Dought and clear, - Ruling on upholding ties with one’s mother and siblings through breastfeeding.

I have a mother and siblings through breastfeeding (radaa'ah). Do I
have to uphold ties with them and visit them as I visit my mother and
siblings through blood ties? I used to visit them, then it was said to
me that I do not have to do that, and I am confused about that.
Praise be to Allaah.
The shar'i rulings concerning relationshipsthrough breastfeeding are
not the same as the rulings concerning relationships through blood
ties. Breastfeeding(radaa'ah) does not mean that one is obligedto
spend on those relatives, or that one is entitled to inherit from
them, or that one may be a guardian for the purpose of marriage –
unlike the case with ties of blood.
What they have in common is that people related in either way
areforbidden to marry, and may look at one anotherand be alone with
one another, and are regarded as mahrams for the purpose of travel.
This is the wisdom of sharee'ah, because Islamcannot give a mother who
breastfed a child five times the same rights as the mother who carried
him, gave birth to him, breastfed him and brought him up, and is the
reason for the child's existence. Canthe love, compassion and devotion
in the heart of the blood mother be likened to that in the heart of
the mother through breastfeeding?
There are verses of the Qur'aan which refer to that. Allaah says
(interpretation of the meaning):
"And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents.
His mother borehim in weakness and hardship upon weaknessand hardship,
and his weaning is in two years"
[Luqmaan 31:14]
And Allaah says, after commanding the child totreat his parents well
and forbidding him to do the slightest act of disobedience towards
them (interpretation of the meaning):
"and say: 'My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up
when I was young'"
[al-Isra' 17:24]
Hence some of the scholars said that a son through breastfeeding has
to respect and honour his mother and his parents through
breastfeeding, but he does not have to honourthem and uphold ties with
them in the same way as a son is obliged to honour his parents and
relatives by blood.
There are several da'eef (weak) ahaadeeth on this topic, which we will
mention here so that people may be aware of them.
1 – It was narrated that al-Tufayl (may Allaah be pleased with him)
said: I saw the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
sharing out some meat in al-Ji'raanah, when a woman came up to the
Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he spread out
her cloak for her, and she sat down on it. I said, "Who is she?" They
said, "This is his mother who breastfed him."
Narrated by Abu Dawood, 5144; classed asda'eef by al-Albaani inDa'eef
Abi Dawood, 1102.
Ibn Hibbaan (10/44) included this hadeeth in a chapter which he
called, "Ways in which it is recommended for a person to honour the
one who breastfed him when he was small."
2 – It was narrated from 'Umar ibn al-Saa'ib that he heard that the
Messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
wassitting when his father through breastfeeding came to him; he
spread part of his cloak for him and he sat on it. Then hismother
through breastfeeding came to him and he spread part of his cloak on
the other side and she sat on it. Then his brother through
breastfeeding came and the Messengerof Allaah(peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) stood up for him and made him sit in front of him.
Narrated by Abu Dawood, 5145; classed asda'eef by al-Albaani
inal-Silsilah al-Da'eefah, 1120.
3 – It was narrated from Hajjaaj ibn Hajjaaj al-Aslami that his father
asked the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "O
Messenger of Allaah, how can I repay the favour of breastfeeding?" He
said: "(By giving) a male or female slave."
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1153; al-Nasaa'i, 3329; Abu Dawood, 2064.
Classed as da'eef by al-Albaani inDa'eef Abi Dawood, 445.
Al-Suyooti said inSharh al-Nasaa'i, 6/108.
What is meant by repaying the favour of breastfeeding is the duties
that are owed as a result of having been breastfed. It is as if he is
asking, How can I waive the duties I owe as a result of having been
breastfed so that I will have paid them off in full? They used to
regardit as something good to give a gift to the wet nurse once the
child hadbeen weaned, other the wages that had be agreed upon. End
quote.
4 – The biographers said that when the captive woman of Hawaazin
hadbeen gathered together,their spokesman Zuhayr ibn Sard came and
said: "O Messenger of Allaah, inside the enclosure are your mothers,
your maternal aunts and yournursemaids. Do us a favour (and free us),
may Allaah bless you."
These ahaadeeth speak of honouring and respecting, which are Islamic
manners that are encouraged with regardto all Muslims. This is the
reason why the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) set
them all free.
Al-Bidaayah wa'l-Nihaayah, 4/419
And Allaah knows best.

Islamic Culture in Muslim Society: Morality and Ethics in Islam(Moral Stories)

A culture is a set of habits, rules and regulations, which a group of
people follows as part of their lives.
Islamic culture is how we should behave. It is the way Muslims are
taught to live and is based on the two sources of Noble Qur'an and
Hadith. A Muslim should understand and practice this knowledge, since
when these two sources are combined; we have the way and means to lead
a life, which will lead to perfection and contentment.
There are countless examples of what we should do and how we should
act, but the essence of all these actions is having good Akhlaq.
To have good Akhlaq (Morality, Moral Values), you have to follow a
verysimple rule. Prophet Isa (as), Prophet Muhammad (saw) and Imam Ali
(as) have all emphasized one message and that is:Treatothers the way
you would like them to treat you.
This just means to have consideration, whether itis family, other
relatives, or friends.
Whenever you meet others you are carrying the flag of Islam. This
means people will look atyou and say, "This is how Muslims behave".
Whenever you do an action, ask yourself,"Would Prophet Muhammad (saw)
and Imam Ali (as)do that?" Then think about your answer before you
perform the action.
Prophet Muhammad (saw)was once asked why he came to the world, what
was his purpose? He replied, "I have been sent to complete the
nobility of your character."
This means that the main purpose of Prophet Muhammad (saw) was to
improve and perfect the Islamic Culture, the noble character of a
person andthus the community.
It is very important that we should have a good Islamic Culture at
home, since this is where the foundation is set for growing children.
We should make sure that we all recite Salaat on time. If possible we
should pray Salaat-e-Jamaat (CongregationalPrayer) at home, with
thefather leading and the children following. The mother should teach
the girls the importance of wearing Hijaband the parents should
explain about music and dance, and all the other habits, which Islam
discourages.
Some parents tell their children not to fast during examinations. This
makes the children feel that fasting can be missed for such reasons
and reduces its importance. How can youblame the children, whenit is
the parents who encourage them? The point that people do not realize
is that if you obey Allah (SWT), He will help you. Allah (SWT) has
said that for every 1 step you take towards Him, He willtake 10 steps
towards you. So make a Niyyat (intension) and fast. Do not look at
fasting as if it is going to harm you, butthink that it will help your
concentration, it will help you to study, and you soon see how well
you can actually do.
We must make Islamic Culture part of our day-to-day lives, not just
something we put on for the mosque, or for Madressa. Only then will we
benefit both in this life, and the next.
Once Imam Ali (as) was asked, who is a believer? He answered as to
what the characteristics of a believer should include,
1.The believer is one withwhom peoples' life, wealth and dignity are safe.
2.When powerful, he forgives easily. He is generous in appropriate ways.
3.His behavior is gentle. His actions and walk reflect modesty.
4.People enjoy his affection and calmness. He is ready to bear painin
order to comfort others.
5.In friendship he is sincere. He honors his promises.
6.He helps the oppressed and is concerned aboutthe deprived. He does
not abandon those in distress; he tries to relieve their burdens.
7.He respects the rights of those who are absent. He accepts the
apologies of those at fault.
8.He assists those who have assisted him.
9.He does not divulge (tell) peoples' secrets. He does not inquire
into secret affairs, which do not concern him.
10.He sets a good example for those who succeed him.
11.His good deeds are not performed for the sake of being boastful.
12.He does not fall into the same difficulty twice.

Morality and Ethics in Islam: Islamic Culture in Muslim Society(Moral Stories)

The word "morality" comes from the Latin word moralitas
meaning"manner, noble character and proper behavior". Morality
generally refers to a code of conduct, thatan individual, group or
society hold as authoritative, in distinguishing right fromwrong.
Immorality is the active opposition to morality, while amorality is
not admitting of moral distinctions or judgments; neither moralnor
immoral or lacking moral sensibility; not caring about right and
wrong.
Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that
addresses questions about morality that is, concepts such as good and
evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice, etc. Ethics in
Islamor True Islamic code of ethics provides basic concepts which
gives humanity a strong platform on which they can lay their lives
according to the teaching of Noble Qur'an and Prophet's Sunnah.
Islam as a comprehensiveway of life encompasses a complete moral
system that is an important aspect of its world-view. We live in an
age where good and evil are often looked at as relative concepts.
Islam however, holds that moral positions are not relative and
instead, defines a universal standard by which actions may be deemed
moral or immoral.
A major goal of Islam is toprovide mankind with a practical and
realistic system of life based on good by which he can conduct his
life. It calls upon mankind not only to practice virtue but to
establish it and to eradicate all that is harmful. It seeks the
supremacy of one's conscience in all matters, so that what is harmful
cannot gain the upper hand in either an individual or a society. Those
who respond to this call are known as Muslims, which literally means
those who have submitted to God (Allah). The sole object of the
resulting community of Muslims ( Muslim Ummah) is the undertaking of
an organized effort to establish what is good and to fight and
eradicate what is evil andharmful.
Morality is one of the fundamental sources of anation's strength, just
as immorality is one of the main causes of a nation's decline. Hence,
Morality isone of the cornerstones of Islam. Morality in Islamhas
established some universal fundamental rights for humanity as a whole,
which are to be observed in all circumstances. Islam's moral system is
striking in that it not only definesmorality, but also guides the
human race in how to achieve it, at both an individual as well as a
collective level. Thus, everything that leads to the welfare of the
individual and the society is morally good inIslam, and whatever is
harmful is morally bad.
Given its importance in a healthy society, Islam supports morality and
matters that lead to it and stands in the way of corruption and
matters that lead to it. The Islamicmoral principles therefore, appeal
naturally to the human intellect, while elevating the pursuit of
morality to the level of worship. This is because Islam holds every
action that is done with the goal of attaining of God's pleasure to be
worship. The Guardian and Judge of all deeds is God Himself.
The concept of morality in Islam centers around certain basic beliefs
and principles. Among these are the following: (1) Godis the Creator
and Sustainer of the Universe and Source of all goodness, truth and
beauty. (2) Man is a responsible, dignified and honorable agent of his
Creator. (3) God has put everything in the heavens and the earth in
the service of mankind. (4) By His Mercy and Wisdom, God does not
expect the impossible from man or hold him accountable for
anythingbeyond his power. Nor does God forbid man to enjoy the good
things of life. (5) Moderation, practicality and balance are the
guarantees of high integrity and sound morality. (6) All things
arepermissible in principle except what is singled out as obligatory,
which must be observed, and what is singled out as forbidden, which
must be avoided. (7) Man's ultimate responsibility is to God and his
highest goal is the pleasure of hisCreator.
From an Islamic perspective, the purpose of human life is to worship
God, by leading this worldly life in harmony with the Divine Will, and
thereby achievepeace in this world, and everlasting success in the
life of the hereafter. Muslims look to Noble Qur'an and the
Traditionsof Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) as their moral guides.
Muslims believe that true happiness occurs when you are God-conscious
and submissive to God's will. Freedom is freedom from human desires
and man-made ideals. Through prayer and fasting, self-discipline and
self-control become a focus of many Muslims. This also is a foundation
for human dignity.
Almighty Allah (SWT) sums up righteousness in verse 177 of Surat Al
Baqarah as follows:
"It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East and
the West, but righteousness is this that one should believe in Allah
and the last day and the angels and the Book and the prophets, and
give away wealth out of love for Him to the near of kin and the
orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and the beggars and for (the
emancipation of) thecaptives, and keep up prayer and pay the
poor-rate; and the performers of their promise when they makea
promise, and the patient in distress and affliction and in time of
conflicts - these are they who are true (to themselves) and these are
they who guard (against evil)." (Noble Qur'an, 2:177)
This verse teaches us thatrighteousness and piety is based before all
else ona true and sincere faith. The key to virtue and good conduct is
a strong relation with God, who sees all, at all times and everywhere.
He knows the secrets of the hearts and the intentions behind all
actions. Therefore, Islam enjoins moral behavior in all circumstances;
God is aware of each one when no one else is. It may be possible to
deceive the world, but it's not possible to deceive the Creator. The
love and continuous awareness of God and the Day of Judgment enables
man tobe moral in conduct and sincere in intentions, with devotion and
dedication:
"Indeed, the most honorable among you in the sight of God is the most
pious." (Noble Qur'an, 49:13)
The guiding principle for the behavior of a Muslim is what Noble
Qur'an refers to as virtuous deeds. This term covers all deeds, not
just the outward acts of worship.
Some of the most primary character traits expected of a Muslim are
piety, humility and a profound sense of accountability to God. A
Muslim is expected to be humble before God and with other people.
Islam also enjoins upon every Muslim to exercise control of their
passions and desires. Gratitude in prosperity, patience in adversity,
and the courage to uphold the truth, even when inconvenient to
oneself, are just some of the qualities that every Muslim is
encouraged to cultivate.
Islam warns against vanity and excessive attachment to the ephemeral
pleasures of this world. While it is easy to allow the material world
to fill our hearts, Islam calls upon human beings to keep God in their
hearts and touse the material world in moderation and in accordance
with God's guidance. The Glorious Qur'an says:
"The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, but only he (will
prosper) that brings to Allah a sound heart." ( Noble Qur'an:
26:88-89)
Charityis one of the most commendable acts in Islam. In fact, Zakah,
the annual charity that is obligatory on every Muslim who has accrued
wealth above a certain level.
Morality in Islam addresses every aspect ofa Muslim's life, starting
with as simple as a smile that counts as charity all the way up to
defending the oppressed, from simple greetings to international
relations. It is universal in its scope and in its applicability.
Backbitingis a terrible vice in Noble Qur'an. Killing innocent is
strictly prohibited in Noble Qur'an. Women are equalto men in humanity
but they have different responsibilities.
A Muslim is expected to not only be virtuous, but to also enjoin
virtue. He/She must not only refrain from evil and vice, but must also
actively engage in askingpeople to eschew them. In other words, they
mustnot only be morally healthy, but must also contribute to the moral
health of society as a whole.
Some people who say they are acting in the name of religion may
misunderstand their religion or practice it wrongly. For this reason,
it is a mistake to form any idea of that religion from the activities
of these people. The best way to understand Islam is through its
authentic source.
The authentic source of Islam is Noble Qur'an and Prophet's Sunnah;
and the model of morality in Noble Qur'an is completely different
fromthe image of it formed in the minds of some westerners. Noble
Qur'an is based on the concepts of morality, love, compassion, mercy,
modesty, self-sacrifice, tolerance and peace and a Muslim who truly
lives according to these moral precepts is highly refined, thoughtful,
tolerant, trustworthy andaccommodating. To thosearound him he gives
love, respect, peace of mind and a sense of the joy of life.
All this shows that the moral teaching offered to humanity by Islam is
one that will bring peace,prosperity, happiness and justice to the
world. The barbarism that is happening in the world today under the
name of"Islamic Terrorism" is completely removed fromthe moral
teachings of Noble Qur'an; it is the work of ignorant, criminals who
have nothing to do with religion.
On this Moral Stories website, we have listed a large collection of
moral stories covering differentaspects of Morality and Ethics in
Islam or Islamic Morals and Practices. These moral stories coverthe
broad spectrum of a Muslim's personal moral conduct as well as their
social responsibilities.

Wafaat Hazrat Khadijeh, - O Khadija, among all the people of the world, you have attained a sublime position, the most honorable position. You have been granted the honor of being wife to Prophet Muhammad (saw), the great man whose peer has not beenborn by any woman in the whole world. All praiseworthy virtues andmajestic qualities plus modesty are to be found in him and will be so forever.

One night, when darkness covered the region of the Hejaz / Hijaz
(Arabian Peninsula),the wealthy, who had no conscience, were sleeping
in their comfortable beds, putting their arrogant heads on their
comfortable pillows. Theywere sleeping comfortably and never bothered
about anyone or anything else as they had everything in the world.
Also money was always at their disposal and they could do whatever
they wished, even irrational. They thought that as long as the earth
exists, they would have power.
On the same night, the poor and helpless people were sleeping in their
dirty houses or beside the walls of some rich person's house in the
cityor in Khadijeh's (S.A.) house and they would tryto forget all
about their sorrow and misery, at least for that night.
During this dark night, the stars and moon were hiding behind the dark
clouds. Not willing to see the prejudice and inequality amongst the
human beings, they had stopped shining.
On that night, everybody was asleep except Khadijeh (S.A.) and her
special servant and............
Khadijeh (S.A.) was thinking in her private room. She was swimmingin
the sea of dreams and had surrounded herself with the turbulent
wavesof her thoughts.
Then suddenly someone knocked at her door. Khadijeh (S.A.), still
dreaming, lifted her headand asked: "Who is it?" Someone answered: "It
isme, my lady, Maysara." Khadijeh (S.A.) replied:"Come in! I am awake.
I can't sleep tonight." The door opened and Khadijeh's special
servant, Maysara, rushed into the room, all confused.
Maysara said: "As Salaamu Alaikum, my lady, I am sorry if I am bothering you."
Khadijeh (S.A.) replied:"Wa Alaikum Salaam. Whatis wrong, Maysara? I
see that you are worried. Hassomething happened or...?" Maysara
answered:"No, no! Don't worry. Youyourself said that we should tell
you wheneveran indigent, helpless or an oppressed person wanted to see
you."
Khadijeh (S.A.) said: "Yes, yes. I myself said that. Now what has
happened and who wants to see meand why?" Maysara answered: "My lady,
a young woman carrying a heavy sack has come to the house. She was
shaking and crying and her hair was untidy. She begged me to bring her
to you. It seems that she came here because she is afraid and
depressed."
Khadijeh (S.A.) answered;"Very well. There is no problem. Tell her to
comein. I myself told you to call me anytime, day or night if any
helpless or homeless person wanted to see me. Don't let that person
leave this house in sadness or with empty hands".
Maysara went to call the young woman to take her to Khadijeh's room.
Khadijeh (S.A.) started thinking about that young woman and she told
herself: "Oh Allah! What has happened to this poor woman in the middle
of the night? What kind of problem has she faced that has caused her
to leave her house alone at this time and to come to my house? Who is
this helpless woman? Where does she come from? Andwhy did she come
here? Maybe she is a mother who came here with her sick child so that
we can provide food and medicine for it.
"Maybe she is a slave who has come here because of her unjust master.
Or maybe she is a chaste woman whose house the street ruffians entered
by force to kill her husband or take her innocent child. Maybe none of
these, but maybeher cruel husband wanted to take her innocent daughter
away from her and bury the girl alive under the cold dust of the
desert. Maybe for this reason, she took the baby and brought her here
seeking refuge in my house."
Many thoughts occupied the chaste mind of Khadijeh (S.A.) when
suddenly the door opened. A young woman,whose head and face were
covered with a veil,entered, crying. Tears had completely wet her red
and dusty cheeks. Herarms and legs were shaking out of sorrow and she
could only say:"As Salaamu Alaikum." She then sat down on thefloor and
tried to kiss Khadijeh's feet, but the latter stopped her and hugged
her and kissed her face like a kind mother. Khadijeh (S.A.) asked her:
'my daughter! What has happened? Why are you so upset? Besure that
whatever I can do I will do for you. Tell me, my daughter. Tell me
what has happened."
The young woman moved away from Khadijeh's embrace and opened the
heavy sack and placed it in front of Khadijeh (S.A.). She removed a
beautiful baby from it, which was like the blossom of springand hugged
it.
After the young woman gave the baby many longand warm kisses while
still in tears, she placed the baby in front of Khadijeh (S.A.) and
said:
"Oh Lady of Quraish! Oh kind Khadijeh (S.A.) I beg you, please have
mercy upon my baby and me. Look how beautiful it is and what beautiful
black eyebrows it has. For the sake of Allah look how it looks at me
with its sweet eyes. See what a beautiful smile it has. It seems that
the baby understands what I say because it looks at me this way. The
baby knowsthat I want to take it away from myself and give it to
somebody else."
Then the young woman looked at the sky and said: "Oh Almighty Allah!
Save us from this insecure and ignorant situation and from dirty
deeds. Send us a savior who can stop this savage situation and the
cruel killings. What did this innocent baby do that makes its father
want to bury it alive with no fear? What did I do wrong that I must
give up my baby?
The woman prayed to Allah and then started crying even more. The baby,
afraid of her mother's cries started crying also.
Khadijeh (S.A.), who was quiet until this time, tookthe woman's lovely
baby and hugged it and sympathetically said to the young woman: "My
daughter! Don't worry. "I will keep and protect your baby like my own
daughter, I know how you feel now and why you are so upset. I am a
mother and I know the heartache of mothers. I will raise her and
whenever you want, you can come here and see your baby."
The young woman said:"What if my husband comes and wants to take her
from you? He is an obstinate person. When I was pregnant, he told me:
'If it is a boy, he is mine. If it is a girl, it belongs to the
grave.' He repeated this sentence everyday to bother me."
Today when I felt the pains of delivery, I took refuge in the desert
so I could deliver the baby. There, this beautiful girl was born. I
didn't return to the house because I knew if I took it to the house,
it would have meant the grave for it; as a result, I came to your
house because I knew that my daughter would be protected here.
Oh kind Khadijeh (S.A.)! We, the women of this region, know you very
well. We know that you protect the orphans better than their
parents,but I am still afraid that my angry husband may come here and
get the baby from you.
"He may even hurt me and kill me for having given the baby to you. But
it doesn't matter. Let him kill me but my daughter will be alive."
The young woman uttered these words and fell down at Khadijeh's (S.A.)
feet and started crying very hard. Khadijeh (S.A.) picked herup and
placed her hand on the dusty hair of the young woman and very kindly
said: "My daughter! I told you not to worry about your baby. I will
raise her like my own baby and I will never give her to your husband.
He can't do anything here. If he comes here, I will hide her. Be sure
that your baby is in a secure place. Now get up and rest a little bit.
You don't feel well. You have come a long way. Leave everything to
Allah because Allah is closer and kinder to a person than anyone
else."
After the young woman heard the kind words of Khadijeh (S.A.), she
went to a corner of the room and fell into a deep sleep.The great
Khadijeh (S.A.), whose pure spirit was shaken by the recent incidents
thought very hard about the things that the young woman had told her.
Then she asked herself: What is this misfortune that is over coming
the Arab fathers, that causes them to become so cruel and
conscienceless as to bury their innocent babies alive with their own
hands under tons of black soil? Do they fear poverty or feel ashamed?
The Lady of Quraish (Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid, Bibi Khadija, Hazrat
Khadija) kept thinking about this unfortunate situation and
deliberated as to how long this practice would continue. Having
pondered deeply, she started to pray and commune with Allah. She said:
"Oh Allah! I swear by yourProphets and the people who are close to
You. I beg You to send the Saviour that Jesus and the other Messengers
have promised for these unfortunate and ignorant people so that this
ugly, and unfortunate situation comes to an end. Only then would
innocent mothers be able to hold their unprotected and innocent babies
in their arms."
After prayer, she went to sleep. She dreamt that the sun was rising
from the sky and turned several times around the house of Allah. It
then moved towards her house, where its huge brightness dazzled her
eyes.
She woke up and realized that the day of Islam was near.

Wafaat Hazrat Khadijeh, - Khadijeh mother of the orphans:(Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid, Bibi Khadija, Hazrat Khadija)

Though she was even wealthier than other richpeople, unlike them, she
always thought about helping the poor and sharing their sorrow and
difficulties, and solving their problems.
For this reason, Khadijeh (Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid, Bibi Khadija,
Hazrat Khadija) ordered her servants to never close the doors of her
house to any poor personand to always have readyat hand the things the
poor needed. She commanded her servants to inform her whenever a poor
person wanted to talk to her or wanted something from her during the
day or night. She could not bear the thought that a poor leaves her
house in sorrow, not having received something from her.
So the deprived and poorknew the way to Khadijeh's house and called
that house, "The house of hope and security." More than any other, the
orphans sought refuge in her house, because Khadijeh (Khadijah Bint
Khuwaylid, Bibi Khadija, Hazrat Khadija) sympathized with them alot
and she would care for them in a motherly way. So they called
her"Ummul Yatama", meaning, "Mother of the Orphans".
Having talked about Khadijeh's (S.A.) house, the following lines will
help you gain a conception of her house.
The house where lived Khadijeh (S.A.) and from where she performed all
the benevolent tasks for the poor, was one of the nicest in Makkah. It
had two floors, each one of which was decorated by a small balcony.
The northern section of the house so faced the Holy Kaaba (House of
Allah) that the latter could be seen from its small windows. In
addition to this, the visitors to Allah's house could be seen too. The
windows of the other three sides faced three of Makkah's roads and
every passenger entering Makkah could be seen from those windows.
There was a green dome at the top of the building, which madeit look a
hundred times more beautiful. The interior of the house wasdivided
into two sections, one of which Khadijeh (S.A.) kept for private usage
and where no one was allowed without her permission.
Khadijeh (Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid, Bibi Khadija, Hazrat Khadija) chose
thenorthern section of the house, which faced the Holy Kaaba as her
living quarters, and from there she stood in front of the house of
Allah and prayed to Him everyday.
The other section of Khadijeh's (S.A.) house was for the guests.
Special servants entertained the guests, looking after their
needs.Everybody was satisfied when they left Khadijeh'shouse. This is
why all the people living in the region would call Khadijeh's house,
"the house of generosity and kindness". In hard times, people would go
and come back, hands full and happy. We can say that the section of
Khadijeh's house open tothe public was home to many homeless, the
poor,refugees, orphans and the oppressed. If anyone was looking for
shelter, people would send him to Khadijeh's house.
A famous writer described Khadijeh's house as follows:
Every orphan who didn't have anyone to depend on,
Every father who couldn'tget food for his children,
Every woman who was homeless,
Everybody who suffered and became shelter less,
All of them knew the wayto Khadijeh's (S.A.) house and went there.
They took refuge in her kindness and wealth.
The sore hearts of those people were treated withher favour and grace.
This was why Khadijeh's house was always full of people. Whole day and
night, there were comingand going activities there. Khadijeh (S.A.)
would come to that section accessible to the public a few hours
everyday. She would sit with her poor and homeless guests, talk
andlisten to their distress and difficulties. She would caress the
childrenand wipe the tears of themothers. Then she would call her
private servant and he would bring somebags of money. Khadijeh (S.A.)
would then distribute the money amongst the people.
Kind Khadijeh (S.A.) would always sit with theorphans at dinner and
eat with them. She wouldherself feed the delicious food to them. She
would place her hands around their faces, caress and kiss them,
saying: "My dear children! Don't feel like orphans. (I am your
mother). I will support and love you like my ownchild."
Khadijeh's (S.A.) support and protection was not only for the orphans
whodidn't have any parents, but also for those who had parents. During
those days, known as Al-Jahiliya (The age of Ignorance), some fathers
who were narrow-minded and foolish would bury their own daughters
alive, for different foolish reasons. They were proud of this ugly and
indecent act. Onevery opportunity, they would boast about what they
had done. However, they never thought about the day of Judgement and
that Allahwill judge them:
"When the female (infant) who was buried alive will be asked for what
sin was she killed."(Noble Qur'an, 81:8-9)
During those days, this ugly and indecent act was common amongst some
Arab tribes. They would kill their innocent daughters because of
poverty and believed that having a daughter issomething to be ashamed
of. They would cowardly bury their daughters alive.
Then glowed the light of Islam forbidding such a practice. Allah says
in Noble Qur'an:
"And do not kill your children for fear of poverty; We give them
sustenance and yourselves (too); surely tokill them is a great
sin."(Noble Qur'an, 17:31)
As a result, when some mothers gave birth to a girl, their husbands
would get angry at them.They either had to give their daughter to
their cruel husband, who was free to do whatever he wanted to do to
the innocent baby, or send the baby to Khadijeh's (S.A.) house from
where it could be supported and saved from being buried alive. Now we
are going to tell you one of those stories.

Why Women Are Better Than Men!

Do you agree with me that women are far morebetter than men in
anything and everything that she does? It is said that women are the
best gender when it comes to role playing, family matters, work
related issues and even living a normal life. Not trying to be a
complete feminist, but it is true that women seek to be the better
gender. If you agree withme and those en number of women who agree
too, then take a look at some of the reasons why 'she' is better than
'he'.
It is said that after hundreds of years and huge strides in women's
rights, this gender has more power over the men in every society.
But,then again after all this, it does not come down with us being
treated equally because that still hasn't changed and we are not sure
if it will, too!In our so called modern society, the women are still
paid less when compared to men, they are still taught to measure their
self-worth with their appearance and so on.
Most women will agree, that we try harder because we have to. It is
not that women are bornto better than men but, itis true that women
strive to be better than men in everything.
Come on - Mother Teresa was a woman. Need I say more? Here are few
points to prove that women are better than men.

The secret beyond matter is not Wahdatul Wujood

A topic dealt with in the book The Evolution Deceit, chapter "The
Real Essence of Matter" as well as in the books Matter: The Other Name
for Illusion; Idealism, The Philosophy of the Matrix and the True
Nature of Matter, Eternity Has Already Begun; Timelessness and the
Reality of Fateand Knowing the Truthhas been criticized by some
people. Having misunderstood the essence of the subject, these people
claim that what is explained as the secret beyond matter is identical
to the teaching of Wahdatul Wujood.
Let us state, before all else, that the author of this book is a
believer strictly abiding by the doctrine of Ahlus Sunnahand does not
defend theview of Wahdatul Wujood.
However, it should also be remembered that Wahdatul Wujood was
defended by some leading Islamic scholars including Muhyiddin Ibn
'Arabi. It is true that numerous significant Islamic scholars who
described the concept ofWahdatul Wujood in the past did so by
considering some subjects found in these books. Still, what is
explained in these booksis not the same as Wahdatul Wujood.
Some of those who defended the view of Wahdatul Wujood were engrossed
by some erroneous opinions and made some claims contrary to the Qur'an
and the doctrine of Ahlus Sunnah. They, for example, completely
rejected the creation of Allah. When the subject of the secret beyond
matter is told, however, there is definitely no such claim. This
section explains that all beings are created by Allah, andthat the
originals of these beings are seen byHim whereas people merely see the
images ofthese beings formed in their brains.
Mountains, plains, flowers, people, seas—briefly everything we see and
everything that Allah informs us in the Qur'an that exists and that He
created out of nothing is created and does indeed exist. However,
people cannot see, feel or hear the real nature of these beings
through their sense organs. What they see and feel are only the copies
that appear in their brains. This is a scientific fact taught at all
schools primarily in medicine. The same applies to the article youare
reading now; you can not see nor touch the real nature of it. The
light coming from the original article is converted by some cells in
your eyes into electrical signals, which are then conveyed to thesight
center in the back of your brain. This is where the view of this
article is created. In other words, you are notreading an article
which is before your eyes through your eyes; in fact, this article is
created in the sight center in the back of your brain. The article you
are reading right now is a "copy of the article" within your brain.
The original article is seen by Allah.
In conclusion, the fact that the matter is an illusion formed in our
brains does not "reject" the matter, but provides us information about
the real nature of the matter: that no person can have connection with
its original.
This fact is told in the book Idealism, The Philosophy of the Matrix,
and the True Nature of Matteras follows:
THERE IS MATTER OUTSIDE OF US, BUT WE CANNOT REACH IT
… [S]aying that matter is an illusion does not mean it does not exist.
Quiet the contrary: whether we perceive the physical world or not, it
does exist. But we see it as a copy in our brain or, in other words,as
an interpretation of our senses. For us, therefore, the physical world
of matter is an illusion.
The matter outside is seen not just by us, but by other beings too.
The angels Allah delegated to be watchers witness this world as well:
And the two recording angels are recording, sitting on the right and
on the left. He does not utter a single word, without a watcher by
him, pen in hand!(Qur'an, 50: 17-18)
Most importantly, Allah sees everything. He created this world with
all its details and sees it in all its states. As He informs us in the
Qur'an:
… Heed Allah and know that Allah sees what you do.(Qur'an, 2: 233)
Say: "Allah is a sufficient witness between me and you. He is
certainly aware of and sees His servants."(Qur'an, 17: 96)
It must not be forgotten that Allah keeps the records of everything in
the book called Lawh Mahfuz (Preserved Tablet). Even if we don't see
all things, they are inthe Lawh Mahfuz. Allah reveals that He keeps
everything's record in the "Mother of the Book" called Lawh Mahfuz
with the following verses:
It is in the Source Book with Us, high-exalted, full of wisdom.(Qur'an, 43: 4)
… We possess an all-preserving Book.(Qur'an, 50: 4)
Certainly there is no hidden thing in either heaven or Earth which
isnot in a Clear Book.(Qur'an, 27: 75)

Living one’s destiny is a source of peace and comfort for believers

The way that Muslims encounter various difficulties and troubles in
their daily lives is botha test and also a means of happiness in
contrast with the life of Paradise they hope to enjoy in the
Hereafter. It is a source of pleasure coming from contrastingtrouble
with ease, comfort and well-being. It is a blessing from the
Compassionate, that increases believers' respect and love for
suchpeople in this world, that allows them to take them as role models
and that causes them to havea positive influence on others, and that
has many benefits and beauties.
The way that a person may sometimes imagine or forget that a trivial
seeming matter is outside the destiny, compassion and knowledge of
Allah, as a result of the whispering of the satan, is a disease.The
believer must be careful to receive treatment for this malady and must
avoid falling into the clutches of this terrible disease.
For example, there is wisdom and goodness inall events such as missing
a programme one really wanted to watch or forgetting to order
something one wanted. Some people can see this in full clarity,while
others cannot see it at all, or only very little. One may miss a
programme, but one thus gains time for wise and auspicious reflection.
That reflection may result in alifetime strengthening of wisdom.
Alternatively,one may recite the names of Allah during that time and
thus gain more goodness than onewould from the television. When one
forgets to buy something to eat that may mean one avoids being made
sick by it. Someone with high blood pressure who forgets to buy any
cheese will find his blood pressure returning to normal as a result of
abstaining fromeating it. He benefits by submitting and wins Allah's
approval. In addition, proper resignation to destiny brings the
believer peace and love. And if the cheese he would have bought is
infected, then he avoids being poisoned by it.
There are a great many similar examples of this in people's daily
lives. It is therefore of great importance to have a sound
understanding of this and never forget it for a moment. Everything
that befalls one, great or small, is part of one's destiny. Believers
must always beon their guard against the whispering of the satan to
the effect that "these have nothing to do with destiny." Fully
understanding this and never forgetting it for a moment, looking for
the wisdom and goodness inall events and regarding everything that
happensas part of Allah's wondrous plan is a greatblessing both in
this world and for the Hereafter. For the believer, this truth leads
to reason and free will, peace and comfort.

The original of the matter created in the brain: you must first read this to see the artistry of Allah!

A mighty waterfall tumbling down from on high, the boundless oceans
and the glorious, stunning mountains are all matchless works of Allah.
The stars, clouds, birds and fish are all His miracles. Most people
are in no doubt that a green forest that blossoms once again,grows and
flourishes in the spring is one of the beautiful and glorious works of
Allah.
Some people, however, regard skyscrapers, airplanes, laboratories and
computers rather differently. The fact that these are made and built
by human beings deceives them. They imagine that technology,
civilization, scientific and technical progress are independent of
Allah (Allah forbid) and forget that the human beings who are
instrumental in their coming into existence are also created by Him.
They fail to think that Allah, Who has made clouds the cause of rain
and the Sun the cause of light, has also made man the cause of
technology and civilization. They make the error of thinking that
human beings have a power independent of Allah (Allah forbid) and that
human beings invented the Internet, that human beings cause planes to
fly, that human beings invented the tea spoon or biro, that human
beings build space craft and that human beings discovered the forces
responsible for keeping planes aloft. They imagine that plasma TVs, CD
players, carpets, lampshades, cars and the products of advanced
technology all appeared as the result of human intelligence
andability.
They make a terrible error in not regarding these as the artistry of
Allah, and forget that He created them out of His mercy.
The fact is, however, that all these things, just like theseas, trees,
flowers, fruits, the Sun and the boundless mountains, are all works of
Allah. Allah in His mercy makes human beings the cause of all these
things listed above. Allah has given human beings the intelligence and
ability for this. Our Lord inspired them to discover these things. But
it is certain that Allah has the power to have created them with no
direct cause.
And everything we see is in fact CREATED "SPECIALLY FOR US" AND
"INDEPENDENT OF NATURAL CAUSES" as Allah's sublime artistry.
In order to understand this, we need to know that the matter we see
and touch is an image created inour brains, that it is specially
created for us, specially and moment by moment, and that we can never
have direct experience of the originals on the outside.

Fathwa, - Working with disabled non-mehrams

Question:
I am a female, and recently took up a postworking with people with
mental disabilites e.g cerebralpalsies. My job involves doing
activities such as painting, cooking, and more importantly engaging in
social activities such as playing games with the disabled people. The
activities are donein a group, with other co-workers. The aim isto
encourage confidence in the individual and to support them through
their difficulties. Now, the disabled people vary in age from 18 to
55, male and female, muslim and non-muslims, with a varying degree of
disabilities. I am always in the presenceof other non-disabled
females. Is the mixing allowed with the non-mehrams in this situation?
(If your answer is that it is permissible if my intention is for
seeking the reward of Allah swt, and that I am not in seclusion, then
I'd like to add the following question. Imagine a spectrum of humans.
From the veryable humans, and to the very disabled, the most disabled
human you have. Now, at what point, or what criteria of disability
allows me to mix with an individual. i.e. When does mixing become
permissible, at what level of disability. Is it when they have no
sense of the world, is it when they have sense but nosexual instinct.
These latter are examples, not questions, to illustrate what my main
question is)
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Dear Sister,
I pray you are doing well.
I believe that you have already answered your question.
You stated that:
1. Your intention is to seek Allah's pleasure;
2. you are not in seclusion; and
3. you are helping people who otherwise could not help themselves.
Free mixing of the sexes is prohibited.
However what you are doing is not considered free mixing because:
1. You are performing your job;
2. you are not in seclusion with unrelated males; and
3. as a Muslim in the medical/healthcare profession, you are permitted
to interact with unrelated males to the extent of the need.
The most important considerations:
Do you feel that what you are doing is pleasingto Allah?
Do you feel that you are helping these individualsto lead productive lives?
Are you comfortable in this setting?
If you answered yes to these questions, then continue to seek Allah's
pleasure by helping people in need.
Just remember to maintain Islamic gender etiquette at all time, and
insha'Allah, you should be fine.
For more guidelines for Muslim healthcare professionals, please search
SunniPath Answers.
May Allah bless you in all of your endeavors.
And Allah knows best.

Fathwa, - Dealing with premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Question:
AssalamoAlaikum,
My problem is that a couple of days before bleeding starts, I start
having serious mood swings. I go into this phase of severe depression,
extreme tiredness and laziness,and pick fights with everyone. It gets
so bad that often I end upyelling and it causes severe dents in my
relationships. It seems like no matter how much I try, I just am
unable to control my anger. Please let me know if there are any duaas
I can make for my temper to not rise and to prevent such situations.
JazakAllah Khair.
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Dear Sister,
I pray this message finds you in good health and spirits.
If you are experiencing severe depression and serious mood swings,
then you should consult a physician, who may prescribe medication, or
offer some suggestions for altering your behavior.
If you find that you only experience these symptoms right before
menstruation, after which they disappear, then there are several
approaches you can take. Keep in mind that each woman's PMS is
different. Therefore, what works for some women may not work for
everyone.
1. First, dua is a very powerful weapon. There are several duas you
can make for peace of mind and healing. Please see the following:
Can you tell me a dua to recite for restlessness?
http://qa.sunnipath.com /issue_view.asp?id=8621
Prophetic Supplications for Healing
http://qa.sunnipath.com /issue_view.asp?HD=7& ID=2945&CATE=105
2. Controlling anger:
The Prophet, peace be upon him, gave us many helpful tips for
controlling anger, such as performing ablution, seeking refuge in
Allah from shaitan, and holding our tongues. He said, "Whoever
believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain
silent." Do certainpeople or situations aggravate you? If so, why
don't you avoid them for those couple days? If you can't, then resolve
to modify your reaction to them. Take a deep breath and force yourself
to wait for at least 30 seconds before speaking. Try to defuse the
situation with humor. Women are likelyto understand what you're going
through. Male family members might not be as sympathetic, but you
canstill let them know that it's not personal. Give yourself an
incentive to behave. Why not give yourself a small treat if you manage
to get through PMS without losing your temper?
Also, remember that there are ways to cope with PMS, such as
maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, exercising regularly,
drinking lots of water, calming down with meditation, prayer, and
dhikr, and talking to your family and friends about what you're
goingthrough.
Finally, please see these articles on SunniPath:
Dealing with anger
http://qa.sunnipath.com /issue_view.asp?HD=7& ID=3295&CATE=17
And Allah knows best.

Fathwa, - Permissibility of a muslim seeing a psychologist to boost self-esteem

Question:
i am a sister who has avery low self esteem i think what in the
ahadith our habbib(saw) termed as destructive hayyah that restricts
you from becoming a productivemuslim in society and even to her
immediatefamily i just don't havethe courage to go out and look for a
job eventhough i am a graduate,socialising with other fellow human
being seems a task to me i rather avoid them ,i am not a bad-tempered
and hard to approach person but there is this fear of people in me i
have many times contemplated paying avisit to a psychologist to
resolve my problem but my heart always tells me that their solution in
most cases is non-islamic and somehow i have this feeling that i'll be
complaining against Allah's decree to a lowly human like me so i have
been praying to Him to resolve my problem and inshallah i think this
is Him guiding me to ask you the muslim scholars out there to help me
with these immense hindrance to my life and advise me on what steps to
take to inshallah over come it wabillahi tawfiq
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Dear Sister,
I pray that you are feeling better.
There is nothing wrong with going to a psychologist. As long as your
therapist does not suggest any measures which contradict Sacred Law,
then by all means, go seek help.
Remember that Allah Most High is aware of what you are going through.
Ask Him for strength, patience, and peace of mind.
These are trying times for Muslims. As women, we often come under
extra scrutiny, especially if we wear hijab. What we should be
thankful for is the opportunity to rise to these challenges and
represent the best ofour deen.
You may want to consider the sources of these feelings. Did people put
you down as a child? Do you put yourself down? Is your self-esteem
contingent on what other people think of you? Are you notgiving
yourself enough credit?
Alhamdulilah, you managed to get through school and graduate,
something which a lot ofpeople are not able to accomplish. You already
have the ability to pursue your goals. Now it's time to cultivate that
sense of confidence that will get you where you need to go.
As women, we can be very self-conscious. However, what I have realized
is that our inner voice is often the harshest. Usually, people are not
as critical of us aswe think. It's important to examine that inner
voice that oftens tells us we're not good enough, smart enough, pretty
enough, etc. Ultimately, we have to find that voice that validates us
and tells us: You are a believer, you are a Muslim, you are a woman,
you are a slave of Allah. This is what gives us true
affirmation.Remember, the Prophet, peace be upon him said,"Truly
amazing is the affair of the believer. His affair only contains good.
If he is blessed with good he thanks Godand in that there is good.And
if he is afflicted withdifficulty he patiently endures and in that
there is good." (Sahih Muslim)
Human beings are social creatures. We need otherpeople. That's why
it's important to have a strong support system. Forge close
relationships with your family members. Surround yourself with good
friends who are religously and morally upright. Don't hang around
people who discourage you or put you down. And remember the great
solace one can find in seeking sacred knowledge and drawing closer to
Allah Most High. Join a sisters' study circle,or start one of your
own.Insha'Allah, you can make new friendships and boost your
confidence in the process.

Valentine Day birthdays, and other daze

There is a group of practices that we can consider as the twin sister
of Bid'ah)producing something, theoretical or practical, in matters of
religion which is not part of it(. Like Bid'ah, they flourish on the
twin foundations of ignorance and outsideinfluence. Like Bid'ah, they
entail rituals. But unlike Bid'ah, the rituals have not been given an
Islamic face. They are followed because they are considered an
acceptable cultural practice or the hottest imported "in" thing.
Most of those who indulge in them do not know what they are doing.
They are just blindfollowers of their equally blind cultural leaders.
Little do they realize that what they consider as innocent fun may in
fact be rooted in paganism. That the symbols they embrace may be
symbols of unbelief. That the ideas they borrow may be products of
superstition. That all of these may be a negation of what Islam stands
for.
Consider Valentine's Day, a day that after dying outa well deserved
death in most of Europe )but surviving in Britain and United States(
has suddenly started to emerge across a good swath of Muslim
countries. Who was Valentine? Why is this day observed? Legends
abound, as they do in all such cases, but this much is clear:
Valentine's Day began as a pagan ritual started by Romans in the 4th
century BC to honor the god Lupercus. The main attraction of this
ritual was a lottery held to distribute young women to young men
for"entertainment and pleasure"--until the next year's lottery. Among
other equally despicable practices associated with this day was the
lashing of young women by two young men, clad only in abit of goatskin
and wielding goatskin thongs, who had been smeared with blood of
sacrificial goats and dogs. A lash of the"sacred" thongs by these"holy
men" was believed to make them better ableto bear children.
As usual, Christianity tried, without success, to stop the evil
celebration of Lupercalia. It first replaced the lottery of the names
of women with a lottery of the names of the saints. The idea was that
during the following year, the young men would emulate the life of the
saint whose name they had drawn. )The idea that you can preserve
theappearance of a popular evil and yet somehow turn it to serve the
purpose of virtue, has survived. Look at all those people who are
still trying, helplessly, to use the formats of popular television
entertainments to promote good. They might learn something from this
bit of history. It failed miserably. Christianity ended up doing in
Rome, and elsewhere, as the Romansdid.(
The only success it had was in changing the name from Lupercalia to
St. Valentine's Day. It was done in CE 496 by Pope Gelasius, in honor
of some Saint Valentine. There are as many as 50 different Valentines
in Christian legends. Two of them are more famous, although their
lives and characters are also shrouded in mystery. According to one
legend, and the one more in line with the true nature of this
celebration, St. Valentine was a "lovers'" saint, who had himself
fallen in love with his jailer's daughter.
Due to serious troubles that accompanied such lottery, French
government banned the practice in 1776. In Italy, Austria, Hungary,
and Germany also the ritual vanished over the years. Earlier, it had
been banned in England during the 17th century when the Puritans were
strong. However, in 1660 Charles II revived it. From there it also
reached the New World, where enterprising Yankees spotted a good means
of making money. Esther A. Howland, who produced one of the first
commercial American Valentine's Day cards called- what else-
valentines, in the 1840s, sold $5,000 worth-when$5,000 was a lot of
money-the first year. The valentine industry has been booming ever
since.
It is the same story with Halloween, which has otherwise normal
humanbeings dressing like ghosts and goblins in a reenactment of an
ancient pagan ritual of demon worship. Five star hotels in Muslim
countries arrange Halloween parties so the rich can celebrate the
superstitions of a distant period of ignorance that at one time even
included the shameful practice of human sacrifice. The pagan name for
that event was Samhain )pronounced sow-en(. Just as in case
ofValentine's Day, Christianity changed its name, but not the pagan
moorings.
Christmas is another story. Today Muslim shopkeepers sell and shoppers
buy Christmas symbols in Islamabad or Dubai or Cairo. To engage in a
known religious celebration of another religion is bad enough. What is
worse is the fact that here is another pagan celebration )Saturnalia(
that has been changed inname – and in little else — by Christianity.
Even the celebration considered most innocent might have pagan
foundations. According to one account, in pagan cultures, people
feared evil spirits - especially on their birthdays. It was a common
belief that evil spirits were more dangerous to a person when he or
she experienced a change in their daily life, such as turning a year
older. So family and friends surrounded the person with laughter and
joy on their birthdays in order to protect them from evil.
How can anyone in his right mind think that Islam would be indifferent
to practices seeped in anti-Islamic ideas and beliefs? Islam came to
destroy paganism in all its forms and it cannot tolerate any trace of
it in the lives of its followers.
Further, Islam is very sensitive about maintaining its purity and the
unique identity of its followers. Islamic laws and teachings go to
extra lengths to ensure it.Prayer, for example, is forbidden at the
precise times of sunrise, transition, and sunset to eliminate the
possibility of confusion with the practice of sun worship. To the
voluntary recommended fast on thetenth of Muharram, Muslims are
required to add another day )9th or 11th( to differentiate it from the
then prevalent Jewish practice. Muslims are forbidden to emulatethe
appearance of non-Muslims.
A Muslim is a Muslim for life. During joys and sorrows, during
celebrations and sufferings, we must follow the one straight path -
not many divergent paths. It is a great tragedy that under the
constant barrage of commercial and cultural propaganda from the forces
of globalization and the relentless media machine, Muslims have begun
to embrace the Valentines, the Halloween ghost, and even the Santa
Claus.
Given our terrible and increasing surrender to paganism, the only day
we should be observing is a day of mourning. Better yet, it should be
a day of repentance that could liberate us from all these days. And
all this daze.

The Muslim's attitude towards Valentine's Day

The Muslim's attitude towards this holiday should be clear:
1- He should not celebrate it, or join others in their celebrations of
it, or attend their celebrations because it is forbidden tocelebrate
the festivals of non-Muslims.
Ath-Thahabisaid: "If the Christians have a festival and the Jews have
a festival, which is peculiar to them, then the Muslim should not join
them in that, just as he does not join them in their religion or their
direction of prayer."
This is so because the basic principles of the pious
predecessors]As-Salaf As-Saalih[ was Al-walaa' wal-baraa')loyalty and
friendship vs. disavowal and enmity(, therefore, it is obligatory for
every Muslim to follow this principle. He should love the Muslims and
should not follow the non-Muslims; rather, he must be different from
them. By doing so, he achieves immeasurable benefits, just as
imitating them causes greater harm.
In addition to this, when the Muslims imitate non-Muslims, this makes
the latter happy and fills their hearts with joy. If any Muslim girl
celebrates this holiday because she sees Margaret or Hilary or whoever
does so, then this undoubtedly reflects the fact that she is imitating
them and approves of their behavior. But Allaah Says)what means(:"O
you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as
allies. They are ]in fact[ allies of one another. And whoever is an
ally to them among you - then indeed, he is ]one[ of them. Indeed,
Allaah guides not the wrongdoing people."]Quran 5:51[
One of the bad effects of imitating them is that this increases their
number, as this makes it look as if they have more supporters and
followers.How can it be appropriate for a Muslim who recites in every
Rak'ah )prayer unit( Allaah's words )which mean(:"Guide us to the
Straight Way, The way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace,
not )the way( of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went
astray"] Quran 1:6-7[, to ask Allaah for guidance to the Straight Path
of the believers and to keep him away from the path of those who have
earned His anger and of those who went astray, and then deliberately
follows their path and imitates them?
Statistics indicate that Valentine's Day is second only to Christmas
in popularity. So it is clear that the Feast of Love is one of the
festivals of non-Muslims and that it issecond only to the festival of
Christmas. So itis not permissible for Muslims to participate in such
celebrations, because we are commanded to differ from them in their
religion, customs and other things that exclusively belong to them, as
is stated in the Quran, Sunnah )Prophet'stradition( and scholarly
consensus.
2- He should not help the non-Muslims in their celebrations because it
is one of the rituals of disbelief. Helping them and approving of what
they do is helping them to manifest disbelief and make it prevail, and
approving of it. The Islamic religion does not allow a Muslim to
approve of disbelief or help others to manifest it and make it
prevail.
Hence, Ibn Taymiyyahsaid: "It is not permissible for the Muslims to
imitate them in anything that is specifically part of their festivals,
whether it is food, clothing, bathing, lighting fires, or changing a
custom of daily life or worship."
3- He should not help anyMuslims who celebrate it.Rather, it is
obligatory to denounce them, because for the Muslims to celebrate the
festivals of non-Muslims is an evil action which must be condemned.
Ibn Taymiyahsaid: "Just as we should not imitate them in their
festivals, we should not help a Muslim to do that as well;rather, he
should be told not to do that."
Based on this, it is not permissible for Muslim businessmen to deal in
gifts for Valentine's Day, whether they are particular kinds of
clothes, red roses, or whatever. Similarly, it is not permissible for
the one who is given a gift on this occasion to acceptit, because by
accepting it, he is showing approval of this holiday.
One Daa'iyah )caller to Islam( said: we went to a flower shop in one
of theMuslim countries and we were shocked to find it completely
prepared for this occasion, with red carpets at the entrance, red
placards and red decorations. We were met by one of the people who
worked there, and we asked him why they had done so much to decorate
the place for this occasion.
He said that these preparations had begun early, and that there had
been so many orders… Then he told us that he had been amazed by that,
because he was a new Muslim who had left Christianity. He had known
about that beforehe became Muslim, so how come his customers were
Muslims and not Christians?
Other shops ran out of red roses, which were being sold at high
prices. When one of the female Du'aat entered upon the female students
who were gathered in the lecture hall, she was dismayed to find them
allcarrying something red. One had a red rose, another had a red
scarf, or a red handkerchief, or a red bag, or red socks…
Among the things that have beenseen among the Muslims on this holiday:
a- All the female students agreeing with their friends to tie a red
ribbon on the right wrist.
b- Wearing something red )a blouse, hair clip, shoes…(. This reached
such an extent last year that when we entered the classroom we found
most of the students wearing it, as if it was a uniform.
c- Red balloons on which are written the words "I love you". They
usually bring these out at the end of the school day, in an area far
from where the teachers can see them.
d- Writing names and hearts on their hands, or just initials.
e- Red roses are widespread on this day.
Groups of girls entered their lecture rooms on February 14, each of
them wearing somethingred, with red heart-shaped stickers on their
faces, wearing red make-up. They started to exchange red-colored gifts
and kiss one another warmly. This happened in more than one university
in the Muslim world, even in an Islamic university. In other words,
they were celebrating Saint Valentine's Day.
On that day, secondary schools )high schools( were astonished by the
large numbers of female students who brought red roses of the finest
quality, colored their faces with red cosmetics, wore red earrings,
and started to exchange gifts and warm greetings, in celebration of
this day.
Valentine's Day has come to a number of Arab and Muslim countries, and
haseven reached the heartland of Islam )the Arabian Peninsula(. It
hasreached societies which we had thought far removed from this
insanity. In Riyadh, the price of roses has risen incredibly, to an
extent that a single rose costs 36riyals )10 dollars(, whereas before
this day it cost 5 riyals. Gift shops and card shops compete in
designing cards and gifts for this occasion, and some families hang up
red roses in the windows of their homes on this day.
In some of the Muslim countries, shopping centers and hotels have
organized special celebrations for Valentine's Day. Most of the stores
and business places are covered in red.One of the finest Gulf hotels
was full of balloons and dolls. Following the customs of the Feast of
Love and the pagan myths, one restaurant owner put on a dramatic
production with "Cupid", the idol of love in the Roman myths, nearly
naked and carrying a bow and arrow. He and his cohortswere looking to
select"Mr. & Mrs. Valentine" from among the people present.
Less expensive restaurants also celebrated this day in their own way.
Some stores replaced their regular plates with heart-shaped plates,
used red tablecloths and linens, and put a red rose on each table for
the man topresent to his beloved.
We must oppose these things by all possible means. The
responsibilityrests with us all.
4- We should not accept congratulations on Valentine's Day, because it
is not a holiday or an 'Eed for the Muslims. If the Muslim is
congratulated on this occasion, he should not return the
congratulation. Ibn Al-Qayyimsaid: "With regard to congratulating
others with the congratulations used by the non-Muslims on such
occasions, it is prohibitedby scholarly consensus, such as
congratulating them on the occasion of their festivals or fasts,
wishing them a blessed festival, etc.
Finally, we must explain the true nature of this holiday and other
festivals of the non-Muslims to those Muslims who have been deceived
by them, and explain to them that it is essential for the Muslim to be
distinguished by hisreligion and to protect his 'Aqeedah )belief( from
anything that may damage it. This should bedone towards the Ummah
)Muslim nation( for the sake of Allaah andin fulfillment of the
command of enjoining good and forbidding evil.

Why do we Muslims not celebrate Valentine's Day?

This question may be answered in several ways:
1- In Islam, the festivals are clearly defined and well established,
and no additions or subtractions may be accepted. They are an
essential part of our worship and there is no room forpersonal
opinion. They have beenprescribed for us by Allaah and His
Messenger.Ibn Taymiyyah,may Allaah have mercy on him, said: "Festivals
are part of the laws, clear way and religious ceremonies of which
Allaah Says )what means(:'To each among you, We have prescribed a law
and a clear way']Quran 5:48[ and'For every nationWe have ordained
religious ceremonies which they must follow.'" ]Quran 22:67[
Like the Qiblah )the direction faced in prayer(, prayer and fasting.
So there is no difference between joining them in their festival and
joining them in their other rituals. Agreeing with the whole festival
is agreeing with disbelief. Agreeing with some of their minor issues
is the same as agreeing with them in some of the branches of
disbelief.
Festivals are the most distinctive things by which religions are
toldapart, so whoever celebrates their festivals is agreeing with the
most distinctive rituals of disbelief. Undoubtedly, going along with
them in their festivals may, in some cases, lead to disbelief.
Dabbling in these things, at the very least, is a sin. The
Prophetreferred to the fact that every nation has its ownfestivals
when hesaid: "Everynation has its own 'Eed and this is our 'Eed."
]Al-Bukhaari[
Because Valentine's Day goes back to Roman times, not Islamictimes,
this means that it is something which belongs exclusively to the
Christians, not to Islam, and the Muslims have no share and no part in
it. If everynation has its own festivals, as the Prophetsaid: "Every
nation has its 'Eed" ]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[ - then this means that
every nation should be distinguished by its festivals.
If the Christians have a festival and the Jews have a festival, which
belongs exclusively to them, then no Muslim should joinin with them,
just as he does not share their religion or their direction of prayer.
2- Celebrating Valentine's Day means resembling or imitating the pagan
Romans, then the Christian People of the Book in their imitation of
the Romans in something that was not part of their religion. If it is
not allowed to imitate the Christians in thingsthat really are part of
their religion - but not part of our religion - then how about things
which they have innovated in their religion in imitation of
idol-worshippers?
Imitating non-Muslims in general -whether they are idol-worshippers or
People of theBook - is Haraam )prohibited(, whether that imitation is
of their worship - which is the most serious form - or of their
customsand behavior. This is indicated by the Quran, Sunnah and
Ijmaa')scholarly consensus(:
)i( From the Quran: Allaah Says)what means(: "And be not as those who
divided and differed among themselves after the clearproofs had come
to them. It is they for whom there is an awful torment." ]Quran 3:105[
)ii( From the Sunnah: the Prophetsaid: "Whoever imitates a people is
one of them." ]Abu Daawood[
Ibn Taymiyyah,may Allaah have mercy on him, said: "This Hadeeth
)narration( at the very least indicates that it is Haraam to imitate
them, although the apparent meaning implies that the one who imitates
them is non-Muslim, as Allaah Says )what means(:'And if any amongst
you takes them friends )and helpers(, then surely, he is one of
them']Quran 5:5[."
)iii( With regard to Ijmaa',Ibn Taymiyyah,may Allaah have mercy upon,
him narrated that there was agreement that it is Haraam to imitate
non-Muslims in their festivals at the time of the Prophet's
CompanionsandIbn Al-Qayyimnarrated that there was scholarly consensus
on this point.
3- The love referred to in this festival ever since the Christians
revived it is romantic love outsidethe framework of marriage. The
result of that is the spread of fornication and immorality. Hence, the
Christian clergy opposed it at some stage and abolished it, then it
came back again.
Some people may wonder, and say: "You mean to deprive us of love, but
in this day and age we express our feelings and emotions - what is so
wrong with that?"
We say:
Firstly:It is a mistake to confuse what they call the day with what
the real intentions are behind it. The love referred to on this day
isromantic love, taking mistresses and lovers, boyfriends and
girlfriends. It is known to be a day of promiscuity and sex for them,
with no restraints or restrictions… They are not talkingof pure love
between a man and his wife or a woman and her husband, or at least
they do not distinguish between the legitimate love in the
relationshipbetween husband and wife, and the forbidden love of
mistresses and lovers. This festival for them is a means for everyone
to express love.
Secondly:Expression of feelings and emotions is not a justification
for the Muslim to allocate a day for celebration based on his own
thoughts and ideas, and to call it a festival, or make it like a
festival or 'Eed. So how about when it is one of the festivals of the
non-Muslims?
In Islam, a husband loves his wifethroughout the year, and he
expresses that love towards her with gifts, in verse and in prose, in
letters and in other ways, throughout the years - not just on one day
of the year.
Thirdly:There is no religion whichencourages its followers to love and
care for one another more than Islam does. This applies at all times
and in all circumstances,not just on one particular day. Indeed, Islam
encourages us to express our emotions and love atall times, as the
Prophetsaid:"If a man loves his brother, let him tell him that he
loves him."]Abu Daawood[
And Hesaid: "By the One in Whose hand is my soul, you will not enter
Paradise until you truly believe, and you will not truly believe until
you love one another. Shall I not tell you of something that, if you
do it, you will love one another? Spread salaam )Islamic greeting(
amongst yourselves." ]Muslim[
Fourthly:Love in Islam is more general and more comprehensive; it is
not restricted only to one kind of love, that between a man and a
woman. There are many more kinds of love. There is the love of Allaah,
love of His Messengerand his companionslove for good and righteous
people, love and support for the religion, love of martyrdom for the
Sake of Allaah, etc. There are many kinds of love. It is a dangerous
mistake to restrict this broad meaning to this one kind of love.
Fifthly:What these people think, that love before marriage is a good
thing, is wrong, as has been proven in studies and by real-life
experience.
So, how can we believe that Valentine's Day is of any benefit to
Muslims? The truth is that it is a call for more permissiveness and
immorality, and the forming of forbidden relationships.
The husband who sincerely loves his wife does not need this holiday to
remind him of his love.He expresses his love for his wife at all times
and on all occasions.

Dought & clear, - Rulings on Tawbah, - Repentance From Spreading Anti-Islamic Materials.

I was a misguided person spreading secularist ideologies, and writing
heretical stories and articles, and using my poetry as a vehicle to
spread corruption and liberalism. Then Allah turned to me with His
mercy and brought me forth from darkness intolight. Now how shall I
repent?
Praise be to Allah.
This of course is a great blessing of Allah and a favor. We pray to
Allah that He grant you perseverance.
As for those who were engaged with their tongue and their pen in a war
against Islam by spreading distorted ideologies and doctrines, or by
spreading misguided innovations and corruption, the following is
incumbent upon them:
Announce their repentance and renounce all that they used to spread in
antagonism to Islam, in order that the renunciation becomes well
known, and so that no one can claim to be misguided by their disowned
writings. This renunciation is an obligation and is a precondition for
the acceptance of repentance. Allah says (what means): "Save for those
who repent, make amends and show clearly [what they used to say/rule
wrongly], it isthose whom I accept their repentance, and I am very
Forgiving, very Compassionate." [2:160] The tafseer (explanation) for
this verse indicates that it was revealed regarding the scholars of
ahl ul-kitab (People of the Book) who used to conceal what had been
revealed regarding the signs of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and
the commands to believe in him. They should from now on engage
themselves in the spread of the truth of Islam, spending their
energies in defense of its teachings, and educating people in their
religion. They should use their power of speech or writing to
counterattack the forces of falsehood, to expose their deceits, plans
and strategies, even as he used to co-operate with them in opposing
Islam, and thus become a sword in the defense of Islam. It is also
binding on he who convinced another man, even if in a private meeting,
against things declared haram (forbidden) by Islam, such as, for
instance, taking interest,to get in touch with the person he was
instrumental in changing his opinion and let him know of his own
renewed enlightenment.
And Allah knows best.

Dought & clear, - Rulings on Tawbah, - Repentance From Past Unlawful Income.

What should a person do with the profits he made from selling
cigarettes, when it has been mixed with other lawful money?
Praise be to Allah.
He who has done business in things that are prohibited in Islam, such
as musical instruments, prohibited cassettes, cigarettes etc. while
knowing the ruling on them then wishes to repent, needs to give away
in charity all the profits he made from them. This will be ameans of
purification and will not be counted as spending in the way of Allah,
for Allah is pure and does not accept but the pure.
Further, if this money gets mixed up with other earnings, as in the
case of a shop owner who sells many other items, then if he can
compute the amount of profits made from them, he should do it in the
hope of purifying the rest of his earnings.
In other words he who has some money earned through unlawful meansand
intends to repent, should:
If he was an unbeliever at the time of earning the money, he is not
obliged to atone for them or seek their purification. For the Prophet
(peace be upon him) did not demand from his followers that they purify
their wealth after coming into the fold of Islam. If he was Muslim at
the time of earning the money, well aware of its Islamic ban and
prohibition, then heshould separate it out at the time of repentance.
And Allah knows best.

Dought & clear, - Rulings on Tawbah, - Repentance From Sins Involving the Rights of Others.

If the sin involves the rights of another personthen what form should
repentance take?
Praise be to Allah.
The basis for the answeris the hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon
him) who said: "He uponwhom his brother has a right, be it of the
nature of money or honor, let him compensate for it before he is made
to compensate for it on a day when there will be neither dinar nor
dirham to deal with. Instead, if he has a good deed in his account it
will be taken away from him and given to the person he had wronged.And
if he has no good deed in his account, sins of the other person will
be taken from him and added to his account" (al-Bukhari). Accordingly,
the repentant can escape the questioning only by either giving back
the people wronged their due or seeking their forgiveness. If they
forgive, he need not worry, but if they do not, then he must return
their dues.
And Allah knows best.

Hereafter Preparation: Clever King Story, a Real Life Story

There was a country longtime ago where the people would change a king
every year. The person who would become the king had to agree to a
contract that he would be sent to an island after his one year of
being a king.
One king finished his term and it was time for him to go to the island
and live there. The people dressed him up inexpensive clothes and put
him on an elephant and took him around the cities to say goodbye to
all the people. This was the moment of sadness for all the kings who
ruled for one year. After saying farewell, the people took the king
with a boat to the remote island and left him there.
On their way back, they discovered a ship that had sunk just recently.
They saw a young man who survived by holding on to a floating piece of
wood. As they needed a new king, they picked upthe young man and took
him to their country. They requested him to bea king for a year. First
he refused but later he agreed to be a king. People told him about all
the rules and regulations and that how he will be sent to an island
after one year.
After three days of being a king, he asked the ministers if they could
show him the island where all the other kings were sent. They agreed
and took him to the island. The island was covered with thick jungles
and sounds of vicious animals were heard coming out of them. The king
went littlebit inside to check. Soon he discovered the dead bodies of
all the past kings. He understood that as soon as they wereleft in the
island, the animals came and killed them.
The king went back to the country and collected100 strong workers. He
took them to the island and instructed them to clean the jungle,
remove all the deadly animals and cut down all the excess trees. He
would visit the island every month to see how the work was
progressing. Inthe first month, all the animals were removed and many
trees were cut down. In the second month, the whole island was cleaned
out. The king then told the workers to plant gardensin various parts
of the island. He also took with himself useful animals like chickens,
ducks, birds, goats, cows etc. In the third month, he ordered the
workers to build big houses and docking stations for ships. Over the
months, the island turned into a beautiful place.
The young king would wear simple clothes and spend very little from
his earnings as a king. He sent all the earnings to the island for
storage. When nine months passed like this, the king called the
ministers and told them:
"I know that I have to go the island after one year, but I would like
to go there right now." But theministers didn't agree to this and said
that he has to wait for another 3 months to complete the year.
3 months passed and now it was a full year. The people dressed up the
young king and put him on an elephant to take him around the country
to say goodbye to others. However, this king is unusually happy to
leave the kingdom.
People asked him, "All the other kings would cryat this moment and why
are you laughing?"
He replied, "Don't you know what the wise people say? They say
thatwhen you came to this world as a baby, you were crying and
everyone was smiling. Live such a life that whenyou are die, you will
be smiling and everyone around you will be crying. I have lived that
life. While all the other kings were lost into the luxuries of the
kingdom, Ialways thought about the future and planned for it. I turned
the deadly island into a beautiful abode for me where I can stay
peacefully."
The moral lesson from this story is about how we should live our life.
The life of this world is toprepare for the life hereafter. In this
life, we shouldn't get lost into thedeceiving and attractive things of
this world and forget about what is to come in the afterlife. Rather,
even if we are kings, we should live a simple life like our beloved
Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) and save all our enjoyments for the
hereafter. May Allah make it easy for us all. Amin.
Noble Qur'anSays: Verily the knowledge of the Hour is with Allah
(alone).It is He Who sends down rain, and He Who knows what is in the
wombs. Nor does any one know what it is that he will earn on the
morrow: Nor does any one know in what land he is to die. Verily with
Allah is full knowledge and He is acquainted (with all things).
(31:34)
Noble Qur'an urges us to prepare for tomorrow: O ye who believe! Fear
Allah, and let every soul look to what (provision) He has sent forth
for the morrow. Yea, fear Allah: for Allah is well-acquainted with
(all) that ye do. (59:18)