Exam Duas, -

Dua from the Qur'an #10 Expand
رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً
مِّن لِّسَانِي يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي
Translation
"O my Lord! Widen for me my bossom (grant me self-confidence,
contentment, and boldness); And ease my task for me; And make loose
the knot (i.e. the defect restricting speech) from my tongue; So they
may understand what I say"
Note: Prayer made by Musa (Moses) (may the peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him) when he was commanded to go to Pharaoh in Egypt.
Transliteration
rabbish-raḥ lee ṣadree wa yassir lee amree waḥlul ‛uqdatan min
lisaanee yafqahoo qawlee
Sources: Surah TaHa (20:25-28)
Dua from the Qur'an #18 Expand
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدً
Translation
"Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Yourself, and facilitate for us our
affair in the right way!"
Note: This dua was made by the 'dwellers of the cave' whose story is
mentioned in Surah Al-Kahf (18:9-22)
Transliteration
rabbanaa aatinaa min ladunka raḥmatan wa hayyi' lanaa min amrinaa rashadaa
Sources: Surah Al-Kahf (18:10)
Dua for anxiety and sorrow #1 Expand
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي عَبْدُكَ ابْنُ عَبْدِكَ ابْنُ أَمَتِكَ نَاصِيَتِي
بِيَدِكَ ، مَاضٍ فِيَّ حُكْمُكَ ، عَدْلٌ فِيَّ قَضَاءُكَ
أَسْأَلُكَ بِكُلِّ اسْمٍ هُوَ لَكَ سَمَّيْتَ بِهِ نَفْسَكَ أَوْ
أَنْزَلْتَهُ فِي كِتَابِكَ ، أَوْ عَلَّمْتَهُ أَحَدًا مِنْ خَلْقِكَ
أَوِ اسْتَأْثَرْتَ بِهِ فِي عِلْمِ الْغَيْبِ عِنْدَكَ ، أَنْ تَجْعَلَ
الْقُرْآنَ رَبِيعَ قَلْبِي ، وَنُورَ صَدْرِي ، وَجَلاءَ حُزْنِي ،
وذَهَابَ هَمِّي
Translation
"O Allah, I am Your slave, son of Your slave, son of Your handmaid, my
forelock is in Your hand (i.e. You have total mastery over me), Your
command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just."
I ask You by every name belonging to You which You named Yourself
with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of Your creation,
or You have preserved in the knowledge of the unseen with You, that
You make the Qur'an the life of my heart and the light of my bosom,
and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety.
Note: Allah will take away the anxiety and sorrow out of the heart of
him who recites this supplication, as mentioned in this hadith by our
prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
Transliteration
allaahumma innee ‛abduk-abnu-‛abdik-abnu-amatik, naaṣiyatee biyadika,
maaḍin fiyya ḥukmuka, ‛adlun fiyya qaḍaa'uk
as'aluka bi kull-ismin huwa lak, sammayta bihi nafsaka, aw anzaltahu
fee kitaabika, aw ‛allamtahu aḥadan min khalqika, awis-ta'tharta bihi
fee ‛ilmil-ghaybi ‛indaka, an taj‛al-al-quraana rabee‛a qalbee, wa
noora ṣadree, wa jalaa'a ḥuznee, wa dhahaaba hammee
Sources: Ahmad No# 3712, Ibn Hibban in his Sahih # 972
Dua for anxiety and sorrow #2 Expand
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَ الْحَزَنِ ، والْعَجْزِ
، والْكَسَلِ ، والْبُخْلِ ، والْجُبْنِ ، وضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ ، وغَلَبَةِ
الرِّجَالِ
Translation
O Allah, I seek refuge with You from anxiety, and sorrow, and
weakness, and laziness, and miserliness, and cowardice, and the burden
of debts and from being overpowered by men.
Transliteration
allaa-humma innee a‛oodhu bika mi-nal-ham-mi wal-ḥazan, wal-‛ajzi
wal-kasal, wal-bukhli wal-jubn, wa ḍa-la‛id-dai-ni, wa
ghalaba-tir-rijaal
Sources: Bukhari No# 2893, 5425, 6363, 6369; Abu Dawud No# 1541;
At-Tirmidhi No# 3484; An-Nasa'i No# 5449, 5450, 5453, 5476
Dua for one in distress #1 Expand
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ الْعَظِيمُ الْحَلِيمُ ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا
اللهُ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ رَبُّ
السَّمَوَاتِ وَرَبُّ الأَرْضِ ورَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْكَرِيمِ
Translation
None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, The Magnificent, The
Most Clement. None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, Lord
of the magnificent throne. None has the right to be worshipped except
Allah, Lord of the heavens, Lord of the Earth and Lord of the noble
throne.
Transliteration
laa ilaaha ill-allaahul-‛aẓeemul-ḥaleem, laa ilaaha ill-allaahu
rabbul-‛arshil-‛aẓeem, laa ilaaha ill-allaahu rabbus-samawaati wa
rabbul-arḍi wa rabbul-‛arshil-kareem
Sources: Bukhari No 6346, 7431; Muslim No# 2730
Dua for one in distress #2 Expand
اللَّهُمَّ رَحْمَتَكَ أَرْجُو فَلا تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ
عَيْنٍ ، وَأَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِي كُلَّهُ ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أنْتَ
Translation
O Allah, it is Your mercy that I hope for, so do not leave me in
charge of my affairs even for a blink of an eye and rectify for me all
of my affairs. None has the right to be worshipped except You.
Transliteration
allaahumma raḥmataka arjoo, fa laa takilnee ilaa nafsee ṭarfata
‛aynin, wa aṣliḥ lee sha'nee kullahu, laa ilaaha illaa ant
Sources: Abu Dawud No# 5090; Sahih Ibn Hibban No# 970
Dua for one in distress #3 Expand
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
Translation
The Dua of Yunos (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)
when he was in the belly of the whale:
"None has the right to be worshipped except You. How far from
imperfections You are, verily I was among the wrong-doers."
*The prophet of Allah (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon
him) said: "Any Muslim who recite this du'a, his request will be
granted by Allah."
Transliteration
laa ilaaha illaa anta subḥaanaka innee kuntu minaẓ-ẓaalimeen
Sources: At-Tirmidhi No# 3505
Dua for one in distress #4 Expand
اللهُ اللهُ رَبِّي لَا أُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئًا
Translation
Allah, Allah is my Lord, I do not associate anything with Him.
Transliteration
allaah-ullaahu rabbee laa ushriku bihi shay'aa
Sources: Abu Dawud No# 1525; Ibn Majah No# 3882.
Dua and remembrance to be said at any time #10 Expand
اللهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ، وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ،
وَالْبُخْلِ، وَالْهَرَمِ، وَعَذَابِ، الْقَبْرِ
اللهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ
زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَوْلَاهَا،
اللهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ
لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دَعْوَةٍ لَا
يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا
Translation
O Allah, I seek refuge with You from weakness, and laziness, cowardice
and miserliness, old and infirm age, and the torment of the grave.
O Allah, give my soul piety and purify it, for indeed You are the best
of those who can purify it, You are it's Guardian and Master.
O Allah, I seek refuge with You from knowledge that does not benefit,
from a heart that does not get humbled [to Allah], from a soul which
is never satisfied and from a supplication which does not get
answered.
Transliteration
allaahumma innee a‛oodhu bika mi-nal-‛ajzi wal-kasal, wal-jubn
wal-bukhl, wal haram wa ‛adhaabil-qabr
Allaahumma aati nafsee taq-waaha wa zak-kiha anta khairu man zak-kaaha
anta wali-yuha wa maw-laaha
Allaahumma in-ni a‛oodhu bika min ‛ilmin laa yanfa‛, wa min qalbin laa
yakh-sha‛, wa min naf-sin laa tashba‛, wa min du‛wat-in laa yustajaabu
laha
Sources: Muslim No# 2722 An-Nasa'i No# 5458, 5538
Dua and remembrance to be said at any time #11 Expand
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْفَقْرِ، وَالْقِلَّةِ،
وَالذِّلَّةِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ أَنْ أَظْلِمَ أَوْ أُظْلَمَ
Translation
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from absolute poverty, paucity,
humiliation, and I seek refuge in You from oppressing or being
oppressed.
Transliteration
Allaahumma inni a‛oodhu bi-ka minal-faqr, wal-qil-lah, wal-dhil-lah,
wa a‛oodhu bi-ka min an aẓlima aw au uẓlam
Sources: Abu Dawud No# 1544 ِAn-Nasa'i No# 5460 Ibn Majah No# 3842
Dua to be protected from all types of evil #2 Expand
اللهمَّ إنِّي أعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَهْدِ البَلاَءِ، وَدَرَكِ الشَّقَاءِ،
وَسُوءِ القَضَاءِ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الأَعْدَاءِ
Translation
O Allah I seek refuge with You from severe calamity, and from misery
to fall upon me, and from a bad fate and from the gloating of [my]
enemies.
Transliteration
Allaahum-ma inni a‛oodhu bika min jah-dil-balaa', wa
darak-ish-shaqaa', wa soo'il-qaḍaa', wa shamaata-til a'daa'
Sources: Bukhari No# 6616; Muslim No# 2707; An-Nasa'i No# 5491

Fathwa, - Is it permissible for a male massage therapist to treat female patients?

Question:
Is it permissible for a male massage therapist or physiotherapist
to massage or treat a female?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Praise be to Allah.
May Allah's peace and blessings shower upon our beloved Messenger.
Dear Brother,
I pray this message finds you in good iman and health.
The general principle regarding medical treatment of the opposite sex
is that treatment is only allowed out of necessity, for example, a
doctor who is required to treat everyone regardless of gender, and
that contact with the opposite sex is only to the extent that is
necessary.
For these reasons, male patients are required to seek out the
treatment of male doctors, while female patients are required to seek
out the help of female doctors. In the event of an emergency, or the
unavailability of a doctor of the same sex, then it is permitted to go
to a doctor of the opposite sex.
I do not know the details of your job situation, but I strongly urge
you to avoid massaging female patients. Generally speaking, massage is
not considered as urgent medical treatment. Hence, your female
patients could conceivably go to a female therapist without
exacerbating their conditions. In particular, massage is a very
sensual therapy. As you know, it requires skin-to- skin contact and
some degree of disrobing. Obviously it is advisable to avoid such
situations.
On the other hand, physical therapy is far less sensual than massage
and could conceivably fall under the rubric of urgent medical care,
particularly for people who can't function normally without such
therapy.
I advise you to apprise a local scholar of your situation.
Please read Shaykh Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari's related article,
"Treating a Female Patient's Genital Areas," at
http://www.sunnipath.c om/resources/Questions /qa00005355.aspx.
And Allah Most High knows best.

Fathwa, - Confusion on Limits to talking to the opposite sex

Question:
I have read up on talking to the opposite sex but have experienced
very different views on this matter. I wanted to know the exact rules
to conversing with a member of the oppposite sex, preferably supported
with quotes from the hadith/quran.
As it stands the situation is; i have met a brother and speak to him
on the intention of inshallah marriage, we regularly chat on msn in
order to get to know one another better. Could you please confirm if
this is allowed as we have heard that it is not allowed unless i have
asked permission from my Wali.
I also wanted to clarify whether it is permissable to talk on the
phone with one another (once again without permission from Wali) and
whether meeting up publicly is allowed (where ther would be many other
muslims present but not a mahram).
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Dear Sister,
I pray this message finds you well.
The Islamic paradigm for gender relations comes from the Qur''anic
verse, "The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another:
they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe
regular prayers, practise regular charity, and obey God and His
Apostle. On them will God pour His mercy: for God is Exalted in power,
Wise." (Al-Tauba, 9:71).
Here, the word used for protectors is awliya''. This word connotes
friendship and cooperation on the basis of faith in Allah and His
Messenger, piety, and righteousness.
The Qur''an also gives us details on how to interact with each other.
For example,
"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard
their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: And Allah
is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing
women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that
they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must
ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over
their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands,
their fathers..." [Al-Nour, 24: 30-31]
Finally, here is an example of a pious young woman:
"Afterwards one of the (damsels) came (back) to him, walking
bashfully. She said: "My father invites thee that he may reward thee
for having watered (our flocks) for us..." [Al-Qasas, 28: 25]
Qur''an commentaries note that the young woman approaches Prophet
Musa, peace be upon him, to make her request. However, she does so
shyly. She speaks directly and courteously.
There are also hadiths on gender interaction, one of the most serious
of which is:
"When a man and woman are alone together, Satan is the third." [Tirmidhi]
Ibn ''Abbas (Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard Allah''s
Messenger (may peace be upon him) delivering a sermon and making this
observation: "No person should be alone with a woman except when there
is a Mahram with her, and the woman should not undertake journey
except with a Mahram..." [Sahih Muslim, Book 7, Number 3110]
"Tirmidhi reports from al-Mughira that when he got engaged to a woman,
the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, ''Look at her,
for it is likelier to last between you.''" [Reliance of the Traveller,
m2.2]
Please keep in mind that these are individual verses and hadiths.
There are many more texts that relate to gender interaction.
The best way to understand how to implement these texts is to look to
the example of the Prophet, peace be upon him, who was very respectful
and cautious in his interactions with the opposite sex. Consult
reliable scholars about the limits of gender interaction. There are a
lot of relevant articles available here at SunniPath. Additionally, I
recommend reading Reliance of the Traveller, a classical manual of
Sacred Law, particularly the chapter on marriage.
Here are some general guidelines to be aware of:
1.It is unlawful for you and the brother to be alone with each other.
You should always meet in the presence of your mahram, unmarriageable
male relative, such as your father, brother, grandfather, or uncle. If
you do not have a mahram, then he should meet you in the presence of
your mother. If none of these people are available, then you should
appoint a wali: an upright male member of the community.
2.Instant messaging is highly problematic and I would advise you to
leave it alone. Essentially, it is cyber khalwa, or seclusion. What
may start out as an innocent enough chat can turn into something else
if you are not extremely cautious. If you have a romantic interest in
one another, online chats should definitely be left alone. The
temptation for prospective couples to engage in romantic conversations
is heightened by the mere fact that there is no supervision.
3.It is crucial to get to know one another. However, this must be done
within certain limits. For example, it is fine for you to get to know
each other in the presence of family members. However, be cautious
about online chatting, as mentioned before. Also, be cautious about
unsupervised telephone conversations. In principle, there is nothing
wrong with talking on occasion, particularly if you have something
important to discuss. However, the limits of propriety must be
observed. If you talk on the phone, it should be with the permission
of your wali. Furthermore, you should avoid talking to him when you
are alone.
4.As far as meeting up in public places is concerned, once again be
cautious. It''s fine to give salaams and inquire about each other''s
health. What you do want to avoid is hanging out or anything that
gives the appearance of dating. On the other hand, if you are
accompanied by a mahram, then seeing the brother outside of the house
should not be an issue.
To sum up, just remember that getting to know the brother is
permissible. What is not permissible is being alone together,
flirting, or any type of physical contact.
Here are some relevant posts from SunniPath''s Fiqh section:
"Instant messaging with the opposite sex"
http://qa.sunnipath.com /issue_view.asp?HD=7& ID=7940&CATE=3600
"Interaction limits for engaged couples..."
http://qa.sunnipath.com /issue_view.asp?HD=1& ID=2423&CATE=146
May Allah bless you and your marriage.
And Allah knows best.

Fathwa, - The Islamic Social system and implications on gender interaction.

Question:
Aslamalaikum
I am struggling to understand the social system of Islam that governs
the relationship between the two sexes. To my understanding there are
certain shariah factors that define the permissibility of interaction.
1. Purpose of interaction (e.g. Trade, education, employment, dawah,
celebrations etc)
2. Where the interaction takes place (Shariah definitions of Public or Private)
Please could you provide information/opinions (Hanafi) on the following?
Question 1
Is it true that there is no Khalwa in a public place? If one was to
meet a work colleague of the opposite in a shopping mall would you be
able to greet them and have a conversation within the limits of Islam.
Question 2
What are the implications of a Private and Public defined place to the
ruling on social interaction between the sexes?
In a recent charity event the environment was "mixed". I was told this
was permissible on the following basis.
The event was public and open to anybody
The purpose of the event/interaction was for charity and not for social purposes
Seating arrangements were based on family tables.
The actual environment seems similar to certain cultural marriage
ceremonies (free mixing) which are prohibited due to the private
nature of the event.
Does the observation of Hijab by all females have any consequences to
the permissibility of the events, i.e. If all women are covered
appropriately then can there be interaction between the sexes.
Question 3
How does the event's purpose affect the ruling? The Interactions that
occur during trade and transactions, or interaction that takes place
during Islamic/dawah events are they different to those that take
place for purely social purposes?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Dear Brother,
I pray that you are in good health and spirits.
I believe that there is a certain amount of confusion about what
constitutes free mixing and what is simply required in the way of
social graces.
Yes, free mixing of the genders is prohibited. However, and I pray one
of our scholars can elaborate further, in today's contemporary Western
societies, it is unrealistic to try to avoid any and all interaction
with members of the opposite sex.
Even when there's a purpose to the interaction, such as business or
work for example, it is inevitable that there will be a social aspect
to this contact.
Question 1
Is it true that there is no Khalwa in a public place? If one was to
meet a work colleague of the opposite sex in a shopping mall would you
be able to greet them and have a conversation within the limits of
Islam?
Khalwa takes place when one man, or more than one man, and one woman
are alone in a place that no one else can enter. Seeing someone in a
shopping mall is not khalwa. If you see a co-worker in a public place,
why would you ignore them? From the Muslim perspective, not talking to
the person may be interpreted as modesty and politeness. However, from
the non-Muslim's perspective, such behavior may be interpreted as
coldness or rudeness. It is important to look at the consequences of
our actions. Certainly a courteous greeting and an polite inquiry
after the person's health goes a long way in giving a good impression
of Islam. Remember that our actions are often interpreted as
representing the religion itself.
Question 2
What are the implications of a Private and Public defined place to the
ruling on social interaction between the sexes?
Certainly, the limits on gender interaction have to be more
scrupulously observed in private. By private, I assume you mean a
private function, such as a wedding. In that type of setting, which is
more conducive to free mixing, it is definitely better to be cautious.
However, I can't comment unless it's on a case-by-case basis. Every
wedding is different. Some weddings are strictly separated. Some are
mixed. Some wedding parties are very observant of hijab and gender
rules and others aren't. If you're in a situation where you're invited
to a wedding and you simply can't get out of it, then you can minimize
your contact with members of the opposite sex or simply not stay long.
As far as public functions are concerned, once again, that depends on
the community and their dynamics. Some public events are strictly
separated with the women sitting behind screens. Other events allow
guests to sit where they want. However, I have noticed that families
usually sit together, while other tables are reserved for single
brothers. This arrangement can work if people keep their interaction
modest and respectful.
However, if you are truly uncomfortable being in a mixed setting, even
if the women are covered, then you can choose not to attend. If it's a
fundraiser, why not drop off your check and keep on going?
Keep in mind that at some point in time you will have to interact with
Muslim sisters who do not observe hijab. As long as you guard your
gaze and observe the same decorum you would with any Muslim sister,
then insha'Allah, things should work out just fine.
Question 3
How does the event's purpose affect the ruling? The Interactions that
occur during trade and transactions, or interaction that takes place
during Islamic/dawah events are they different to those that take
place for purely social purposes?
I'm not sure what you mean by purely social purposes. When there is a
need, there is no problem with brothers and sisters interacting. The
important thing is to strike a balance. For example, you might be
working with sisters in organizing a dawah program. Obviously, you
will have to talk to them. However, you might see the sisters in a
different setting, like someone's house for example. From what I've
observed, people can maintain a good working relationship, but in more
private settings they observe a pleasant and modest distance. So if
you were to see the sisters at a dinner party, for example, you might
just give salaams and give them their space.
I hope this has been helpful.
And Allah knows best.

Errors and Innovations in Hajj - I

·Some men uncover their right shoulders as soon as they
assumeIhraam)the sacral state(.This is incorrect and should only be
done during theTawaaf)circumambulation( of arrival for'Umrah.
·Some people think thatIhraamis initiated by donning the clothes
ofIhraam, when in fact it is initiated by the intention in one's
heart. Therefore, wearing the clothes ofIhraamis actually the physical
preparation forIhraam.
·Some women mistakenly think that theirIhraamclothes should be of a
certain color, such as white or green, and this is incorrect. A woman
can wear her regular clothes, as long as they are within defined
Islamic limits, and she must avoid adornment or clothes that are tight
or transparent. This kind of garment is prohibited anyway at all
times.
·Men praying wearing the lower garment ofIhraamonly, which is wrong
because the Prophet,, said:"Let not any of you pray with a garment
which does not cover his shoulders."]Al-Bukhaari, Muslim[
·Shaving the beard when assumingIhraamis an act that is prohibited at all times.
·Some people believe that once they wear the clothes ofIhraamthey are
prohibited from removing them, even if they become dirty; when in fact
they can change or wash it.
·CollectiveTalbiyah.
·Combining the prayers in Mina when they are only permitted to shorten them.
·Not exerting extra effort in reciting the Quran and worshipping
Allaah The Almighty, when this is the place where they are supposed to
exert these extra efforts.
·Not spending the night in Mina on the night of the eighth
ofThul-Hijjahwithout a legitimate excuse.
·Some pilgrims choose a place to stay in without first finding out
whether they are inside or outside the boundary of 'Arafaatalthough
there are signs clearly indicating the boundaries of 'Arafaat.Standing
within the boundaries of 'Arafaat is a pillar without whichHajjis
incomplete; and the area calledWaadi 'Arunahis not within the
boundaries.
·Some people leave 'Arafaat before sunset, which is not permitted.
·Some people struggle to climb the mount, believing that it holds
certain virtues, which, according to them, makes it mandatory to climb
it - this has not been reported as being a practice of the Prophet,.
·Some people face the direction of the mountain of'Arafaatduring their
supplications, which is a mistake; theSunnah)Prophetic tradition( is
that they must face theQiblah.
·Some pilgrims waste time on that day in joking and idle chatter, and
abandoning supplications and the remembrance of Allaah The Almighty on
this great day.
·Many pilgrims take cameras and use them to shoot pictures of the
rituals, which is not what a pilgrim should be doing.
·Not making sure that the direction of the prayer is towards
theQiblahbefore prayingMaghrib, 'Ishaa'orFajr: it is compulsory to ask
anyone who knows the direction and to face it while praying.
·Some people collect their stones for stoning theJamaraatas soon as
they arrive in Muzdalifah and before offering
theirMaghriband'Ishaa'prayers, thinking that this is permitted. In
fact theSunnahis to collect them after leaving Muzdalifah as one heads
towards Mina, although it is permissible to collect the pebbles from
anywhere.
·Some people do not make sure that they are spending the night within
the boundaries of Muzdalifah.
·Delaying theMaghriband'Ishaa'prayer until after midnight: this is prohibited.
·Some people leave Muzdalifah before midnight without spending the
night there and without having a legitimate excuse; although this is a
compulsory rite ofHajj.
·Some people leaveMuzdalifah and head towards Mina even before
theFajrprayer, although they are strong and healthy and have no excuse
to leave early, as the weak or sick might.
·Staying up all night praying and remembering Allaah The Almighty, or
reciting the Qur'aan, which contradicts theSunnah.
·Delaying theFajrprayer close to sunset or later.
·Sleeping after prayingFajr.
·People rushing out with their cars harming others and perhaps even
causing accidents.
·Some people do not make sure whether their stones fall into the
stoning plate or not.
·Some people authorise others to stone on their behalf, which is only
permissible for people totally incapable of stoning due to sickness or
other valid reasons )such as for the elderly, women and children(.
·Some people use slippers or huge rocks to stone with.
·Some people say,"O Allaah! I stone to enrage Satan and please You."
To be continued …

Errors and Innovations in Hajj – II

… Continued
·Supplicating after stoning the bigJamarah.
·Some people think that they are actually stoning Satan and that he is
there physically, and start giving Satanic names to each of the
threeJamaraat. This is incorrect and is not permitted.
·Wasting the meat of the sacrificial animal after slaughtering it,
even though it is possible to distribute it amongst the poor.
·Running and uncovering the right shoulder )for men( duringTawaaf
Al-Ifaadhah, while this should only be done during the firstTawaaf.
·Some people push, shove and harm others in order to kiss the Black
Stone, they may even abuse others or hit them. This is not suitable
behavior for such a place, and Allaah The Almighty Says )what
means(:}Hajj is )during( well known months, so whoever has made hajj
obligatory upon himself therein )by entering the state of ihram(,
there is )to be for him( no sexual relations and no disobedience and
no disputing during Hajj{]Quran, 2: 197[
·Some people believe that the Black Stone benefits on its own and they
touch it with their hands then rub their bodies with them. This is
ignorance, because Allaah The Almighty alone is the One who benefits,
and 'Umar,said while he was touching it,"I know that you are merely a
stone which neither harms nor benefits, and had it not been that I saw
the Prophet,kissing you I would not have kissed you."
·Some people touch all corners of theKa'bah,and all four of its
walls.This is incorrect; theSunnah)Prophetic tradition( is to only
touch the corner which contains the Black Stone and Yemeni Corner.
·Kissing the Yemeni Corner when one is only supposed to touch it with
the hand if possible or else pass it without uttering"Allaahu Akbar"or
doing anything else.
·Some people commit to certain supplications duringTawaaf.
·Some people recite supplications aloud so that others can
collectively repeat after them. This is incorrect, because it disturbs
others around them and contradicts theSunnah.
·Some people push others in order to pray behind the station of
Ibraaheem.It is permissible to pray the twoRak'ahsafterTawaafanywhere
in the mosque.
·Some people recite the Quran for a long time during the
twoRak'ahsafterTawaaf, then raise their hands and supplicate.
·Some people performTawaafas a group while holding each other's hands,
thus make things extremely difficult for others trying to
performTawaaf.
·It is not permissible to go inside the semi-circular wall that begins
at the corner after the black stone, because this area is considered
as being inside theKa'bah. If this is done then one must repeat the
current circuit.
·Combining prayers in Mina.
·Not spending the night in Mina.
·Abandoning supplications after stoning the first twoJamaraat.
·Some people stone during times other than those designated for
stoning, which starts when the sun reaches its zenith.
·Some people think that they are actually stoning Satan and that he is
there physically, so they shout and scream. We must remember that this
rite was legislated so as to establish the remembrance of Allaah The
Almighty, and this is why the Prophet,, used to utter"Allaahu
Akbar"after each pebble.
·Supplicating after stoning the last one of the threeJamaraat.
·Some people do not stone the threeJamaraatin the correct sequence.
·Some people throw all pebbles at once, which is a serious mistake
that necessitates that they must re-throw, as the scholars have
said,"If someone throws all pebbles in one go, it will count as one
pebble only. One should throw only one pebble at a time."
·Some people authorise others to throw on their behalf whilst being
capable of doing it themselves, and this contradicts the command of
Allaah The Almighty for fulfilling the rites ofHajj.
·Some people authorise others to stone on their behalf and then return
to their countries without spending the nights in Mina during the days
ofTashreeq, and without stoning.
·Some people go from Minaon the day they are returning to their
countries of residence and perform the farewellTawaaf,they then return
to Mina and stone the last day's threeJamaraat.By doing so, they have
not made the farewellTawaafthe last act that they have performed.

Hijrah: Resilience and resolve

It was 1430 years ago when Prophet Muhammadand his faithful
Companionsembarked on a journey that changed not only their future,
but the face of history as well. Finally, the Muslims found a place
where they can be free from the arrogance, discrimination and torture
of the Pagan Arabs of Makkah and safely worship Allaah, the God of
Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, may Allaah exalt their mention,
without fear of persecution.
This incident of Hijrah )Hegira(, as it came to be known, marks one of
the most significant milestones in human history, the beginning of a
great religion and civilization. In just a few decades after Hijrah,
Muslims were able to establish an Ummah )state( that had more races
and ethnicities and larger geographical areas than any previous
civilization. In this state, those who had become Muslims, as well as
those who kept their Christian or Jewish beliefs, enjoyed a justice
and peace unmatched under any other nation. The great purpose those
Muslims espoused and the astounding results they achieved, testify to
the divinity and truthfulness of the teaching of Islam. So significant
the Hijrah was for the Muslims they made it the starting point for
their Lunar Calendar, which begins with the current month, the month
of Muharram.
The word Hijrah is a Quranic term that has a set of active meanings,
all of which are important for us to remember and think about,
especially since our Ummah is clearly lacking in leadership as well as
its connection to the true teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. Hijrah
means to emigrate, to depart, to turn away from, and to quit, both in
the abstract and physical sense of the words. Hijrah is to change and
reform. These meanings were unambiguous in the main Hijrah incident.
Not only did the early Muslims leave their homes and towns, they also
gave up many of their beliefs and habits and replaced them with the
way of Islam.
To the early Muslims making the Hijrah meant giving up:
1.All forms of paganism and polytheism and believing in the One Allaah Alone.
2.Enslaving one another, and fully submitting to the Will of Allaah,
the Almighty, in servitude, and respecting one another, thus achieving
peace and happiness.
3.The superstition and the confusing ways of ignorance, and seeking
knowledge and guidance in the teachings that free the spirit and
respect the mind.
4.Fighting over resources and living in endless state of division and
discord, to abiding by the law, working for the common good and
achieving unity and harmony.
Hijrah replaced their fear with hope, their aimlessness with purpose,
and their statelessness with freedom and confidence in the future.
They rose to the challenges of life. They built Mosques for worship
and schools for education. And to insure freedom, peace and justice
for all people living in the Madeenah )Muslims, Jews and Christians as
well as others( the Prophetput together a constitution to establish
the intercommunity and interfaith relations, which was accepted by all
parties.
There are many aspects to the Hijrah that deserve discussion, but the
greatest lessons we should learn from it are that Muslims must do
their best to bring security and goodness to whatever land they live
in, and that they should not give up trying to achieve this goal. Our
history is full of examples showing that our Ummah managed to rise
every time it fell.

Dought & clear, - Who is obliged to offer the udhiyah (sacrifice)? Is being male one of the conditions?

Who is obliged to offer the udhiyah (sacrifice)? Is it permissible for
a housewife who has an income to offer the udhiyah?
Praise be to Allah.
The scholars differed concerning the ruling on offering the udhiyah:
is it obligatory, such that the one who does not do it is sinning, or
is it a confirmed Sunnah, such that it is makrooh (disliked) not to do
it? The correct view is that it is a confirmed Sunnah (sunnah
mu'akkadah). This has been discussed previously in the answer to
question no. 36432
In order for it to be obligatory or Sunnah to offer the udhiyah, it is
stipulated that the one who offers it should be independent of means,
in that the price of the udhiyah is surplus to his needs and the needs
of those on whom he spends. If a Muslim has a salary that comes to him
every month, and this salary is sufficient for him and he has surplus
money which which he can afford the price of the udhiyah, then in his
case it is prescribed for him to offer the udhiyah.
The fact that it is stipulated that he should be independent of means
is indicated by the words of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah
be upon him):"Whoever can afford it but does not offer a sacrifice,
let him not come near our prayer-place."Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 3123;
classed as hasan by al-Albaani inSaheeh Ibn Maajah. What is meant by
being able to afford it is being independent of means.
The udhiyah is prescribed for the members of the household, because
the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "The
people of each household should offer an udhiyah every year." Narrated
by Ahmad, 20207. Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar said inFath al-Baari: Its isnaad
is qawiy. It was classed as hasan by al-Albaani inSaheeh Sunan Abi
Dawood, 2788.
There is no difference between men and women in this regard. If a
woman is living on her own or with her children, then they should
offer the udhiyah.
It says inal-Mawsoo'ah al-Fiqhiyyah(5/81):
Being male is not a condition of it being obligatory or sunnah to
offer the udhiyah; as it is required of males it is also required of
females, because the evidence for it being obligatory or Sunnah
applies to everyone.
End quote. See:al-Majmoo'ah al-Fiqhiyyah, 5/79-81
And Allah knows best.

Dought & clear, - Why has the civilisation of the Muslims fallen behind others?

In these times we notice that the West has advanced far ahead of us in
many things but Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the
meaning): "O Children of Israel! Remember My Favour which I bestowed
upon you and that I preferred you to the Alameen (mankind and jinns)"
[al-Baqarah 2:47]. Have these many blessings that Allah bestowed upon
the descendants of Ya'qoob ceased in our time, or will they continue
until the Day of Resurrection? If they have ceased, then why are they
advanced so far ahead of us in this world and at this time in so many
things? What are we Arabs lacking or what is hindering us from being
better than them in our thinking, inventions and manufacturing?
Praise be to Allah.
It is not fair for anyone who wants to examine the causes of any
nation's decline to focus only on some outward aspects of its decline
that everyone can see, because achieving cultural advancement is a
huge process in which innumerable interrelated factors play a role;
these factors are accumulated throughout the years and penetrate
deeply in all aspects of life, which leads to raising the level of
communities little by little. Humans can hardly feel this progress
because it is like the light of dawn; it keeps coming out until its
light spreads over the horizon.
The Holy Qur'an tells us some of the aspects of material advancement
that were – and still are – a means of trials and tests, of which no
one understands the great wisdom behind it and the great impact it has
on historical dynamics except Allah, may He be glorified and exalted.
Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
"On the Day when those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic
Monotheism) will be exposed to the Fire (it will be said): "You
received your good things in the life of the world, and you took your
pleasure therein. Now this Day you shall be recompensed with a torment
of humiliation, because you were arrogant in the land without a right,
and because you used to rebel and disobey (Allah)"
[al-Ahqaaf 46:20]
"Do they not travel in the land, and see what was the end of those
before them? They were superior to them in strength, and they tilled
the earth and populated it in greater numbers than these (pagans) have
done, and there came to them their Messengers with clear proofs.
Surely, Allah wronged them not, but they used to wrong themselves.
Then evil was the end of those who did evil, because they belied the
Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations,
Messengers, etc.) of Allah and made mock of them."
[ar-Room 30:9-10].
Al-'Allaamah Muhammad Rasheed Rida (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
The first Muslims' belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawheed), their
knowledge of Him, their love for Him and their reliance on Him are
what purified their souls, honed their ambitions and gave them a sense
of pride and power; that enabled them to establish truth and justice,
and motivated them to conquer lands, rule nations, ransom them from
spiritual and intellectual slavery to soothsayers, rabbis, monks and
clergy, liberate them from the injustice and tyranny of kings,
establish the foundations of civilisation, and revive and develop
different branches of science and technology. They were able to
achieve all of that in an unprecedented manner that no other nation on
earth had ever achieved or even come close. Gustave le Bon, the famous
sociologist, said: Mastery of different branches of science and
technology was not possible for any rising nation in less than three
generations: the first generation clings to the past; the second
generation started the process of freeing themselves from blind
following; and the third generation is the generation of independence
and hard work. (He said that this applies to all nations) except the
Arabs; they are the only ones who were able to lay the foundation of
science and technology in the first generation.
I say: The cause of that was the teachings of the Qur'an, which taught
them to be independent in thinking and to avoid blind imitation. It
taught them to be prepared to lead mankind in spiritual and worldly
matters alike. But all of that disappeared for subsequent generations,
after the demise of the Islamic caliphate and after Arabic
civilisation ceased to flourish, when power shifted to the non-Arabs
who had nothing of Islam except superficial traditions and were not
strongly connected to the guidance of the Qur'an.
Tafseer al-Manaar, 11/173
We cannot ignore the impact of conspiracies, both internal and
external, against our ummah throughout the ages, which led to its
enemies getting ahead of it in material matters. But our thought and
the thought of our ummah is far above feelings of defeatism, relying
on others in order to achieve revival, and feeling overwhelmed in the
face of great responsibility, the responsibility of being in a leading
position in relation to other nations. As for our enemies among the
Israelites, they excelled at making the most of every opportunity and
they strove hard in engineering events that had a global impact. They
strove persistently for decades until they achieved what they wanted
and reached a position of power in our times. But that has nothing to
do with the verse (interpretation of the meaning):"O Children of
Israel! Remember My Favour which I bestowed upon you and that I
preferred you to the Alameen (mankind and jinns)" [al-Baqarah 2:47],
because this verse speaks of previous blessings that Allah had granted
to the Children of Israel throughout history, and is meant to remind
them of that. Among these blessings are what is mentioned in the Holy
Qur'an, where Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says
(interpretation of the meaning):"And (remember) when Moosa (Moses)
said to his people: 'O my people! Remember the Favour of Allah to you,
when He made Prophets among you, made you kings, and gave you what He
had not given to any other among the Alameen (mankind and jinns, in
the past)'" [al-Maa'idah 5:20].
Al-Haafiz Ibn Katheer (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
Here Allah, may He be exalted, reminds them of previous blessings that
He bestowed upon their fathers and forebears, and the favour He
bestowed upon them by sending the Messengers from among them,
revealing the Books to them and favouring them above all other nations
at that time. End quote.
Tafseer al-Qur'an al-'Azeem, 1/255
However, we regard our current situation with optimism that motivates
us to advance further and succeed by striving harder to use all
possible means, both spiritual and worldly. The foundation of that is
the righteous individual who always remembers that Allah, may He be
glorified and exalted, is watching him in all situations. Such
individuals are a constructive factor in the reform of communities and
families; they do not wait for the revival to be presented to them on
a golden platter or hope that programs will be set up for them to
achieve that. Rather they hasten to take the initiative and strive
hard to do all that is good and beneficial, putting their trust in
Allah in the hope that He will bless their deeds, no matter how small,
and reward those who do good for their good deeds. Allah, may He be
exalted, knows who is trying to spread mischief and who is striving to
do good, and the followers of His Messengers will prevail and be
victorious if they take the measures that lead to victory and
advancement. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says
(interpretation of the meaning):
"Indeed, they planned their plot, and their plot was with Allah,
though their plot was a great (one, still) it would never be able to
remove the mountains (real mountains or the Islamic law) from their
places (as it is of no importance).
So think not that Allah will fail to keep His Promise to His
Messengers. Certainly, Allah is All-Mighty, - All-Able of Retribution"
[Ibraaheem 14:46-47].
And Allah knows best.

Dought & clear, - Sending Blessings on the Angels in the Prayer.

Is it permissible to send blessings on the angels in the tashahhud
(sitting position in prayer) as I send blessings on the Prophet (peace
and blessings of Allah be upon him)?
Praise be to Allah.
In the answer to question no. 105330we stated that it is prescribed to
send blessings on the angels.
But in the tashahhud doing that is not prescribed, because what must
be done is to recite only that which was proven from the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), without adding anything to
it.
Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan was asked: Should blessings be sent on the
angels in the tashahhud as they are sent on the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allah be upon him)?
He replied:
No, the blessings that are mentioned in the tashahhud should be
limited only to that which is narrated, but when we say al-salamu
'alayna wa 'ala 'ibaad-Allah al-saliheen (may peace be upon us and
upon all the righteous slaves of Allah), this includes every righteous
slave in heaven and on earth, which includes the angels.
Majmoo' Fatawa al-Shaykh Salih al-Fawzaan.
And Allah knows best.

Moral stories, - Butterfly and Cocoon

A man found a Cocoon of a Butterfly. One day a small opening appeared;
he sat and watched the Butterfly for several hours as it struggled to
force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making
any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and
it could go no farther.
Then the man decided to help the Butterfly, so he took a pair of
scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the Cocoon. The
Butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small,
shriveled wings.
The man continued to watch the Butterfly because he expected that, at
any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support
the body, which would contract in time.
Neither happened! In fact, the Butterfly spent the rest of its life
crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was
able to fly.
What this man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that
the restricting Cocoon and the struggle required for the Butterfly to
get through the tiny opening were nature's way of forcing fluid from
the body of the Butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for
flight once it achieved its freedom from the Cocoon.
Moral:Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If
nature allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it
would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have
been. And we could never fly. Freedom and flight would only come after
the struggle (Jihad)
Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss
in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings
to those who patiently persevere. Noble Qur'an (2:155)

Moral stories, - Story of Trust in Allah (SWT): Trader who placed his Tawakkul

During the time of Noble Prophet Muhammad (saws)there lived a trader
who, in all affairs, always placed his trust in Allah (SWT). Trader
used to travel from Syria to Madinah for trade and during one of his
trips, he was confronted by a bandit who drew his sword and intended
to kill him.
"If it is my wealth that you desire, come and take it and leave me
alone," pleaded the trader. "Killing you is a must, for if I let you
go free, you will identify me to the authorities," said the bandit.
"In that case give me respite till I have offered a two Rak'at
prayer," requested the trader.
The bandit agreed and the trader engaged himself in prayers. Having
completed the prayers, he raised his hands and beseeched: 'O' Lord! I
have heard from Your Noble Prophet Muhammad (saws) that whoever places
his trust in You shall remain protected. I have no helper in this
desert and Your grace is my only hope.
Having placed all his trust in Allah (SWT), trader had hardly
completed his supplication when a rider on a white horse loomed in the
distance. When he came close, the rider confronted the bandit and
killed him with one stroke of his sword. Then, turning to the trader,
he said: "O' You, who places your trust in Allah (SWT)! I have killed
the enemy of Allah (SWT) and He has delivered you from him."
"Who are you that you have come to my assistance in this desert?" the
trader asked. "I am your Tawakkul." Allah (SWT) brought me out in the
form of an Angel and I was in the heavens when Angel Jibril (Jibreel,
Gabriel) called out to me and said: "Hasten to the assistance of your
master and exterminate his enemy", and here I have come and eliminated
your enemy." Having said thus, he disappeared out of sight.
The trader fell down in prostration of thanksgiving to Allah (SWT) and
acquired a stronger conviction with respect to the instructions of
Noble Prophet Muhammad (saws) regarding Tawakkul.
On arrival in Madinah, trader approached Noble Prophet Muhammad (saws)
and narrated what had transpired. "Indeed! Tawakkul raises a person to
the pinnacle of success and the rank of a person who possesses it, is
equivalent to the ranks of the Prophets, the friends of Allah (SWT),
the righteous ones and the martyrs," said Noble Prophet Muhammad
(saws).
"... Put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put
their trust (in Him). If Allah helps you, none can overcome you; and
if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in
Allah (Alone) let believers put their trust." Noble Qur'an (3:159-160)

Strong plants that canwithstand difficult conditions

Which plant can meet its water needs through its leaves in addition
to its roots?
How does the canary flower protect itself from the cold?
How do the plants survive draught?
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Our Lord created a perfect system to meet the water needs of the
plants. We all know that the plants absorb water from the soil
through its roots and sends this to its stem and leaves through its
xylem tubes. However, some plants are in higher altitudes,
practically living in the clouds, and therefore they have to use
their leaves to meet their water needs.
The rain forests in lower altitudes obtain their water needs from
daily rainfall. However, the trees living in the tropical climates,
the so-called clouds or the mist forests, use the moisture in the
air; in other words, the clouds, to meet their needs. This is
another perfect example of the sublime art of Creation by our Lord.
One of the most beautiful examples of such cloud forests are the
cloud forests of the Costa Rica mountains. In this forest, it is
usually foggy and humid, but despite that the soil itself is dry.
Therefore, the trees cannot get enough water from the soil.
However, the leaves in the clouds, which are always wet, easily get
the water they need. It is because our Lord created the leaves here
in such a special way so that they can easily absorb the moisture in
the air and take it to the branches and to the trunk. This special
system created by our Lord helps many other living things survive as
well. In this forest, at an altitude of 600 to 1800 meters, there
are more than 100 species of mammals, 400 bird species, 120
reptilian and amphibian species, and thousands of species of
insects. Almighty Allah, the Lord of the worlds, with all these
details, showcases the evidence of His existence and His sublime
art of creation. Allah creates whenever He wills, and in a unique
way. He has no partners in creation. This is explained as follows in
the Qur'an:
That is Allah, your Lord. There is no god but Him, the Creator of
everything. So worship Him. He is responsible for everything.
Eyesight cannot perceive Him but He perceives eyesight. He is the
All-Penetrating, the All-Aware. (Al-An'am 102-103)
Yareta
Yareta is a native plant of South America , occurring in the Puna
grasslands of the Andes in Peru , Bolivia , the north of Chile and
the west of Argentina at altitudes between 3,200 and 4,500 metres .
The most important thing about this flower, which is pollinated by
insects, is that they live for a very long time; there are some
specimens which are about 3,000 years old. They look like algea, but
when looked at more closely, one can see thousands of small flower
buds that stick together to look like one big pillow. It is also
known as the 'Andes pillow' and has flowers in different colors from
pink to lilac.
Pink Banana Plant
This banana species growing in North and East India, reaches a
height of 120 centimeters, and displays an amazing example of
Allah's beautiful color artistry. It has pink to orange flowers,
pinkish stalks and small, pink fruits. This plant can grow in
permeable, organically rich soils, in half shade. An interesting
thing about this plant is that it is highly resistant to cold. Even
if its body dries up due to excessive cold weather, its roots can
withstand up to -10 degrees celcius. Allah creates everything
flawlessly down to tiniest detail, and created this plant in such a
way that its every need is met. Allah has control over everything.
Allah knows about everything going on in the universe. Allah makes
that truth clear in the following verse:
"He directs the whole affair from heaven to earth...." (Surat As-Sajdah, 5)
There are some plants which manage to survive in very harsh
conditions, where human beings would never be able to do the same
in the absence of specialized tools. These plants not only
survive, they also have incredible measures to defend themselves
amazing the scientists and researchers alike. These miraculous
plants can survive despite the lack of warmth, water and minerals,
displaying yet another example of Almighty Allah's infinite wisdom
and creation art.
The drought-tolerant plants
Many plants in arid areas can store water. Each plant has different
techniques and places to store the water. These plants were created
in such a way that they can easily tolerate a lack of water. For
instance, The Pygmy cedar ( peucephyllum ) and the caper bush,
which can stay green even in the driest of conditions after
obtaining sufficient moisture during the night , are some of these
plants.
Many such trees and bushes have special leaves that can withstand
drought. For instance, some of them have needle or bouqet shaped
small leaves. This ensures that they have fewer surfaces that are
exposed to sunlight. Others have pores on only one part of their
leaves, mostly on the upper side. These pores ensure that water
loss is minimized due to evaporation when it is windy. Some leaves
have such pores on both sides; especially when it is foggy these
pores obtain moisture from the air.
The leaves of some plants such as Manzanita, are created so that they
stand upright. By the means of this special creation, the surface
is subjected to less sunlight and thus loses less water.
Paloverde , which has no leaves, photosynthesize with its body.
Having lots of leaves in a desert means more evaporation of water.
Therefore, Allah created all these plants with special features
that will make them resistant to harsh desert conditions. All
desert plants have special measures protecting them from high
temperatures. It is Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, that gave all
these plants the abilities they have to survive in their
enviornments.
Canary plant
Canary plants ( senecio vulgaris ) live on the heights of the Kenya
Mountains in Equador and are striking plants with flamboyant
flowers. In this region, where there is usually a thin layer of
frost on the soil at night, the slopes can often be seen covered
with this plant.
The leaves of this plant have a special substance that prevents the
tissues from being hurt from frost; thanks to this protective
substance, the thin layer of frost melts under sunlight and then the
body gets back its old shape.
With the sunlight the frost covering the plant starts to melt and
water starts evaporating through the pores. However, the canary
plant has to pump water back to the now empty pores to prevent its
leaves from drying out. There is another danger looming; with the
weather getting colder, the water channels begin to slowly freeze .
However, the lowest circle of leaves surrounding the stalk of the
canary flower begins to dry out during a certain period of the year.
However, unlike other plants, the dry leaves do not fall off;
instead, they hold on. Thus, these dry leaves act like a thick
shield for the plant guarding it from the cold weather. With this
wise method, the canary plant prevents the channels inside from
freezing and manages to send the water to the rest of the plant.
It is impossible for a soil-bound plant to build such a protective
measure on its own and insert the relevant data in its genes so that
its offspring can have the same trait, too. Allah created these
plants with His infinite beauty and art of creation.
All these examples show that it is Almighty Allah, the lord of the
worlds, Who gives the plants the information they need, Who shapes
them, and gives them the traits they need to survive despite the
difficult conditions. This truth is explained in a verse as
follows:
"Your god is Allah alone, there is no god but Him. He encompasses
all things in His knowledge.' (Surah Ta Ha 98)

Obstacles to Faith

• Why do some people prefer to live as if they are unaware of
religion even though they know that they need to believe?
• What are the obstacles that prevent people from having sincere faith?
Allah created man with a nature suitable to faith. Our Lord revealed
this fact in one verse of the Quran:
"So set your face firmly towards the Religion, as a pure natural
believer, Allah's natural pattern on which He made mankind. There
is no changing Allah's creation. That is the true Religion – but
most people do not know it – (Surat ar-Rum, 30)
Some people deny this fact revealed in the Qur'an and condemn
themselves to a difficult life. There are some reasons that these
people have preferred a difficult life instead of faith, which is
eminently suitable to their creation and would bring great strength
to them morally.
• Arrogance
The sense of pride, meaning arrogance, in some people prevents them
from living the true religion because these people made themselves
believe in the righteousness and perfection of their ideas, believes
and life styles. These people who are too clever by half never want
to accept the existence of a more truthful idea or faith. Even such
a thought would bother them. As Almighty Allah reveals in the
verse, " When he is told to have fear of Allah, he is seized by
pride which drives him to wrongdoing. Hell will be enough for him!
What an evil resting- place! " (Surat al-Baqara, 206) what lead these
people to denial or prevents them believing is this "pride" meaning
arrogance.
When invited to living by the morality of the Qur'an, these people
deny it because submitting to true religion would mean that they
have had a superstitious faith until now. It is a great disaster
for these people to realize that they have followed the wrong path
for years, they have chosen the wrong people as leaders or to
realize everything they have written, read and understood until now
has been a great misconception. Not wishing to go through this
disaster, they do not want to accept the destruction of their ideas
even if they are proven wrong because their arrogance would not
allow them to. Their pride "leads them to sin" as revealed in the
verse.
However what they need to do after they realize the Qur'an is the
sole truth is to immediately accept that they are on the right
path, listen to their conscience, repent and start a completely new
life. This is the attitude that is easiest and would please Almighty
Allah. The opposite would mean a troublesome life in this world and
the hereafter. Almighty Allah reveals the dark spirit of those in
denial in the verse " And they repudiated them wrongly and
haughtily, in spite of their own certainty about them. See the
final fate of the corrupters. " (Neml Suresi, 14). Their arrogance
keeps these people off the true path and causes great damage to
them.
• Not Knowing the Qur'an
For a majority of people, the Qur'an is a book, which simply stays in
one corner of the room without being touched and which they believe
that will protect them from evil even though they have never read
it. (The Qur'an is beyond that). These people are unaware that the
Qur'an, which is an illuminator and guidance, would protect them
from Hell and bring them the Garden if they follow and practice the
commandments and prohibitions of Almighty Allah. Therefore, they
prefer to learn the religion from their grandparents or ancestors
instead of learning it from the Qur'an, which is the true source.
However, Almighty Allah reveals in one verse that some people
abandoned reading the Quran as such:
"The Messenger says, 'My Lord, my people treat this Qur'an as
something to be ignored.'" (Surat al-Furqan, 30)
In one of his hadiths, our Prophet (saas) explained that the Qur'an is
a guidance that leads to salvation as follows:
"He who puts the Qur'an first, the Qur'an will take him to the
Garden. He who leaves it behind, it will takes him to Hell."
(G.Ahmed Ziyaüddin, Ramuz Al Hadith, volüme 1, Gonca Publishing,
Istanbul, 1997, 227/9)
A majority of people try to live a religion that is full of the
ignorance brought by not having read the Qur'an, traditions,
mistaken knowledge and wrong applications of the past. The rules,
prohibitions and moral values of this religion are different than
of those of the true religion. The most dangerous consequence of
this psuedo-religion, which brought about many rules that are not
in line with the revelations of Almighty Allah and the sunnah of
our Prophet (saas), is that it causes a bias against true religion
among people. So this psuedo-religion, which is full of complicated
rules that are difficult to apply, lead people astray from the
moral values of the Qur'an.
Almighty Allah reveals this truth with the verse, " Is it other than
the religion of Allah that you desire ?..." (Surah Al Imran, 83) .
In another verse it is revealed that these people also do not abide
by this new religion they forged:
"...We put compassion and mercy in the hearts of those who
followed him. They invented monasticism – We did not prescribe it
for them – …" (Surat Hadid , 27)
However, the religion commanded by Almighty Allah is very easy; it is
neither complicated nor difficult to apply. People are created to
live the true religion Almighty Allah has chosen for them. In the
Qur'an, the behaviors Almighty Allah likes and dislikes, things that
are forbidden and that which are legal are explained very clearly.
Therefore, openness of the conscience and mind, submission to
destiny and living the true religion as would please our Lord by
submitting to Almighty Allah is quite easy. Our Lord reveals this
truth in one verse of the Qur'an:
"So set your face firmly towards the Religion, as a pure natural
believer, Allah's natural pattern on which He made mankind. There
is no changing Allah's creation. That is the true Religion – but
most people do not know it" (Surat ar-Rum, 30)
The morality of the Qur'an provides people with a lifestyle that
encompasses happiness, comfort and real freedom. This lifestyle
frees the person of the direction of "false idols" that morally
enslaves the person and gets him or her closer to to Allah, Who has
infinite wisdom and beauty, Who controls all things and Who is
compassionate and just.
• The Psychology of Going With the Crowd:
The reason that prevents some people living the moral values of the
Qur'an is the psychology of going with the crowd. These people feel
that they need to go along with the lifestyles of the majority even
though their conscience does not approve and they consider this as
an obligation to be a "normal" member of society. With this
psychology, they cannot comprehend the true meaning of religion and
they make themselves believe that there are some rules, which all
people in the world have to follow –other than the rules of Allah-
and people have to abide by these rules. However in the Qur'an
Almighty Allah reveals that the lifestyle most people choose, their
false rules and sanctions do not direct people to the truth; on the
contrary going with the crowd is a danger that misguides the person:
" If you obeyed most of those on earth, they would misguide you
from Allah's Way. They follow nothing but conjecture. They are only
guessing.'" (Al-An'am , 116)
Therefore the fact that most people have chosen a lifestyle opposed
to the true religion, that they are derisive and cruel towards
other and even rebellious against their governments, that they
commit sins without even thinking, must not affect other people. The
fact that such people are in the majority is no excuse for the
mistakes committed by individuals. This is because a non-Quranic
life style, which is adopted with the psychology of going with the
crowd, instead of the life that is clearly defined in the Qur'an
and would please Almighty Allah, would open the doors to Hell let
alone providing any gains for people.
• Not Being Able To Understand That Freedom Is Only Through True Religion:
Some people are mistaken in thinking that living without following
Allah's commands and in the direction of the wants and desires of
their inner selves is freedom. However, a person could only be truly
free if he serves Allah, submits to Him and is completely saved
from serving other beings or values, because true freedom is not
only physical but in the soul. This is the totality of feelings of
openness, comfort, trust and peace that Almighty Allah inspires to a
person's soul and heart. However, Almighty Allah emphasizes this
freedom, which only believers could have, in one verse:
" ... in the remembrance of Allah can the heart find peace.' (Surat
Ar-Ra'd , 28)
Our Propet (saas) called people to the most reputable and beautiful
way, Allah's way, and strived to be guidance for people's salvation
in this world and the hereafter. In this hadith, our Master (saas)
clarified this fact explicitly: "No doubt that the most beautiful
word is the Book of Allah. The most beautiful way is the way of
Mohammad."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, I'tisam 2, Ebed 70; Kutub Al-Sitta, Interpreted by
Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Canan, volume 2, Akçağ Publications, Ankara,
p.338)
• The Logic of "I Will Do It in the Future":
People who could not truly grasp the necessity of the moral values
of the Qur'an think that they believe in Almighty Allah and the
Qur'an but they will perform their prayers at a later point. Behind
this utterly mistaken thought, they think that if they live
according to the moral values of the religion, they will not be able
to enjoy simple things in this world, and they ignore the fact that
death could come any moment and that they do not completely
believe in the hereafter. However all these thoughts are because
these people are unaware of true religion because Almighty Allah
promises believers who live by the true religion both this world and
the hereafter with the verse, " Say: 'Who has forbidden the fine
clothing Allah has produced for His slaves and the good kinds of
provision?' Say: 'On the Day of Rising such things will be
exclusively for those who had faith during their life in the
present .' In this way We make the Signs clear for people who know
." (Surat al-A'raf , 32) and warns people about the day of judgment
by reminding them that death is very close to everyone whether
young, old or child with the verse, "Every self will taste death..."
(Surah Al Imran, 185) . The hereafter is more real than this world,
as revealed in many verses of the Qur'an, because it is eternal. No
doubt, the excuses of these people who postpone living according to
the moral values of religion with the logic of "I will do it in the
future" are all invalid. Almighty Allah warns His servants in the
fact of this truth as such:
"The Day when the excuses of the wrongdoers will not help them.The
curse will be on them and they will have the most evil Home." (Surah
Ghafir, 52)
Satan's Suggestions Prevent Living the True Religion
Satan is what prevents people from living the true religion. Satan
stealthily approaches people without being hasty. He slowly gives
small suggestions to prevent people from living by the morality of
the Qur'an and in the long run keeps them away from true religion.
However, people can only have a healthy mind and soul by living the
true religion because living the true religion saves people from
worldly bonds. It makes the person responsible only to Allah and
commandments in His True Book. This is a great ease for people.
Almighty Allah reveals the easiness of the religion of Islam in many
verses of the Qur'an. For example, He reveals as " We will ease you
to the Easy Way ." (Surat al-A'la, 8) and heralds Muslims the He
will ensure peace in great ease and Allah opens the path of His
servants and helps them reach His true path. He holds the Qur'an as
guidance and helps people come out of their dark lives. In one verse
Almighty Allah heralds believers who follow Him unconditionally as
such:
"Allah is the Protector of those who have faith. He brings them out
of the darkness into the light...." (Surat al-Baqara, 257)

The selective nature of the nerve cells

• What is the resting potential of the neurons and how is it preserved?
• What is action potential and how are the signals transmitted?
The nerve cells, which are called the neurons, unlike other cells,
have axons and dendrites. The dendrites consist of many short
extensions and look like the roots of the cell. These extensions
receive signals from other neurons and the recipient cells and
convey it to the body of the cell. Axons, on the other hand, are
thin structures that arise from the cell body. One axon arises from
the cell body and they help carry the messages to the brain. These
neurons make a huge network of communication, all together.
Every cell membrane has an electrical charge and every neuron is
like a tiny biologic battery ready to discharge itself. And each
neuron is like a mini, biological battery ready to discharge its
energy. The ions are electric-charged molecules inside and outside
the nerve cells. This creates a difference in the voltage
throughout the cell membrane. In order for the the neurons to send
signals, minus 50 milivolt (one millivolt is one in one thousandth of
a volt) is needed at an average. 1 The signal is transmitted
through the axon. After every signal, potassium ions are exchanged
through the cell membrane. The neuron has to be recharged after
every signal. To do that, the neuron gets back the ions to reach
its potential value.
One neuron takes onethousandth of a second to send a signal. This
makes it possible to send a maximum of 1000 signals a second,
however generally only 300-400 signals are sent in one second. The
nerve cells have varying lengths in people 2 and the speed of
transmission is around 100-300 meters a second. 3
Prof. Peter Suckling, a neuroscientist at the Downstate Medicine
Center, explains his awe at the cell membrane:
"This thin cell memberane preserves the electric voltage more
efficiently than any other insulating material. This is a very high
insulating power. It has to be strong and at the same time, it is
very thin." 4
The fact that the nerve cells can signal each other through the
electricity produced in the cell membrane, the fact that they can
send messages and ensure that the body functions continue, is
something to be pondered upon. Furthermore, these electrical
signals find the right address and make sense to the recipient cell.
Every cell knows what the signal means and acts accordingly. This
is a miraculous incident that has to be thought about very
comprehensively. If it wasn't for this flawless system between the
cells, no living thing could survive. Then how did this system that
displays an amazing intelligence and engineering come about?
Surely, it is impossible to say that unconscious piles of atoms and
molecules came together to build the cells and led to this
amazingly engineered system between the cells. The existence of
such a conscious system proves us the existence of creation in the
living things. This incredible micro structure that left scientists
amazed, belongs to our Lord, the Creator of Everything:
"Is He who creates like him who does not create? So will you not
pay heed?" (An-Nahl, 17)
Neurons at rest
A nerve cell is at rest, when it is not communicating a signal.
However, this doesn't mean that the neuron is completely immobile.
It has to be ready to transmit signals that could be received from
the neighbors at any moment. A neuron that is at rest has to
polarized. This means that the liquid inside has to be negatively
charged compared to one outside. One nerve cell has an electric
potential of around 70 milivolts across the cell membrane. This is
called the membrane potential or the resting potential. Although
this might seem like a small amount, it means that it produces a
voltage that is equal to 1/20 of the energy in the battery of a
small flashlight and creates a potential for the electricity
production throughout the axon membrane.
Outside the axon, there are sodium and (Na+) chloride (Cl-) ions,
while inside, there are charged proteins and potassium (K+) ions.
The electrical imbalance between outside and inside of the cell,
creates the resting potential throughout the membrane. This
imbalance created by the charged ions, is obtained through the cell
membrane being semipermeable for different ions. Even if the
sodium, potassium and chlorine ions pass through the cell membrane,
the entrance of big molecules creating an electric potential, is
restricted.
However, semipermeability is not the only solution, as the
potassium ions inside the cell (K+) are always higher in number than
the sodium ions (Na+), while the sodium ions outside the cell
membrane (Na+) are always more than the potassium ions (K+). In
order to ensure the necessary ion balance, the intensity levels in
the nerve cell, has to be reverted.
The cell does this using a kind of ion pump. The sodium-potassium
pump is a big protein molecule that builds a channel in the cell
membrane. This pump gets its energy from the ATP (Adenosine-
5'-triphosphate: the cellular energy molecule that living things
directly use) and after sending the sodium (Na+) ions out, accepts
the potassium (K+) ions inside. Thus, it preserves the right ion
ratio inside and outside the cell. In every square micrometer of the
cell membrane, there are some 100–200 sodium-potassium pumps and
each of them sends out 200 sodium ions while accepting 130 potassium
ions inside.
Action potential and transmission of the signal
When a neuron is prompted by another neuron or the conditions, the
signal starts and right after this, the signal moves along the axon
and makes the cell membrane potential to be reverted. As there are
thousands of protein channels or gates on the neuron membrane
allowing the passage of the ions. These gates are usually closed.
When there is a signal, the sodium channels are opened and the
positive-charged sodium ions flow inside. This way, the inside of the
cell membrane has more positive charge and the resting potential is
reverted, which increases the cell membrane potential up to +50
milivolt. The reverting of these charges is called the 'action
potential'. During the action potential, the potassium gates are
opened and the positive charged potassium ions flow outside. This
re-balances the resting potential and the inside of the neuron
becomes negative charged while outside becomes positive charged.
A single electric signal triggers all this process. Therefore, we
can say that the transmission of the signals triggers a domino
effect. As each domino falls, the next one falls. After the signal
is sent, the dominos stand back and get ready for the next action
potential.
The molecular traffic between the nerve cells continues on a
constant basis. It is the ions and some proteins that tell this
traffic to move or to stop. It is surely impossible for unconscious
moelecules to build this amazing nervous system in our bodies and
then organize it perfectly. They have come together to serve a
single purpose within a system. This fascinating system in our
bodies is one of the manifestations of Allah's beautiful creation
and infinite control over everything.
Synapse Paths
The nervous system in human body is a very complex structure that
consists of billions of nerve cells. These nerve cells communicate
with each other and the other cells in the body through the synapses.
The synapses are small sections in the neighboring nerve cells
which are very close to each other, but they never touch. Since they
do not touch each other, the signals do not directly pass from one
cell to another, rather than that they are carried through by using
chemical means which are called neurotransmitters.
When a signal is received in the first cell, this leads to the
release of some neurotransmitters to the intracellular gap. After
that, the neurotransmitter molecules are diffused in this gap and go
to a less dense environment and bind to the recipient protein
molecules in the second cell. Since the neurotransmitters and the
recipient molecules have too many different types, this synapses
transmission can be fast (onethousandth of a second) or slow (one
hundredth of a second). The chemicals either trigger or stop the
second cell. Therefore, the synapses serve in the nervous system
either by changing the data or processing it. This is why, the
synpasis function in the brain is linked to learning and the
memory.
The neurons receive and send messages through connections called
synapsis and exchange chemicals at these points. There are one
trillion connection points between the nerve cells in the brain and
the molecular traffic over these connections is continuous. The ones
who dictate when this traffic should stop or continue, are the
ions, which are electrically charged chemicals and different types
of proteins. Clearly, the fact that we can live very comfortably,
that we can react to our surroundings become possible by the means
of this special system that Allah created in our bodies. Furthemore,
the nerve cells make only a small part of the complex system in our
bodies. This system all around our bodies is one of the great
manifestations of Allah's infinite power and control. However, every
detail in our bodies, is created with a very special duty, by our
Almighty Lord who has infinite knowledge. Our Lord says in the
verses:
"Ask them for a fatwa: is it they who are stronger in structure or
other things We have created? We created them from sticky clay.
No wonder you are surprised as they laugh with scorn!." (As-Saffat, 11-12)
1- ( http://www.noteaccess.c om/APPROACHES/
ArtEd/ChildDev/1cNeurons.htm; [Coon, Dennis. Introduction to
Psychology, Exploration and Application. St. Paul: West Publishing
Company, 1989.)
2- ( http://www.noteaccess.c om/APPROACHES/ArtEd
/ChildDev /1cNeurons.htm; [Coon, Dennis. Introduction to Psychology,
Exploration and Application. St. Paul: West Publishing Company, 1989.)
3- ( http://www.remarkable medicine.com/Medicine /bodyelectricity.html)
4- ( http://www.remarkable medicine.com/ Medicine/bodyelectricity.html)
Even if we know or not what the synapsis cells do, or even if we
forget about them, it won't make much of a difference in our lives.
However, the cells have an important duty to know these details and
work with them without making any mistakes. They are very
committed to their job, doing it every moment, without us even
feeling it, and without mistakes or problems. These signals that
are carried through doors which are opened in a split second,
actually make up the invisible parts of a huge structure. Tasting an
apple, smelling a rose, recognizing your mother's voice,
remembering a phone number, being able to press the button of a
remote controller, being able to answer a question easily, climbing
down the stairs fast, in short, everything you do in your life
without thinking about it, can happen by the means of this system.
And our duty is giving thanks to our Lord, Who created this system
without us even knowing how necessary it is.

Story, - Falling in december

I'M KIARA AND I LOST MY PRECIOUS POSSESSION..HE'S NAME IS ARMAAN .IN
THIS STORY I'M GONNA MENTION MOSTLY ABOUT ARMAAN AND ME..WE KNOW EACH
OTHER FROM 2002 AND NOW ITS ALMOST THE END OF 2012. HE'S 6' I'M 4 INCH
SMALLER THAN HIM. FROM 2002 WE WERE BEST FRIENDS HAD NEVER HAD ANY
SECRETS WITH EACH OTHER ..WE WERE KIDS THAT TIME.. AND THAT YEAR WAS
SPLENDID, NEVER HAD FEELING FOR HIM LIKE THAT..WE BECOME BEST FRIENDS
AND NONE OF THE GIRLS MOSTLY TALKED TO ME I STILL DON'T KNOW WHY?? AND
I NEVER CARED ABOUT IT .. NEXT YEAR HE WAS SENT TO A BOARDING
SCHOOL..I STARTED MAKING FRIENDS BUT SOMETIMES I DON'T KNOW WHY.. IN
THE SCHOOL BUILDING NEAR THE STAIRS I HEAR HIS VOICE, CALLING MY
NAME.AND LATER I USED TO TELL MY FRIENDS ABOUT THE VOICES THEY USED TO
SAY THAT I'M MAD..
AND THE NEXT YEAR HE REALLY CAME BACK..HE WAS JUST THE SAME ,SMILING
TO ME ...I FORGET THE WORLD BEHIND ME AGAIN OUR FRIENDSHIP GREW
STRONG..IN EXAM HALLS HE USED TO HELP ME SO DID I.. WE SHARED MOST OF
THE TIME..NEXT YEAR THERE WAS A GUY CALLED RISHI... I KIND OF LIKED
HIM AND I TOLD THIS TO THAT IDIOT ARMAAN AND ONE DAY HE ACTUALLY TOLD
RISHI THAT I LIKE HIM SO THAT IT WOULD MAKE US TOGETHER.. IT BACKFIRED
ON ME ,RISHI SMILED TO ME,I WAS SO ANGRY WITH ARMAAN I TOLD HIM THAT I
WON'T TALK WITH HIM AND I WON'T COME TO SCHOOL TOMORROW .. AND HE TAKE
IT SO LIGHTLY AND SAID OKAY.. AND THE NEXT FEW DAYS I REALLY COULDN'T
COME TO SCHOOL BECAUSE MY GRANDPA HAD AN HEART-ATTACK SO THE WHOLE
FAMILY STAYED WITH HIM AFTER A FEW DAYS I CAME TO SCHOOL AND HE SAT
BESIDE ME ON THE BUS AND SAID SORRY LIKE A MILLION TIMES.. NEXT YEAR
WAS AS NORMAL AS IT COULD BE BUT "LOVE" WAS IN THE AIR NOT MUCH MANY
LOVE LETTER WAS BEING SENT NOT TO ME BUT TO MANY OTHER GIRLS..BUT THE
NEXT YEAR WAS A DREAM FOR ME...WELL INITIALLY ALL THESE YEARS HAVE
BROUGHT US CLOSE BUT THIS YEAR I COULDN'T RESIST BUT FALL FOR HIM AND
LEAVE THE BLOODY HELL WORLD FAR BEHIND US.IN THE DECEMBER OF 2008 I
FELL IN LOVE WITH ARMAAN ..AND I FELT LIKE I'M IN HEAVEN THE FEELINGS
THAT I FELT WAS SOMETHING I COULD ALWAYS REMEMBER..
IN THE SCHOOL BUS WE USED TO SIT IN THE LAST SIT ACTUALLY HE USED TO
SIT THERE I USED TO SIT IN THE SECOND LAST SIT .HE ALWAYS TRIED TO SIT
BEHIND ME AND MY BROTHER(NOT MY REAL BROTHER)USED TO TEASE US
..ACTUALLY NOT ONLY HIM MANY GIRLS USED TO TEASE US..THE GIRLS USED TO
MAKE CHITS OF PAPER IN WHICH THEY USED TO WRITE A BOY'S NAME IN OUR
CLASS AND I DON'T WHY I ALWAYS GOT ARMAAN'S NAME AND IT HAPPENED MOST
OF THE TIME AND THEY USED TO SAY OUR DESTINY LIES WITH EACH OTHER
..WELL I FIND IT VERY STUPID AND USED TO SAY ARMAAN THAT TELL THEM
THAT YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND AND HE REPLIED"I DON'T HAVE ONE"..ONE DAY
HE WAS REALLY IRRITATING ME SO I PLANNED I WILL KNOCK HIM OFF IN THE
BUS SO I LANDED IN THE BUS FIRST SO DID HE CAME EARLY.WE LEFT OUR BAGS
IN THE SIT AND I STARTED BEATING HIM HARD AND SUDDENLY WE LOOK IN EACH
OTHERS EYES AND I LOOSENED MY ARMS AND HE WHISPERED TO ME "SO U WANNA
FIGHT.. " WE HELD EACH OTHERS HANDS AS IF WE ARE GOING TO DO WALTZ AND
SUDDENLY ONE OF OUR CLASS MATE NAMES RIMI(U MIGHT REMEMBER HER NAME
COZ SHE'S KIND OF IMPORTANT IN THE LATER PART) CAME IN AND SAID "
WHAT'S GOING ON GUYS??"...
AND WE LEAVE EACH OTHERS HAND AND MANY OTHER ROMANTIC THINGS HAPPENED
BETWEEN US..BUT SOME DREAMS ARE BROKEN SO DID MINE BUT THERE'S A
REASON WELL HE GOT A GIRLFRIEND IN THE NEXT YEAR.. YUP! HE TOLD ME HE
WAS SO IN LOVE WITH HER ..WELL IN THAT YEAR I PROPOSED HIM IN 7TH JULY
2009 AND HE SAID A BIG NO TO ME.BEFORE THE PROPOSING DAY ALMOST THREE
GIRLS ARE GOING TO PROPOSE HIM THAT WAS BEEN TOLD TO ME BY RINI AND
SHE MADE ME WROTE A LOVE LETTER WHEN SHE KNEW HE WON'T ACCEPT ME..WELL
I HAD A DAIRY WHICH I HAVE BROUGHT ON THAT DAY (7TH JULY) I WROTE MANY
THINGS IN IT WHAT HE LIKES AND MANY STUFF ABOUT HIM.. WELL RINI HAD
GIVEN NOT ONLY THE LETTER BUT ALSO THE DIARY I HAD CHASED HIM AND HE
GOT IN TO THE BOYS TOILET AND THEN ALL I DID IS CRYING ..I FELT LIKE A
LOSER..BUT THE STORY DOESN'T END OVER THERE GUYS...