how he forgot to say Insha Allah, and also
added, "Insha Allah, I wanted to buy the cow. But Insha Allah, my
money was stolen. Insha Allah, I will buy it next week." His wife
clarified to him that we should sayInsha Allah for things thatare yet
to happen, not for those things that had already happened. He never
forgot his "Insha Allah" again.

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Islamic Jokes

An Imam shocked his community when he announced that he was resigning
from that particular Masjid and moving to a drier climate. After the
session, a very distraught lady came to the Imam with tears in her
eyes, "Oh, Imam, we are going to miss you so much. We don't want you
to leave!" The kind hearted Imam said "Now, now, sister, don't carry
on.The Imam who takes my place might be even better than me".
"Yeah", she said, with a tone of disappointment inher voice, "That's
what they said the last time too. . . "

Islamic Jokes

Here is the story of an Imam who got up after Friday prayers and
announced to the people:"I have good newsand bad news. The good news
is, we have enough money to pay for our newbuilding program. The bad
news is, it's still out there in your pockets."

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So fond of meeting his Lord

Someone asked Junaid Baghdadi (may Allah havemercy on him), "How was
it that Abu Sa'eed Khazzaz(he was a very pious man)was in such a joy
at the point of death?" Junaid replied, "He was so fond of meeting his
Lord that one could expect his soul to fly to heavens even before the
time of death to meet his Lord." Source:"Fadhail-e-sadaqaaPart II",
translated by Prof. Abdul Karim.
My dear friends, today we are so involved with the worldly affairs
that meeting Allah is the last thing we consider.

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Fasting on the day of doubt

On the night of the thirtieth of Sha'ban we went out to sight the
crescent, but the weather was cloudy so we could not see it. Should we
fast the thirtieth day of Sha'baan, because it is a day concerning
which there is some doubt?.
Praise be to Allaah.
This is what is called the "day of doubt", because there is doubt
concerning it – is it the last day of Sha'baan or the first day of
Ramadaan? Fasting on this day is haraam because the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, "Fast when you see the new moon
and break your fast when you see the new moon, and if you are not
sure, then complete the number of Sha'baan as thirty days." (Narrated
by al-Bukhaari, 1909).
'Ammaar ibn Yaasir said: "Whoever fasts on the day concerning which
there is doubt has disobeyed Abu'l-Qaasim (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him)." Thiswas narrated by al-Tirmidhi and classed as
saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 553.
Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar said: "It was understood from this that it is
haraam to fast the day of doubt, because the Sahaabah would not say
such a thing based on personal opinion, so a report such as this has
the same status as a marfoo' hadeeth.
The scholars of the Standing Committee said concerning the day of
doubt, "The Sunnah indicates that it is haraamto fast this day."
(Fataawaal-Lajnah, 10/117)
Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said,
after mentioning the difference of opinion concerning the ruling on
fasting the day of doubt: "The most correct of theseviews is that it
is haraam, but if it is proven to the ruler that it is obligatory to
fast this day and he commands the people to fast, then no one should
go against his opinion, and that means that no one should show that he
is not fasting on that day, rather a person (who has a different
opinion) may not fast, but he should do so secretly."
Al-Sharh al-Mumti', 6/318.

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WOMEN'S LIBERATION THROUGH ISLAM

Published by: The Instituteof Islamic Information and education
Today people think that women are liberated in the west and that the
woman's liberation movement began in the 20 th century. Actually,
thewomen's liberation movement was not begun by women but women butwas
revealed buy 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 women derives herrights 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 theQur'an in the 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
broad a multitude of men and women. Be careful of your duty toward
Allah in whom you claim (your rights) of one another and towards the
wombs (that bore you) LO! Allah has been a watcher over you"(4:1)
Since men and women both come from the same essence, they are equal in
their humanity. Women cannot be by nature evil (as some religions
believe) or them 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 freedoms 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 (p) 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 to keep her name after
marriage. AMuslim woman's testimony is valid in legal disputes. In
fact, where women are more familiar, their evidence is conclusive.
III. SOCIAL RIGHTS:
The Prophet (s) 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 oppropriate 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 women, 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
formen and other 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.

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The Gates of Hell

"The unbelievers will be led to Hell in crowds until,when they arrive
there, itsgates will be opened.."
[az-Zumar, 39: 71]
"And verily, Hell is the promised abode for them all. It has seven
gates: to each of those gates is a specific class of sinners
assigned."
[al Hijr, 15: 43-44]
"To them will be said, 'Enter you the gates of Hell to dwell therein.
And how evil is this abode of the arrogant.'"
[az Zumar, 39: 72]
"But those who reject Our signs are the companions of the left hand -
on themwill be fire vaulted over."
[al Balad, 90: 19-20]
In Arabic, the phrase "on them will be fire vaulted over" indicates
that the gates of Hell be closed. In other words, the fire will
encompass the companions of the Fire, and the gates of Hell will
imprison them within. As well, the gates of Hell will be locked,
vaulted all around, and outstretched columns will cover the doors.
"It is the fire of Allah, kindled to a blaze, which mounts right to
the hearts. It will be a vault over them in outstretchedcolumns."
[al Humazah, 104: 6-9]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah's Messenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'When the month of Ramadan begins and
the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the
devils are chained."
[Sahih al-Bukhari]

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No choice but to regret

Once, a group of people were travelling on rocks at night. A voice
came from the sky that whosoever picks up the rocks will regret and
whosoever doesn't pick up the rocks will regret. Now, the people were
confused. How can this be? Whether you pick up the rocks or not, you
will regret! Anyway, some people picked up the rocks and some didn't.
In the morning when they reached their homes, theysaw that the rocks
turned into diamonds. Now, those people who didn't pick up the rocks
started regretting saying "If only we had picked up some rocks." Those
people who did pick some rocks also started regretting saying"Why
didn't we pick up more rocks?" Both sides ended up regretting. Dear
Muslims, this same incident will take place with us on the Day of
Judgement. Those people who spent their time in useless things will
start regretting by looking at those who achieved a great position in
Paradise by spending their time in the way of Allah. Now, those who
did achieve a position in Paradise will start regretting by looking at
those who did more than them and are higher in status. "Alas! If we
had only done more to please Allah."

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A Defective Key

Suppose, you are given a key to open a lock. What would happen if the
key is damaged or half of it is missing? Would the lock open? No. What
if you aretrying to insert the key upside down? The lock will still
remain closed.
Similarly, salat is the key to Paradise. In order to open the doors of
Paradise, we must make our salat proper. If our salat is totally
opposite tothe ways of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), then it
is as if we are trying to put the key upside down. And if we don't
have concentration and devotion in salat, then it is as if we are
planning to use a damaged key to open a very secured lock. Finally, if
we do not complete our prayers with all the necessary actions, then it
is the same as using a key which is missing parts or half broken.

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Become like flexible water

The following incident took place last year when I was travelling with
an elderly Muslim brother. We call him "Brother Wali". We met a Muslim
family and the family toldbrother Wali to give themsome advice. Here
is whatbrother Wali told them: A Muslim is like water. Water is so
flexible that where ever you place it, ittakes the shape of that
object. For example, if youput some water in a glass,it takes the
shape of the glass. If you run the waterthrough a tangled hose, itwill
take the shape of thatalso. The same way, a Muslim should be flexible
to the orders of Allah. He should fit into whatever Allah wants. If we
put an iron into the glass, then either the glass will break or the
iron will break. The same way, if we are not flexible to the orders of
Allah and become hard like iron, then either we will break or we will
break the orders of Allah.
A hadith states: The believers are very obedient (to Allah), gentle,
and kind, like an obedient camel which when led follows and when made
to sit, even though on a rock, does so obediently. (Tirmidhi).

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THE SOURCE OF MILK

"Verily in cattle, there is lesson foryou; We give you to drink of
whatis inside their bellies coming froma conjunction between the
contents of the intestine and blood, a milk, pure and pleasant for
those who drink it." (The Quran, 16:66, translation by Maurice
Bucaille)
The Holy Quran here describes the biological process in the mammals
which brings together the contents of the intestine and the blood at
the level of the intestinal wall, which produces milk. This is in
perfect harmony with recent discoveries made in physiology of the
digestive system of mammals. Such minute and specific knowledge was
totally unknown to mankind when the Holy Quran was revealed!

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I feel clean for the first time

Once a pious Muslim brother got a job in a restaurant. He took with
himself a container for water so that he can use it for toilet
purposes. So, everytime he goes to the toilet, he fills the container
with water and takes it with him. One day, a Christian man, who also
works there, saw himtaking water and asked him about the reason for
it. The Muslim brother told him that after releasing the dirty
materials, we should clean that place and that cleanliness is a major
part of Islam. The man said that why not use the toilet papers? The
brotherasked him that if such dirty thing touched his hands, would he
use a toilet paper to wipe it off or use water? The man understood and
said that he would use water. The next day, the Christian man brought
a container for himself and used it during relieving himself. When he
came out of the toilet, he was crying and tears were rolling down his
cheeks. The Muslim brother asked him about why he is crying. The
Christian man said that"For the first time in my life, I feel
completely clean." Thereafter, he accepted Islam and became a devouted
Muslim.

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The Creation of Hell Fire

"Fear the fire, which is prepared for the disbelievers."
[Ali'-Imran, 3: 131]
"Truly Hell is lying in wait-a destination for the transgressors."
(One's rejection of faith is transgression against Allah and himself).
[an-Naba, 78: 21-22]
Abdullah bin Umar (radiAllahu anhu) narrated: "Allah Messenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, 'When someone dies, he isshown his
destination morning and evening andif he belongs to the people of
Paradise, (he will be shown his place) among the people of Paradise,
and if he is from the people of Hell, (he willbe shown his place)
among the people of Hell.'"
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "There was a dispute between Hell and
Paradise during which Hell said, 'The haughty and the proud will find
abode in me.' And Paradise said, 'The meek and the humble willfind
their abode in me.' Thereupon, Allah, the Exalted and Glorious,
(addressing Hell) said, 'You are the means of My punishment by which I
punish those of My servants whom I wish.' (and addressing Paradise),He
said, 'You are My mercy by means of which I will show mercy to those
whom I wish. And each one of you will be full.'"
[Muslim]

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A pond full of milk

Once there was a king who told some of his workers to dig a pond. Once
the pond was dug, the king made an announcement to his people saying
that one person from each household has to bring a glass of milk
during the night and pour it into the pond. So, the pond shouldbe full
of milk by the morning. After receiving the order, everyone went home.
One man prepared to take the milk during the night. He thought
thatsince everyone will bring milk, he could just hide a glass of
water and pour inside the pond. Because it will be dark at night,
noone will notice. So he quickly went and poured the water in the pond
andcame back. In the morning, the king came to visit the pond and to
his surprise the pond was only filled with water! What has happened is
that everyone was thinking like the other man that "I don't have to
put the milk, someone else will do it."
Dear friends, when it comes to help the Religion of Allah, do not
think that others will takecare of it. Rather, it starts from you, if
you don't do it, no one else will do it. So, change yourself to the
way of Allah to serve Him and that will make the difference.

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The Muslim in Ramadaan

What should we say to the Muslims on the occasion of the beginning of Ramadaan?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Allaah says (interpretationof the meaning):
"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed theQur'aan, a guidance for
mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between
right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescenton the first
night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must
observe Sawm (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey,
the same number[of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be
made up] from other days. Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not
want to make things difficult for you. (He wantsthat you) must
complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah
[i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for
having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him."
[al-Baqarah 2:185]
This blessed month is a great opportunity for goodness, barakah
(blessing), worship and obedience towards Allaah.
It is a great month, a noble season, a month in which hasanaat
(rewards for good deeds) are multiplied and in which committing
sayi'aat (bad deeds) is more serious than at other times. The gates of
Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are shut, and the sinners'
repentance to Allaah is accepted. It is a month whose beginning is
mercy, its middle is forgiveness and its end is redemption from the
Fire.
So give thanks to Him for the season of goodness and blessing that He
has bestowed upon you, and for the means of bounty and various kinds
of greatblessings for which He hassingled you out. Make themost of
this blessed time by filling it with acts of worship and forsaking
haraam things, so that you may attain a good lifein this world and
happiness after death.
For the sincere believer, every month is an occasion for worship and
his whole life is spent in obeying Allaah, but in the month of
Ramadaan he has even more motives todo good and his heart is even more
focused on worship, and he turns even more to his Lord. By His grace,
our generous Lord bestows His bounty upon the fasting believersand
multiplies the rewardfor them on this blessed occasion, so He gives
abundantly and rewards generously for righteous deeds. Time passes
quickly
Days pass so quickly, as if they were mere moments. We welcomed
Ramadaan, then we bade it farewell, and only a short period of time
passed and we are welcoming Ramadaan again. So we should hasten to do
good deeds in this month and strive to fill it with that which Allaah
is pleased with andwith that which will help us on the Day when we
meet Him.
How can we prepare for Ramadaan?
We can prepare for Ramadaan by taking stockof ourselves and
recognizing our shortcomings in living up to the Shahaadatayn, or our
shortcoming in fulfilling our duties, or ourshortcomings in not
keeping away from the desires and doubts that we may have fallen into…
We should set ourselves straight so that in Ramadaan we will have a
higher degree of faith. Forfaith increases and decreases. It increases
through obedience to Allaah and it decreases through disobedience
andsin. The first act of obedience that a person should achieve is
that of being a true slave of Allaah and believing that there is none
that is rightfully worshipped except Allaah, so he directs all kinds
of worship to Allaah and does not associate anyoneelse in worship with
Him. Each of us should realize that whatever has befallen him could
not have missed him, and whatever missed him could not have befallen
him, and that everything happens by the will and decree of Allaah.
We should avoid everything that could undermine our commitment to the
Shahaadatayn. This meanskeeping away from bid'ah(innovations) and
things that have been introduced into the religion. We should also
follow the principle of al-walaa' wa'l-bara' (loyalty and friendship
vs. disavowal and enmity), bytaking the believers as our friends and
by regarding the kaafirs and hypocrites as enemies, and we should
rejoice when the Muslims gain a victory over their enemies. We should
follow the example of theProphet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) and his companions and adhere to the Sunnah of the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the way ofthe
Rightly-Guided Khulafa' who came after him. We should love the Sunnah
and love those who adhere to it and defend it, in whatever country
they are and whatever colour or nationality they are.
After that we should take stock of ourselves and recognize our
shortcomings in doing acts of worship such as praying in congregation,
remembering Allaah (dhikr), paying attention to the rights of
neighbours, relatives and the Muslims .....

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THE PROPORTION OF RAIN

One of the items of information given in the Quran about rain is that
it is sent down to Earth in due measure. This is mentioned in Surah
Zukhruf as follows;
"It is He who sends down water in due measure from the sky by which We
bring a dead land backto life. That is how you too will beraised (from
the dead)." (The Quran, 43:11)
This measured quantity in rain has again been discovered by modern
research. It is estimated that in one second, approximately 16 million
tons of water evaporates from the Earth. This figure amounts to 513
trillion tons of water in one year. This number is equal to the amount
of rain that falls on the Earth in a year. This means that water
continuously circulates in abalanced cycle, in a "measure". Life on
Earth depends on this water cycle. Even if people used all the
available technology in the world, they would not be able to reproduce
this cycle artificially.
Even a minor deviation in this equilibrium would very soon giverise to
a major ecological imbalance that would bring about the end of life on
Earth. Yet,this never happens, and rain keeps falling every year in
exactly the same quantity just as revealed in the Quran.
Every year, the amount of water that evaporates and that falls back to
the Earth in the form of rain is "constant": 513 trillion tons. This
constant amount is declared in the Quran by the expression "sending
down waterin due measure from the sky". The constancy of this quantity
is very important for the continuity of the ecological balance, and
therefore, life.

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A NUMERIC MIRACLE OF THE QURAN

The word (Sea or Water) is mentioned 32 times, and the word (Landmass)
is mentioned 13 times in the Holy Quran. If we add them together we
will get 45.
Now let us do some calculations.
By finding the percentage of the number of the word (Sea) to the total
number of the words (Sea and Landmass) we will have:
(32/45)x100% = 71.11111111111%
By finding the percentage of the number of the word (Landmass) to the
total number of the words (Sea and Landmass) we will have:
(13/45)x100% = 28.88888888889%
Scientists have only recently discovered that these are the actual
ratios of the water and landmass of this world. However, Allah has
revealed this information already in the Quran over fourteen hundred
years ago!
So what do you think? Could it bea Chance?

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QURAN ON SEA WAVES

With regard to the many statements in the Quran concerning the sea,
some of these facts were not discovered until very recently, and many
of them are still unknown. For example, these facts were discovered
after hundreds of marine stations had been set up, and after images
had been taken by satellites. The one who said this was Professor
Schroeder, one of the greatest oceanographers in West Germany. He used
to say that if science advanced, religion would have to retreat. But
when he heard the translation of the verses of the Quran, he was
stunned and said, "These could not be the words of a human being." And
Professor Dorjaro, a professor of oceanography, told us of the latest
developments on science, when he heard the verse:
"Or (the state of a disbeliever) is like the darkness in a vast deep
sea, overwhelmed with waves topped by waves, topped by darkclouds,
(layers of) darkness upon darkness: if a man stretches out his hand,
he can hardly see it! And he for whom Allah has not appointed light,
for him there is no light"(The Quran, 24:40 interpretation of the
meaning)
He said, "In the past, man could not dive to a depth of more than
twenty meters because he had no special equipment. But now we can dive
to the bottom of the ocean, using modern equipment, and we find
intense darkness at a depth of two hundred meters." The verse says a
vast deep sea. The discoveries in the depths of the sea give us an
understandingof the verse, (layers of) darkness upon darkness. It is
known that there are seven colours in the spectrum, including red,
yellow, blue, green, orange, etc. When wedive down into the depths of
the ocean, these colours disappear one after another, and the
disappearance of each colour results in more darkness. Red disappears
first, then orange, then yellow the last colour to disappear is blue,
at a depth of two hundred meters. Each colour that disappears adds to
the darkness until it reaches total darkness. With regard to the
phrase waves topped by waves, ithas been proven scientifically
thatthere is a separation between theupper and lower parts of the
ocean, and that this separation is filled with waves, as if there are
waves on the edge of the dark, lower portion of the sea, which we do
not see, and there are waves on the shores of the sea, which we do
see. So it is as if there are waves above waves. This is a confirmed
scientific fact, hence Professor Dorjaro said concerning these Quranic
verses, that this cannot be human knowledge.

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THE VICTORY OF BYZANTIUM

Another astonishing piece of revelation that the Quran gives about the
future is to be found inthe first verses of Surah Rum, which refers to
the Byzantine Empire, the eastern part of the later Roman Empire. In
these verses, it is stated that the Byzantine Empire had met with a
great defeat, but that it would soon gain victory.
"Alif, Lam, Mim. The Romans have been defeated in the lowest land, but
after their defeat they will themselves be victorious in a few years'
time. The affair is God's from beginning to end."(The Quran, 30:1-4)
These verses were revealed around 620 AD, almost seven years after the
severe defeat of Christian Byzantium at the hands of the idolater
Persians. Yet it wasrelated in the verses that Byzantium would shortly
be victorious. In fact, Byzantium had then suffered such heavy losses
that it seemed impossible for it even to survive, let alone be
victorious again. Not only the Persians, but also Avars, Slavs
andLombards posed serious threats to the Byzantine Empire. The Avars
had reached as far as the walls of Constantinople. The Byzantine
Emperor Heraclius had ordered the gold and silver in churches to be
melted and turned into money in order to meet the expenses of the
army. When these proved insufficient, even bronze statues were melted
down to be turned into money. Many governors had revolted against
Emperor Heraclius, and the empire was on the point of collapse.
Mesopotamia, Cilicia, Syria, Palestine, Egypt and Armenia, which had
earlier belonged to Byzantium, were invaded by the idolater Persians.
In short, everyone was expecting the Byzantine Empire to be destroyed.
But right at that moment, the first verses of Surah Rum were revealed,
announcing that Byzantium would triumph in a few years' time. This
victory seemed so impossible that Arab polytheists had gone so far as
to make fun of these verses. They thought that the victory announced
in the Quran would never come true.
Around seven years after the revelation of the first verses of Surah
Rum, in December 627 AD, a decisive battle between Byzantium and the
Persian Empire was fought at Nineveh. And this time the Byzantine army
unexpectedly defeated the Persians. A few months later, the Persians
had to make an agreement with Byzantium, which obliged them to return
theterritories they had taken from it.
At the end, "the victory of the Romans," proclaimed by God in the
Quran, miraculously came true.
Another miracle revealed in theseverses is the announcement of a
geographical fact that could not have been known by anyone at that
time.
In the third verse of Surah Rum, we are informed that the Romanshad
been defeated in the lowest region of the Earth. This expression,
"Adna al Ard" in Arabic, is interpreted as "a nearbyplace" in many
translations. Yet this is not the literal meaning of the original
statement, but rather a figurative interpretation of it. The word
"Adna" in Arabic is derived from the word "deni", which means "low"
and "ard", which means "world". Therefore the expression "Adna al Ard"
means "the lowest place on the Earth".
Most interestingly, the crucial stages of the war fought between the
Byzantine Empire and the Persians, when the Byzantines were defeated
and lost Jerusalem, had really taken place at the lowest point on
earth. This specified region is the Dead Sea basin, which is situated
at the intersection point of the lands belonging to Syria, Palestine,
and Jordan. The "Dead Sea", lying 395 meters below sea level, really
is the lowest region on Earth.
This means that the Byzantines were defeated at the lowest part of the
world, just as stated in the verse.
The most interesting point lies in the fact that the altitude of the
Dead Sea could only be measuredwith modern measurement techniques.
Before that, it was impossible for anyone to know that it was the
lowest region on the surface of the Earth. Yet, this region was stated
to be the lowest point on the Earth in the Quran. Hence, this provides
further evidence that the Quran isdivine revelation.
Above is a satellite photograph ofthe Dead Sea basin. The altitude of
the Dead Sea could only be determined with modern measurement
techniques. These measurements led to the discovery that this is the
"lowest region on the Earth"

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ONLY FEMALE BEES PRODUCE HONEY

"And Your lord inspired the bee, to build your dwellings in hills,
ontrees, and in (human's) habitations. Then, to eat of all the produce
and follow the ways of your Lord made easy. There comes forth from
their bodies a drink of varying colour, wherein is healing for men:
Verily, in this is a sign for those who give thought."(The Quran,
16:68-69)
The imperative "build" above is the translation of the Arabic word
"attakhithi", which is the feminine form (Arabic grammar unlike
English, differentiates between the sexes). The feminineform is used
when all of those it refers to are female, whereas the masculine is
used when a group consists of at least 1 male.
Therefore the Quran is in fact saying "build, you female bees.."
A swarm of bees , which collect honey and build the hive, are female only.
Thus, the phrasing of this command is in agreement with the scientific
fact that male bees do not partake in the construction of the hive.
Microscopes were not invented until 1610, when Galileo inventedone of
the first microscopes almost a thousand years after Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him). It is only Allah, the Creator of all things, who
revealed such details over 1,423 years ago. This one word of the Quran
is sufficient to prove that Quran is from non other than Allah!
Obtained from The Islamic Bulletin, August 2000 Issue, San Francisco, USA.

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Don't abandon this jewel

'Umar (RA) became unconscious after he was stabbed, and according to
Al Miswar bin Makhramah,it was said: "Nothing would wake him up except
the call to prayer, if he is still alive." They said to him, "The
prayer has finished, O Chief of theFaithful!" He woke up andsaid, "The
prayer, by Allah! Verily, there is no share in Islam for whoever
abandons the prayer." He performed theprayer while his wound was
bleeding. [Sifat as Safwah 2/131, As Siyar 5/220]
After ar-Rabi` bin Khaytham became partially paralyzed, he used to go
to the mosque helped by two men. He was told: "O Abu Yazid! You have
been given permission to pray at home." He said, "You havesaid the
truth, but I heard the caller hearld, 'Hayya `ala al-Falah (Come to
success)', and I thought that whoever hears this call should answer it
evenby crawling." [Hilyat al Awliya 2/113]
O Muslims! Do not leave Salah. Do not lose the value of vowing down in
front of your Lord to tell Him that nothing is greater than You, oh
Allah!

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THE MYSTERY OF IRON

"Indeed We have sent Messengers with clear proofs, and sent down with
them the Book and the Balance, that mankind may observe justice; And
We sent down (Nazala) iron, in which is (material for) mighty power,
as well as many benefits for mankind, that Allah may test who it is
that will help, unseen, Him and His Messengers, for Allahis full of
strength, exalted in might." (The Quran, 57:25.)
It is remarkable that the Holy Quran uses the word Nazala for iron,
stating that it was sent down to earth. Geologists now agree that the
entire energy of our solar system is not sufficient to produce one
atom of iron. Additionally, they state that four times as much energy
as that of our solar system would be needed to make one atom of ironon
the surface of earth. The geologists thus conclude that iron is an
extra-terrestrial material that came to earth from some other planet.
The word Nazala to the early commentatorsof the Holy Quran was one the
mysteries of the Holy Quran. Recent advancement of knowledge has
changed this mystery of the Holy Quran to a fact of science. Who
besides Allah,Glory be to Him, could have such absolute knowledge
which excelsand encompasses all levels of human knowledge?

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HUMANS WERE CREATED IN STAGES

Only 60 years ago, researchers confirmed that man does not come into
existence all at once, but rather he passes through stages of
development one after another. However, the Holy Quranalready has this
information.
Shaykh al-Zandaani said, we met an American professor, one of the
greatest American scientists, whose name was Professor Marshall
Johnson, and we told him that it says in the Quran that man is created
in stages. When he heard this, he was sitting down, but he stood up
and said, "Stages?" We said, "That was in the seventh century CE! This
Bookcame and said, man was created in stages." He said, "That is
impossible, impossible." We told him, "Why do you say that?" This Book
says (interpretation of the meaning):
"He creates you in the wombs of your mothers, creation after creation
in three veils of darkness" (The Quran, 39:6)
"What is the matter with you, that[you fear not Allah (His
punishment), and] you hope not for reward (from Allah or you believe
not in His Oneness).While He has created you in (different) stages"
(The Quran, 71:14)
Then he sat back down on his chair and after a few moments he said,
"There are only three possibilities. The first is that Muhammad had a
huge microscope through which he managed to study these things and he
knew things that the people did not know, and he saidthese things. The
second is that this happened by accident, it wasa coincidence. The
third is that hewas a Messenger from God." We said, "With regard to
the first idea, that he had a microscope and other equipment, you know
that a microscope needs lenses, and lenses need glass and technical
expertise and other equipment. Some of this information can only be
discovered with an electron microscope which needs electricity, and
electricity needs knowledge which should have been acquired by an
earlier generation. It is not possible for this knowledge to have been
acquired all at once in a single generation; the previous generation
would have had to strive hard in developing science and transmitting
it to the next generation, and so on. But for this to be the work of
one man, with no one coming before him or after him, either in his own
land or the neighbouring lands for the Romans, Persians and Arabs were
ignorant and had no such equipment, for one man to have all these
instruments and tools which he did not pass on toanyone else this is
not possible." He said, "That's right, it would be very difficult." We
said, "And for itto have been an accident or coincidence, what would
you think if we said that the Quran did not mention this fact only in
one verse but in several verses, and that it did not refer to it in
general terms but that it gave details of every stage, saying that in
the first stage such and such happens, in the second stage such and
such happens, in the third stage and so on. Could that be a
coincidence?" When we explained to him all the details of those
stages, he said, "It is wrong to say that this is an accident! This is
well-founded knowledge." We said, "Then how do you explain it?" He
said, "There is no explanation except that this is revelation from
above!"

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Clear Truth INTRODUCTION

Each prophet was sent with unique miracles to make it easier for the
people to believe in God. When these prophets died, their miracles
also came to an end. However, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was
sent with a miracle that is to live forever. This living miracle is
the Holy Quran, which even amazes the elites among the scientists and
thinkers of today.
The Quran was revealed over fourteen hundred years ago to Prophet
Muhammad as a source of guidance for the whole of humanity. The Quran
has remained unchanged since the day it was revealed. It is a clear
guidance for all those who are searching for the truth. Whether you
believe in God or not, the Holy Quran is here to show you that Islam
is the only true religionand that the Quran is from non other than
Allah Almighty. Allah is the Arabic term used for God which will be
used in various places throughout this book.
What Allah says about the Holy Quran:
"Verily, those who disbelieved in the Reminder (i.e. the Quran) when
it came to them (shall receive the punishment). And verily, it is an
honourable well fortified respected Book (becauseit is Allah's Speech,
and He has protected it from corruption).
Falsehood cannot come to it frombefore it or behind it, (it is) sent
down by the All Wise, Worthy of all praise (Allah)"
(The Quran, 41:41-42 interpretation of the meaning)

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