I heard that Mass has been offered inside the Dome of the Rock! During the Crusades, the Crusaders converted the Dome of the Rock into a Church and was entrusted to Augustinian priests. I haven't been able to find out how long it functioned as a Church. Does anyone know?

<b>Indeed, all praise is for Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'ala. We praise Him, we seek His help, we seek His forgiveness, and we seek refuge in Allaah from the evils of our souls and our evil actions. Whosoever Allaah guides then none can misguide and whosoever Allaah misguides then none can guide aright. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah alone, having no partners, and I bear witness that Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam is His servant and Messenger. </b>


My dear brothers & sisters in Islam, no doubt, it will not have escaped your attention that there are some muslims who want to keep this Muslim nation focused on poletics and whats in the news etc. A conference some time go was convened by a group of misguided brothers to discuss, once again, the current political climate in the Middle East, Israel, and the Muslim world as a whole. Declarations were set to be made regarding the leaders of our nations, and the causes of our downfall. Yet although the event was cancelled at the last minute, the misguided understanding and false notions that groups such as these maintain, hold many dangers for our communities. It is especially dangerous for the young and enthusiastic ones from amongst us, who, although sincere are open to be deceived by the people of empty speech, empty slogans, and little understanding of the Qur aan and Sunnah. Thus, while most of us have heard their rantings about our current political situation, let us consider this small excerpt from Shaykh, 'Alee Hasan al-Halabee concerning this subject:


" And it is obligatory to know an unchanging Sharee'ah principle which will produce a certainty that will open up our intellects and awaken us to the true realities of the state of our affairs, and it is this that whatever calamities have befallen us, or that now befall us, or will befall us, then it is because of what our own hands have earned: and because of our falling short with regards to fulfilling the obligations of our Deen. As Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'ala says in the Qur aan:


"Whatever calamity and misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your own hands have earned" (Soorah ash-Shooraa 42:30) and


"Whatever evil befalls you, it is from your own self" (Soorah an-Nisaa 4:79)


Unfortunately, some of the du'aat (callers) have become accustomed to blaming the enemies for any and every misfortune and subjection which the Muslims face. Yet this not only contradicts the Divine manhaj and clear Prophetic guidance, but it also contains grave and evil consequences and results in a number of negative attitudes, and from them:


(i) It contradicts the Book and the Sunnah in its analysis of the present state of affairs, since Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'ala placed the blame of the defeat at the battles of Uhud and Hunayn upon the Muslims themselves, even though it was the kaafirs (disbelievers) who did what they did: "Indeed Allaah did fulfil His Promise to you, when you were killing your enemies by His permission; until you lost your courage, disagreed over what was commanded, and disobeyed" (Soorah al-'Imraan 3:152), and "On the day of Hunayn, when you rejoiced at your great numbers, it availed you nothing" (Soorah at-Tawbah 9:25).


(ii) It contains an over-estimation of the power of the kaafirs in the soul of the Muslims - which only further increases the Muslims in their weakness.


(iii) It contains a declaration of the purity of ones own soul, since it implies that we have fulfilled the conditions for victory to be granted to us, and deserve to be given establishment upon the earth - even though the kaafirs still have the upper hand over us. With such a negative attitude we will neglect to cultivate our souls and neglect to take account of our own selves, just as it will lead to another grave and serious attitude, which is:


(iv) A suspicion that Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'ala has not kept His Promise to grant victory to the Muslims, and that the kaafirs have managed to overcome the order of Allaah. And concerning this, Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'ala tells us: "The promise of Allaah is true. And who is more truthful in speech than Allaah" (Soorah an-Nisaa 4:122).


(v) This matter sprouts from weakness of Yaqeen (certainty of faith) in Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'aala and a weakness of ones tawakkul (reliance) upon Him. And the fact that the blame for what has befallen the Muslims lies upon themselves does not mean that we free the kaafir from any blame in what they do to the Muslims, since this is one thing and that is another. This is proved by the fact that when we were informed by Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'aala about the causes for the defeat at Uhud, this did not imply that Allaah freed them from any blame for what they did to the Muslims.


So the true understanding of siyaasah (politics, as defined by the Sharee'ah) is to recognise your own condition, and that you look after the affairs of the Ummah: and that you truly understand your state of affairs - calling the people and those near to you. Anything other than this is lies, nonsense, hollow speech and the following of desires, since it is in contradiction to the Guidance laid down by the Lord of the Heavens, and a deviation from the Manhaj of the Prophets, and far removed from the path taken by the callers who are upon the ways of guidance. However, as regards to those who gasp and pant after hollow politics and scurry behind the current affairs - which are both empty and repetitive - then it is precisely this which is plotted for us by the enemies of this Ummah so that they can divert the Muslim youth away from their true position, and turn them away from their principle obligation, and distance them away from their primary goal, which is the worship of Allaah, subhaanahu wa ta'aala.

<b>The Mathhab of Imaam Ahmad (</b>May Allah have mercy on him) was such that if the Salaf differed on a particular issue and there was no conclusive, solid or definite text to support it, then he considered all positions regarded by the Salaf therein to be valid and applicable, and this was due to the fact that Imaam Ahmad highly regarded, respected and revered the statements of the Sahabah.


No doubt this opinion of Imaam Ahmad is more preferable and more likely to bring about unification between the Muslims. For from amongst the people are those who take these issues in which the ‘Ulamaa differ, issues which are legislatively prone to discrepancy and there is nothing inappropriate about differing in them as they are issues which the legislation of Islam has allowed such differing to take place, but they take these issues and use them as a means to cause discord and separation amongst the Muslims. Rather you find one of them would go as far as to say that his brother is astray in relation to an issue that he himself may actually be the one who is astray!! This is an affliction during these times that we live in, along with the fact that there is a lot of good going on as well as cooperation amongst the brothers and a sense of Islamic awareness and awakening. What they are doing is likely to destroy this awakening.


Every time a brother from amongst us opposes another in an issue which there is actually no definite or solid text but one follows the Ijtihaad of the ‘Ulamaa he warns against his brother, makes imprudent statements, accusations and speaks out against him due to the position he has taken which opposes his opinion!! This is what those who have an agenda against Islam and against this Islamic awakening take pleasure in, and they feel as though they don't have to exert any effort in destroying Islam because they have from amongst the Muslims those who will do it for them!! May Allah place discord between them!


This Fitnah has even reached the point that some people would even hate their brother in the religion more than he hates the major sinner or the one who is openly rebellious and transgresses the limits set by Allaah, and Allaah's refuge is sought. There is no doubt that this type of behavior damages this Ummah and it is imperative for the students of knowledge to understand that this is detrimental and disappointing to all of us.


I will ask you: Did any revelation come to you from Allaah informing you that the position which you chose is correct?


If no revelation came to him to inform him of this, then how is it that he can be so convinced that his position is the correct position?! He doesn't know, perhaps his brother who opposed him and took a different position could be the one who is actually correct and he himself is the one who is astray!! And most of the time this is the case.


Revelation has ceased during these times but the Qur'an and the Sunnah are available right here in front of us, and if in fact the matter is one where it is appropriate for the student to use his Ijtihad then we should pardon and excuse one another in relation to his Ijtihad. There is no problem with them debating the issue amongst themselves in a manner appropriate for students of knowledge, but I would prefer that they do so privately due to the fact that if they do so publicly then those on the outside looking in may carry something in their chests which may not actually be in the chests of the two directly involved, and perhaps they may come to an agreement amongst themselves but others may not want it to end in that manner so they make it impossible for the two to agree and end on good terms because of personal agendas they may have within themselves. And they allow the Shaytaan to sow discord between them and we remain as we started steeped in affliction and Fitnah.


So may Allaah reward Imaam Ahmad for this particular Minhaj and for setting a standard for us to follow and emulate which is: <b>if there is no definite and convincing evidence from the Qur'an, the Sunnah and the Ijmaa'a (i.e. consensus) amongst the Sahabah in a particular matter, which is initially appropriate for one to follow what he deems to be most correct, then all positions of the ‘Ulamaa involved are valid and it is permissible for the individual to follow what he deems closest to the truth from them, and no one should find fault with the position of the other.</b>

Bismillah:


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- Funny how a $20 bill looks so big when you take it to the Mosque, but so small when you take it to the market.



- Funny how long it takes to do Zikr for an hour, but how quickly a team plays 60 minutes of basketball.


- Funny how long a couple of hours spent at the Mosque are, but how short they are when watching a movie.


- Funny how we can't think of anything to say when we pray, but don't have difficulty thinking of things to talk about to a friend.


- Funny how we get thrilled when a baseball game goes into extra innings, but we complain when a "Tarahvi" during Ramadhan is longer than the regular time.


- Funny how hard it is to read a Para in the Quran, but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a best selling novel.


- Funny how people want to get a front seat at any game or concert, but scramble to get a back row at mosque so that they can scramble out fast.


- Funny how we need 2 or 3 weeks advance notice to fit a Mosque event into our schedule, but can adjust our schedule for other events at the last moment.


- Funny how hard it is for people learn a simple Preaching well enough to tell others, but how simple it is for the same people to understand and repeat gossip.


- Funny how we believe what the newspaper says, but question what the Quran says.


- Funny how everyone wants to go to heaven provided they do not have to believe, or to think, or to say, or do anything.


- Funny how you can send a thousand 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding Allah, people think twice about sharing.


FUNNY, ISN'T IT?


Are you laughing? Are you thinking?


Give thanks to Allah for He is good & Mercifull!


By Sister Zarina


SOURCE

<b>The wise man does not argue...</b>



al-Hasan (al-Basree) said:


((The wise man does not argue or seek to overcome with stratagem rather he propagates his wisdom. If it is accepted he praises Allaah and if it is rejected he praises Allaah)).


Reported by Abu Nu`aim ibn Hammaad in his Zawaa'id `alaz-Zuhd libnil Mubaarak (no. 30) and Ibn Battah in Ibaanatul-Kubraa (no. 611)

How are you this day. I wanted to explain to you the reality of matters pertaining to your question in a way which if you keep an open mind may increse you in your interest in Islam. But Our faith has guidelines that we must follow. Keep in mind that as Muslims we believe that When the last prophet Muhammad was sent, there were Christians around and he came in contact with them. Islam is a divinely reveled faith. thus Allah says in the Qur'an."<b>Allaah does not forbid you to be kind and just with those who have neither made war on your religion nor driven you from your homes. Allaah loves those who are just and equitable}, [soorah al-Mumtahinah, Aayah 8].</b>A person's dealings with others falls into one of three


categories


1. He deals with them fairly and justly;


2. He deals with them fairly and justly;


3. He deals with them unjustly.


Dealing with people unjustly is prohibited. Even with the rights of non-Muslims, it is not permitted for you to deal with them unjustly and with oppression. Ibn Qayyim (Rah) when commenting on the words of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam):


((If the people of the Book give Salaam upon you, then answer them by saying, And upon you)) says, "This is if they say, 'As-Salaam' in a way which is not clear and it is possible and likely that they in fact said: "As- which means "poison". However, if they say, "As-Salaamu 'alaykum" clearly, then you should reply by saying, "Wa 'alaykum as-Salaam" also in a clear manner.


Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) says:


{If you are greeted by anyone, then reply with a better greeting or at least return the same greeting}, [ Soorah an-Nisaa, Aayah 86].


This is what justice calls for. However, the reason for the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) saying:


((If the people of the Book give as-Salaam upon you, then answer them by saying, And upon you)) is made clear in a hadeeth narrated by ibn 'Umar. The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:


((The People of the Book say, "As-Saam 'alaykum" (May you be poisoned) so if the People of the Book give as-Salaam upon you, then reply by saying, 'Wa 'alaykum)) (And upon you.). And so the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) clarified the reason for this ruling.


Therefore, if they say distinctly, "As-Salaam" there is no objection for you to reply clearly, "Wa 'alaykum as-Salaam". If they congratulate us or give us best wishes, we can return the greeting to them. However, to give them best wishes on the occasion of their religious festivals is completely forbidden. It is prohibited, for example, to give them best wishes at Christmas or on the occasion of any other of their festivals because to wish them well by affirming their festivals of disbelief is to be contented and happy that these are their festivals. In the same way that it is prohibited to wish them good health over a drink of wine or any other prohibited subsume, it is also forbidden to wish them well by affirming their religious rites.


The matter of responding to their invitations is something that needs elaboration. If there is benefit in it and it is an opportunity to invite to Islaam, then there is no objection to it. The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) responded to an invitation of a Jew, who gave him bread, barley and dissolved fat. It is, however, something that we as Muslims must be very cautious about. Friendship and love for them, inclining to them and being content with their disbelief is not permitted because the need to have a sound and pure heart is extremely important for Muslims. The heart if it inclines to them or becomes content with their disbelief is in great danger.


For this reason, Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) says:


{You will not find a people who believe in Allaah and the Last Day being friendly with those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger, even though they are their fathers, sons, brothers, close relatives or from their own tribe}, [soorah al-Mujaadalah, Aayah 8].

<b>Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum</b>

<b>1. Covering ALL Of The Body </b>


It is an agreed position by many respected scholars that the face and hands of the woman must be covered. Some scholars say it is permissible to uncover the face and the hands of the woman as long as there is no fitna (infatuation) caused by this action. Two things must be taken into consideration


a) if she is beautiful and beautifies her face and hands with external substances, or


B) the society around her is corrupt where men do not lower their gaze, then it is prohibited for her to uncover her face and hands.


On the authority of the wife of the prophet (pbuh), Umm Salama (RA) said:


"When the verse was revealed that they should cast their outer garments over their bodies' was revealed, the women of Ansar came out as if they had crows over their heads by wearing outer garments.


<b>2.The hijab must not be a display (Tabbaaruj)</b>


The hijab itself must not be a display. Allaah ordained it so as to cover the beauty of women and not for showing off. Allaah (swt) says `And not show of their adornment except only that which is apparent.' (S24:31).


AND


`And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance.' (S33:33).


It is in no way logical that the hijab itself be a source of display.


<b>3. The hijab must not be transparent The purpose of wearing hijab must be achieved.</b> In order for the hijab to be a cover, it must not be made of transparent material making the woman covered only by name, while in reality she is naked. The prophet (pbuh) is quoted as saying: "In the latest part of my Ummah (nation of Muslims) there shall be women who would be naked in spite of being dressed, they have their hair high like the humps of the Bukht camel, curse them, for they are cursed. They will not enter Al-Jannah and would not even perceive its odor, although it's fragrance can be perceived from a distance of 500 years travelling by camel" This indicates that a woman could cause herself a grave and destructive sin if she puts on a garment that is thin and transparent and which clearly shapes her body's features.


<b>4.Hijab must be roomy, and not tight.</b>


The hijab is a safeguard against fitna. If it is tight, it will be descriptive of the woman's body and this violates and defeats the whole purpose of hijab.


<b>5.The hijab must not be perfumed </b>


On the authority of Ad'Diya Al-Maqdisi, the prophet (pbuh) said:


"Any woman who perfumes herself and passes by some people that they smell her scent, then she is a Zaniyah (adulteress)."


<b>6. The hijab shouldn't resemble the dress of a man </b>


Imam Ahmed, an-Nissa'ee reported the prophet (pbuh) to have said: "Women who assume the manners of men are not from us and also those of men who assume the manners of women." Abu Huraira narrated that: "The Prophet (pbuh) CURSED the man who wears the dress of a woman and the woman who wears the dress of a man."


<b>7.The hijab must not resemble the garments of the kuffar </b>


Abu Dawoud and Ahmed have related the prophet (pbuh) said: "The one who take the similitude (manner) of a certain people, then he/she becomes one of them."


Abdullah bin Ummar (RA) said: "The Prophet (pbuh) saw me wearing two garments dyed in saffron (orange), whereupon he said: these are the clothes (usually worn) by the kuffar, so do not wear them."


<b>8.The hijab should not be for fame </b>


Abu Dawoud and Ibn Majah have related the prophet to saying: "The one who wears a garment designed for a worldly fame, Allaah will make them wear a garment of humility on the Day Of Resurrection then he will be set ablaze." The garment of fame is any garment a person wears to make themselves look famous. This applies whether the garment is highly precious and shows admiration to the life of this world or if it is chosen of a low quality to show lack of interest to this worldly life. The person may put on clothes with distinct colors so as to draw attention, act proudly and/or arrogantly.


<b>9.Concealed ways of display </b>


Examining the various conditions about the hijab one can clearly recognize that many of the young Muslim women are not fulfilling these conditions. Many just take "half-way" measures, which not only mocks the community in which she lives, but also mocks the commands of Allaah (swt). They consider what they put on now wrongly as "hijab" So, O muslimoon, be mindful to Allaah (swt) and His Messenger (pbuh), and do not deceived by those who "bless" this action of yours and conceal their true intentions. Do not be deceived, and there is no excuse to follow the evil.


If you are sincere in achieving Al-Jannah, then be mindful of these things, insha'Allaah


<b>Wassalaamu aleikum warahmuthullahi wabarakatahu.</b>

<b>This is a good question and there is a beautiful answer</b>! Allaah has commanded us with every action that is good for us and prohibited us from performing every action that is bad for us. Allaah orders the Muslim woman to wear the hijaab when she steps out of the security of her home or when in the presence of strange men. So to wear the hijaab is a source of great good for you – the Muslim woman - for many reasons. Among them:


You please Allaah. You are obeying the commands of your Lord when you wear the hijaab and you can expect great rewards in return.


It is Allaah’s protection of your natural beauty. You are too precious to be "on display" for each man to see.


It is Allaah’s preservation of your chastity.


Allaah purifies your heart and mind through the hijaab.


Allaah beautifies your inner and outer countenance with hijaab. Outwardly your hijaab reflects innocence, purity, modesty, shyness, serenity, contentment and obedience to your Lord. Inwardly you cultivate the same.


Allaah defines your femininity through the hijaab. You are a woman who respects her womanhood. Allaah wants you to be respected by others, and for you to respect yourself.


Allaah raises your dignity through the hijaab. When a strange man looks at you, he respects you because he sees that you respect yourself.


Allaah protects your honour 100% through your hijaab. Men do not gaze at you in a sensual way, they do not approach you in a sensual way, and neither do they speak to you in a sensual way. Rather, a man holds you in high esteem and that is just by one glance at you!


Allaah gives you nobility through the hijaab. You are noble not degraded because you covered not naked.


Allaah demonstrates your equality as a Muslim woman through the hijaab. Your Lord bestows upon you equal worth as your male counterpart, and gives you a host of beautiful rights and liberties. You express your acceptance of these unique rights by putting on the hijaab.


Allaah defines your role as a Muslim woman through the hijaab. You are a someone with important duties. You are a reflection of a woman of action not idle pursuits. You display your sense of direction and purpose through your hijaab. You are someone that people take seriously.


Allaah expresses your independence through the hijaab. You are stating clearly that you are an obedient servant of the Greatest Master. You will obey no one else and follow no other way. You are not a slave to any man, nor a slave to any nation. You are free and independent from all man-made systems.


Allaah gives you the freedom of movement and expression through the hijaab. You are able to move about and communicate without fear of harassment. Your hijaab gives you a unique confidence.


Allaah wants others to treat you – a Muslim woman - with kindness. And the hijaab brings about the best treatment of men towards you.


Allaah wants your beauty to be preserved and saved for just one man to enjoy – your husband.


Allaah helps you to enjoy a successful marriage through wearing hijaab. Because you reserve your beauty for one man alone, your husband’s love for you increases, he cherishes you more, he respects you more and he honours you more. So your hijaab contributes to a successful and lasting marriage relationship.


Allaah brings about peace and stability in the society through the hijaab! Yes this is true! Men do not cause corruption by forming illegal relationships because you - the Muslim woman - calm their passions. When a man looks at you, he feels at ease, not tempted to fornicate…


So a Muslim woman in hijaab is dignified, not dishonoured, noble, not degraded, liberated, not subjugated, purified, not sullied, independent, not a slave, protected, not exposed, respected, not laughed at, confident, not insecure, obedient, not a sinner, a guarded pearl, not a prostitute…


<b>Dear Muslim sister!</b> Come towards the gates of Paradise with us! Fulfill your duties towards Allaah, put on your adornment - put on your hijaab, and race towards Jannah (Paradise) by doing all good actions. You should agree by now that wearing hijaab is extremely beneficial – it must be - <b>because Allaah only commands what is good…</b>


…and believe me dear sister, it is good to obey the commands of your Lord…


"Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of Eden underneath which rivers flow wherein they will dwell for ever; Allaah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him; this is (in store) for whoever fears his Lord." [sooratul-Bayyinah 98:8]

Seeking to marry?