In a season of consumerist madness,let’s be grateful, and give

At this time of year the stores are pushing their sales at us.
Advertising is everywhere. There if a frenzy to buy, buy, buy. Let's
realize that this is nota spiritual way of life. It's not an
appropriate lifestyle for someone who is dedicated to God. The
consumerist madness is a deception. There's no joy or peace attached
to it. It's a shallow illusion.
Look at what society has done to itself in the name of consumerism. A
day of thanks (Thanksgiving) has become the prelude to "Black Friday",
the biggest shopping day of the year. It used to be that Black Friday
did not begin until Friday morning, out of respect for Thanksgiving.
Then the starting gun was moved to midnight, and now it has crept into
Thursday evening. Nothingis sacred.
The Prophet 'Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus the son of Mary), peace be upon
him, has been turned into a marketing strategy. His purported birthday
has become a month of shopping insanity, presided over by a mythical
sub-deity named Santa. People go into debt,they fight over sale goods…
no mention is made of faith.
We Muslims fall prey to the same consumerist lifestyle. Sometimes the
holy month of Ramadan becomes a month of shopping, sleeping and binge
eating, astaghfirullah.
Let us – Christians, Muslims, Jews and all people of God – not
followthis path. Let's hew to a way of sacrifice, zakat
(purification), sadaqah (charity), zuhd (giving up material luxury).
We don't have to be monks, but we must focus on the things that
matter: faith and family.
There are movements thatadvocate a simple living, back-to-nature,
low-impact lifestyle. In Islam this is called zuhd , which could be
translated as detachment or asceticism. Zuhd is a choicethat a person
makes to give up the hunger for material possessions and transgressive
carnal experiences, and live a simple lifestyle dedicated to God.
That's what we need.
The faith in our hearts is more important than the brand name of the
clothes we wear. Where our feet carry us – to someplace good or bad –
is more important than the cost of our shoes. The sincerity in our
hearts is more important than any gift. May Allah help us to see what
is important in life.
The Enjoyment of Delusion
There's a powerful verse from the Bible, Proverbs 30:8-9:
Give me neither poverty nor riches,
grant me only my share of bread to eat,
for fear that surrounded by plenty, I should fall away
and say, "Yahweh – who isYahweh?"
or else in destitution, take to stealing
and profane the name of my God.
(Yahweh is an ancient Hebrew name for God).
If you visit the shopping malls at Christmastime, and read the news
stories of people lining up from the night before and huddling in
sleeping bags in order to buy the latest gadgets, then trampling each
other in the rush; if you turn on the TV to the usual Christmas
comedies and "Frosty the Snowman"cartoons, you see that God has been
forgotten, and has even become taboo. It's not politically correct to
speak of God. Just watchwhat we broadcast, be hypnotized by our
Christmas elevator music, buy and forget…
Allah says about this:
"Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and
adornment and boastingto one another and competition in increase of
wealth and children – like the example of a rainwhose [resulting]
plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned
yellow; then it becomes debris. And in the Hereafter is severe
punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the
worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion." – Quran, Surat
Al-Hadeed, 57:20
This theme is struck repeatedly in the Quran. The amusement and
adornment of the dunya isan illusion that dries up and crumbles like a
corn stalk, and becomes dust. It is empty, the enjoyment ofdelusion .
Wow. That phrase, "enjoyment of delusion", makes me think of a madman
alone in a room, tied in a straight jacket, engaged in a pleasant
delusion playing only in his mind.
I know people who have abedroom devoted to all the junk that they have
bought but do not use. They never enter that room and the door is kept
locked. Isn't that a kind of mental illness?
Gratitude
How do we resist the onslaught of the season? How do we remember Allah?
The greatest tool in our toolbox is gratitude. By looking at what
we've been blessed with, our hearts become content. Socrates commented
that contentment is natural wealth, while luxury is artificial
poverty. Contentment does not mean complacency or passivity; it refers
to a state of awareness of our blessings, and gratitude for the
smallest to the greatest provisions – the tiniest cells in our bodies,
to the grand earth itself.

Tafsir Aayatil Kursi

All Praise is due to Allah. We praise Him, and seek His help and
forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah, Most High, from the evils of our
own selves and from our wicked deeds. Whomever Allah guides cannot be
misguided, and whomever He leads astray cannot be guided. I testify
that there is no true God worthy of being worshipped except Allah,
alone, without partner or associate. I further testify that Muhammad
is His slave and Messenger. [1] May Allah's salah and salaam also be
granted to the Prophet's pure family and to all of his noble
companions.
Know, O Muslims, may Allah bestow upon us fromHis Mercy, that
knowledge is the basis for the understanding and application of
Islamic principles and laws. This is in accordance with the sayings of
Allah, the Exalted:
So know [O! Muhammad] that la ilaaha illaAllah [none has the right to
be worshipped but Allah]. [Qur'an, Surah Muhammad (47:19)].
In a related context, the Prophet affirmed that:
" He upon whom Allah intends goodness, He confers upon him a true
understanding and keen insight into the din ," and [in the narration
by Imam Al-Bukhari], he said: " Trulyknowledge is attained by learning
." [4]
Imam Al-Bukhari commented: "So Allah stated that one should acquire
knowledge first, and scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets (i.e.
they inherit knowledge)." He added: "Itis essential to know a thing
first before saying oracting upon it." [5]
Imam ibnul Qayyim said:
"The salaf did not generalize the name "fiqh"except on the knowledge
which is associated with action." He further added: "al-'ilm
Imamul-'amal (Knowledge is the Imam ofactions) and its leader,
andal-'amal is adherent to knowledge and is led by it.Every action
which is not led by knowledge is of no benefit for the one who
initiates it. On the contrary,it inflicts harm upon him, just as some
of the salaf said "Whoever worships Allah without knowledge, the
mischief he causes is more than the goodness he may bring about." He
also stressed that: "Deeds vary with respect to their acceptance or
rejection respectively depending upon their adherence or opposition to
knowledge. Action which is in accordance with 'ilm is an approved
thing, and what opposes al-'ilm is repudiated. Knowledge, therefore,
is the measure and is the test. Allah said:
[Blessed be Allah] Who has created death that He may test you as to
which of you is best in deeds, andHe is al-'Aziz [Who subdues
everything by His Might; the Mighty in His Revenge; the
Unapproachable, none willprevail against Him; none is like unto Him],
al-Ghafur [The One Who is Oft-Forgiving]. [Qur'an, Surah Al-Mulk
(67:2)].
Al-Fudail bin 'Iyad explained that, "The best of deeds are those which
are done with sincerity [seeking Allah's Face] and are upright." They
said, "What is considered sincere and right of the deeds?" He replied,
"Deedswhich are sincere but not correct are not accepted, and if they
are correct but not sincere then they are also not accepted, until
they are sincere and right. In order to be sincere, theymust be done
for Allah alone, and for them to be correct, they must comply with the
[authentic] sunnah. Indeed Allah, MostHigh, says:
Whoever hopes for the meeting of his Rabb let him work righteousness
and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Rabb [Allah].
[Qur'an, Surah Al-Kahf (18:110)].
The doer will not be able to act in a way which comprises both
qualities (sincerity and rightness) except by the way of knowledge.
For if he does not know what the Messenger brought, he willnot be able
to follow him in the straight way. On theother hand, if he does not
know of the One Who deserves to worshipped alone [Allah], he will be
unable to seek Him solely." [6]
In the absolute sense, what is meant by al-'ilm (knowledge) is the
Islamic knowledge, based upon kitaabullah [the Book of Allah, the
Qur'an], and the authentic sunnah in accordance with the understanding
and methodology (manhaj) of as-salaf as-salih Shaykh 'Abdul 'Aziz bin
Baz (hafithahullah: May Allah preserve him) explained: "When
generalized, al-'ilm,pertains to the intended knowledge in the Book of
Allah and the sunnah of His Messenger. It is knowledge of Allah, His
Names and Attributes, knowledge of His rights over His creation, and
what He (subhanahu wata'ala: Far is He removed from every
imperfection, the Most High) has prescribed for them. And it is the
detailedknowledge of the path that leads to Allah; knowledge of the
purpose of our creation, and the final outcome, in the Hereafter,
which the 'ibad/

3b. - Islamic politics @ Does Islam regard non-Muslimswith mercy and compassion?

3b.
It is not part of Islam to force the non-Muslim to enter this religion, because sincerity is oneof the conditions of accepting Islam. And Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
“There is no compulsion in religion”
[al-Baqarah 2:256].
(d)
Islam prescribes stoning for the married adulterer, cutting off the hand for the thief, and flogging for the one who slanders the honour of a woman who is chaste. We do not feel ashamed of these laws; rather we firmly believe that thewhole world is in need of application of these laws. If theydo that, they will live in an atmosphere of safety with regard to their honour, their wealth and their lives, safe fromtransgressions against them. Any wise person who ponders these rulings will realise that they were prescribed, first of all,so that no one will dare to do these things. Anyone who looks at the state of other nations, andsees how widespread the crimes of rape, theft and murderare, will realise that there is an urgent need to put a stop to that, and that the rulings of Islam are based on wisdom, mercy, justice and care.
And Allah knows best./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en

3a. - Islamic politics @ Does Islam regard non-Muslimswith mercy and compassion?

3a.
What is meant is one who has a deal with the Muslims, whether that is by paying jizyah or a peace treaty with the Muslim ruler or a guarantee of safety from a Muslim.
There is a hadeeth that speaks of that. The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “If anyone wrongs a mu‘aahid, detracts from his rights, burdens him with more work than he is able to do or takes something from him without his consent, I will plead for him (the mu‘aahid) on the Day of Resurrection.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 3052;classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.
If any of the non-Muslims comesto our country for work or business, and has permission (from the authorities), he is either a mu‘aahid (one who has a treaty with the Muslims) or a musta’min (one who has been granted security by the Muslims). So it is not permissible to transgress against him. It is proven that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever kills amu‘aahid will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.” We are Muslims who submit to the command of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, and we respect those whom Islam instructs us to respect of those who have treaties and guarantees of security. Whoevertransgresses against them has misrepresented Islam and has given Islam an image of terrorism, treachery and betrayal. The one who adheres to the rulings of Islam and respects treaties and covenants is one for whom it is hoped thathe will do well and succeed.
Concerning that Allah, may He beexalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
“and let not the hatred of some people in (once) stopping you from Al-Masjid al-Haram (at Makkah) lead you to transgression (and hostility on your part)”
[al-Maa’idah 5:2]
“and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety”
[al-Maa’idah 5:8].
Look at what these verses contain of noble characteristics and the command to respond tothe one who disobeys Allah concerning you by obeying Allah concerning him.
However, in addition to what has been stated above, it is essential to confirm some important points:
There is no comparison whatsoever between what this world has seen the “non-Muslims” do and what the Muslims have done. The two World Wars in which 70 million people were killed were “Christian” wars.
Then there is the occupation of Muslim lands and the exploitation of their resources, which was and still is happeningat the hands of “non-Muslims” of all religions. This should be borne in mind when speaking of the Islamic view of humanity and of love and compassion. Fair-minded historians should compare the Islamic conquests of other lands with the Crusades, for example, and whathappened in each case. They willsee a clear difference between compassion and cruelty, love and hatred, life and death.
What was mentioned above about Islam and how it regards non-Muslims, and what was mentioned about rulings is the highest level of love, compassion and mercy. However, that does not mean that we should neglect some rulings that some ignorant people want us to neglect.
For example:
(a)
In Islam it is forbidden to love non-Muslims and take them as close friends. Anyone who has common sense can distinguish between kindness, fairness, compassion and mercy, on the one hand, which we have been enjoined to show towards a non-Muslim who is not in a stateof war with us, and love on the other hand, which we are not allowed to feel towards disbelievers because of their disbelief in Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and because of their notbeing Muslims.
(b)
It is not permissible for us to give our daughters, sisters and other womenfolk in marriage to any non-Muslim, no matter whathis religion is, whereas it is permissible for us (Muslim men) to marry only women from the People of the Book, Jews and Christians, who are chaste. Undoubtedly ‘aqeedah (belief) and Tawheed (affirming the Oneness of Allah) play a major role in this ruling, because it is very likely and possible that a kitaabi (Jewish or Christian) woman who is married to a Muslim may become Muslim, whereas it is very possible and likely that a Muslim woman may be tempted away from her religion by marrying a non-Muslim. This ruling is entirely in accordance with the compassion and mercy of the rulings of this great religion: it represents compassion towards the Jewish or Christian woman in the hope that she might become Muslim and towards theMuslim woman lest she leave her religion.
(c) ...
/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en

3. - Islamic politics @ Does Islam regard non-Muslimswith mercy and compassion?

3.
What is the Islamic view of humanity? Does it encourage us to love and respect others as human beings, regardless of their religion or race?
Praise be to Allah.
The Islamic view of humanity is filled with mercy and compassion, and it cannot be otherwise, because the Islamic religion is the last of the religions that were prescribed by Allah, may He be exalted, and He commanded all of mankind to enter this religion. He revealed this religion and sent it down to the most compassionate of mankind, Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). This is confirmed in the Book of Allah, where He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And We have sent you (O Muhammad SAW) not but as a mercy for the ‘Alameen (mankind, jinns and all that exists)”
[al-Anbiya’ 4:107].
With regard to that, there are commands in the Qur’aan and Sunnah to the Muslims, instructing them to call people toaffirm the Oneness of Allah (Tawheed), and to offer their wealth, time and selves for that purpose. This is only out of compassion and mercy towards all people, so as to save them from worshipping people and calling them to worship the Lordof all people; to save them from the constraints of this world andbring them to the abundance of this world and the Hereafter, even if they (parents) were to try hard to keep their children away from Islam and tell them to associate others with Allah and to disbelieve. Concerning that Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
“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 to your parents, unto Me is the final destination.
But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behavewith them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and inobedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do”
[Luqmaan 31:14-15].
Islam advises us to treat neighbours kindly, even if they are not Muslim.
Al-Qurtubi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
I say: based on that, kind treatment of neighbours is enjoined and is recommended, whether they are Muslim or not. And this is the right thing to do. Kind treatment may be in the sense of helping or it may be in the sense of being kind, refraining from annoyance and standing by them. Al-Bukhaari narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Jibreel kept urging me to treat neighbours kindly until I thought that he would make them heirs.” And it was narratedfrom Abu Shurayh that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “By Allah, he does not believe; by Allah, he does not believe; by Allah, he does not believe.” It was said: O Messenger of Allah, who is that? He said: “The one whose neighbour is not safe from his annoyance.” This is general in meaning and applies to all neighbours, and the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) affirmed thatthe neighbour should not be annoyed by swearing three times and stating that the one who annoys his neighbour is not a believer in the complete sense. So the believer should avoid annoying his neighbour and refrain from doing what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden; he should strive to do that which pleases Him and encourage others to do likewise.
Concerning that Allah, may He beexalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with thosewho fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity”
[al-Mumtahanah 60:8].
In other words, Allah does not forbid you to be kind, uphold ties, return favours and be fair towards the mushrikeen (polytheists),whether they are relatives and others, so long as they are not fighting you because of your religion or seeking to drive you out of your homes. So there is nothing wrong with you upholding ties with them, because upholding ties with them in this case does not involve anything that may lead to negative consequences. It was narrated from ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever kills amu‘aahid (a non-Muslim living under Muslim rule) will not smell the fragrance of Paradise, although its fragrance may be detected from a distance of forty years.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2995. ...

2a. Ruling on prayer in congregationfor men

2a.
What is meant is that the believeris required to pray in the mosque, and it is not permissible for him to take the matter lightly and pray in his house when the mosque is nearby.
The fact that only two men pray in the mosque reinforces the factthat you have to attend the congregational prayer, so as to be free of any sin or shortcoming, and so as to encourage them to attend the prayer in congregation in the mosque, so that they will not get lazy. Two or more people constitutes a congregation.
Ibn Hubayrah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “[The scholars] were unanimously agreed that the smallest number that counts for prayer in congregation, apart from Jumu’ah prayer, is two: the imamand the person who is praying behind him, who should stand to his right.” Al-Ifsaah, 1/155
Ibn Qudaamah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “A congregation may consist of twoor more, and we know of no difference of opinion concerningthat.”
And Allaah knows best.

2. Ruling on prayer in congregationfor men

2.
Is it permissible to pray in one's home when the mosque is nearby?
Please note that there are only two of us praying.
Praise be to Allaah.
Prayer in congregation is obligatory for healthy men in themosque,
according to the more correct scholarly opinion. This is based on a
great deal of evidence, including the following:
1 - Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"When you (O Messenger Muhammad) are among them, and lead them in
As-Salaah (the prayer), let one party of them stand up [in Salaah
(prayer)] withyou taking their arms with them; when they finish their
prostrations, let them take their positions in the rear and let the
other party come up which have not yet prayed, and let them praywith
you"
[al-Nisa' 4:102]
The following points are made on the basis of this verse:
Allaah commands them to pray incongregation, then He repeats this
command a second time with regard to the second party or group, as He
says, "and let the other party come up which have not yet prayed, and
let them praywith you". This indicates that prayer in congregation is
an obligation for all individuals, because Allaah did not absolve the
second group of this obligation as a result of the first group praying
in congregation. If prayer in congregation was Sunnah, it would be
more appropriate for people to be excused from it at times of fear
[the situation referred to in this verse], and if it were fard
kifaayah (a communal obligation), it would be discharged by the
actions of the first group. So this verse shows that it is an
individual obligation, and demonstrates that in three ways: it is
enjoined at the beginning, then it is enjoined a second time, and
there is no concession allowing them not to do it at times of fear.
From the words of Ibn al-Qayyimin Kitaab al-Salaah.
2 - In al-Saheehayn (the following version was narrated by
al-Bukhaari) it is narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "By the One
in Whose hand is my soul, I had thought of ordering that wood be
gathered, then I would command the call toprayer to be given, and I
would appoint a man to lead the people in prayer, then I would go to
men [who do not attend the congregational prayer] and burn their
houses down around them. By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if
anyone of you had known that he would receive a bone covered with meat
or two (small) pieces of meat in a sheep's foot, he would come for
'Isha' prayer."
Al-Bukhaari, 7224; Muslim, 651.
Ibn al-Mundhir (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The fact that he
was thinking of burning down the houses of people who did not attend
the prayer is the clearest evidence that attending prayer in
congregation is obligatory, because it would not be permissible for
the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to do this
with regard to something that was mustahabb and not obligatory.
Al-Awsat, 4/134
For more information on the evidence, please see question no.8918.
Once it is established that prayer in congregation is obligatory, it
isobligatory to perform this prayerin the mosque. It is not
permissible for a man who is able to attend the congregationalprayer
in the mosque to pray in his house even if he prays in congregation
with his family.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz said:
With regard to not praying in congregation, this is a reprehensible
action and is not permitted. It is also one of the attributes of the
hypocrites.
It is obligatory for the Muslim to pray in the mosque in congregation,
as it says in the hadeeth of Ibn Umm Maktoom - who was a blind man. He
said, "OMessenger of Allaah, I do not have a guide to lead me to the
mosque," and he asked the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) to grant him a concession allowing him to pray in
his house, and he allowed him that, but when he turned away he called
him back and asked, "Can you hear the call to prayer?" He said, "Yes."
He said, "Then answer it." Narrated by Muslim inhis Saheeh, 635.
And it was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) said: "Whoever hears the call to prayerand does not come,
there is no prayer for him [i.e., his prayer is not valid], unless he
has an excuse." Narrated by Ibn Maajah, al-Daaraqutni, Ibn Hibbaan and
al-Haakim with a saheeh isnaad. It was said to Ibn 'Abbaas, what is an
excuse? He said, Fear or sickness.
In Saheeh Muslim (654) it is narrated that Ibn Mas'ood said: "At the
time of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) we used to think that no one failed to attend the prayer in
congregation but a hypocrite or one who was sick."...

1a

1a.
at the appointed time, which was the coming of the Prophet Muhammad
(blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). A covenant had been taken
from the Prophets who came before him that if he was sent when anyof
them were still alive, they would abandon whatever they had and follow
him. God, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And (remember) when Allah took the Covenant of the Prophets, saying:
'Take whateverI gave you from the Book and Hikmah (understanding of
the Laws of Allah, etc.), and afterwards there will come to you a
Messenger (Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him))
confirming what is with you; you must, then, believein him and help
him.' Allah said: 'Do you agree (to it) and will you take up My
Covenant (which I conclude with you)?' They said: 'We agree.' He said:
'Then bear witness; and I am with you among the witnesses (for this).
'
Then whoever turns away after this, they are the Fasiqoon (rebellious:
those who turn awayfrom Allah's Obedience)."
[Aal 'Imraan 3:81-82].
The law of the Qur'aan differs from all the laws that came before it
in that it is suitable for all kinds of people at all times until the
end of this world.
But if you were talking about theTorah as it exists now, then we have
no choice but to tell you of what we really believe – even if that may
upset you – but we hope that you have strong reason and sound thinking
that will help you to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and
that this may motivate you to investigate further until you reach the
truth.
This truth is that the Torah as it exists today is not that which God
sent down to Moses (peace be upon him). Rather it has been distorted
in all ways, adding, subtracting and changing the meaning. This is not
the place to expand upon this topic; we are just referring to it in
the hope that this might motivate you to enquire further.
The Torah as it exists today contains material that one must be
certain is not the words of God; rather it is distortions introduced
by those who attributed it falsely to God, may He be exalted.
For example:
-1-
It contains the ascription of shortcomings to the Lord, may He be
glorified and exalted, and likens Him to created beings. For example,
they say that God wrestled with Jacob for an entire night, then Jacob
overpowered Him! And they say that God regretted having created
mankind when He saw their disobedience, and He wept until His eyes
became swollen, then the angels came to visit Him and comfort Him.
Exalted be God far above what the wrongdoers say.
-2-
It contains insults and slander against the Prophets. For example,
they say that the Prophet of God Aaron made a calf and worshipped it
along with the Children of Israel. And they say that Lot drank wine
until he became drunk, then he committed incest with his two
daughters, one after the other! And they say that Solomon (peace be
upon him) apostatised at the end of his life and worshipped idols, and
built temples for them.
-3-
It includes exaggerations, impossible things and contradictions.
Among the books that have beenwritten on this topic are "What is the
Origin of Man?" and "The Bible, the Qur'aan and Science" by the French
scientist and medical doctor Maurice Bucaille, in which he proved the
existenceof scientific errors in the Torah and Gospel, and at the same
time he proved that there are no contradictions in the Qur'aan even
with modern science and scientific facts.
He says in the introduction to his second book (p. 29):
"It was in a totally objective spirit, and without any preconceived
ideas that I first examined the Qur'anic Revelation. I was looking for
the degree of compatibility between the Qur'anic text and the data of
modern science. I knew from translations that the Qur'an oftenmade
allusion to all sorts of natural phenomena, but I had only a summary
knowledge of it. It was only when I examined the text very closely in
Arabic that I kept a list of them at the end of which I had to
acknowledge the evidence in front of me: the Qur'an did not contain a
single statement that was assailable from a modern scientific point
ofview.
I repeated the same test for the Old Testament and the Gospels, always
preserving the same objective outlook. In the former Idid not even
have to go beyond the first book, Genesis, to find statements totally
out of keeping with the cast-iron facts of modern science."
Based on that, we have two reasons why the Torah as it exists now
differs from the Qur'aan:
1. Differences in the laws of the Prophets
2. Distortion that crept into the Torah and the tampering that
happened to it with the passage of time.
We ask God to show us the truth as truth and enable us to follow it,
and to show us falsehood as false and enable us to avoid it.
And Allah knows best.

1. The reason for the differences between the rulings of the Torah and of the Qur’aan

1.
A central belief of both Islam and Judaism is the belief in one God
and the prohibition of the worship of idols.
The main difference between these two purely monotheistic religions is
the book of each religion, the Koran and the Torah.How do the
teachings of the Koran differ from the teachings of the Torah.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
We welcome you to our website and we ask Allah to help us to present
useful information to you, and that this will be beneficial to you in
both spiritualand worldly terms.
Secondly:
If you are speaking about the Judaism that was prescribed by God and
the Torah that God revealed, then Islam and Judaism are agreed – as
you said – on theworship of God alone, with no partner or associate,
and on the prohibition of worshipping anything or anyone else, no
matter what it is. Similarly, they are agreed on matters of belief
inthe Prophets and Messengers, theLast Day, the Reckoning,
Paradise,Hell… and so on.
But when it comes to rulings such as what is permissible and what is
prohibited, and the details of acts of worship, this is where Islam
differs from Judaism and the Qur'an differs from the Torah. God, may
He be exalted, says in the Holy Qur'an (interpretation of the
meaning): "To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear
way"[al-Maa'idah 5:48]. So each nation has its own laws concerning
what is permitted and what is forbidden, as it has its own acts of
worship by whichit worships Allah.
Our Prophet (blessings and peaceof Allah be upon him) gave the
likeness of the agreement of all the Prophets on the basic matter of
religion, which is affirmation of the Oneness of God (Tawheed),
beliefs and worship of God alone, with no partner or associate, and
the differences between their laws, when he said: "The Prophets are
half-brothers; their mothers differ but their religion is one."
Narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim.
Half-brothers refers to brothers from the same father, with different mothers.
So the basis of the religion of theProphets is one, namely affirmation
of the Oneness of God (Tawheed), and worshippingGod with no partner or
associate,but the details of laws and rulings is what is different.
And this is what is in accordance with wisdom.
Adam (peace be upon him) had a law that was suited to him and his
children, and was suited to the time in which he lived. In his law –
for example – a brother could marry his sister, because it was not
possible to perpetuate the family and produce offspringat that time in
any other way.
Then as time passed, the laws changed to suit the new nations and new
times. Hence in the lawsof the Jews it is forbidden for a brother to
marry his sister, even though that was permitted in thelaw of Adam.
For Jacob (peace be upon him), allkinds of food were permissible and
he was the one who forbadesome things to himself, and those
prohibitions became entrenched and became a law forhim and his
children. Concerning that God, may He be exalted, saysin the Holy
Qur'aan (interpretation of the meaning): "All food was lawful to the
Children of Israel, except what Israel made unlawful for himself
before the Taurat (Torah) was revealed" [Aal 'Imraan 3:93].
Then came the law of Jesus (peace be upon him), which was more lenient
than the law of Moses. God permitted to the Christians (the followers
of the Messiah, peace be upon him) some things that had been forbidden
in the law of Moses. Concerning this God, may He be exalted, tells us
that Jesus (peace be upon him) said (interpretationof the meaning):
"and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you" [Aal
'Imraan 3:50].
Then came the law of the Qur'aan, the law of Muhammad (blessings and
peace of Allah be upon him) which also differed from previous laws in
some rulings, as had happened before that in the case of Judaism and
Christianity.
Because the law of the Qur'aan isthe final law that will abide until
the Day of Resurrection, it is the most complete of laws, the best and
the most lenient, and in it is flexibility that is suited to all times
and places until the Hour begins.
This is the reason for the differences between the rulings of the
Torah and the rulings of the Qur'aan, as the Torah was specifically
for the Children of Israel alone, and its rulings were not meant to be
permanent and ongoing until the Day of Resurrection. Although most of
the rulings of the Torah remained in effect after that in
Christianity, and only differed in making permissible some things that
had been forbidden, the rulings of the Torah, and the Gospel after it,
were limited in terms of time and all of that cameto an end at the
appointed time,...

The Distorted Image of Muslim Women

Since the height of the feminist movement in the late 70's there has
been a magnifying glass placed over the status of Muslim women.
Unfortunately, themagnifying glass that has been used is an unusual
one. Unusual in the sense that it is very selective about which items
it will magnify; other items it will distort to such a degree that
they will no longer look familiar. I remember once reading in an "in
depth" article about the lives of Muslim women. This
article"explained" that at any time a man can divorce hiswife by
simply stating "I divorce you, I divorce you, I divorce you". This
article can lead anyone ignorant of the Islamic ruling regarding
divorce to believe that in less than five seconds the woman is left
with no husband and is left to care for herself (and possibly
children) by any means necessary. The question that immediatelypopped
up in my mind was, "Did the author innocently write that out of
sincere ignorance or was it another of the many attempts to degradethe
religion of Islam and its followers (muslims)?" Itmay be my own
paranoia, but I tend to believe it wasthe latter of the two.
The truth of the matter is that Islam has the most humane and most
just system of divorce that exists. Firstly, many options are taken
and tried before coming to the decision of the divorce. If the man and
woman decide that they can no longer live together successfully as a
husband and wife, the husband (in most cases, not always) pronounces
the divorce by saying "I divorce you". At this point the waiting
period begins. The waitingperiod lasts for three menstrual cycles to
assure the woman is not pregnant. This period allows the couple time
to think about what they are doing and if this is what they really
want to do. There are no lawyers involved to antagonise an already
delicate situation.
In the case that it is realised, that the woman is pregnant, the
waiting period lasts the entire timeshe is pregnant. During thewaiting
period (whether the woman is pregnant or not) the man is obligated to
provide food, clothing and shelter to the woman as he did before the
divorce pronouncement. If the couple carries the divorce through to
the birth of the child and the woman suckles the baby, the man is
obligated to feed and clothe both his ex-wife for the time the woman
suckles (the maximum being two years). After this weaning, the child
will be provided for by the father until he/she is no longer in needof
support.
It is quite ironic that in such an "advanced society"as America, there
are divorce cases in which women are being forced to pay alimony to
their ex-husbands. Can this and many other things we know about the
American system of divorce compareto the Islamic system of divorce?
I have also read stories wherein it is stated that women are forced to
marry men without their consent. This in no way resembles the marriage
system in Islam. In Islaam the woman marries the man of her choice.
She may even marry someone that her mother and/or father objects to.
The pointis that it is the woman who makes the final decision as to
whom she will marry. Once the man and the woman decide that they are
interested in one another for marriage, a dowry is decided upon.
Adowry is not a brides price but, it is a gift from the groom to the
bride. They agree upon a gift that is affordable by the groom. In the
time of the Prophet (sas), often things such as livestock and money
were given. This is a wise decision in the event that a woman becomes
divorced or widowed, she has some financial securityto fall back on
even if it is for a limited amount of time. Once the man and woman are
married, the man is required to clothe, feed, shelter and educate her
(or allow her to be educated) in the same manner as he does himself.
The last distorted image that I will cover is that of the Muslim
women's dress.The western influenced media portrays our dress to be
outdated and oppressive. Needless to say however, I differ with these
adjectives. Our dress code does not hinder us from doing anything
productive in our lives. Muslim women maintain avariety of jobs, non
of which are devalued nor hampered due to their dress code. And as for
the timing of muslims women's dress during these contemporary times,it
seems most appropriate due to decreasing morals in the world today.
For those who say that Islamic dress is outdated, they speak from
great ignorance. The decreasing morality and trials of this time makes
Hijaab even more in need. More than ever before sex crimes are
rampant. Although this society tells women they can wear what they
want to wear, anytime a rape occurs the woman is the one put on trial
an one of the first questions is,"What were you wearing?"

Hazrat Hafsah (R.A)

Hafsah was the daughter of 'Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) who was
born in Mecca five years before the Nubuwwat. She was first married to
Hadhrat Khunais bin Huzaifah (Radhiyallaho anho), who was one of the
very early Muslims. He first emigratedto Abyssinia and then to Madinah
. He participated in Badr, and was fatally wounded in Badr (or in
Uhud) and died of the wound in the year l or 2 A. H. Hadhrat Hafsah
(Radhiyallaho anha) had also emigrated to Madinahwith her husband.
When her husband died, Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) went to
Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallaho anho) and said:
"I want to give Hafsah in marriage to you." Hadhrat Abu Bakr
(Radhiyallaho anho) kept quiet and said nothing. Meanwhile Ruqayyah
(Radhiyallaho anha) the daughter of the Prophet Mohammad (Sallallaho
Alaihe Wasallam) and the wife of Hadhrat Usman (Radhiyallaho anho)
died.
Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho anha) went to Hadhrat Usman (Radhiyallaho
anho) and offered Hadhrat Hafsah (Radhiyallaho anha's) handto him. He
declined by saying, "I have no mind to marry for the present." Hadhrat
Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) complained of this to the Prophet Mohammad
(Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam).
The Prophet Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) said: "I tell you of
a husband for Hafsah better than Usman and of a wife for Usman better
than Hafsah."
He then took Hadhrat Hafsah (Radhiyallaho anha) as (next wife, and
gave his own daughter Hadhrat Umme Kulsum (Radhiyallaho anha) in
marriage to Hadhrat Usman (Radhiyallaho anho). Hadhrat Abu Bakr
(Radhiyallaho anho) later said to Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho anho):
"When you offered Hafsah's hand to me, I keptquiet as the Prophet
Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) had expressed to me his
intention of marrying her. I could neither accept youroffer nor
disclose the Prophet Mohammad's (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) secret to
you. I, therefore, kept quiet. If theProphet Mohammad (Sallallaho
Alaihe Wasallam) had changed his mind, I would have gladly married
her."
Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) says: "Abu Bakr's silence over the
offer was in fact more shocking to me than 'Usman's rejection."
Hadhrat Hafsah (Radhiyallaho anha) was a very pious woman, and very
much devoted to Salaat. She would often fast during the day and spend
the night in prayers.Once the Prophet Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihe
Wasallam) , for some reason, was displeased with Hafsah and even
pronounced the first divorce to her. �Hadhrat Umar (Radhlyallaho anho)
was naturally very much shocked over this. Jibraeel Alayhis came to
the Prophet Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) and said: �Allah
wants you to take Hafsah back, as she is fasting often and spending
her nights in Salaat, and also Allah wants it for Hadhrat Umar's
(Radhiyallaho anho) sake.�
The Prophet Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) therefore took her
back. Hadhrat Hafsah (Radhiyallaho anha) died in Jamadil oola, 45 AH,
at the age of 63.

Bibi Karimah bint Ahmad Maruzi

She had been a world reputed scholar in fifth century Hijrah. She was
daughter of Ahmad ibnMuhammadibn Abi ... Spain, Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn
Sabaq Saqli was a devoted learner from her. He, after the Muslim rule
at Saqqlyah (Sicily) ended, had gone to Makkah where he achieved
learning of Hadith from her. He, afterwards went to Spain and made her
abode in Granada to narrate Ahadith, he had learnt at Makkah. Ibn
Bashkwal says…
(Abu Bakr Muhammad reported Ahadith from Karimah bint AhmadAl-Maruzi
and others, He came to Andalus and the people of Granada passionately
learned from him).
AIlama Khatib Baghdadi says in Tarikh Baghdad (History of Baghdad)
that he, in 463H, during the days of Hajj, heard Sahih Bukhari from
Karimah. Hundreds of seekers participated in the Dars session of
Muhaddithah Karimah and quenched their thirst of learning. Besides Abu
Bakr Muhammad, Allama KhatibBaghdadi and Allama Abu Talib Zaynabi, a
number ofother scholars of great esteem attained knowledge of Hadith
from her. Bibi Karimah was said to have achieved perfection in
mysticism besides other faculties of studies. She presumabty died
about 464H with the controversy on the exactness of the date.
(Khazinat-ul-Asfia, Tarikh Saqqlya)

Three Different Trees

By Ibnul Qayyim (r.a)
The year is a tree, the months are its branches, the days are its
twigs, the hours (and minutes) are itsleaves and every breath man
takes is a fruit of the tree. Thus the fruit of the trees of a person
who breathes in obedience to Allah will be sweet and thefruit of the
tree of a personwho breathes in disobedience to Allah will be bitter.
However, the fruit of this tree will only be harvested on the Day
ofMa'aad (the day when Manwill return to Allah) and the sweet fruit
will only bedifferentiated from the bitter fruit when it will be
harvested.
Ikhlaas and Tauheed are a tree in the heart (of the Believer). The
branches of this tree are good actions and its fruits are a
pleasantlife in the world and never-ending comfort in the Hereafter
and just as the fruit of Jannah will never come to an end nor will it
be held back, the same can be said regarding the fruits of Ikhlaas and
Tauheed in theDunyaa.
Shirk, lies and Riyaa (doinggood actions for show) arealso a tree in
the heart. The worldly fruits of the tree are fear, worry, sorrow,
narrowness of the heart (discontent, cowardice, etc) and darkness of
the heart. In the Hereafter the fruits of this tree will be Zaqqoom
and everlasting punishment.
These two trees have beenmentioned by Allah in the following Aayaat of
Surah Ibrahim:
"Did you not see how Allahpresented an example? A pleasant word is
like a pleasant tree; its roots are firm and its branches are (high)
in the sky, it yields its fruit all the time with the command of its
Sustainer. And Allah presents examples to the people so that they may
take heed. And the example of a bad word is that of a bad tree that
has been uprooted from abovethe earth having no firmness." (Verse 24 –
26)

Prophet Musa and Fir’awn

Prophet Musa and his brother Harun had been called upon by Allah to
deliver a message to the leader of the Egyptians, Fir'awn (Pharaoh),
who considered himself a god and insisted that his subjects worship
him.
Prophet Musa told Fir'awn that he, Musa, was a messenger of the Lord
of the Worlds and that he had clear proof of it. Therefore, Fir'awn
should let the people of Israel go with him. Prophet Musa showed
Fir'awn the staff that turned into a serpent and the hand which turned
shining white when placed under his arm. Fir'awn consulted with all
his chiefs and theydecided that perhaps Musawas just a very good
magician. They called together all their best magicians to compete
with Prophet Musa. The magicians were promised a reward if they won.
The magicians went first inthe contest and they were good, really
good. They made their ropes and sticks appear to run in front of their
audience. Prophet Musa was afraid that he couldn't surpass their
skills, but Allah told him not to be afraid. WhenProphet Musa threw
downhis staff, it ate up all that the magicians had made. When the
magicians saw this, they bowed down and proclaimed their beliefin the
Lord of Prophet Musa and Harun.
Fir'awn was not very happy about this turn of events. He threatened to
cut off the hands and feet of the magicians and to crucify them. But
the magicians would not change their opinion. Theywere convinced by
the clear proofs which ProphetMusa had shown to them and they told
Fir'awn that he could only end for them their life in this world. For
those who believe there would be another life after death , ingardens
beneath which rivers flow.
Following this there begananother period of persecution against the
followers of Allah. Fir'awn had all of their sons killed. Prophet Musa
had to encourage the children of Israel to continue strong intheir
belief in Allah and to pray to Allah faithfully.
Whenever good fortune befell the Egyptians, they took credit for it.
When misfortune came, they blamed Prophet Musa and his people. They
failed to see that everything, both good and bad, comes fromAllah.
Allah sent all kinds of hardships against the Egyptians- famine, loss
of fruits, floods, locusts, pests,frogs, and blood- as signs to them.
They would promise to free the peopleof Israel if Musa would pray to
his God for deliverance from the pestilence. But as soon as the
hardship had been removed, they would go back on their promise.
Finally Prophet Musa was instructed by Allah to lead the followers of
Allah away by night. When they came to the sea, the waters parted so
that theycould pass to the other side without getting wet. However,
when Fir'awn and his armies pursued them, the waters of the sea closed
in on them and they were all drowned. In this way did Allah punish
Fir'awn for leading his people away from Allah.
Insha Allah in the next issue we shall relate the conclusion of the
story of Musa , when we tell what befell the children of Israelafter
they left Egypt. You can read about Musa and Fir'awn in al-Quran
7:103-137; 20:49-79; 26:16-67; and 43:46-56.

Being Corrected

Being offended when we are corrected, seriously reduces our chances of
improving or achieving heights in any field.
We must always welcome those who correct us and show us where we are
going wrong.
In most cases, those who regularly correct our ways and habits or
errors in any filed are those who truly care for us.
People who intentionally do not correct us are eitherinsincere or
fearful of our reaction due to being offended.

1a] Can he work as a doctorin the army even though he will have to shave off his beard?

1a]
refer to it for judgement. It is not permissible for a Muslim to
salutes his colleagues or superiors in the manner of non-Muslims,
because of the reports which indicatethat it is haraam to imitate
them, and because that is showing excessive respect towardsthem.
Fourthly: The one who fights to make the word of Allah supreme and to
defend the Muslims and to protect Muslim land against the enemy, then
this is for the sake of Allah, and if he is killed hewill be a martyr,
because what matters is intentions. And you can form an intention that
is different from the intention of the army, such as if you intend to
make the word of Allah supreme by means of your jihad, even if others
have a different intention,such as fighting for their country.
Fifthly: obeying your parents is obligatory so long as it does not
involvedisobedience towards Allah, for there is no obedience to any
created being if it involves disobedience towards the Creator. End
quote.
And Allah knows best.

1] Can he work as a doctorin the army even though he will have to shave off his beard?

1]
I am a medical student in Egypt. Is it permissible for me to join the
military academy to become a doctor in the army, knowing that in the
Egyptian army it is compulsory to shave off the beard?
Praise be to Allah.
Shaving off the beard is haraam, because of the saheeh hadeeths that
clearly enjoin letting it grow. See the answer to question no. 1189 .
Based on that, it is not permissible to work in a place in which you
will beinstructed to commit this sin.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked: I am in the
army and I always shave my beard, against my will.Is that haraam or
not?
He replied: It is not permissible to shave off the beard, because the
Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) enjoined
leaving it alone and letting it grow, in saheeh hadeeths. And he
(blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said that by letting it
grow, one is differing from the Magians and mushrikeen, and he
(blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) had a thick beard. Obeying
the Messenger is obligatory for us, and following his example in his
attitudes and actions is one of the best of deeds, because Allah,
mayHe be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad SAW) you have a good example"
[al-Ahzaab 33:21]
"And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) gives you, take it, and
whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)"
[al-Hashr 59:7]
"And let those who oppose the Messengers (Muhammad SAW) commandment
(i.e. his Sunnah legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements,
etc.) (among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials,
afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant, etc.)
befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them"
[an-Noor 24:63].
Imitating the kuffaar is one of the gravest of evil actions and one of
the causes of being gathered with them on the Day of Resurrection,
because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:
"Whoever imitates a people is one ofthem." If you are in a job where
you are required toshave off your beard, thendo not obey them in that
regard, because the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon
him) said: "There is no obedience to any created being if it involves
disobedience towards the Creator." If they force you to shave it off,
then leave that job which is making you do something that angers
Allah. Many other means of earning a living are available, praise be
to Allah, and whoever gives up a thing for the sake of Allah, Allah
will compensate him with something better than it.
May Allah help you and make things easy for you, and may He make us
and you steadfast in adhering to His religion.
End quote from Majmoo' Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 8/376.
It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa'imah, 12/20: Question: Please tell
me the ruling on one who works in the army (of a Muslim country) and
this is his source of income, but the military rules require him to
shavehis beard, and we have to go to extremes in honouring one
another, and when we meet we have to salute one another in a way that
is not as Allah and His Messenger commanded usto do, and to honour the
country's flag, and to referfor judgement amongst us to a law that is
not the law of Allah (i.e., military law). If I fight to defend the
country, that is not under the banner of "La ilaaha ill-Allah Muhammad
rasool-Allah", and Allah wills that I should be killed, what is the
ruling according to the Qur'an and Sunnah? Isit possible for me to
fight with an intention other than that of the army in whose ranks I
am fighting? If I do the aboveto ward off some harm that may befall me
(if I donot do it), am I sinning thereby? Is it possible for a Muslim
to work in the army with the intention of learning fighting skills
that he cannot learn in any other way under current circumstances?
Please advise me about obeying my parents in this matter, if our
points of view differ, and my parents do not want to refer to the
Qur'an or Sunnah, but to the customs of society and what people are
agreed on, and they think that religion is no more than prayer and
fasting and so on, and anything other than that is extremism. May
Allah enable you to do that which pleases Him, and guide you and
protect you.
Answer:
Firstly: It is haraam to shave the beard, and it is obligatory to let it grow.
Secondly: it is not permissible to salute the flag.
Thirdly: it is obligatory to rule in accordance with Islamic sharee'ah
and to refer to it for judgement.
:->

Can he marry the daughter of his mother’s paternal uncle?

Is it permissible for me to marry the daughter of mymother's paternal uncle?
Praise be to Allah.
A person's paternal uncle is the paternal uncle of all his offspring,
because the paternal uncle is the brother of the father or
grandfather. So the mother's paternal uncle is regarded as a paternal
uncle to her children, and his children are paternal cousins to the
children of that mother. Although in some cultures they call them
maternal uncles andaunts, this is just a customthat is followed among
some people; it does not carry any weight in terms of sharee'ah or
linguistically.
Based on that, the daughter of the mother's paternal uncle is
regardedas your paternal cousin, and the daughter of a paternal uncle
is not a mahram, so there is nothing wrong with you marrying her.

Introduction Sharia

Sharia is a now a familiar term to Muslims and non-Muslims. It can
often be heard in news stories about politics, crime, feminism,
terrorism and civilisation.
All aspects of a Muslim's life are governed by Sharia. Sharia law
comes from a combination of sources including the Qur'an (the Muslim
holy book), the Hadith (sayings and conduct of the prophet Muhammad)
and fatwas (the rulings of Islamic scholars).
Many people, including Muslims, misunderstand Sharia. It's often
associated with the amputation of limbs, death by stoning, lashes and
other medieval punishments. Because of this, it is sometimes thought
of as draconian. Some people in the West view Sharia as archaic
andunfair social ideas that areimposed upon people who live in
Sharia-controlled countires.
Many Muslims, however, hold a different view. In the Islamic tradition
Sharia is seen as something that nurtures humanity. They see the
Sharia not in the light of something primitive but as something
divinely revealed. In a society where social problems areendemic,
Sharia frees humanity to realise its individual potential.
Sharia in the UK
Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, gave his comments on
implementing Sharia in the UK in a Radio 4 interview.
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A discussion of Sharia
Dr Usama Hasan is the imam of the Tawhid Mosque and an advisor to the
London Sharia Council.Faisal Aqtab is a barrister and head of the
Hijaz College Islamic University. Dr Haleh Afshar is Professor in
Politics at York University.
They discuss the Muslim vision of Islamic law, the source and
interpretation of Sharia, punishments and the status of women.
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Top
The philosophy of Sharia
The philosophy of Sharia - the Clear Path
In this section, Faraz Rabbani explains that there is a comprehensive
Islamic philosophy underpining Sharia.
For each We have appointed a divine law and a traced-out way. HadGod
willed, He could have made you one community. But that He may try you
by that which He has given you. So vie one with another ingood works.
Unto God you will all return, and He will then inform you of that
wherein you differ.
Qur'an, 5:48
For Muslims, life did not begin at birth, but a long time before that.
Before even the creation of the first man. It began when God created
the souls of everyone who would everexist and asked them,"Am I not
your Lord?" They all replied, "Yea."
God decreed for each soul a time on earth so that Hemight try them.
Then, after the completion of their appointed terms, He would judge
them and send them to their eternaldestinations: either one ofendless
bliss, or one of everlasting grief.
This life, then, is a journeythat presents to its wayfarers many
paths. Only one of these paths is clear and straight. This path is the
Sharia.
Divine guidance
The Great Mosque in Damascus, Syria ©
In Arabic, Sharia means"the clear, well-trodden path to water".
Islamically, it is used to refer to the matters of religion that God
has legislated for His servants.The linguistic meaning of Sharia
reverberates in its technical usage: just as water is vital to human
life, so the clarity and uprightness of Sharia is the means of life
for souls and minds.
Throughout history, God has sent messengers to people all over the
world, to guide them to the straight path that would lead them to
happiness inthis world and the one to follow. All messengers taught
the same message about belief (the Qur'an teaches that all messengers
called people to the worship of the One God), but the specific
prescriptions of the divinelaws regulating people's lives varied
according to the needs of his people and time.
The Prophet Muhammad (God bless him and give him peace) was the final
messenger and his Sharia represents the ultimate manifestation of the
divine mercy.
"Today I have perfected your way of life (din) for you, and completed
My favour upon you, and have chosen Islam as yourway of life." (
Qur'an , 5:3) The Prophet himself was told that, "We have only sent
you are a mercy for all creation." (Qur'an, 21:179)
Legal rulings
The Sharia regulates all human actions and puts them into five
categories: obligatory, recommended,permitted, disliked or forbidden.
Obligatory actions must be performed and when performed with good
intentions are rewarded. The opposite is forbidden action. Recommended
action is that which should be done and the opposite is disliked
action.Permitted action is that which is neither encouraged nor
discouraged. Most human actions fall in this last category.

FW: [forwards4all] Tranquebar town of Tamil Nadu

-----Original message-----
From: $@pn@
Sent: 15/09/2012, 2:59 pm
To: forwards4all@yahoogroups.co.in
Subject: [forwards4all] Tranquebar town of Tamil Nadu


.
















Tranquebar town of
Tamil Nadu














     
Tharangambadi or Tranquebar is a
panchayat town in Nagapattinam district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, 15 km
north of Karaikal, near the mouth of a distributary of the Kaveri River.
Tharangambadi is the headquarters of Tharangambadi taluk. Its name means place of the singing waves. It was a Danish colony from 1620 to 1845, and
in Danish it is still known as Trankebar.

The earliest reference to
Tarangampadi occurs in a 14th century inscription, mentioning the place as
Sadanganpade. Tranquebar was founded by the Danish East India Company in 1620,
when a factory (commercial settlement) was opened and a fort, known as Fort
Dansborg, was built by a Danish captain named Ove Gjedde. This fort was the
residence and headquarters of the governor and other officials for about 150
years. It is now a museum hosting a collection of artifacts from the colonial
era.

A
view of Tranquebar Fort, built by Danish settlers. The Danish enjoyed the
support of the British and were more traders and missionaries than military
colonialists. They, however, had their eye on the island of Nicobar.

The
town gate, paint peeling off its walls, welcomes visitors to the time capsule of
Tranquebar.

The
centuries-old Zion Church in Tranquebar is India's oldest Protestant church and
was built by Danish settlers in 1704.

A
view of the Gruendler House in Tranquebar.

A
derelict building in Tranquebar overgrown with vegetation.

The
Governor's House in Tranquebar being restored by INTACH

The
cannons on the ramparts of Fort Dansborg in Tranquebar have long been silent and
were probably never used, except ceremonially.

Danish
architecture of Fort Dansborg, Tranquebar.

The
facade of Fort Dansborg, Tranquebar.

The
New Jerusalem Church in Tranquebar was established in 1718 by Bartholomaus
Ziegenbalg, the first Protestant Missionary and first Royal Missionary from
Denmark to India. Ziegenbalg landed at Tranquebar, then a Danish colony, on July
9, 1706.

Fort
Dansborg by the beach in Tranquebar. The fort was constructed after the first
Danish trading expedition arrived in India. A treaty regulating trading rights
was signed between Nayak Raghunatha in Thanjavur and the Danish East India
Company in 1620. Today the fort houses a small
museum.



~
Quick Links ~

We all have a Jinn Companion

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

Do Jinns Exist?

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

story about a little boy!

this little boy on hearingthat the mother is about to die, walked into
a shopping centre and demanded for a beautiful doll, accordn to the
boy when ask what he needed the doll for, said , he need to give it to
her mother, sothe mother can give it to the sister, since according to
his mother, only the dead can see the dead, and his sis was late, but
it was quite unfortunate that his money can not buy the beautiful
doll, with tears in his eyez and love in his heart he cried to Allah
but his sincere prayer reached Allah and akind guy came and payed for
the doll- now let me ask u? have u ever loved someone with your whole
heart that though the person is not near you but you still have the
person in your heart?
~
from my friend Ester - Nigeria

Ruling on prisoners praying Jumu’ah when they are in their cells

Key word - {*Friday Prayers:-}
- - -

What is the ruling on prisoners praying Jumu'ahand praying in
congregation behind one imaam who stands in front of them, when they
are in their cells, via loudspeakers.
Praise be to Allaah.
The Committee of Senior Scholars issued a fatwa stating that they did
not agree with prisoners praying Jumu'ah or in congregation behind one
imaam in Jumu'ah or congregational prayers, and following him via
loudspeakers whilst they are in their prison cells, because they are
not obliged to pray Jumu'ah since they cannot go to the prayer, and
for other reasons.
But anyone who is able toattend Jumu'ah prayers inthe prison mosque –
if there is a mosque there – should pray it in congregation. Otherwise
aperson is not obliged to pray Jumu'ah and he should pray Zuhr
instead. The group in each cell should pray the five daily prayers in
congregation inside their cell if it is not possible for them to
gather in the mosque or in one place.
Majmoo' Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi'ah li Samaahat al-Shaykh
al-'Allaamah 'Abd al-'Azeez ibn 'Abd-Allaahibn Baaz (may Allaah have
mercy on him), part 12, p. 345

3a] Acts of worship which are prescribed on Fridays

Key word - {*Friday Prayers:-}
- - -

3a]
He also said:
The scholars said that the reason why it is forbiddento single out
Friday for fasting is that Friday is a day of du'aa', dhikr and
worship, such as ghusl, going early to the prayer, waiting for the
prayer, listening to the khutbah and reciting a lot of dhikr
afterwards, because Allaah says (interpretationof the meaning):
"Then when the (Jumu'ah)Salaah (prayer) is ended, you may disperse
throughthe land, and seek the Bounty of Allaah (by working), and
remember Allaah much"
[al-Jumu'ah 62:10]
And there are other acts of worship to be done on this day. So it is
preferablenot to fast then, as this will help a person to perform
these duties in anenergetic manner and enjoy them without feeling
bored or tired. Thisis like the pilgrim on the day of 'Arafah in
'Arafah, because the Sunnah is for him not to fast on that day for the
same reason… This is the reason for not allowing singling out Friday
for fasting. And it was said that the reason is so that people will
not go to extremes in venerating it as happenedin the case of
Saturday. But this view is weak, because on that day we offer Jumu'ah
prayer and do other acts of worship which are a kind of veneration.
And it was said that the reason for itsprohibition is so that people
would not think that this was obligatory. This is also a weak view
because it is encouraged to fast on Mondays and there was no fear that
anyone would think it was obligatory. No attention should be paid to
this far-fetched view. The same argument is applicable in the case of
fasting the day of 'Arafah and the day of 'Ashoora', etc. The correct
view is that which we have stated above.
And Allaah knows best.

3] Acts of worship which are prescribed on Fridays

Key word - {*Friday Prayers:-}
- - -

3]
I know that Friday has many virtues. Could you tell me some acts of
worship that I can do on this day?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Yes, Friday is a good day; there are many ahaadeeth which speak ofits
virtues. See Question no. 9211 .
There are many acts of worship which are prescribed for the Muslim to
do on this day. These include:
1 – Salaat al-Jumu'ah (Friday prayer)
Allaah says (interpretationof the meaning):
"O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the
Salaah (prayer) on Friday (Jumu'ah prayer), come tothe remembrance of
Allaah [Jumu'ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salaah (prayer)] and
leave off business (and every other thing). That is better for you if
you did but know!"
[al-Jumu'ah 62:9]
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaahhave mercy on him) said in Zaad al-Ma'aad (1/376):
Friday prayer is one of themost important obligations in Islam, and
one of the greatest gatherings of the Muslims.Gathering on Friday is
more important and moreobligatory than any other gathering apart from
'Arafah. Whoever neglectsit, Allaah will place a seal on his heart.
It was narrated from Abu'l-Ja'd al-Damari – who was a companion of the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) – that the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoeverneglects
three Jumu'ahs, Allaah will place a seal on his heart."
Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1052; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in
Saheeh Abi Dawood, 928
It was narrated from 'Abd-Allaah ibn 'Umar andAbu Hurayrah that they
heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) say on the minbar:
"Let people stop neglecting Jumu'ah, or Allaah will place a seal on
their hearts, then they will be among those who are neglectful."
Narrated by Muslim, 865.
2 – Making a lot of du'aa'.
On this day there is a timewhen a person's Lord will answer his du'aa'
– by Allaah's leave.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him)
that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) mentioned Friday and said: "On this day there is a time when no
Muslim stands and prays, asking Allaah for something, but Allaah will
grant him it" – and he gestured with his hands to indicate how short
that time is.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 893; Muslim, 852
3 – Reading Soorat al-Kahf.
It was narrated from Abu Sa'eed al-Khduri that the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoeverreads Soorat al-Kahf on
Friday, he will be illuminated with light between the two
Fridays."Narrated by al-Haakim; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in
Saheeh al-Targheeb, 836
4 – Sending a lot of blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him).
It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws that the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) said: "The best of your days is Friday. On that
day Adam (peace be upon him) was created; on that day he died; on that
day the Trumpet will be blown; and on that day all of creation will
swoon. So send a great deal of blessings upon me, for your blessings
will be shown to me." They said, "O Messenger of Allaah, how will our
blessings upon you be shown to you when you have turned to dust?" He
said, "Allaah has forbidden the earth to consume the bodies of the
Prophets, peace be upon them."
Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1047; classed as saheeh by Ibn al-Qayyim in
his comments on Sunan Abi Dawood, 4/273; classed assaheeh by
al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 925.
He said in 'Awn al-Ma'bood:
Friday is singled out because it is the best of days and the chosen
day. So there is an advantage to sending blessings uponhim on that day
that is not present on any other day.
Along with these virtues and acts of worship, the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade singling out Friday for
fasting, or singling out thenight of Friday for doing acts of worship
that are not narrated in sharee'ah.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet(peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) said: "Do not single out the night of Friday
for qiyaamal-layl, and do not single out the day of Friday for
fasting, unless that is part of the habitual fasting of any one of
you."
(Narrated by Muslim, 1144).
Al-San'aani said in Subul al-Salaam:
This hadeeth indicates that it is haraam to single out the night of
Friday forworship or reading Qur'aan that is not one's regular custom,
apart from that which is indicated in the texts, such as reading
Soorat al-Kahf.
Al-Nawawi said:
This hadeeth clearly statesthat it is forbidden to single out the
night of Friday for prayer or the day of Friday for fasting. Itis
agreed (among the scholars) that this is makrooh.:->

Combination of aspirin,clopidogrel ineffective as stroke preventer: study

- Acombination of aspirin and clopidogrel, both common bloodthinners, does not prevent recurrence of a common type ofstroke, and may even pose serious risks, according to an international team of scientists.
Combining aspirin and clopidogrel (known commercially as Plavix) was thought to hold promise in preventing recurring of lacunar strokes by reducing the formation of clots in arteries supplying the brain.
Lacunar strokes, caused by narrowing of small blood vessels, are also known as small subcortical strokes, which account for about 25 percent of ischemic strokes.
However, in a study published at the end of last month, scientists found the two-drug combination did not significantly reduce the risk of recurrence of stroke, and evidently increased the risk of bleeding and death, compared to aspirin alone or aspirin combined with a placebo.
The study involved 3,020 patients from 82 sites in North America, Latin America, and Spain who were followed for several years, and the result waspublished in the New England Journal of Medicine.
"Previous randomized trials assessing the effect of clopidogrel alongside aspirin didnot show an overall increase in mortality, so our results are a bitsurprising," said Oscar Benavente, lead author of the study and professor of neurology from the University of British Columbia.
"The results of our research support the current guidelines for secondary stroke prevention: the use of either aspirin or clopidogrel, or the approved combination therapy of aspirin and dipyridamole (known commercially as Persantine)," Benavente said.

Bloodshed all by a film?

Sina English

The United States has tightened security of its embassies in Arab
countries following an attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, where a
team of the US Marine Corps has already been stationed.
Additionally, two US destroyers have been deployed off the coast of
Libya. Meanwhile, experts warn of thedeterioration of the situation in
the Middle East.
The Arab world is starting to 'boil' as mass protest rallies aretaking
place near the US embassies in Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia and Libya.
Protesters are angered about the Innocence of Muslims, an anti-Islam
film made in the United Sates to commemorate the 11th anniversary of
the 9/11 attacks.
Protests turned violent in the Libyan city of Benghazi, where the US
Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens was killed on Tuesday night in an
attack thatwas apparently orchestrated byal-Qaeda, according to some
experts. Others say that the attack might be the work of one of the
groups struggling for power in Libya. The finger of blame is
specifically laid on Benghazi rebels who were irked with the results
of the Libyan revolution.
Libya is seeing the ongoing process of redistribution of the flows of
oil money. Rebels would like to capitalize on their own efforts
because they are based on the territory of oiltransit supplies, where
plants and terminals are located.
As for Egypt, the situation there remains tense and street protests
show no signs of abating, something that was, however, tackled by the
Muslim Brotherhood.
Representatives of the Muslim Brotherhood decided to authorize protest
rallies that were earlier staged near the US embassy in Egypt. They
have repeatedly warned against violence during these rallies,
something that they said could even prompt the enemies of Islam crack
down on Egypt andIslam on the whole.
Experts fear that Americans may well respond in kind given the ongoing
election campaign in the United States. President Barack Obama knows
full well that his sitting on his hands may quickly add up to approval
ratings of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, let alone
Republicans' criticism of Obama.
Yemeni president apologizes to U.S. for embassy attack, death toll rises to 3
Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi apologized to U.S. President
Barack Obama on Thursday for the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Yemen's
capital Sanaa, as the death toll of the conflict rose to three.
The attack in Yemen came as part of the widespread anger across the
Muslim world over anU.S. movie insulting Islam's Prophet Mohammed.
Full story
224 injured in clashes in front of U.S. embassy in Cairo
At least 224 people were injuredThursday in clashes in front of the
U.S. embassy in the Egyptiancapital of Cairo, official news agency
MENA reported, quoting the health ministry.
Clashes continue Thursday evening between protesters against a U.S.
anti-Islam movie and the security forces in front of the embassy. Full
story
Iran's leader blames U.S., Israel for anti-Islam movie
The Supreme Leader of the Islamic republic Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has
blamed the UnitedStates and Israel on the production of an anti-Islam
movie that insults Muslim's Prophet Mohammed.
In a message issued on Thursday, Khamenei said that"behind this evil
move lie the antagonistic policies of the Zionists and the U.S. and
other heads of the global arrogance," Press TV reported. Full story
Libya arrests suspects in consulate attack
Arrests have been made in connection with Tuesday's attack that killed
four Americans at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi,including US
ambassador Christopher Stevens, Libyan Deputy Interior Minister Wanis
Sharif said, according to Reuters.
"Some people have been arrested and are under investigation," Reuters
quoted Sharif as saying.
Related news:
Facts leading up to and surrounding Benghazi Killing
U.S. issues travel warning on Algeria
US Ambassador killed in Libya. Who to blame?
Anti-Islam Film Protesters storm U.S. Embassy in Yemen
Egyptian ministers demand U.S. act upon anti-Islam filmmaker
Obama strongly condemns killing of U.S. ambassador in Libya
Clinton condemns killing of U.S. officer in Libya
Anti-Islam filmmaker in hidingafter protests
Protesters attack US consulate in Libya, 1 killed
Protesters surrounding U.S. embassy in Cairo over movie insulting Prophet/

Preserve Allaah and He will preserve you

Aboo Tayyib At-Tabaree (an early scholar), was an old man – about a hundred years old. He was remarkable in that he was 100 years old and his vision and his hearing were sharp. He was physically capable of running and performing actions just like the young man. He once came back from a trip by sea – and you could imagine, during that time period, traveling by sea would exhaust people. Rather even today, by the time you landfrom an 8-houred flight, you are exhausted. This is with an air-conditioned seat and being served food, yet you are still exhausted. What about weeks and months at sea?
So when the boat landed and everyone was exhausted, Aboo Tayyib At-Tabaree jumps off the boat and hops down to the land. People were amazed. How could you be a hundred years old and jump around like this?
He said:
♥ ❝ When I was a young man, I preserved these bodily limbs from the disobedience of Allaah and Allaah preserved them for me in my old age.❞ ♥ :')
<You can find this story mentioned by Ibn Rajab in his explanation to 'Preserve Allaah and He will preserve you,' of 40 Ahaadeeth of An-Nawaawee.

Doing ghusl for Jumu’ahis prescribed as Sunnah when getting ready to go to the prayer

Key word - {*Friday Prayers:-}
- - -

Does the obligatory ghusl done before Fajr exempt one from also having
to do ghusl for Jumu'ah, or not?
Majmoo' Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi'ah li Samaahat al-Shaykh
al-'Allaamah 'Abd al-'Azeez ibn 'Abd-Allaahibn Baaz (may Allaah have
mercy on him), part 12, p. 404