Picture Perfect: Kill not your children

"Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; kill not your children because of poverty - We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse, etc.) whether committed openly or secretly, and kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islamic law). This He has commanded you that you may understand."

[Quran 6:161]

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The Truth about Muhammad (pbuh) and Aisha

This article was published on 'The Guardian' 17th September 2012

Innocence of Muslims repeated the claim Muhammad was a paedophile, but the story is more complex and interesting than that

'The Qur’an says that marriage is valid only between consenting adults, and that a woman has the right to choose her own spouse.

Writing about Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, the Orientalist scholar W Montgomery Watt wrote: "Of all the world's great men, none has been so much maligned as Muhammad." His quote seems all the more poignant in light of the Islamophobic film Innocence of Muslims, which has sparked riots from Yemen to Libya and which, among other slanders, depicts Muhammad as a paedophile.

This claim is a recurring one among critics of Islam, so its foundation deserves close scrutiny.

Critics allege that Aisha was just six years old when she was betrothed to Muhammad, himself in his 50s, and only nine when the marriage was consummated. They base this on a saying attributed to Aisha herself (Sahih Bukhari volume 5, book 58, number 234), and the debate on this issue is further complicated by the fact that some Muslims believe this to be a historically accurate account. Although most Muslims would not consider marrying off their nine-year-old daughters, those who accept this saying argue that since the Qur'an states that marriage is void unless entered into by consenting adults, Aisha must have entered puberty early.

They point out that, in seventh-century Arabia, adulthood was defined as the onset of puberty. (This much is true, and was also the case in Europe: five centuries after Muhammad's marriage to Aisha, 33-year-old King John of England married 12-year-old Isabella of Angoulême.) Interestingly, of the many criticisms of Muhammad made at the time by his opponents, none focused on Aisha's age at marriage.

According to this perspective, Aisha may have been young, but she was not younger than was the norm at the time. Other Muslims doubt the very idea that Aisha was six at the time of marriage, referring to historians who have questioned the reliability of Aisha's age as given in the saying. In a society without a birth registry and where people did not celebrate birthdays, most people estimated their own age and that of others. Aisha would have been no different. What's more, Aisha had already been engaged to someone else before she married Muhammad, suggesting she had already been mature enough by the standards of her society to consider marriage for a while. It seems difficult to reconcile this with her being six.

In addition, some modern Muslim scholars have more recently cast doubt on the veracity of the saying, or hadith, used to assert Aisha's young age. In Islam, the hadith literature (sayings of the prophet) is considered secondary to the Qur'an. While the Qur'an is considered to be the verbatim word of God, the hadiths were transmitted over time through a rigorous but not infallible methodology. Taking all known accounts and records of Aisha's age at marriage, estimates of her age range from nine to 19.

Because of this, it is impossible to know with any certainty how old Aisha was. What we do know is what the Qur'an says about marriage: that it is valid only between consenting adults, and that a woman has the right to choose her own spouse. As the living embodiment of Islam, Muhammad's actions reflect the Qur'an's teachings on marriage, even if the actions of some Muslim regimes and individuals do not.

Sadly, in many countries, the imperatives motivating the marriage of young girls are typically economic. In others, they are political. The fact that Iran and Saudi Arabia have both sought to use the saying concerning Aisha's age as a justification for lowering the legal age of marriage tells us a great deal about the patriarchal and oppressive nature of those regimes, and nothing about Muhammad, or the essential nature of Islam. The stridency of those who lend credence to these literalist interpretations by concurring with their warped view of Islam does not help those Muslims who seek to challenge these aberrations.

The Islamophobic depiction of Muhammad's marriage to Aisha as motivated by misplaced desire fits within a broader Orientalist depiction of Muhammad as a philanderer. This idea dates back to the crusades. According to the academic Kecia Ali: "Accusations of lust and sensuality were a regular feature of medieval attacks on the prophet's character and, by extension, on the authenticity of Islam."

Since the early Christians heralded Christ as a model of celibate virtue, Muhammad – who had married several times – was deemed to be driven by sinful lust. This portrayal ignored the fact that before his marriage to Aisha, Muhammad had been married to Khadija, a powerful businesswoman 15 years his senior, for 25 years. When she died, he was devastated and friends encouraged him to remarry. A female acquaintance suggested Aisha, a bright and vivacious character.

Aisha's union would also have cemented Muhammad's longstanding friendship with her father, Abu Bakr. As was the tradition in Arabia (and still is in some parts of the world today), marriage typically served a social and political function – a way of uniting tribes, resolving feuds, caring for widows and orphans, and generally strengthening bonds in a highly unstable and changing political environment. Of the women Muhammad married, the majority were widows. To consider the marriages of the prophet outside of these calculations is profoundly ahistorical.

What the records are clear on is that Muhammad and Aisha had a loving and egalitarian relationship, which set the standard for reciprocity, tenderness and respect enjoined by the Qur'an. Insights into their relationship, such as the fact they liked to drink out of the same cup or race one another, are indicative of a deep connection which belies any misrepresentation of their relationship.

To paint Aisha as a victim is completely at odds with her persona. She was certainly no wallflower. During a controversial battle in Muslim history, she emerged riding a camel to lead the troops. She was known for her assertive temperament and mischievous sense of humour – with Muhammad sometimes bearing the brunt of the jokes. During his lifetime, he established her authority by telling Muslims to consult her in his absence; after his death, she went to be become one of the most prolific and distinguished scholars of her time.

A stateswoman, scholar, mufti, and judge, Aisha combined spirituality, activism and knowledge and remains a role model for many Muslim women today. The gulf between her true legacy and her depiction in Islamophobic materials is not merely historically inaccurate, it is an insult to the memory of a pioneering woman.

Those who manipulate her story to justify the abuse of young girls, and those who manipulate it in order to depict Islam as a religion that legitimises such abuse have more in common than they think. Both demonstrate a disregard for what we know about the times in which Muhammad lived, and for the affirmation of female autonomy which her story illustrates.

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Source: The Guardian

Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips explains the marriage of the Prophet(pbuh) with Aisha(raa)

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Hadith Info: Heart Occupied by Allah

The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) taught us to ask Allah: “O Allah! Make my heart such that it hopes only from You and remove from it any expectations from anyone other than You, so that I don’t hope for anything from anyone other than You.” [Tareekh al-Khulafa lil-Suyooti]

“Allah” is a personal pronoun which means “that entity which possesses all the perfect attributes and is free of all defects.”

I should work on my heart so that it hopes for good only from Allah (azza wa-jal) and fears none but Him. To obtain this blessing, Allah’s Messenger (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) taught us the above mentioned Dua.

When I am convinced that Allah is my owner, the only solver of my problems, the only one who can relieve me of my worries, then will I be able to worship Him as is His right to be worshipped. When I have given Allah my heart, then I can expect from Him that He will free me from dependence on any other than Him, and my calling on Him will not be rejected.

Umar bin al-Khattab (radi Allahu anhu) was one such person who when he invoked Allah’s name what we call “miracles” happened. While Umar was the Khalifa, the king of the Roman Empire, Caesar, sent him a letter saying he was besieged by headaches and requesting him for a cure.

Umar (radi Allahu anhu) sent him his cap and told him that keeping it on his head would make the pain go away. So whenever Caesar would have the cap on his head the pain would go away but when he would take it off the headache would return.

He was very surprised, so out of curiosity he ripped the cap open. He found a piece of paper in it that had “Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem” (In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful) written on it. This deeply affected him, and he said: “Islam is such an exalted religion that a single Ayat of it is a cause for cure; then why shouldn’t the whole religion be a source of salvation?!” And he became a Muslim. [Tafseer al-Kabeer by Imaam Fakhruddin al-Raazi]

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Adhan ALL Over The World Every Minute!

Adhan a miracle? Yes!

*Amazing as it sounds, but fortunately, for the Muslims of the world, it is* an established fact. Have a look at a map of the world and you will find Indonesia on the eastern side of the earth. The major cities of Indonesia are Java, Sumatra, Borneo and Saibil. As soon as dawn breaks on the eastern side of Saibil, at approximately 5:30 am local time, Fajar Adhan begins.

Thousands of Muazzins in Indonesia begin reciting the Adhan. The process advances towards West Indonesia . One and a half hours after the Adhan has been completed in Saibil, it echoes in Jakarta . Sumatra then follows suit and before this auspicious process of calling Adhan ends in Indonesia, it has already begun in Malaysia .

Burma is next in line, and within an hour of its beginning in Jakarta, it reaches Dacca, the capital city of Bangladesh . After Bangladesh , it has already prevailed in western India , from Calcutta to Srinagar . It then advances towards Bombay and the environment of entire India resounds with this proclamation. Srinagar and Sialkot (a north city in Pakistan ) have thesame timing for Adhan. The time difference between Sialkot , Quetta , and Karachi is forty minutes, and within this time, Fajar Adhan is heard throughout Pakistan . Before it ends there, it has already begun in Afghanistan and Muscat .

The time difference between Muscat and Baghdad is one hour. Adhan resounds during this one hour in the environments of Hijaaz-e-Muqaddas (Holycities of Makkah and Madinah), Yemen , United Arab Emirates , Kuwait and Iraq .

The time difference between Baghdad and Alexandria in Egypt is again one hour. Adhan continues to resound in Syria, Egypt, Somalia and Sudan during this hour. The time difference between eastern and western Turkey is one and a half hours, and during this Alexandria and Tripoli (capital of Libya ) are located at one hour's difference. The process of calling Adhan thus  continues throughout the whole of Africa . Therefore, the proclamation of the Tawheed" and "Risaalat" that had begun in Indonesia reaches the Eastern Shore of the Atlantic Ocean after nine and half hours.

Prior to the Adhan reaching the shores of the Atlantic, the process of "Zohar Adhan" has already started in east Indonesia , and before it reaches Dacca , Asr Adhan" has started. This has hardly reached Jakarta one and half hours later, the time of " Maghrib" becomes due, and no sooner has "Maghrib" time reached Sumatra , the time for calling "Isha Adhan" has commenced in Saibil ! When the Muazzins of Indonesia are calling out "Fajar Adhan", the African Muazzins are calling the Adhan for Isha.

If we were to ponder over this phenomenon thoughtfully, we would conclude the amazing fact that there is not even a single moment when hundreds of thousands of Muazzins around the world are not reciting the Adhan on the surface of this earth. Subhaan Allah !!!

Even as you read this material right now, you can be sure there is Adhan somewhere !!!

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Islam Explained

Islam completes the long chain of guidance from God to humanity. Meticulously preserved and thoroughly documented, Islam’s message has a familiar resonance, owing to its shared history and common values, with Abrahamic religions. Additionally, Islam reiterates a return to basic principles of faith: belief in one God, righteous living, and faith in the afterlife. This brochure introduces the central themes of Islam and its core components – with a special focus on our purpose in life and the all-encompassing nature of Islam.

Islam is a faith and comprehensive way of life that literally means ‘peace through submission to God.’ It provides a clear understanding of a person’s relationship with God, purpose in life, and ultimate destiny. A Muslim is someone who adopts the Islamic way of life by believing in the Oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad, peace be upon him (pbuh). Today, Islam is one of the fastest growing religions and is practiced by more than 1.2 billion Muslims across the world.

The most essential principle in Islam is the purely monotheistic belief in one God. God is the Creator of everything in the universe and is unique from His creation. Muslims are encouraged to develop a direct and personal relationship with God without any intermediaries. Muslims often refer to God as Allah, which simply means “God” in the Arabic language. Arabic-speaking Jews and Christians also refer to God as Allah. God describes Himself in the holy book of Muslims, the Quran (also spelled ‘Koran’), by stating:

“Say, ‘He is God the One, God the eternal. He begot no one nor was He begotten. No one is comparable to Him.’” [Quran 112:1-4].

A Universal Faith

Islam is the culmination of the universal message of God taught by all of His prophets. Muslims believe that a prophet was chosen for every nation at some point in their history, enjoining them to worship God alone and delivering guidance on how to live peacefully with others. Some of the prophets of God include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, peace be upon them all. The prophets all conveyed the consistent divine message of worshiping one God, along with specific societal laws for each nation’s circumstances.

However, after the prophets delivered the divine guidance to their people, their message was lost, abandoned, or changed over time, with only parts of the original message intact. God then sent another prophet to rectify their beliefs. In order to restore the original call of all prophets, God sent Muhammad (pbuh) as the final prophet to all of humanity in the 7th century C.E.

In 610 C.E., Angel Gabriel visited Muhammad (pbuh) with the first divine message. For the next 23 years, he continued to receive revelations until the message was completed. Muhammad (pbuh) called people towards the belief in one God and encouraged them to be just and merciful to one another. He was a living example of God’s guidance for the benefit of the entire humankind.

“Then We revealed to you [Muhammad], ‘Follow the creed of Abraham, a man of pure faith who was not an idolater.’” [Quran, 16:123]

Muslims also believe that God sent revealed books as guidance to humanity through His prophets. These include the Torah given to Moses, the Gospel conferred upon Jesus, and the Quran received by Muhammad (pbuh). The Quran is the last revelation from God, consisting of God’s literal speech. It confirms truths from the previous scriptures and maintains the same core message of worshiping God and living righteously. God has ensured that the Quran is protected from corruption, safeguarding it for all of humanity to benefit from until the end of time. It is the only holy book that has been meticulously preserved in its original text.

Purpose of Life

Islam clearly addresses one of the most central and challenging questions in human history: “What is the purpose of life?” God declares in the Quran, “And I did not create … mankind except to worship Me.” [Quran 51:56] For Muslims, the purpose of life is to worship God, the Creator of all things. Worship in Islam is a comprehensive concept that urges people to be conscious of God throughout their daily lives and provides a framework to help people live a balanced and virtuous life.

This way of life promotes strong moral character, good relations with people, and just and harmonious societies. Devoting one’s self to a life of submission to God is the key to attaining a true sense of peace because it produces a balance of spiritual needs with worldly affairs. It also lends special meaning to the concept of living one’s life responsibly, aware of the accountability to come in the hereafter.

Belief in the Day of Judgment is extremely important in Islam. This event will signal the transition between the temporary life of this world to the eternal life in the hereafter. On that day, people will be resurrected and held accountable for their deeds in life, which will determine their eternal destination in Heaven or Hell. Many verses in the Quran describe the events on the Day of Judgment in great detail and give a description of Heaven and Hell.

Worship in Islam

Worship in Islam is woven into the daily life of a Muslim and is not confined to a holy place. The fundamental aspects of worship in Islam are encompassed within five pillars, which enable Muslims to cultivate their relationship with God.

1. Testimony of Faith (Shahadah): The first of the five basic foundations is knowingly and voluntarily asserting that, “There is nothing worthy of worship except God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.” This statement is the basis of faith in Islam, affirming that no partners can be associated with God and Muhammad is His final prophet. As a result of this belief, Muslims seek guidance in life through God’s revelation (the Quran) and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

2. Prayer (Salah): Muslims are required to pray five times a day to maintain a spiritual connection with God and remind themselves of their ultimate purpose in life. Through sincerity, repentance, and direct prayer to God, Muslims strive to establish a personal spiritual relationship with their Creator all throughout the day. This prayer includes physical motions of bowing and prostrating, which were also performed by Jesus, Moses, and the prophets before them.

3. Charity (Zakah): This is an annual charity given to the poor. Muslims must give 2.5% of their yearly savings to help the poor, the needy, and the oppressed. Charity is one of the vital sources of social welfare in Islam, encouraging a just society where everyone’s basic needs are provided for.

4. Fasting (Sawm): Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar, by refraining from eating, drinking, and sexual interaction from dawn to sunset. It is an act of self-restraint and spiritual cleansing that increases one’s empathy for the less fortunate and enables one to consciously control bad habits such as foul language, idle talk, and anger. Fasting also helps people develop strong willpower as they overcome the essential desires of their body and the damaging acts of their tongue.

5. Pilgrimage (Hajj): The pilgrimage (journey) to Mecca is an act that every Muslim must perform once in their life if they are physically and financially able. It symbolizes the unity of humankind as Muslims from every race and nationality assemble together in equality to worship God, following the traditions of Prophet Abraham.

A Holistic Approach

These primary acts of worship urge individuals to fulfill their purpose in life by becoming more conscious of God and serving the practical needs of society. However, worship is not limited to simply completing these acts. Islam promotes a holistic approach to worship that encompasses spreading justice and compassion in the world through one’s daily interactions with people. Smiling at someone, visiting the sick, and defending an innocent person who is being oppressed are all considered acts of worship as well. These forms of worship exemplify the importance of good manners in Islam. Muhammad (pbuh) once said, “The best among you are those who have the best character.”

Islam has a practical approach to living that positively transforms people’s individual connection to God and fellow humans. Islam offers guidance on all matters of life, including one’s diet, manners, and social relationships. God tells Muslims to eat everything “good and pure” while adhering to simple dietary restrictions such as avoidance of pork, alcohol and anything slaughtered in the name of other than God.

When it comes to dressing and behavior, modesty and humility are ordained for both men and women. Muhammad (pbuh) has stated, “Every religion has an essential character and the essential character of Islam is modesty.”

Parental obedience and dutifulness is integral to Islam. Men and women are to sanctify their relations in a marital contract, taking their spousal roles and family units seriously. Raising children who are morally upright and responsible participants in their communities is also a significant obligation. The preservation of family ties is a fundamental principle of Islam, along with kind treatment of orphans, widows, travelers, and neighbors. Professional and philanthropic contributions to one’s society are encouraged in order to nurture individual and collective success.

God calls on people to remember Him in all of their actions and purify their hearts so that they can live a truly balanced life. Spirituality in Islam is about nurturing tolerance, kindness, control, righteousness, and forgiveness while shunning arrogance, pride, ego, anger and selfishness. This spirituality and God-consciousness should be reflected in a person’s interactions with other people. Therefore, Islam stresses the importance of treating people with respect, mercy, and dignity.

In conclusion, Islam is not a new way of life; rather, it maintains the same message God sent to humanity through all of His messengers. Islam teaches people how to have a meaningful relationship with God, without any intermediaries, and how to reform their souls, beautify their character, and be part of a vibrant, healthy community. Through this message, God encourages individuals to draw closer to Him and fulfill their purpose in life.

“Is it not time for believers to humble their hearts to the remembrance of God and the Truth that has been revealed?” [Quran, 57:16]

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Hadith Info: Manner of Advising

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “O Umar! You are a strong person. Do not jostle through the crowds to reach the black stone lest you injure the weak. If you find an opening, then touch it, otherwise simply face it and utter Tahleel and Takbeer (laa ilaaha illallaah and Allaahu akbar).” [Musnad Ahmad]

On one occasion the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi was a sallam) noticed that Umar (radi Allahu anhu) was making Tawaf around the Kaabah and as he wished to touch the black stone, he jostled through the crowds and kissed it. Umar (radi Allahu anhu) was very muscular and strong and on his way to the black stone he could have harmed someone. The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) wanted to advise him in this regard, so in order to mentally prepare him for advice he started by saying, “O Umar, you are a strong person.” Umar (radi Allahu anhu) became pleased upon hearing this. The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) then said, “Do not jostle through the crowds to reach the black stone.”

There was once a king who saw in a dream that all his teeth had fallen out. He called a dream-interpreter, told him what he had seen, and asked him to interpret it.

When the interpreter heard the dream his complexion changed and he began to repeat, “Allah’s refuge is sought! Allah’s refuge is sought!” The king became worried and asked, “What is the interpretation of my dream?” The interpreter said, “After many years pass, your wife and children will die and you will be all alone in your kingdom!”

The king screamed, became furious, and began to hurl abuses and insults. He then ordered that the interpreter be imprisoned and called for another interpreter. He again related to him what he had seen in his dream and asked him for the interpretation.

The dream interpreter smiled and said, “Glad tidings dear king!” The king said, “What is the interpretation of the dream?” The interpreter said, “It means that you will live for very long – so long that you will be the last of your family to die, and you will remain a king your entire life.”

The king became very pleased, showered him with gifts, and remained content with him whilst angry with the first dream-interpreter. In reality, both interpretations were the same, the difference was in the way in which the interpretation was conveyed.

A man’s flesh is not fit for eating nor is his skin fit for clothing – there is nothing in him except the sweetness of his tongue.

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Terrorism - A Talk with a Christian Friend

Q. Do you claim that Islam is a religion of PEACE?

A. Of course. The very name “Islam” means PEACE.

Q. Then how is it that there have been so many wars in Islamic history?

A. Islam seeks global peace. But vested interests place hurdles in this way. So Islam has to fight to remove these hurdles. It is a sort of defensive offensive, not a war in the usual sense.

“They (infidels) wish to extinguish Allah’s Light with blowing their breath. And Allah shall (in any case) bring His Light to perfection, even if the unbelievers dislike it (61:8)”. This has to be done through people. So Allah enjoins Muslims to fight those people who create hurdles in the path of creating a peaceful and just society. But “Only till opposition ceases and the word of Allah prevails. Then if they stop fighting there is no aggression except against the oppressors (Verse 2:193)

Q. Is it true to say that Islam spread by the sword?

A. Not at all. This notion was spread by some Westerners. Quran says, “There is no compulsion (or force) in matter or religion” (2:256). It urges use of wisdom and politeness. “Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious” (16.125).

Q. It is commonly believed that Islam teaches hatred towards non-Muslim. How far is it true?

A. Islam is very tolerant religion. It forbids even suspecting all foreigners to be Unbeliever. “O ye who believe! when ye go abroad in the cause of Allah investigate carefully and say not to anyone who offers you a salutation: "Thou art none of a believer!" (4.94). “With regard to those who do not fight you for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes Allah does not prohibit you from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loves those who are just.”(60.8)

Q. Does Islam believe in Tit for Tat (retaliation)?

A. Of course. Islam prefers forgiveness at individual level but ’Tit for tat’ at national level. “In retaliation lies your survival, O people of wisdom”. But any access in retaliation is to be avoided. “Oppress them to the extent they oppress you, and fear Allah (against exceeding limit) (2:194). In war Islam allows ‘Tit for Tat’ -- “But if the enemy incline towards peace then you (also) incline towards peace” (8:61).

Q. What is Islam’s stand on infighting?

A. Peace at any cost. “If two parties among the Believers fall into a quarrel make ye peace between them: but if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other then fight ye (all) against the one that transgresses until it complies with the command of Allah; but if it complies then make peace between them with justice and be fair: for Allah loves those who are fair (and just)” (49:9)

Q. Once started should fighting be continued to its logical end?

A. In Islam fighting is not for revenge but for peace. “So, if they withdraw from you and fight you not, and (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace then Allah hath opened no way for you (to continue war).(4:90). Once the goal of Peace is achieved there is no sense in continuing warfare.

Q. What is the concept of Jehad in Islam?

A. The word Jehad originally means “struggle”. Technically “war or fighting” aggressive infidels is also called “Jehad” because it is also a struggle against those who place hurdles in the way of establishing global peace. For ‘fighting’ (battle) the word ‘qital’ is used. Jehad is made obligatory on Muslims (when necessary) for self defense. “Permission (for Jehad) is granted to the Believers who are forced to fight, because they have been oppressed…those who have been turned out of homes simply because they say “Our Lord is Allah” (22:39). War for any worldly goal (expansion of political or economic power) is not Jehad. In Jehad the motive must be to promote Allah’s cause (peace and justice).

Q. What does Islam say about Fundamentalism?

A. Basically, Fundamentalism means ‘sticking to ‘fundamentals of any religion. In this sense the Jews, the Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims can be fundamentalists. But sadly, the term ‘Fundamentalists’ has been linked to militant Muslim extremists who indulge in disruptive activities in the name of Jehad. That’s not true. Islam does not allow disruptive activities.

Q. It is maintained that Islam promotes Terrorism. How far is this true?

A. Let me remove this misunderstanding. But please ask questions about particular activities that constitute Terrorism, so that I may answer them in detail.

Q. Okay, what about killing innocent persons. It is said that Islam does not attach much importance to human life. How’s it?

A. Islam condemns all unlawful killings. Referring to the first murder of Abel by his brother Cain Quran says, “For this We enjoined upon the Children of Israel (and this includes Jews, Christians and Muslims) that whosoever kills one person (unlawfully, or without his causing disruption in the land) it is like killing the whole of mankind, and whosoever protects life to one person it is like giving life to whole mankind“.(5:39). As regards value of Life Islam even prohibits unnecessary killing of animals much less humans. Islam places highest value on human Life, allowing even eating of Pork when inevitable for survival. Even during war Islam prohibits killing of women, children, old persons, non-militants and even destroying crops and property.

Q. What about suicide bombing?

A. Suicide for any purpose is prohibited in Islam. Quran says, “Do not put yourself to destruction with your own hands” (2:195). A Tradition of the Prophet Muhammad says, “And if somebody commits suicide with anything in this world, he will be tortured with that very thing on the Day of Resurrection.” Suicide bombing involves killing oneself as well as others. So it is doubly condemned.

Q. What about setting fire to property?

A. Quran condemns those ‘terrorists’ who destroy crops and annihilate species. “And when he (a terrorist) goes away from you he tries to create disruption in the land and to destroy crops and species. And Allah does not like disruption” (2:205). As regards burning down living things a Tradition of the Prophet condemns killing living things by fire.

Q. And what about firing or bombing at mosques, marketplaces, buses etc. ?

A. Quran condemns such cowardly acts. “And who is more unjust than he who forbids (or prevents) that in places for the worship of Allah Allah's name should be celebrated? Their zeal is (in fact) to ruin them? (2.114)

Killing innocent persons in market places or buses is open murder and stands condemned.

Q. What if enemy provokes you to fight?

A. I would again say that at individual level patience and forgiveness is advised, But at the national level the provocative challenge must be accepted. No weakness is to be shown.

Q. Anything else you would like to say?

A. I would like to add that in condemning evil Islam goes farther than the concept of Terrorism. It uses the term “fasaad” (disruption) for all kinds of evil deeds that disrupt individual, social or national peace. It includes disruption of peace by invading powers, it includes conspiracies and plots against powers of Peace and Justice. It includes destruction. It includes exploitative abuse of power. It includes placing hurdles in the way of Peace and Justice. It includes anything that hampers establishing Peace and Justice in the land. It includes law-breaking. True Muslims are far away from “disruptive” acts. “Shall we make those who Believe and do good deeds like those who create disturbance in the land”(38:28). Unfortunately Islam’s high ideal of Peace and Justice is hampered by prejudices and biases. And the clash of values gives rise to all disturbances. “There has arisen a tumult in land and in sea because of what people do.” (30:41). These disruptive tendencies have to be checked (through peaceful or militant struggle) because “If that’s not done there would result greater disturbance and tumult in the land” (8:72).

Q. What message would you like to give to the West?

A. I would like to repeat that Islam is a religion of Peace. Westerners should not be carried away by false propaganda against Islam or Muslims. True that there is an element of terrorism among the Muslim community. But so it is in any other religion. If some followers of a religion violate its teachings the blame lies on the followers not on the religion. How many Christians practice the peaceful edict of Bible: ’if someone slaps you on one cheek turn the other cheek also towards him’? And still no one will deny that Christianity teaches LOVE and PEACE. The same approach should be adopted when forming an opinion about Islam.

by Dr. Irshad Arshed

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Don't delay your prayers

There were only 15 minutes left before Salat-ul Isha.

He quickly made Wudhu and performed Salat-ul Maghrib.

While making Tasbih, he again remembered his grandmother and was embarrassed by how he had prayed.

His grandmother prayed with such tranquillity and peace.

He began making Dua and went down to make Sajdah and stayed like that  for a while.

He had been at work all day and was tired, so tired.

He awoke abruptly to the sound of noise and shouting.

He was sweating profusely.

He looked around.

It was very crowded.

Every direction he looked in was filled with people.

Some stood frozen looking around, some were running left and right and some were on their knees with their heads in their hands just waiting.

Pure fear and apprehension filled him as he realized where he was.

His heart was about to burst.

It was the Day of Judgment.

When he was alive, he had heard many things about the questioning on the Day of Judgment, but that seemed so long ago..

Could this be something his mind made up?

No, the wait and the fear were so great that he could not have imagined this.

The interrogation was still going on.

He began moving frantically from people to people to ask if his name had been called.

No one could answer him.

All of a sudden his name was called and the crowd split into two and  made a passageway for him.

Two angels grabbed his arms and led him forward.

He walked with unknowing eyes through the crowd.

The angels brought him to the centre and left him there.

His head was bent down and his whole life was passing in front of his eyes like a movie.

He opened his eyes but saw only another world.

The people were all helping others.

He saw his father running from one lecture to the other, spending his wealth in the way of Islam.

His mother invited guests to their house and one table was being set while the other was being cleared.

He pleaded his case,

‘I too was always on this path..

I helped others.

I spread the word of Allah.

I performed my Salah.

I fasted in the month of Ramadhan.

Whatever Allah ordered us to do, I did.

Whatever he ordered us not to do, I did not.’

He began to cry and think about how much he loved Allah.

He knew that whatever he had done in life would be less than what Allah deserved and his only protector was Allah He was sweating like never before and was shaking all over.

His eyes were fixed on the scale, waiting for the final decision.

At last, the decision was made.

The two angels with sheets of paper in their hands, turned to the crowd.

His legs felt like they were going to collapse.

He closed his eyes as they began

To read the names of those people who were to enter Jahannam.

His name was read first.

He fell on his knees and yelled that this couldn’t be,

‘How could I go to Jahannam?

I served others all my life,

I spread the word of Allah to others’.

His eyes had become blurry and he was shaking with sweat.

The two angels took him by the arms.

As his feet dragged, they went through the crowd and advanced toward the blazing flames of Jahannam.

He was yelling and wondered if there was any person who was going to  help him.

He was yelling of all the good deeds he had done, how he had helped his father, his fasts, prayers, the Noble Qur’an that he read, he was asking if none of them would help him.

The Jahannam angels continued to drag him.

They had gotten closer to the Hellfire.

He looked back and these were his last pleas.

Had not Rasulullah [SAW] said,

‘How clean would a person be who bathes in a river five times a day,  so too does the Salah performed five times cleanse someone of their sins’?

He began yelling,

‘My prayers? My prayers? My prayers.?’

The two angels did not stop, and they came to the edge of the abyss of Jahannam.

The flames of the fire were burning his face.

He looked back one last time, but his eyes were dry of hope and he had nothing left in him.

One of the angels pushed him in.

He found himself in the air and falling towards the flames.

He had just fallen five or six feet when a hand grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back.

He lifted his head and saw an old man with a long white beard.

He wiped some dust off himself and asked him,

‘Who are you?’

The old man replied,

‘I am your prayers’.

‘Why are you so late! I was almost in the Fire!

You rescued me at the last minute before I fell in’.

The old man smiled and shook his head,

‘You always performed me at the last minute, did you forget?’

At that instant, he blinked and lifted his head from Sajdah.

He was in a sweat.

He listened to the voices coming from outside.

He heard the Adhan for Salat-ul Isha.

He got up quickly and went to perform Wudhu.

--
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Two Blessings: GOOD HEALTH & FREE TIME

The Prophet states in a Hadith: “There are two blessings in which most people are in great loss: good health and free time.” Most unfortunate is he who does not recognize these blessings and bounties and is not thankful for them.

Many of us have had or have good health and free time. However how many of us can answer with a true heart that we used these two blessings the way that they are meant to be used or have showed appreciation towards the Almighty the way we should have?

The Almighty has not given us this good health to waste, He has given health and time to us for a purpose; that we worship him the way He is meant to be worshipped, to spread His religion and to call people towards Islam; and to help humanity who are in dire need of help.

Then again, how many of us have put this good health to use? How many of us have worshipped Allah the way he is meant to be worshipped? How many of us have helped the religion of Islam? How many of us have thanked Almighty Allah for the good health that he has blessed us with? These are all questions that we should ponder upon.

As the saying goes, “The only time you realize the value of a gift is when you lose it.” By the time we realize the value of these special gifts bestowed upon us, we would probably have lost them by then. Then no matter how much regret we have, they will never come back.

Think about our free time. How many hours are spent sitting in front of the television? How many hours are wasted merely listening or watching a game of football? Imagine how much we could have worshipped the Creator and attained his pleasure and high status in the Hereafter. Have we no value for this time?

The Prophet has said in a Hadith: “Take advantage of five conditions before five others: youth before old age; good health before sickness; free time before you become occupied; wealth before poverty; and life before death.”

This is a true story written by Ansar Sheikh. It may change your life, your way of thinking and your aims in life. It is a story of a man from Bahrain named Ibrahim Nasser. He has been paralyzed completely since birth and can only move his head and fingers. Even his breathing is done with the help of instruments.

It was the wish of this young man to meet Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi. So Ibrahim’s father spoke to the Sheikh on the phone in order to arrange a visit to Ibrahim. Ibrahim was very happy to see Sheikh Nabil open the door to his room. We can only see his happiness from his expression as he is unable to speak. The moment Sheikh Nabil entered Ibrahim’s room, Ibrahim was filled with joy. The Sheikh kissed him on the forehead.

Thus Sheikh Nabil and Ibrahim started talking about Da’wah on the internet and the striving it requires. They also exchanged some stories. And during their conversation, Sheikh Nabil asked Ibrahim a question. A question that made Ibrahim weep… and tears rolled down Ibrahim’s cheek. Ibrahim could not help but weep when he remembered some painful memories. Sheikh Nabil wipes the tears from Ibrahim’s face.

Do you know what question it was that made Ibrahim weep? The Sheikh asked: “Oh Ibrahim! If Allah had given you health, what would you have done?” And thus Ibrahim wept bitterly and he made the Sheikh, his father, his uncle and everyone in the room weep … even the camera man wept.

And his answer was: “By Allah! I would have performed my Salah (prayer) in the Masjid (mosque) with joy. I would have used the favor of health in everything that would please Allah Almighty.”

***

This free time of ours should be spent in the remembrance of the Almighty. In the Hereafter, the people of Paradise will regret all the free time they wasted in the world for they could have achieved a higher status in Paradise.

"By (the Token of) time (through the Ages), Verily Man is in loss,  Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy." Quran 103:1-3

Allah has favored us with health and leisure but we do not perform our acts of worship on time. We sit for hours in front of the computer or TV. Do not waste time. Every second that passes by will never come back. We have to put all this time into good use.

May we have the ability to spend our free time worshipping Allah Almighty. Amin.

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Poem: This world is an open prison

This world where in

is a cage more like a zoo we live in

we should be a hive that thrives to make honey and work as a team

but we kill our selves each year and point our headsthe to the lazer beam

this world we'll once come to an end

where your souls will be sent back where it began.

time goes fast because it's in a race

a race that will end quicker than you thought

today your born tommoro you have your son 

the next day you are with your grandkids the other you're gone

it's easy three steps to this world, so my dear brothers and sister 

stay close to the book of God where your safe

FOR THAT WE ARE A PRISONER OF THE WORLD AND A SALVE TO ALLAH

-by  Murdersozzy-

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