Can a person be considered as a shaheed if he dies whilst on a business tripby sea?

Can a person be considered as a shaheed (martyr) if he dies whilst on
a business trip by sea?
Praise be to Allaah.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked
about a man who traveled by sea for the purpose of trade, and he was
drowned – did he dieas a shaheed?
He replied, yes, he died as a shaheed, so long as he was not
travelling for sinful purposes. For it wasnarrated in a saheeh report
that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
"The one who drowns is ashaheed, the one who dies of a stomach disease
is a shaheed, the one whois burnt to death is a shaheed, the one who
dies of the plague is a shaheed, the woman whodies giving birth is a
shaheed, and the one who is crushed by a collapsing building is a
shaheed." And people killed in other ways were also mentioned.
Travelling by sea for the purpose of trade is permissible, if one
thinks it is most likely to be safe.If it is not safe then he should
not travel for the purpose of trade; if he didthat [i.e., traveled
when it was not safe to do so], then he has contributed to his own
death, and in such a case we cannot saythat he was a shaheed. And
Allaah knows best

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The reward of patience is praiseworthy

Hazrat Abu Hasan Siraaj R.A. says: I was performing tawaaf once while
on Haj; when I saw a very pretty woman, shining in her beauty. I
looked at her and said:"By Allah, this beauty and fine complexion must
surely be because she never experienced any grief or sorrow."
When I said this she overheard me and said:"Sir, it is that what you
think? By Allah, I am bent down under all the sorrows and grief that
have come my way. My heart and mind is filled with so much grief and
allalong there has been no one can who share these with me."
I asked: "And how is that, lady?"
She replied: "My husband once slaughtered a goat as a Qurbaani
offering, while I was breast feedingmy infant child. My two young sons
were playing around me. When I went to cook the meat, the one son said
to the other: 'Come, let me show you how father slaughtered the goat.'
The other said: 'Well show me.' The first one then made the second
once lie down andcut his throat, as his father had slaughtered the
goat. When he realized what had happened, he ran away into the
mountains; where he was attacked bya wolf and eaten up.
The father went in search for him; searching from place to place until
he died of extreme thirst. In the mean time I was at home frantic with
worry waiting for news of him. I put down my infant child and went to
the door to inquire about anyone who might have news of my husband.
The child crawled to the fireplace where a pot was boiling. The child
touched it and the boiling pot fell upon the baby, burning it to death
in such a ghastly manner that the child�s meat became separated from
the bones.
When my married daughter heard all this, in the house of her
husband,she fell down of shock. Thus I was left alone to bear all
that."
I asked her: "And how, lady; did you manage all these misfortunes with
patience?"
She replied: "Whoever ponders on the difference between patience and
impatience, finds a world of difference between the two. The reward of
patience is praiseworthy; whereas for impatience there is nothing."
Then she recited some lines of poetry before walking away:
Patience did I exercise,
For that was my strongestpillar;
And should impatience have helped me,
Then I would have tried her.
Such patience did I on have that;
Had my trails descended on mountain high,
In broken rocks they would have ended.
Indeed did I control my eyes,
Those tears not fall;
And now within my heart alone,
My tears do roll.
------------
May Allah (SWT) grant us the ability to be patient! Ameen!

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The lady who spoke nothing besides the Quran

An elderly Arab lady was sitting at the trunk of a tree, on the way to
Haj. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) happened to pass that way. He
was also heading for Baitullah,for Hajj, and to the Sacred tomb of the
Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu �layhi Wasallam). Seeing this lady very
disturbed and ina state of despair, (distressed) he spoke to her. The
discussion is recorded as follows:
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah
The lady: "The word from a merciful Lord is Peace" (Surah 36 Aayat
58). She meant that the reply of salaam is from Allah, MostHigh,
Himself.
She said further: "Those whom Allah sendeth astray, there is no guide
for them." (Surah 7 Aayat 186). She meant that she has lost her way.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Where are you coming from?
The lady: "Glorified be He who carried His servant by night from the
Musjid-e-Aqsa (invioble place of worship) to the Musjid-e-Haraam" (Far
distant place of worship) (Surah17 Aayat1). She meant that she had
come from Musjid-e-Aqsa.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): How long are you in this place?
The lady: "For three nights" (Surah 19 Aayat10).
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): What arrangements are made for your food?
The lady: "And who (Allah) feedeth me and watereth me" (Surah 26 Aayat
79). She meant thatsomehow or the other, her food is provided to her
by Allah.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Is there anywater for Wudhu?
The lady: "And ye find notwater, then go to high clean soil and (make
tayammum) rub your faces and hands." (therewith) (Surah 4 Aayat43).
She meant that she makes tayammum, due tonot finding water.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Here is some food. Partake of it.
The lady: "Strictly observethe fast till nightfall" (Surah 2 Aayat
187). She indicated that she is fasting.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): This is not the month of Ramadaan.
The lady: "And he who does good of his own accord (for him) lo! Allah
is responsive, aware". (Surah 2 Aayat158) meaning that I have observed
an optional (nafl) fast.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): It is permitted to break the fast
when in a journey.
The lady: "And that ye fastis better for you, if you did but know."
(Surah 2 Aayat 184)
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Speak like how I speak.
The lady: "He (man) uttereth no word but there is with him an observer
ready" (Surah 50Aayat 18). She meant thatsince every word of a person
is observed and recorded, she is taking precaution by speaking only in
the words of the Holy Quran.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Which clan do you belong to?
The lady: "Follow not thatwhereof thou hast no knowledge, lo! The
hearing and the sight and heart of each of these it will be asked"
(Surah 17 Aayat36). She meant those things that you have no knowledge
of, nor do they concern you, you are wasting your strength (senses) by
enquiring about them.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Forgive me.I have certainly made a mistake.
The lady: "Have no fear this day. May Allah forgiveyou" (Surah 12 Aayat 92)
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Would you like to travel on my
cameland meet your caravan?
The lady: "And whatsoever good ye do Allah knoweth it" (Surah 2Aayat
197). Meaning that if you will do this good deeds towards me, Allah
will recompense you for it.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Well, then you may mount it.
Saying this he made the camel to sit down.
The lady: "Tell the believing men (when confronted by women) to lower
their gaze". (Surah 24 Aayat 30).
Hadhrat Abdullah understood and (turned) looked away. While she was
mounting, the camel jerked and her clothes gotestrangled in the saddle
(dorsers) and she proclaimed: "whatever of misfortune striketh you,
itis what your hands have earned." (Surah 42 Aayat 30).
In other words she was drawing Hadhrat Abdullahbin Mubarak's (RA)
attention towards this mishap. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA)
understood and he tied the legs of the camel and he straightened the
strapsof the saddle (or dorser).
She applauded him for hisproficiency and capability by saying "And we
made Sulaiman to understand" (Surah 21 Aayat 79). When the journey was
about to begin, the lady recited the Aayats which are read when
undertaking a journey"Glorified be he who hath subdued these unto us,
and we were not capable (of subduing them). And lo, unto our Lord we
are returning." (Surah 43 Aayat 13).
Hadhrat Abdullh bin Mubarak (RA) held the bridle (or nose string) of
the camel. He began to hum the (Huddi) famous Arabic song for
travelling, and he started walking very fast.
The lady: "Be modest in thy bearing and subdue thy voice" (Surah 31
Aayath 19) ...

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45 years of searching the truth

Story of Wanda and how she became a Muslim - very inspiring for all.
I was raised in a Christian environment, but from about the age of 7
or 8 I openly refused to accept the idea that God and Christ were one
in the same--nor did I accept thetrinity.
There were six children and my parents. No one else thought as I did,
so you can imagine how very interesting "Bible Study" got at home. My
mother was so shocked by my steadfastness, but nothing she said could
change my mind. As shy as I was, I stood my ground and refused to
accept my families' beliefs. For whatever reason, I simply could not
accept the Christian concepts to the point I got nothing out of the
studies.
When I was fourteen, I decided I wanted to search for what I could not
find in Christianity. I was literally starving spiritually for
something Ihad no name for, but felt it existed somewhere.
I visited other religions--studied with some of them, but there was
always that point where I was aware they were not for me. I just about
visitedevery church/religion you could think of and they allfell short
of the concept I had in my mind and heartfor My true religion. The one
religion I kept searching for was that which I could serve with all my
heart and soul totally, fully, truly and uncondionally beyond a shadow
of a doubt.
I was an oddball among my family and my peers. All during my childhood
strange things happened to me that could not be explained by ordinary
standards. I stood out likea sore thumb. I stopped going to church
except forspecial family funcions and funerals. I prayed to God often,
and tried to live my life each day to the best of my abilities with
God's guidance. I prayed to God to show me where I belonged. I asked
Him where did I belong? I prayed for yearsand years, and would you
believe I finally got my answer? Almost 4 years ago, I got an
unsolicited letter out of the blue froma man who got my name from a
penpal list sent to him by his sister-in-law.
I answered his first letter and from then on, it all was very
interesting. I could read from the flavorof his letters that he was
Muslim; he acknowledgedthis fact. I noticed his beliefs were a lot
like my own and over time,he told me that without knowing it,I
basically lived my life as a believer. We had so much in common when
it came to serving God.
He sent me literature. The first piece of literature was so very
beautiful, I could hardly stand the overwhelming emotion that came
forth as I read it. It touched me to the point that I could not
holdback my tears. I was so shaken by it; I have no words to explain
what was in my heart at that time. I thorouhly studied all the
literature sent thereafter, and it had the same emotional affect upon
me.
There came a point in my studies where I hungered to know more and
more, so I bought my own Holy Quran. I needed to read this Book from
whence allthis beauty and truth flowed. I have never beenable to
simply take someone's word for anything. Religion is definitely not
something to embark upon with"blind" faith; I have always felt the
need to seek truth and knowledgefor myself.
The first day I got the Holy Quran [English translaton], I read the
opening, Al-Fatihah. It was short, but so very beautiful and so
powerful!!! That year I read the entire Holy Quran. I learned the Five
Pillars of Islam and the SixArticles of Faith.
At the age of 45, Allah finally told me where I belonged. I accepted
Islam openly and fully. That which I sought, but had not the name of,
was in fact Islam. I eagerly embraced it fully and as natural as the
air I am blessed to breathe each day I wake. My soul was starving for
Islam, and myheart yearned for it. Islamhas never felt like a stranger
to me. By the Grace, Love and Mercy of Allah, I AM HOME!!!! AMEEN!
As far as I know, I am the first in my generational family line to
become Muslim. Needless to say, my family members were not happy
campers! It was like a single republican [me] being in the midst of
generations of democrats! All praise be to Allah, One of my two sons
embraced Islam a year later.
In closing, I would like to include a part of something I wrote to a
friend who recently apologized for some very harsh/bitter things he
saidwith regard to Muslims/Islam as a result of the 9-11-01 bombings
in the U.S. These words sum up all that I feel for Islam:
"I embraced Islam because I have basically lived my life in this
manner anyway--all my life. ....

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Wind carried the man to where he belonged

Once the angel of death (Hadrat Izra'il) appeared in the form of human
being in the court of Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon him) and gazed
continously at a person present there for some time. When the angel of
death vanished, that person asked Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon
him): "Who was that person?" He told him that that was the angel of
death. He remarked: "The angel of death had gazed at me in such a
manner asif he had determined to take my life." Prophet Sulaiman
(peace be upon him) asked him: "What doyou want?" He requested him to
drop him in India. Prophet Sulaiman commanded the air to carry him up
and drop him in India. Consequently the air carried him to India
(which was very far from where he was). The angel of death came to
Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon him). He asked him "Why did you fix
your gaze at that person?" Angel of death told: "I wondered that the
Almighty Allah had commanded me to take the life of this personin
India whereas he is sitting here in your presence."
Narrated on the authority of Khuthaima (RA). From the book "The
spectacle ofDeath" by K. M. Islam
May Allah give us the reality of death. Let us all prepare for it
before it's too late.

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Signs of Allah in Birds

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Allah says in the Holy Quran:
"Do they not see the birds suspended in mid-air up in the sky? Nothing
holds them there except Allah. There are certainly Signs in that for
people who have faith." (Surat an-Nahl: 79)
A bird uses great energy when it takes flight because it has to lift
all its body with its tiny wings. Yet, once it is up in the air, Allah
has made it easy for it to remain aloft without expending too much
effort. Birds can fly for a long time by allowing themselves to rely
on the wind. This way, they hardly tire since they consume very little
energy. When the effect produced by the wind diminishes, they begin to
flap their wings again. By means of this feature Allah has given
birds, they can cover very long distances and migrate to
remotedestinations.
It is interesting that birds' legs, so slender and little in
comparison to their bodies, can carry their entire bodies. It is
amazing that so many muscles, veins and nerves can exist in such a
slender leg! If birds' legs were thicker and relatively morebulky, it
would be more difficult for them to fly.
Almost all birds sleep on one leg.This does not upset their balance
since their body weight is concentrated on this one leg. Allah has
created birds with the features that enable them to maintain such a
delicate balance.
The eyes of water fowl have been created for clear underwater vision.
While we can't keep our eyes open underwater for even 45 seconds,
water birds can easily catch insects and molluscs in water as they
plunge their heads into it. Since this is the only way for them to
feed themselves, they must have clear vision underwater. For
thisreason, Allah has created a special structure in their eyes, which
permits seeing underwater.

The man who plucked out his eye

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Ka'ab relates, once at the time ofProphet Musa (AS), there was a
drought. The Bani Israeel asked him to pray for rain. Prophet Musa
told them to come with him to the mountain. When theyclimbed the
mountain he said to his people, "Whoever has commited a sin? then do
not follow me." They all turned back down the mountain except for one
man. He was blind from oneeye and known to the people as Barkh.
Prophet Musa asked him,"Did you not hear what I said?""Yes" he
replied. Prophet Musa asked again, "Have you never commited a sin?"
Barkh paused and then replied, "I cannot remember commiting a sin
except for one, but I do not know whether it is regarded as a sin. I
will mention in to you and if it is a sin I shall return." Prophet
Musa enquired, "What isit?" Barkh replied, "Once I happened to pass
the door of a house which was open. I glanced in and saw somebody, but
I was not able to tell whether it was a man or a woman. I said to my
eye, 'Out ofmy whole body you hurried to commit a sin, you cannot
remainwith me anymore', so I plucked out my eye. If this is a sin, I
will return." Prophet Musa assured him that he had not sinned and then
told him to pray for rain. They prayed to Allah, "Oh Almighty,
whatever you have does not finish. There is no end to your treasures;
you cannot be accused of being miserly. Oh Allah show us your mercy
and send forth rain." The narrator states that they both walked home
in the mud.
From 'Stories of the Pious', by Maulana Ahmed Ali, originally recorded in Rowdh.

The Woman as Mother

The Woman as Mother
The first contact with a woman is with one's mother, who suffers in
the pregnancy,delivery,nursing and rearing of her child. History does
not recall a religion or a system which honours the woman as a mother
and which raises her, as Islam does. Islam repeatedly commends the
woman, and this comes directly after the command to worship and
believe in the Oneness of Allah. Allah has made honouring one's mother
a virtue, and He puts forth the mother's right over that of the father
for what she endures in pregnancy, delivery,nursing and raising her
children.
This has been honoured and restated in the Qur'an, in multiple
chapters, to imprint thisnotion in the child's mind and heart as per
the following verses:
"And we have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents.
His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and
hardship, and his weaning is in two years-give thanks to Me and your
parents,-unto Me is the final destination. [The Holy Qur'an, Chapter
31, Verse 14]
"And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents.
His mother bears him with hardship and she brings him forth with
hardship, and thebearing of him, and the weaning of him is thirty (30)
months. [The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 46, Verse 15]
The status of women as mother has been restated in many Ahadis (
Sayings of Muhammad (PBUH)).
A man came to the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) asking, "Who is most
deserving of my care?" He said, "Your mother." The manasked, "Then
who?" He said,"Your mother." The man asked,"Then who?" He said, Your
mother." The man asked (the fourth time), "Then who?" He said, "Your
father. [ Transmitted by Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Abu
Huraira The Pearl and the Coral (Al-Lu'lu' wal-Marjan) (1652)]
Al-Bazzar recounts that a man was circumambulating the Ka'bah carrying
his mother. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked him, "Have you repaid
her?" The man said, "No, not even for one of her moans (i.e. one of
the moans of labour, delivery and so on) [Transmittedby Al-Bazzar
(1872)]
As to be good to her, it means treating her well, respecting
her,humbling oneself in front of her,obeying her without
disobeyingAllah, seeking her satisfaction and pleasure in all matters,
even in a holy war. If it is optional, he must have her permission,
for being good to her in a type of jihad. [ Jihad is the struggle
(physical, mental, psychological, spiritual, etc.) to preserve the
purity and practice of Islam. ]
A man came to the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and said,
"O Messenger of Allah, I want to fight and I want your advice." He
asked him,"Have you a mother?" The man said, "Yes." He said, "Do not
leave her because Paradise is under her feet. [ Transmitted by
Al-Nisaai, 6/11; Ibn Majah, 1/278and Al-Hakim. It is amended and
approved by Al-Dhahaby, 4/151,on the authority of Muaaweya Ibn
Jammah.]
Some religious laws before Islam neglected the mother's relations,
making them insignificant. With the advent of Islam, it recommended
caring for uncles and aunts, both on the father's side and the
mother's. A man approached theProphet Muhammad(PBUH) and said, "I
committed an offence, could I atone for it?" He asked,"Have you got a
mother?" The man said, "No." He asked, "Have you got a maternal aunt?"
The man said, "Yes." The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Be good to her. [
Transmitted by Termithy in"Righteousness and Relations" (1905); Ibn
Hibban Charity (EI-Ehsan) (435); and Al-Hakim who amended it on the
terms ofthe two Sheikhs, agreed upon by Al-Dhahaby, 4/155, all on the
authority of Umar.]
It is amazing that Islam commanded us to be good to a mother even
though she is an unbeliever!
Asma'a bint Abu Bakr asked the Prophet (PBUH) about her relationship
to her unbelieving mother who had come to her. He said, "Yes, be on
good terms with your mother". [Transmittedon the authority of Asmaa
(agreed upon), The Pearl and theCoral (Al-Lu'lu' wal-Marjan) (587).]
An indication that Islam cares for motherhood, for the rights of
mothers and their feelings is that a divorced mother has greater
rights and is worthier oflooking after her children than the father.
`Abdallah ibn `Amr ibn Al-as transmitted that a woman asked, "O
Messenger of Allah, this son of mine had my womb as a container, my
breasts for drinking, my lap to contain him. His father has taken him
from me." The Prophet (PBUH) said,"You have more right if you do not
marry". [Transmitted by Ahmad in Al Musnad (6707). Sheikh Shaker said
its authenticity is correct. Transmitted also by Abu Dawud.] ....
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The Purpose of Creation of Men and Women

The Muslim accepts that the main purpose behind the creation of jinn
and mankind was that they should worship Allah, struggle against the
forcesof Satan and live their life according to Allah' s Commandments
in order to achieve eternal bliss in Paradise.
"And I (Allah) created not the jinn and men except they should worship
Me (Alone)." (V. 51:56)
Also Allah said:
"Nay! But worship Allah, and be among the grateful." (V. 39:66)
At another place He said:
"Say (O Muhammad !): 'Verily, I am commanded to worship Allah by
obeying Him and doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only."
(V. 39: 11)
Equality of Men and Women as regards Religious Obligations and Retribution
In this spiritual regard, Islam makes no distinction between men and
women. Both have a soul, both were created for the same purpose in
life, both have a duty to fulfill their religious obligations, both
will be judged by the All Mighty, and both will be rewarded or
punished according to their individual actions. Whenever the Qur�aan
mentions those fortunate beings who will enter the Gardens of Bliss
because of theirpiety and good deeds, it mentions men and women
together.
"And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, andis a (true)
believer (Muslim)], such will enter Paradise and not the least
injustice, even to the size of a Naqira (speck on the back of a date
stone), will be done to them." (V. 4:124)
"Whoever works righteousness whether male female while he (or she) is
a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a
good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful
provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to
the best of what they used to do (i.e., Paradise in the Hereafter)."
(V.16: 97)
"The believers, men and women,are Auliya ' (helpers, supporters,
friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people)
Al-Ma'r�f (i.e., Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to
do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e., polytheism and
disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they offer
their prayers perfectly (Iqįmat-as-Salat), and give the Zakat, andobey
Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely,
Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise." (V.9: 71)
"Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam) men and
women, the believers men and women (who believe in Islamic
Monotheism), the men and the women who are obedient (to Allah), the
men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men
and the women who are patient (in performing all the duties which
Allah has ordered and in abstaining from all that Allah has
forbidden), the men and the women who are humble(before their Lord
Allah), the men and the women who give Sadaqat (i.e., Zakat and alms),
themen and the women who observe Saum (fast) (the obligatory fasting
during the month of Ramadan, and the optional Nawafil fasting), the
men and the women who guardtheir chastity (from illegal sexualacts)
and the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts
and tongues (while sitting, standing, lying, etc.); Allah has prepared
for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e., Paradise)." (V. 33:35)
There can thus be no doubt that in the Hereafter, men and women will
both be judged, each individual bearing the burden of its own acts,
each soul will be punished for its transgressions and each will be
rewarded for its obedience to Allah.
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The Woman as Human Being and Equal to Man

Islam was revealed at a time when a lot of people denied the humanity
of the woman; some were skeptical about it; and still others admitted
it, yet considered the woman a thing created for the humble service of
the man.
With the advent of Islam, circumstances improved for the woman. The
woman's dignity and humanity were restored. Islam confirmed her
capacity to carry out Allah's commands, her responsibilities and
observation of the commands that lead to heaven.
Islam considered the woman as a worthy human being, with a share in
humanity equal to that of the man. Their single origin, their general
human traits, their responsibility for the observation of religious
duties with the consequent reward or punishment, and the unity of
their destiny all bear witness to their equality from the Islamic
point of view. This fact is established in the Noble Qur'an.
" O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single
person (Adam) and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from
them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom
you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the
wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you." The
Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4, Verse 1
As is stated in another verse:
" It is He Who has created you from a single person (Adam), and (then)
He has created from him his wife (Eve), in order that he might enjoy
the pleasure of living with her." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 7,Verse 189
The Qur'an, on its part, treats this issue of equality among men and
women from more than one perspective.
On the purely religious level
"Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam) men and
women,the believers men and women (who believe in Islamic
Monotheism),the men and the women who are obedient (to Allah), the men
and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and
the women who are patient (in performing all the duties which Allah
has ordered and in abstaining from all that Allah has forbidden), the
men and the women who are humble(before their Lord Allah),the menand
the women who give Sadaqat, (i.e. Zakat, and alms, etc.),the men and
the women who fast (the obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadan
and the optional Nawafil fasting),the men and women who guard their
chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and women who remember
Allah much with their hearts andtongues (while sitting, standing,
lying, etc.) Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great
reward (i.e. Paradise)." TheHoly Qur'an, Chapter 33, Verse 35
On the basic social and religious responsibilities
The Qur'an establishes equality by maintaining
"The believers, men and women,are "Awliy," (helpers,
supporters,friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the
people) Al-Ma`ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders
one to do);and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and
disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they offer
their prayers perfectly (lqamat-as-Salat), and give the Zakat and obey
Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have mercy on them." The Holy
Qur'an, Chapter 9, Verse 71
In Adam's story, Divine Orders were made to him and his wife, both and equally:
"O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you
freely with pleasureand delight of things therein as wherever you
will, but come notnear this tree or you both will be of the Zalim'n
(wrongdoers)."The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 35
What is new, however, about this story as given by the Qur'an is that
the temptation is blamed not on Eve but on Satan.
"Then the Satan made them slip there from (the Paradise), and got them
out from that in whichthey were." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 236
The reverse of The Old Testament versions. Thus Eve was neither the
sole eater from the tree, nor the one who initiated the act. Rather,
the mistake was theirs both, and both of them repented and asked for
forgiveness:
"They said, "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us
not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall belosers." The Holy
Qur'an, Chapter7, Verse 23
Further still, some verses ascribethe trespass to Adam:
"And indeed We made a covenant with Adam before, buthe forgot, and We
found on his part no firm will-power". Then Satan whispered to him
saying,"O Adam! Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a
kingdom that will never waste away?" Thus did Adam disobey his Lord,
so he went astray." TheHoly Qur'an, Chapter 20, Verse 115, 120 and 121
Equality of punishment and reward and eligibility for Paradise
The Almighty says: "That was a nation who has passed away. They shall
receive the reward ofwhat they earned and you of what you earn. And
you will not be asked of what they used to do." The Holy Qur'an, ...
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Status of Women in Islam

"Why is it that so many women who have been born and brought in Europe
and America are willing to reject their 'liberty'and 'independence' to
embrace a religion that supposedly oppresses them and is widely
assumed to be prejudicial to them?" This is a question that I found on
one of the sites while surfing around, and I found it an interesting
question and which I'd like to draw this articlearound.
Can Islam be prejudiced to women, and yet appeal to women? Can Islam
lower the status of a woman and still havemore women embracing it as
their way of life than men? According to an article written by Lucy
Berrington in the Times Magazine (London) dated 9th Nov. 1993: "It is
even more ironic that most British converts should be women, given the
widespread view in the west that Islam treats women poorly. In the
United States, women converts outnumber men by four to one, and in
Britain make up the bulk of the estimated 10, 000 to 20, 000 converts,
forming part of a Muslim community of 1 to 1.5 million "
How can the case of those women be explained?! Well, I could say that
there are only one of two choices that one can decide upon. Either all
those women who choose Islam don't know what they are doing or that
they discovered Islam is notprejudice to them as others have yet to
discover. New convert to Islam since September 11, US Navy petty
officer, Heather Ramaha. "Islam gives us Elevation; not Degradation"
In the Noble Quran Allah (Arabic word for God) says:
"Mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you
into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the
most honorable of you in the Sight of Allah is the believer who has
Taqwa (i.e. piety and righteousness)and loves Allah most. Verily,
Allah is All-Knowing,All-Aware." The Holy Qur'an(49:13)
"I shall not lose sight of the labor of any of you who labors in My
way, be it man or woman;each of you is equal to the other. The Holy
Qur'an(3:195)"
On the light of those verses, Islam declares that it has not come to
disadvantage women, but in fact has been revealed to elevate women
ever since 1400 years ago, when women in many parts of the world and
especially in the western societies were considered objects that are
owned and withlittle to no rights in the society they live in.
Before any other religion or system in the world Islam gave a woman
the right to inherit, theright to vote and voice her opinion, the
right to trade investand improve herself financially, the right to own
- buy and sell, the right to seek knowledge andhave a good education,
the rightto work and has even gone further to oblige the males in
every stage of her life, whether it was a father, brother or husband
... It's their duty before God to take care of her, to spendon her, to
provide her with the food , clothing and shelter that she needs, to
provide her with agood education, to protect her from anything that
can harm her and to never hesitate to put their lives in stake for her
if the need calls them to do so. "As a modern westerner with a career,
of course I had to look into Islam's attitude to women - I couldn't be
oppressed all of a sudden. But I discovered that it is pro-women and
pro-men; in Islam, women had the right to vote in the year 600. Men
dress modestly, women dress modestly; neither should flirt with the
eyes, but rather they should lower their gaze. I think it's unhealthy
to flaunt your sexuality - it attracts the wrong energy back." (MTV
Presenter Kristiane Backer after being a Muslim) "Since I called
myself a feminist, my early reading centered around women in Islam. I
thought Islam oppressedwomen. In my Women's Studies courses I had read
about Muslimwomen who were not allowed to leave their homes and were
forced to cover their heads. Of course I saw hijab as an oppressive
tool imposed by men rather than as an expression of self-respect and
dignity. What I discovered in myreadings surprised me. Islam notonly
does not oppress women, but actually liberates them, having given them
rights in the 6th century that we have only gained in this century in
this country: the right to own property and wealth and to maintain
that in her name after marriage; the right to vote; and the right to
divorce." (Karima Slack, an American feminist fromsecular humanism to
Islam)
Some Muslim societies today lack those values. Some people may rightly
ask then, why do we see some Muslim societies lacking those values?
There is a beautiful and very true exampleI heard from a lecture by an
American Muslim called Khaled Yaseen, who said that every person can
be a father; but if a father does not turn out to be a good father
then it's not fatherhood that we would blam. ....
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Good news for the poorpeople

Once, Abu Dardaa (RA) was sitting in company with his students when
his wife came and said to him, "You are sitting here with your
students and wehaven't got a pinch of flour left with us in the
house." Abu Dardaa (RA) said to her, "Good lady, before us there is a
valley hard to travel (The Day of Judgement) and only such people can
traverse it successfully who travel light." Hearing this, his wife
went away, satisfied with the reply, and did not complain any more
about her needs. Abu Dardaa (RA) once said, "We have food and the rich
also have food; we wear clothes and the rich also wear clothes. The
rich people possess wealth, which exceeds their requirements, and they
just see it without using it. We can also look at wealth (possessed by
others) without using it. We are equal in this respect, but the rich
will be required to render an account, on the Day of Resurrection, for
holding extra wealth in their possession. We are free from Reckoning,
for, we have nothingin our possession."
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Shame on us

A pupil of Ali (RA) says:"Once Ali (RA) led people in Fajr Salaat. At
the end he turned his face to the right and sat there facing the
people till sunrise. He looked cast down. At last, he turned the palms
of hishands up as a gesture of regret and spoke to the people thus:
'By Allah! I have been an associate of the Sahabah (companions) of
Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam, it's a pitythat nowadays I find
men who do not resemble them in any respect. When the Sahabah (RA) got
up in the morning, they looked disheveled, pale in face and covered
with dust. During the night they would prostrate before Allah Ta'ala
or stand in devotion reciting from theHoly Qur'an. They would spend
the whole night standing. When tired theywould lean to the right
orleft for respite, shifting the weight of their bodiesfrom one leg to
the other.When they recited lines glorifying Allah, they swayed in
ecstasy, as the trees do, when the wind passes through them. Andthey
wept (for fear or loveof Allah Ta'ala) shedding tears so profusely
that their clothes would become wet. Alas! men of today, spend their
nights in utter heedlessness."
From the book "Fadhail-e-Sadaqaa Part II", Translated by Prof. Abdul Karim.
What would Ali (RA) say if he saw our condition today?

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Confused about a fatwaon the ruling on showing pictures of women’s fashions

In your fatwa on the website entitled Putting women's pictures in
women-only chat rooms to learn how to do makeup and other adornments,
it says that itis permissibleto show pictures of fashion outfits in
chat rooms with the head cut off or with the facial features blotted
out completely. I was confused by this. How canthis be permissible
when a man who goes to this page could see it? Does blotting out the
facial features cancel out the fitnah altogether? How many men have
been tempted by a woman's body even though her face is ugly! If it is
permissible, then what is the benefit of the command to wear the
abayah if the body is not asource of temptation and it is permissible
for men to look at it? Aren't all parts of the woman's body 'awrah and
don't men have to lower their gaze and not look at her? What is the
evidence for this being permissible?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
We appreciate your concern and your keenness to seek good. We ask
Allah to make us and you steadfast in obedience to Him.
Secondly:
The fatwa you mention has to do with women's chat rooms. It stated
that it is haraam to publish pictures of womenon the Internet, but it
granted a concession allowing posting pictures of "outfits minus the
head, or with the facial features blotted out completely". That is
because of what was mentioned in the question, which is that it isfor
the purpose of learning and benefitting. Undoubtedly the aim of the
fatwa was to avoid fitnah and block the causes that lead to it. If the
pictures of outfits leadto fitnah, such as if they werephysical
bodies or they were provocative pictures, then the answer is that it
is also forbidden to post them.
There is no doubt that men are enjoined to lowertheir gaze and avoid
looking at women, their faces and their bodies, with no
differentiation. And there is no doubt that the woman's entire body is
'awrah as you say. But thepoint that should be noted here is that the
chat room is for women and this means will divertmany...

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Does a person who diedof cancer as a result of smoking attain the status of a martyr?

Does a person who died of cancer as a result of smoking attain the
status of a martyr?.
Praise be to Allaah.
It is proven in the saheeh Sunnah that there are various kinds of
martyrs who will attain the status of martyrdom in the Hereafter; this
is by the grace and mercy of Allah.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that
the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)
said: "The martyrs are five: the one who dies of the plague, the one
who dies of a stomach disease, the one who drowns, the one who is
crushed beneath a falling wall, and the martyr who is killed for the
sake of Allaah."
Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
Ibn al-Teen said: All of these are deaths which involve hardship.
Allah has bestowed His grace upon the ummah of Muhammad (blessings and
peace of Allah be upon him) by making them means of erasing their sins
and increasing their rewards, and enabling them to attain the status
of martyrdom.
Fath al-Baari, 6/44
If a person dies of cancer, some of the scholars are of the view that
he is included among the typesof martyr mentioned in the hadeeth, on
the basis that the word mabtoon (the one who dies of a disease in the
abdomen) is general and includes everyone who dies of a disease in his
abdomen and that this does not apply to any one specific disease.
Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
The word mabtoon means the one with a disease in the abdomen, which is
diarrhoea. Al-Qaadi said: And it was said that he is the one who
suffers from dropsy or oedema and swelling of the abdomen. And it was
said that it refers to the one who suffers somedisease in his abdomen.
And it was said that it refers to anyone who diesfrom a disease in the
abdomen in general. End quote from Sharh Muslim by al-Nawawi.
But it should be noted that this suggestion is connected to two conditions:
(i) that the site ofthe cancer be in the abdomen so
that he may truly be said to be mabtoon.
Shaykh 'Abd al-Muhsin al-'Abbaad (may Allah preserve him) was asked:
Does a person who dies ofcancer come under the heading of mabtoon?
He replied:
No, because cancer is not always in the stomach; it may be somewhere
other than the stomach.
Sharh Sunan Abi Dawood (tape no. 230)
As the site of your friend'scancer was in the throat, he is not
included among any of the groups who are regarded as martyrs.
(ii) that the disease should not have been caused by
smoking, taking drugs or drinking alcohol, or other haraam things,
unless he has repented sincerely from that and has given up consuming
those haraam things.
This condition is general and applies to all those mentioned in the
hadeeth. If a woman is pregnant as the result of zina and dies in
labour, she is not regarded as oneof the martyrs. If a personwho
drowned had boarded the boat or ship in order to commit sin or some
immoral activity, and dies as a result of drowning, he is not one
ofthe martyrs. A person who is killed by a falling wall when he is
committing zina or drinking alcohol is not one of the martyrs. In the
answer to question no. 45669, we have quoted the Standing Committee as
saying that a person who dies as the result of acar accident when he
was inside the car comes under the same heading as one who was killed
by a falling wall, so he is a martyr, by Allah's leave. But this
cannot be appliedto those foolish young men to whom this happens when
they are racing in their cars, or to those who compete in difficult
circumstances in the mountains or in the snow ("extreme sports").
In the answer to question no. 22140 , we quoted Shaykh al-Islam Ibn
Taymiyah as saying that ifa person drowns after boarding a ship for
sinful purposes, he is not a martyr.
And elsewhere he said:
Whoever wants to follow a path where the possibilities of being safe
or being killed are equal has to refrain from following it; if he does
notrefrain, then he is aiding in his own destruction so he is not a
martyr.
Al-Fataawa al-Kubra, 5/381
Al-Suyooti (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
Al-Qurtubi said: This and the previous one -- i.e., those who are
killed by a falling wall or drowning --if they did not take risks and
did not fail to take precautions, (then they are martyrs). But if they
did not take precautions and died as a result of that, then they are
sinners.
Al-Deebaaj 'ala Muslim (4/508)....

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Confused about a fatwaon the ruling on showing pictures of women’s fashions

In your fatwa on the website entitled Putting women's pictures in
women-only chat rooms to learn how to do makeup and other adornments,
it says that itis permissible to show pictures of fashion outfits in
chat rooms with the head cut off or with the facial features blotted
out completely. I was confused by this. How canthis be permissible
when a man who goes to this page could see it? Does blotting out the
facial features cancel out the fitnah altogether? How many men have
been tempted by a woman's body even though her face is ugly! If it is
permissible, then what is the benefit of the command to wear the
abayah if the body is not a source of temptation and it is permissible
for men to look at it? Aren't all parts of the woman's body 'awrah and
don't men have to lower their gaze and not look at her? What is the
evidence for this being permissible?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
We appreciate your concern and your keenness to seek good. We ask
Allah to make us and you steadfast in obedience to Him.
Secondly:
The fatwa you mention has to do with women's chat rooms. It stated
that it is haraam to publish pictures of women on the Internet, but it
granted a concession allowing posting pictures of "outfits minus the
head, or with the facial features blotted out completely". That is
because of what was mentioned in the question, which is that it is for
the purpose of learning and benefitting. Undoubtedly the aim of the
fatwa was to avoid fitnah and block the causes that lead to it. If the
pictures of outfits leadto fitnah, such as if they were physical
bodies or they were provocative pictures, then the answer is that it
is also forbidden to post them.
There is no doubt that men are enjoined to lower their gaze and avoid
looking at women, their faces and their bodies, with no
differentiation. And there is no doubt that the woman's entire body is
'awrah as you say. But thepoint that should be noted here is that the
chat room is for women and this means will divertmany women from
looking at harmful fashion magazines, and sothey can find what they
need on these websites. But we affirm that if the pictures of fashion
outfits are done in a way that promotes fitnah, then they should not
be allowed and ways must be sought of presenting them without showing
them on bodies.
To sum up: we have to differentiate here between two things having to
do with this issue:
1. The issue of the image itself, regardless of whether it results
in fitnah or not. This is the one for which it is stipulated that the
head be cut off
2. The issue of fitnah, which must be warded offand prevented, if
it is thought most likely that itwill occur.
And Allah knows best.

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He broke the fast deliberately when he was younger; what should he do?

I am now sixteen. When I was fourteen I had some bad friends and I
used to spend most of my time with them. I used to go out with them
during the day in Ramadan, and I used to break the fast andeat food
and smoke cigarettes, etc. I also used to do the secret habit.
I do not remember how many days I broke the first, as it never
occurred to me that I would have to make them up. I also did not know
that the secret habit is haraam. What should I do now? Can you give me
any advice? Can observing naafil fasts take the place of making up
fasts?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Islamic duties are not obligatory for a boy until after he reaches
puberty, because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon
him) said: "The Pen has been lifted from three: from the insane one
who has lost his mind until he comes to his senses; from the sleeper
until he wakes up;and from the child until he reaches puberty."
Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4399; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in
Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood.
The sign of puberty for males is when one of three things happen:
emission of maniy (semen), growth of coarsehair around the private
part, or reaching the age of fifteen.
In the case of females, puberty is reached when one of these three
signs appear; in addition there is a fourth sign, namely menstruation.
It is not essential that all of the signs appear; ratherthe appearance
of one of them is sufficient to rule that the individual has reached
puberty.
It should be noted that the years that count with regard to reaching
puberty are hijri years (Islamic lunar calendar). If your age at the
time you mentioned was fourteen years according to the Gregorian
calendar, then your age according to the Hijri calendar will be
approximately half a year more than that; in this case it is likely
that you had reached the age of accountability.
All of this applies so long as the other signs had notappeared in your case.
Based on that, if you broke the fast in Ramadanwhen you had not yet
reached puberty, then youdo not have to do anything, because fasting
was not obligatory for you (at that time).
But if you broke the fast during the day in Ramadan when you had
reached puberty at that time according to one of the signs of puberty
mentioned above, then what you have to do is repent and regret it, and
resolve not to go back to that grave sin again.
With regard to making upthe fasts, if you broke the fast during the
day after having started to fast it, then you have to make upthe fast,
but if you did notfast at all, then you do nothave to make it up and
it is sufficient to repent sincerely, in sha Allah.
You have to do a lot of voluntary fasts, because that will make up for
the shortcomings that occurred with regard to the obligatory fast.
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy onhim) was asked about
theruling on breaking the fast during the day in Ramadan without any
excuse.
He replied:
Breaking the fast during the day in Ramadan without any excuse is
oneof the gravest of major sins, and the individual becomes a faasiq
(rebellious evildoer) thereby. He has to repent to Allah and make up
thatday on which he broke the fast. In other words, if he fasted and
during the day he broke the fast withno excuse, then he has sinned. He
has to make upthat day on which he broke the fast, because when he
started to fast it became binding upon him; because he started it on
the basis that it was obligatory, he has to make it up, like a vow
that must be fulfilled. But if he deliberately did not fast at all
with no excuse, then the more correct view is that he does not have to
make it up, because it will not benefithim at all, as it will never be
accepted from him. The basic principle with regard to the act of
worship that are connected to a specific time is that if it is
delayeduntil that specific time hasended with no excuse, it will not
be accepted, because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon
him) said: "Whoever does an action that is not part of this matter of
ours will have itrejected." And because he has transgressed the limits
set by Allah, and transgressing the limits set by Allah is wrongdoing,
and good deeds are not accepted from the wrongdoer. Allah, may He be
exalted, says (interpretation of themeaning):
"And whoever transgresses the limits ordained by Allah, then such are
the Zalimoon (wrong-doers, etc.)"
[al-Baqarah 2:229].
And just as if he did this act of worship before the time for it
began, it wouldnot be accepted from him,by the same token if he does
it after the time for it has ended it will not be accepted from him
unless he had an excuse.

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ROTATION OF SUN AND MOON

Today we know that the Moon revolves around the earth in approximately
29.5 days. The sunalso revolves in its own orbit. To understand the
sun's orbit, Dr. Bucaille says that the position of the sun in our
galaxy must be considered, and we must therefore call on modern
scientific ideas (The Bible, the Quran and Science, p. 162).
Our galaxy, the milky way galaxy, includes one hundred billion stars
situated in such a formationthat the galaxy is shaped like a disc.
This disc turns around its center like a gramophone record.Now, it is
obvious that when a gramophone record turns, any point on the disc
would move around and come back to its original position. Similarly,
every star in the galaxy moves as the galaxy rotates on its axis.
Therefore the stars that are awayfrom the center of the galaxy orbit
around the axis. The sun is one of those stars.
Dr. Bucaille explains that modern science has worked out the details
of the sun's orbit as follows:
"To complete one revolution on its own axis, the galaxy and the sun
take roughly 250 million years. The sun travels roughly 150 miles per
second in the completion of this" (The Bible, theQuran and Science, p.
162).
After describing this, Dr. Bucaille comments:
"The above is the orbital movement of the sun that was already
referred to in the Quran fourteen centuries ago." (The Bible, the
Quran and Science, p. 162)
And yet this is a new finding. As Dr. Bucaille says, the knowledge of
the sun's orbit is an acquisition of modern astronomy(The Bible, the
Quran and Science,p. 162).
Two verses in the Quran refer to the orbits of the sun and moon. After
mentioning the sun and themoon, Allah says:
"Each one is traveling in an orbit with its own motion" (Quran, 21:33; 36:40).
Even after the Quran was revealed, early commentators could not
conceive of the orbits of the sun and moon. The tenth century
commentator Tabari could not explain this so he said, "It is our duty
to keep silent when we do not know" (XVII, 15 quoted in The Bible, the
Quran and Science, p. 161).
Dr. Bucaille comments:
"This shows just how incapable men were of understanding this concept
of the sun's and moon's orbit." (The Bible, the Quran and Science, p.
161).
From this it is clear that if the Quran was here expressing an idea
already known to the people, the commentators would have easily
understood it. But this, as Dr. Bucaille explains was "a new concept
that was not to be explained until centuries later"(The Bible, the
Quran and Science,p. 161)
This confirms what Allah said to his prophet, on whom be peace:
"This is of the tidings of the Unseen which we inspire in you
(Muhammad). Neither you nor your people knew it before this" (Quran
11:49)

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When times are hard, and you’ve fallen down…

When times are hard, when your spirit is low, when you've been knocked
to your knees, or maybe just one knee… use that moment of humility to
praise Allah, the Most Glorious. Then find something in your life to
be grateful for.
Maybe you are grateful for your children, or your good health, or the
plentiful food on your table, or having good clean drinking water that
doesn't give you diseases, or a friend who makes youlaugh, or the fact
that Allah has blessed you with Islam when so many are wandering in
darkness anddespair. Or even just sitting on the grass feelingthe
breeze, or a cat that sits in your lap and purrs… Find the many
blessings in your life, the hidden sources of happiness, and stand up,
and thank Allah.
Move forward with your head up, keeping your focus on Allah's gifts to
you, and your gratitude. Step, step, step with a grateful heart, and
that's how it's done.

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Resilience is Contagious

"Resilience is contagious." – Amy Estrada. Sure, life comes along now
and then and blows you off your feet. That's alright. What matters is
that you get back up.
You don't have to have theanswers. You don't have tobe superman or
superwoman. When the thundercloud opens up, who among us can stop the
rain? When the hurricane blows, who can stay on his feet? No one.
When the storm passes, stand up. Dust yourself off,take stock, and
move forward in the name of Allah. If the storm has disoriented you
and you don't see the way forward,look to the Quran. "And if there
should come to you guidance from Me – then whoever follows Myguidance
will neither go astray [in the world] nor suffer [in the Hereafter]."
(Quran, Surat TaHa, 20:123). The Quran is a mighty book. Never
underestimate it. If you cannot speak Arabic and find the English
translations unwieldy, get one of the modern translations that are
easierto read, like those by UmmMuhammad, or Thomas Cleary.
When you get knocked down and then stand up tall, with strength,
others see it, and it rallies them. Your spouse sees it, your children
see it, your friendssee it, and of course Allah sees it. Don't think
of it as showing off. Not at all. Think of it as brotherhood and
sisterhood, all of us helping each other, giving each other strength,
being good shepherds to our flocks.
Superman is no hero, he's impervious to bullets! Realheroes get hurt,
they get down on themselves sometimes, they're imperfect, they
struggle topay the bills and raise theirchildren, they struggle to be
become stronger in their faith, but they struggle! They don't give up.
That's inspiring, and it's contagious, and maybe sometimes it will be
someone else inspiring you, and maybe sometimes it will be you,
getting up after the hurricane, showing us all how it's done.

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Signs of Allah in Our Tongues

Have you ever wondered about your tongue? It is one of the wonderful
creations of Allah. Allah Ta'ala gave each of us onetongue. But this
one tongue is able to taste thousands of different types of food and
drinks. If our taste buds on the tongue were to become inactive, we
would not know the difference between an orange or a stone.
Moreover, like finger print,everyone has a different tongue print.
Relative to its size, tongueis also the strongest muscle in the human
body. And it is the only muscle which is connected to only one side.
The tongue is so strong that it can create a pressure on the roof of
the mouth equivalent to the weight of two double decker busses!
The strongest muscle of our body, the tongue, has been created by
Allah for us to glorify Him. Trully, with the help of this tongue, we
are able to recite the Glorious Quran and talk about Allah's
Greatness. Let us not spoilthe tongue by backbiting, slandering and
lying.

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Signs of Allah in Solar System

The earth rotates on its axis at one thousand miles an hour; if it
turned at one hundred miles an hour, our days and nights would be ten
times as long as now, and the hot sun would then burn up our
vegetation during each long day, while in the long night any surviving
sprout would freeze.
Again, the sun, source of our life, has a surface temperature of
12,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and our earth is, just far enough away so
that this 'eternal fire" warms us just enough and not too much! If the
sun gave off only one-half its present radiation, we would freeze, and
if it gave half as much more, we would roast.
The slant of the earth, tilted at an angle of 23 degrees, gives us our
seasons; if it had not beenso tilted, vapours from the ocean would
move north and south, piling upfor us continents of ice. If our moon
was, say, only 50 thousand miles away instead of its actual distance,
our tides would be so enormous that twice a day all continents would
be submerged; even the mountains would soon be eroded away.
If the crust of the earth had been only ten feet thicker, there would
be nooxygen without which animal life must die. Had the ocean been a
few feetdeeper, carbon dioxide and oxygen would have been absorbed and
no vegetable life could exist. Or if our atmosphere had been thinner,
some of the meteors, now burned in space by the million everyday would
be striking all parts of the earth, startingfires everywhere.
Because of these, and hostof other examples, there is not one chance
in millions that life on our planet is an accident.

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Why does the Qur'an allow Muslim men to have four wives?

There are some situations in which it is advantageous to society to
have men marry multiple wives, and for this reason polygyny is
practiced by many religions and cultures. As we have already seen in
answer to question 2, polygyny is permitted in the Bible too. Here we
willsee that the Qur'an permits only a restricted and limited form of
that practice. Only 2% of Muslim marriages are of this nature.
Notice that the Qur'an permits but does not command a man to have four
wives. Furthermore, the Qur'an stipulates that a man is responsible
for the maintenance of his wife or wives. If a man has more than one
wife, he has to provide separate living accommodation for each of his
wives. Multiple marriages are a heavy responsibility on the male. It
is not a pleasure trip as some people may assume. Some even imagine
all kinds of sexual exploits involving a man and his wives altogether.
However, suchactivity is not permissible in Islam. A man must divide
his time equally among his wives. He may,for example, spend one night
with each wife on a rotating schedule. If a man cannot maintain
justice in the treatment ofhis wives, the Qur'an stipulates that he is
to have no more than one wife.
Polygyny provides a solution to some of life's problems. When there is
ashortage of men, for example after a devastating war, many women will
be unable to find husbands. Most women in that situation, given the
option, would rather be a co-wife than no wife. If one maintains a
strict monogamy in sucha situation, moral depravity is bound to
result.
It may be useful at this point to see what some non- Muslim writers
are now saying on this much misunderstood subject. John Esposito says:
Although it is found in many religious and cultural traditions,
polygamy (or more precisely, polygyny) is most often identified
withIslam in the minds of Westerners. In fact, the Qur'an and Islamic
Law sought to control and regulate the number of spouses rather than
give free license. (John Esposito, Islam: The Straight Path, Oxford
University, 1988, p.97).
Esposito then goes on to explain that in a society which allowed men
an unlimited number of wives, Islam limited the number of wives to
four. Then he continued to say:
The Qur'an permits a man to marry up to four wives,provided he can
support and treat them all equally.Muslims regard this Qur'anic
command as strengthening the status of women and the family for it
sought to ensure thewelfare of single women and widows in a society
whose male population was diminished by warfare, and to curb
unrestricted polygamy (John Esposito: Islam the Straight Path, p.97).
Karen Armstrong explains much the same in her book entitled Muhammad:
A Western Attempt to Understand Islam. She says:
We have to see the ruling about polygamy in context. In
seventh-century Arabia, when a man could have as many wives as he
chose, to prescribe only four was a limitation, not a license tonew
oppression (Karen Armstrong, Muhammad: AWestern Attempt to Understand
Islam, Victor Gollancz Ltd., 1991, p.191).
It is unfortunate that the Western media often gives the wrong
impression of what Islam is all about. Karen Armstrong writes:
Popular films like Harem give an absurd and inflated picture of the
sexual life of the Muslim sheikh which reveals more about Western
fantasy than it does aboutthe reality (p.190).
Some people incorrectly assume that because of this ruling most Muslim
men would have four wives. However, as Huston Smith points
out,"multiple wives are seldom found in Islam today" (The World's
Religions, p. 252). Ira Zep p, Jr. says that "less than 2% of Muslim
marriages are polygamous" (A Muslim Primer, p.180).
About this being a solution for the problem of surplus women, Ira
Zepp, Jr. comments on page 181 of his book:
The Roman Catholic Church is facing the same problem today in parts of
Africa. Social and economic reasons are forcing the Church to
reconsider polygamy as a Christian option. (See Polygamy
Recon,isidered by Eugene Hillman, New York: Orbis Press, 1973).

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Look at a man who will enter paradise

One day the Prophet peace be upon him looked at a man and said:
Whoever likes to look at aman who will enter Paradise, let him look at
this man. Abdullah Ibn Abbas, who was present and heard this comment,
followed the man who was favoured with this promise. He asked his
permission to be his guestwhich the man accepted. After observing him
for three consecutive nights, without seeing anything extraordinary
about him, Abdullah Ibn Abbas said: I don't see anything about you
which qualifies you toenter Paradise more than the rest of us. Can you
remember one special thing you do of which I may not be aware. After
thinking for sometime theman said: Nothing is outstanding in my life
except one thing, may be, that I go to bed with a pure and sound heart
towards my friends (meaning to forgive others of their bad qualities
and to think good of everybody). Then Ibn Abbas exclaimed: This is
exactly what qualifies you to enter paradise. Source: from the
book"Luminaries of Islam" by Arafat K.El-Ashi
It is not easy to forgive others of their faults but let us try hard
to bring this quality in ourselves.

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Why bitter fruits were sweet to Ayyaz

There was a famous ruler by the name Sultan Mahmud and he had a slave
called Ayyaz. Sultan Mahmud loved Ayyaz verymuch because of his
greatwisdom. From time to time, Sultan would test Ayyaz with various
things to see how much love Ayyaz had for him. One day, Sultan Mahmud
gathered the most bitter fruits from his garden andcalled Ayyaz.
Sultan told Ayyaz to eat them. Ayyaz took the fruits in his hands and
kissed them and then started eating them without any hesitation.
Sultan observed that Ayyaz was eating the fruits with great pleasure
and the bitter taste was not affecting him in any way. Now Sultan
started thinking that he might've picked the wrong fruits, so, he took
one of the fruits from Ayyaz to find out. As soon as Sultan took a
bite, he was overwhelmed by the bitterness of the fruit and started
screaming for water. When Sultan settled down, he asked Ayyaz why he
was unaffected by the fruits. Ayyaz said "You only see the bitterness
of the fruitsbut you don't see the one who gave them to me? They were
given to me bythe king himself!"
My dear friends, today we find some commandments of Allah to be bitter
and hard to follow. However, we should rather follow themwith great
love because they were given to us by the King of all kings, Allah.

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Ramadan Dua: DAY 5

Yaa ALLAH, on this day, place me among those who seekforgiveness.
Place me among Your righteous andobedient servants, and place me among
Your close friends, by Your kindness, O the most Merciful.
Narrated Muawiya: I heardAllah's Apostlesaying, "If Allah wants to do
good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion. I am just a
distributor, but the grant is from Allah. (And remember) that this
nation (true Muslims) will keep on following Allah's teachings
strictly and they will not be harmed by any one going on a different
path till Allah'sorder (Dayof Judgment) is established."

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Why did the prophet Muhammadmarry many wives?

The reasons for the marriages will become clear once we survey the
historical circumstances. When Muhammad was twenty-five years old he
married for the first time. His wife, Khadijah, was fifteen years
older than him. She remained the only wife of the prophet for the next
twenty-five years, until she died (may Allah be pleased with her).
Only after her death did the prophet marry other women. Now, it is
obvious that if the prophet was after physical pleasure he did not
have to wait until he was more than fifty years old to start marrying
more wives. He lived in a society in which it was quite acceptable to
have many wives. But the prophet remained devoted to his only wife for
twenty-five years. When she died she was sixty-five years old.
His later marriages were for various reasons. Some marriages were with
the view to help the women whose husbands had been killed while they
were defending their faith. Others were with a view to cement
relationships with devoted followers like Abu Bakr, may Allah be
pleased with him. Yet others were to build bridges with various tribes
who were otherwise at war with theMuslims. When the prophet became
their relative through marriage,their hostilities calmed down, and
much bloodshed was averted.
Recent non-Muslim writers who had the opportunity to study the life of
the prophet first-hand reached a similar conclusion about his plural
marriages. John L. Esposito, Professor of Religion and Director of the
Center for International Studies at the College of the Holy Cross,
says that most of these marriages had"political and social motives"
(Islam: The Straight Path, Oxford University Press, 1988, p. 19). This
he explained as follows:
As was customary for Arab chiefs, many were political marriages to
cement alliances. Others were marriages to the widows of his
companions who had fallen in combat and werein need of protection
(John L. Esposito, Islam: The Straight Path, pp.19-20).
Esposito reminds us of thefollowing historical fact:
Though less common, polygyny was also permitted in biblical and even
in post-biblical Judaism. From Abraham, David, and Solomon downto the
reformation period,polygyny was practiced (p.19).
Another non-Muslim Caesar F. Farah writes as follows:
In the prime of his youth and adult years Muhammad remained thoroughly
devoted to Khadijah and would have none other for consort. This was an
age that looked upon plural marriages with favor and in a society that
in pre-biblical and post-biblical days considered polygamy an
essential feature of social existence. David had six wives and
numerous concubines (2 Samuel 5:13; 1 Chronicles 3:1-9, 14:3) and
Solomon was said to have had as many as 700 wives and 300 concubines
(1 Kings 11:3). Solomon's son Rehoboam had 18 wives and 60 concubines
(2 Chronicles 11:2 1). The New Testament contains no specific
injunction against plural marriages. It was commonplace for the
nobility among the Christians and Jews to contract plural marriages.
Luther spoke of it with toleration (Caesar E. Farah,Islam: Beliefs and
Observances, 4th edition, Barron's, U.S. 1987, p. 69).
Caesar Farah then concluded that Muhammad's plural marriages were
due"partly to political reasonsand partly to his concern for the wives
of his companions who had fallen in battle defending the nascent
Islamic community" (p.69).
When people hear that the prophet had many wives they conclude without
much thought that the prophet was a sensuous man. However, a quick
historical review of his marriages, proves otherwise. May Allah shower
peace and blessings upon His noble messenger.

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Advice from a person riding a flying camel

Muhammad bin Mu'az (may Allah have mercy onhim) says that a devout
lady narrated to him the following story: I saw in adream that I was
going toenter Paradise and when Ireached the entrance, I saw that so
many people had assembled there. I asked, "Why have they assembled at
the gate?" Aman replied, "A lady is coming to Paradise and they have
decorated it forher sake; they have come to receive her into the
Paradise." I asked who the lady was, and the man said, "She is
dark-complexioned servant-woman from the Aikah town, called
Sha'wanah." I said, "By Allah! She is my sister." Meanwhile, I saw
that Sha'wanah was coming tous. She was riding a handsome highbred
she-camel, which was flying in the air. I called out her name and
said,"My dear sister, you know that we are related to each other. Make
Du'aa (supplication) to your Lord that He may grant me your
companionship." She smiled and said, "The time has not yet come for
you to join me; but do take a few words of advice from me; make Akhira
(hereafter) your constant worry and take it to your heart; let your
love for Allah overpower all other passions and desires; and do not
botherabout your hour of death that is, be prepared to meet death at
any time." From the book "Fadhail-e-Sadaqaa", translated by Prof.
Abdul Karim.
Each one of us have the capacity to become people of great piety.
However, it takes an effort and sacrifice of our desires. Thus, let us
strive hard to become devoutedMuslims.

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What to Say on Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power

The last ten nights of Ramadan are here. This is an amazing, powerful,
unique time. These days are the most spiritually charged days of the
year, more full of power than a great star or the mighty ocean. And
one of these days is Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, equal to a
thousand months. Every prayer is magnified, every good deed is
multiplied exponentially.
What to say during Laylat al-Qadr? It is recommended to supplicate a
lot during thisnight. It is reported from 'Aisha (ra), that she said:
"OMessenger of ALLAH! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was,
then what should I say in it?" The Prophet (PBUH) said.- "Say.-
(Allahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee.)
"O ALLAH You are The One Who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so
pardon me."
[reported by at-Tirmithi]
I also wish to remind everyone that all difficulties pass, all
troubles pass. Hard times don't last, but strong people do! Worry if
you must, but do not fear. Allah is with you. He is TheForgiving, The
Merciful, The Loving, and the Giver of Peace. Call upon Him,
especially during this blessed time. You have no idea how much your
worship at this special time is valued. More than any of us can count.
SubhanAllah.

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The prostration of everything in the universe to Allaah

It says in Soorat al-Hajj 22:18 that the dawaab (moving living
creatures, beasts, etc.) prostrate to Allaah. What is the nature of
this prostration?
Praise be to Allaah.
Note that this universe and all the created beings in it is in thrall
to Allaah, whether by choice or by force. The believer worships Allaah
by choice and is rewarded for his worship. Even though the kaafir may
be alienated from his Lord and failing to worship Him, the atoms of
his body and everything in him is worshipping Him and glorifying Him,
but because our understanding and perception are limited, weare
unaware of that tasbeeh (glorification of Allaah) and unable to
understand its nature. Allaah says (interpretationof the meaning):
"The seven heavens and the earth and all that is therein, glorify Him
and there is not a thing but glorifies His Praise. But you understand
not their glorification. Truly, He is Ever Forbearing, Oft-Forgiving"
[al-Isra' 17:44]
What this means is that every created being is in astate of submission
to Allaah and worships Him in a manner appropriate to its situation.
The sun, moon, stars, trees and animals are all in a state of
subjugation to Allaah and prostrate to Him, and all of them worship
Him in an appropriate manner.Allaah says (interpretationof the
meaning):
"See you not that whoever is in the heavensand whoever is on the
earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains,
and the trees, and Ad-Dawaabb [moving (living) creatures, beasts], and
many of mankind prostrate themselves to Allaah. But there are many
(men) on whom thepunishment is justified. And whomsoever Allaah
disgraces, none can honour him. Verily, Allaah does what He wills"
[al-Hajj 22:18]
"Have they not observed things that Allaah has created: (how) their
shadows incline to the right and to the left, making prostration unto
Allaah, and they are lowly?
And to Allaah prostrate allthat is in the heavens and all that is in
the earth, of the moving (living) creatures and the angels, and they
are not proud [i.e. they worship their Lord (Allaah) with humility]"
[al-Nahl 16:48-49]
Imaam Ibn Katheer said: Allaah is telling us of His Might, Majesty and
Pride, for everything submits to Him and all things and creatures
humble themselves before Him, inanimate objects and animals, and those
which are accountable among mankind and the jinn, andthe angels.
Allaah tells us that everything that has ashadow that inclines towards
the right and towards the left – i.e., morning and evening –
prostrates to Allaah. Mujaahid said: When the sun passes its zenith
everything prostrates to Allaah.
Allaah has confirmed that all beings prostrate to Him, and He has
explainedhow some of them prostrate, which is by the inclining of its
shadow towards the right and the left. It does not mean thateverything
prostrates on seven parts of the body; that applies only to the
Muslims. The prostration of all other beings is in accordance with
their nature. The fact that this prostration is prostration in the
real sense is indicated by the apparent meaning of the text, because
there is no valid reason for not interpreting the text as it appears
to be, so we mustaccept it. That is also supported by the fact thatthe
prostration of the sun,moon, stars, trees and animals is mentioned in
conjunction with the prostration of the angels and humans, which
indicates that this is prostration in a real sensefor all the entities
mentioned. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him)
said:
Prostration is a form of humility, so the prostration which includes
all creatures implies the utmost submission and humility. For every
created thing submits to His greatness and humbles itself before His
might and power. Thisdoes not mean that everything prostrates like
human beings do, on seven parts of the body, putting the forehead on
the ground. This kind of prostration is only for human beings. Some
other nations bow but do not prostrate, and that is their prostration.
Allaah says (interpretation of themeaning):
'and enter the gate in prostration (or bowing with humility) and say:
"Forgive us"'
[al-Baqarah 2:58]
It was said that this means enter it bowing, and some of them
prostrate on their sides like the Jews. Sujood (prostration) is a
generic term but because the wayin which Muslims prostrate is so well
known, many people think that this is how everything prostrates.
Jaami' al-Rasaa'il, 1/27
And he said:
It is known that everything prostrates according to its nature, and
the prostration of these created entities does not mean that they put
their foreheads on theground.....

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