salam dear brothers and sisters


[This sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul-Hijjah 10 A.H. in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat' in Mecca.]


After praising and thanking Allah the Prophet (saws) said:


"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.


O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib [the Prophet's uncle] be waived.


Every right arising out of homicide in pre-islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that i waive is that arising from the murder of Rabiah ibn al Harithibn.


O People, the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calender in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to forbid that which Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Shaban.


Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope of that he will be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.


O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste. O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.


All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white - except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belogs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware: do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.


O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.


All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed Your message to Your people."


i copied the text from here


My question:

Quote: and no new faith will be born.

<b>The Birth of the Human being</b>


Many diverse subjects are mentioned in the Qur'an in the course of inviting people to believe. Sometimes the heavens, sometimes animals, and sometimes plants are shown as evidence to man by God. In many of the verses, people are called upon to turn their attention to their own creation. They are often reminded how man came into the world, which stages he has passed through, and what his essence is:


(It is We Who have created you. Why, then, do you not accept the truth? Have you ever considered that (seed) which you emit? Is it you who create it? Or are We the Creator?) (The Qur'an, 56:57-59)


The creation of man, and the miraculous aspect of this, is stressed in many other verses. Some items of information within these verses are so detailed that it is impossible for anyone living in the 7th century to have known them. Some of these are as follows:


1. Man is not created from the entire semen, but only a very small portion of it (sperm).


2. It is the male that determines the sex of the baby.


3. The human embryo adheres to the mother's uterus like a leech.


4. The embryo develops in three dark regions in the uterus.


People living when the Qur'an was revealed, to be sure, knew that the basic substance of birth was related to the semen of the male emitted during sexual intercourse. And the fact that the baby was born after a nine-month period was obviously an observable event not calling for any further investigation. However, the items of information just quoted were far above the level of learning of the people living at that time. These were verified by 20th century science.


Now, let us go over them one by one.


<b>A Drop of Semen</b>


During sexual intercourse, 250 million sperms are emitted from the male at a time. The sperms undertake an arduous journey in the mother's body until they make it to the ovum. Only a thousand out of 250 million sperms succeed in reaching the ovum. At the end of this five-minute race, the ovum, half the size of a grain of salt, will let only one of the sperms in. That is, the essence of man is not the whole semen, but only a small part of it. This is explained in the Qur'an:


( Does man reckon he will be left uncontrolled (without purpose)? Was he not once a drop of ejected semen? ) (The Qur'an, 75:36-37)


In the picture to the left, we see semen ejected into the uterus. Only very few sperms out of 250 million sperms emitted from the male can make it to the ovum. The sperm that will fertilise the egg is the only one out of a thousand sperms that have managed to survive. The fact that man is made not from the entire semen, but only a small part of it, is related in the Qur'an with the expression, "a drop of ejected semen".


As we have seen, the Qur'an informs us that man is made not from the entire semen, but only a small part of it. That the particular emphasis in this statement announces a fact only discovered by modern science is evidence that the statement is divine in origin.


<b>The Mixture in the Semen</b>


The fluid called semen, which contains the sperms, does not consist of sperms alone. On the contrary, it is made up of a mixture of different fluids. These fluids have different functions, such as containing the sugar necessary for providing energy for the sperms, neutralising the acids at the entrance of the uterus, and creating a slippery environment for the easy movement of the sperms.


Interestingly enough, when semen is mentioned in the Qur'an, this fact, which was discovered by modern science, is also referred to, and semen is defined as a mixed fluid:


(We created man from a mingled drop to test him, and We made him hearing and seeing.) (The Qur'an, 76:2)


In another verse, semen is again referred to as a mixture, and it is stressed that man is created from the "extract" of this mixture:


(He who has created all things in the best possible way. He commenced the creation of man from clay; then He made his progeny from an extract of discarded fluid.) (The Qur'an, 32:7-8)


The Arabic word "sulala", translated as "extract", means the essential or best part of something. By either implication, it means "part of a whole". This shows that the Qur'an is the word of a Will that knows the creation of man down to its slightest detail. This Will is God, the Creator of man.


<b>The Sex of the Baby</b>


Until fairly recently, it was thought that a baby's sex was determined by the mother's cells. Or at least, it was believed that the sex was determined by the male and female cells together. But we are given different information in the Qur'an, where it is stated that masculinity or femininity is created out of "a drop of sperm which has been ejected".


(He has created both sexes, male and female from a drop of semen which has been ejected.) (The Qur'an, 53:45-46)


"In the Qur'an, it is said that masculinity or femininity are created out of "a drop of semen which has been ejected". However, until fairly recently, it was believed that a baby's sex was determined by the mother's cells. Science only discovered this information given in the Qur'an in the 20th century. This and many other similar details about the creation of man were stated in the Qur'an centuries ago"


The developing disciplines of genetics and molecular biology have scientifically validated the accuracy of this information given by the Qur'an. It is now understood that sex is determined by the sperm cells from the male, and that the female has no role in this process.


Chromosomes are the main elements in determining sex. Two of the 46 chromosomes that determine the structure of a human being are identified as the sex chromosomes. These two chromosomes are called "XY" in males, and "XX" in females, because the shapes of the chromosomes resemble these letters. The Y chromosome carries the genes that code for masculinity, while the X chromosome carries the genes that code for femininity.


The formation of a new human being begins with the cross combination of one of these chromosomes, which exist in males and females in pairs. In females, both components of the sex cell, which divides into two during ovulation, carry X chromosomes. The sex cell of a male, on the other hand, produces two different kinds of sperm, one that contains X chromosomes and the other Y chromosomes. If an X chromosome from the female unites with a sperm that contains an X chromosome, then the baby is female. If it unites with the sperm that contains a Y chromosome, the baby is male.


In other words, a baby's sex is determined by which chromosome from the male unites with the female's ovum.


None of this was known until the discovery of genetics in the 20th century. Indeed, in many cultures, it was believed that a baby's sex was determined by the female's body. That was why women were blamed when they gave birth to girls.


Thirteen centuries before human genes were discovered, however, the Qur'an revealed information that denies this superstition, and referred to the origin of sex lying not with women, but with the semen coming from men


<b>The Clot Clinging to the Uterus</b>


If we keep on examining the facts announced to us in the Qur'an about the formation of human beings, we again encounter some very important scientific miracles.


When the sperm of the male unites with the ovum of the female, the essence of the baby to be born is formed. This single cell, known as a "zygote" in biology, will instantly start to reproduce by dividing, and eventually become a "piece of flesh" called an embryo. This of course can only be seen by human beings with the aid of a microscope.


The embryo, however, does not spend its developmental period in a void. It clings to the uterus just like roots that are firmly fixed to the earth by their tendrils. Through this bond, the embryo can obtain the substances essential to its development from the mother's body.(1)


Here, at this point, a very significant miracle of the Qur'an is revealed. While referring to the embryo developing in the mother's womb, God uses the word "alaq" in the Qur'an:


(Recite: In the name of your Lord Who created man from alaq. Recite: And your Lord is the Most Generous.) (The Qur'an, 96:1-3)


The meaning of the word "alaq" in Arabic is "a thing that clings to some place". The word is literally used to describe leeches that cling to a body to suck blood.


Certainly, the use of such an appropriate word for the embryo developing in the mother's womb, proves once again that the Qur'an is a revelation from God, the Lord of all the Worlds.


<b>The wrapping of muscles over the bones</b>


Another important aspect of the information given in the verses of the Qur'an is the developmental stages of a human being in the mother's womb. It is stated in the verses that in the mother's womb, the bones develop first, and then the muscles form which wrap around them.


((We) then formed the drop into a clot and formed the clot into a lump and formed the lump into bones and clothed the bones in flesh; and then brought him into being as another creature. Blessed be God, the Best of Creators!) (The Qur'an, 23:14)


Embryology is the branch of science that studies the development of the embryo in the mother's womb. Until very recently, embryologists assumed that the bones and muscles in an embryo developed at the same time. For this reason, for a long time, some people claimed that these verses conflicted with science. Yet, advanced microscopic research conducted by virtue of new technological developments has revealed that the revelation of the Qur'an is word for word correct.


These observations at the microscopic level showed that the development inside the mother's womb takes place in just the way it is described in the verses. First, the cartilage tissue of the embryo ossifies. Then muscular cells that are selected from amongst the tissue around the bones come together and wrap around the bones.


Many stages of a baby's development in the mother's womb are related in the Qur'an. As described in verse 14 of Sura Muminun, the cartilage of the embryo in the mother's womb ossifies first. Then these bones are covered with muscle cells. God describes this development with the verse: "É(We then) formed the lump into bones and clothed the bones in flesh"


This event is described in a scientific publication titled Developing Human in the following words:


During the seventh week, the skeleton begins to spread throughout the body and the bones take their familiar shapes. At the end of the seventh week and during the eighth week the muscles take their positions around the bone forms.(1)


In short, man's developmental stages as described in the Qur'an are in perfect harmony with the findings of modern embryology.


<b>Three Stages of the Baby in the Womb </b>


In the Qur'an, it is related that man is created in a three-stage process in the mother's womb.


(... He creates you stage by stage in your mothers' wombs in a threefold darkness. That is God, your Lord. Sovereignty is His. There is no god but Him. So what has made you deviate?) (The Qur'an, 39:6)


As will be understood, it is pointed out in this verse that a human being is created in the mother's womb in three distinct stages. Indeed, modern biology has revealed that the baby's embryological development takes place in three distinct regions in the mother's womb. Today, in all the embryology textbooks studied in faculties of medicine, this subject is taken as an element of basic knowledge. For instance in Basic Human Embryology, a fundamental reference text in the field of embryology, this fact is stated as follows: "The life in the uterus has three stages: pre-embryonic; first two and a half weeks, embryonic; until the end of the eight week, and fetal; from the eight week to labor." (1)


These phases refer to the different developmental stages of a baby. In brief, the main characteristics of these developmental stages are as follows:


- Pre-embryonic stage : In this first phase, the zygote grows by division, and when it becomes a cell cluster, it buries itself in the wall of the uterus. While they continue growing, the cells organise themselves in three layers.


- Embryonic Stage : The second phase lasts for five and a half weeks, during which the baby is called an "embryo". In this stage, the basic organs and systems of the body start to appear from the cell layers.


- Fetal stage : From this stage on, the embryo is called a "foetus". This phase begins at the eighth week of gestation and lasts until the moment of birth. The distinctive characteristic of this stage is that the foetus looks just like a human being, with its face, hands and feet. Although it is only 3 cm. long initially, all of its organs have become apparent. This phase lasts for about 30 weeks, and development continues until the week of delivery.


In the verse 6 of Sura Zumar, it is pointed out that man is created in the mother's womb in three distinct stages. Indeed, modern embryology has revealed that the baby's embryological development takes place in three distinct regions in the mother's womb.


Information on the development in the mother's womb became available only after observations with modern devices. Yet, just like many other scientific facts, these pieces of information are imparted in the verses of the Qur'an in a miraculous way. The fact that such detailed and accurate information was given in the Qur'an at a time when people had scarce information on medical matters is clear evidence that the Qur'an is not the word of man, but the word of God

<b>Islamic Laws Regarding Divorce</b>


Islam allows divorce if circumstances warrant or necessitate it. Islam has permitted divorce reluctantly, neither liking nor recommending it. The Prophet of Islam has said:


"Among lawful things, divorce is most disliked by Allah" (narrated in the book of tradition of Abu Daud).


Islam has not made it necessary that the grounds of divorce should be publicized. It, however; does not mean that Islam views divorce lightly. In fact, publicity of grounds may not be of any positive consequence. The grounds may not be pronounced but genuine. On the other hand, the grounds may be stated and may in reality be false. Islam does not also want washing dirty linen of private affairs in public or in the court except in exceptional circumstances. It is for this reason that court comes in as a last resort in the Islamic scheme of separation of husband and wife.


The Quran states as regards grounds of divorce in very general terms:


"And if you fear that the two (i.e husband and wife) may not be able to keep the limits ordered by Allah, there is no blame on either of them if she redeems herself (from the marriage tie) "


(2 : 229).


The general ground of divorce in the Quran, therefore, is hopeless failure of one or both parties to discharge their marital duties and to consort with each other in kindness, peace and compassion.


The jurists have developed some indices which may be accepted as grounds of divorce in case the divorce matter goes to the court. Long absence of husband without any information, long imprisonment, refusal to provide for wife, impotence etc. are some of the grounds on which wife can ask for divorce. Either party may take steps to divorce in case of chronicle disease, insanity, deceptive misrepresentation during marriage contract, desertion etc.


A Muslim male is allowed three chances, that is to say, three pronouncements or acts of divorce on three different occasions provided that each divorce is pronounced during the time when the wife is in the period of purity (that is not in her menstrual time). A husband may divorce his wife once and let the Iddat (the period of waiting after divorce) pass. During the waiting period the two have the option of being reconciled. If however the waiting period passes without reconciliation, they stand fully divorced.


If after the first divorce the husband is reconciled with his wife but the hostility and conflict begins all over again, he may divorce her a second time in the same manner as stated above. In this case also he can return to her during the Iddat (or waiting period). If however, after second reconciliation, he divorces the wife the third time, he can not take back the wife during the Iddat. She is totally prohibited for him. The lady, thereafter can marry any person she likes according to her choice. (Ref: The Lawful and the prohibited in Islam by Dr. Yusuf Al Qaradawi).


The wife can divorce her husband if this condition is stipulated in the marriage contract. This kind of divorce is called ‘Delegated Divorce’ (Talaq Taffiz). Marriage can also be dissolved through mutual consent. This is called Khula in the technical language of Islamic law. Marriage can also be dissolved by judicial process through the court on complaint of the wife on the grounds explained before.


One of the consequences of the divorce is the commencement of waiting period for the wife. This usually lasts three months. If there is a pregnancy, it lasts as long as pregnancy lasts. The waiting period is basically a term of probation during which reconciliation can be attempted. It is also required to establish whether the wife has conceived. It also allows time for planning the future.


Maintenance of wife during the waiting period is on husband. The wife can not be expelled from her place of residence and he can not in any way harass her. These will constitute moral as well as criminal offence.


In case of divorce, the young children remain in the custody of their divorced mother. However, the father has to provide the cost of maintenance of young children though they remain under the custody of mother. (Ref : The Family Structure in Islam by Dr. Hammudah Abdul Ati).


Islamic law of divorce is based on practical considerations. The process of separation is basically a matter of husband and wife. However; when conflict arises, attempts should be made for reconciliation. It has not made judicial process obligatory in divorce for reasons explained earlier. The intervention of court has nowhere reduced the number of divorce. Judicial process in Islam is the last resort in so far as divorce is concerned.


Islamic law on divorce if followed in true spirit will enhance the dignity of man and woman, reduce conflict and ensure justice.


i hope this will help you

<b><i>Written by a Mujaahid to his wife:</i></b>


<b>You never complained when you knew we would have nothing. You were contempt on having what little you needed.
</b>


Where others would have left or moaned you never once let out a sigh. You understood what was written was what we would eat.


I never once complained about what was put in front of me as I knew it was your hands that brought it to me.


When I had nothing I had you. We smiled as we saw the destruction around us knowing that these people were not true.


You never felt sympathy towards the enemy. You put your trust in your Rubb and in turn you followed me. Never did I have to wonder about you as my secrets my honour and my Deen were safe with you.


When the enemy barked you never flinched. You were strong and in turn made me strong.


We both know what hardships you faced just being with me but not a word did you speak.


Like a vanguard for this Ummah you concealed yourself. Where others would rush to please their desires you were the essences of Taqwa.


Life was easy with you and it came so naturally. You were the extension of me and I would never need to finish my words as who knew me better then you....


It’s the little things that make the person and you would have easily have kept me going for a lifetime.


I loved your jealousy. I loved to tease you with the thought of others just so I could know how dear I was to you. The way you would look at me with fire in your eyes showed me that I was the only one for you. You stole my heart and hide it away. You know your place it’s by my side. What chance did shaytan have when you would ensure that fajr was the easiest of the salahs. I loved that you would forsake me in an instant to fast a voluntary fast. I loved that the Haq was dearer to you then my life and those of our jewels


Watching you makes me laugh as I wonder if my heart will ever want another as I watch you feed my child, as you lift her out of the bath, as you wipe her little nose and the face she pulls. You will never find a diamond in the hands of the poor in the same way our diamond deserves to be carried in your hands. We could have it all my love but who sells Paradise for an hour of passing pleasure? Not us.


I chose you Umm ****** the loyalties of my babies are. They will love what we love they will love Allah Most Glorified Most High, they will Love the Prophets and the best of Companions, They will love those who they have never met but will long to meet. They will love those better then us. They will live to honour one statement. Others will fall under the weight of La illiha illiha but not them. Their hearts will beat it, their words testify to it and their hands carry it.


Don’t think I left you. Don’t think that in this world anything is dearer to me then the minute that I walk home knowing what waits for me behind closed doors. I went to find a better place for us. I went to fulfil the best of deals. I saw it written that if you give your life then eternity will be ours. I saw it written somewhere that this was all a test and I have no doubt that one who promises us and whose word is truth must love me very much as he gave me you and you were the hardest thing to give up. They say the mind cannot comprehend what awaits us. They say that sadness will forgotten, they say that the eye has yet to see and the ear has yet to hear the beauties that await us in our new home. They say rivers of honey my love they say rivers of milk they say rivers of wine. They say pearls and Gold thrones , they say musk and cool breezes. Is it not fitting that I go to see this land afar to take you and our children? I fear that the gates of opportunity will close behind me my love. I fear others will hear what I hear and rush there and I will have nothing to offer you.


I know you will send our sons to look for their father. Tell them that they will find me in every battle, in every fight where the black flag is flown.


Tell them that the pain will be a pinch and then they will see what I see. Tell them Green Birds wish to meet them. Tell the Angels will call them by the best of names and most of all that Allah The One The Eternal will be pleased with them.


I told you once that only 2 things will have me. You and death. My life was with you but now I must marry again. I must marry what was promised to me the moment I was born. I must marry my fate and in turn I must marry death. After death will come reckoning and if I stand with the best of creation I will with the permission of Allah Lord of the Heavens and the Earth I will beg for you. None was worthy to stand next to me in this life so why is it I should desire another in the next?

Miss a prayer...loose your head


A) What is going on in Somalia?


B ) Does the Quran say that you should be killed for missing a prayer?


C) Is this not "compulsion"?


D) If this is just a case of some extremist leaders going off the deep end...what kind of mechanism is there to protect the Muslims of Somalia?

In another illustration of the compassion and respect for human rights to be found in the shari'ah law, the emerging paradise of Somalia is requiring it’s minions to pray as if your life depends on it else your torso will part ways with your head
.

Quote:MOGADISHU, Somalia - Residents of a southern Somalia town who do not pray five times a day will be beheaded, an Islamic courts official said Wednesday, adding the edict will be implemented in three days.
Public places such as shops and tea houses in Bulo Burto, about 124 miles northeast of the capital, Mogadishu, should be closed during prayer time and no one should be on the streets, said Sheik Hussein Barre Rage, the chairman of the town's Islamic court.


Those who do not follow this edict "will definitely be beheaded according to Islamic law," Rage told The Associated Press by phone. "As Muslims, we should practice Islam fully, not in part, and that is what our religion enjoins us to do."


He said that the courts are announcing the edict over loudspeakers in the town.

Is there heaven for a G?





Are you a gangster wannabe?


Gangsterism means the way of life of a gangster. The word isn’t used much though, especially not by gangsters. Some don’t wish to call their way of life anything whilst others make a song and dance about it by using catchy words like ‘Thug Life’ and M.O.B or call themselves playas, pimps, hustlas, souljahs and the list goes on.



Whether it’s the crimes like drugs, robberies, credit card fraud, scams, murders, rapes, violence or it’s the non criminal acts like the lingo, raving, zina, alcohol and swearing etc. Everybody reading this has been affected by Gangsterism. I mean it’s everywhere you go, whether you are a gangster, know of a gangster, seen a gangster, met a gangster or want to be a gangster. You’re all familiar with the phenomenon of Gangsterism.


Today’s gangsters start from the common everyday thug with his/her Gangster garms (that thick massive silver chain which probably cost a tenner from market), weed/snouts, hip hop/garage/bhangra, with a pimped up ride or a crappy stolen car or in the passenger side of one. Robbing phones, swiping cards or doing scams etc.


Moving up to the O G’s of the ‘Hood’ calling the shots and destroying youngsters’ lives and using them for their own set ups. Then you have the national mafia’s with their imports and exports, organized crime and involvement in legitimate businesses.





Why would you want to be a gangster?


* You want to be in with the rest of the crowd. The crowd is into 50 Cent, Tu Pac tunes + Al Pacino gangster movies (no disrespect to the talented actor) and imitating their characters- so you’ll do the same.


* It helps make you popular and get friends if you’re a respected gangster. Respect is earned quicker by being a gangster.


* It’ll really bring you the high life — money, cars and lots of girls.


* People won’t pick on/bully you if you’re in control and they’re scared of you.


* You could finally get that girl you’ve always fancied if she sees that you’re a gangster.


* Life is bad. You’ve got no money. Parents are always fighting/separated or too strict on you so T.V and Music become you’re best friends and they tell you to rebel. So you’re gonna become a gangster.


* You need to join a gang otherwise you can’t do anything to deter racist attacks.


* You really believe that society has failed/is failing with its general set up so you’re gonna live by gangster rules to rebel against the system and live according to a code and system of rules that suits you.


* The area you live in is run by gangsters on the street so you wanna represent yourself, family or people on the streets.


* You wanna be a gangster to protect yourself from other gangsters.


* You need to make the easy money cos you’re naturally too [banned word]/lazy to qualify as anything professional and education is too hard for you.


Gangster today – prison tomorrow


The result of trying to be a gangster = you get sent down! Muslims already form 8% of the prison population. 73,000 recorded prisoners in 2003 means there are now at least 5840 Muslims in prison and it’s rising . Over 65% of these prisoners are young men between the ages of eighteen and thirty.



This huge figure does not include youngsters under the age of 18 who are in custodial care. Over 1000 of the 5840 Muslim inmates have committed crimes relating to drug use or drug pushing. So one in five of British Muslim Prisoners have been convicted for drug related offences) And these are figures of only those that have been caught!


WAKE UP PEOPLE: The world isn’t run by gangsters. The world doesn’t need gangsters. The world doesn’t need ‘ghettos’. So if the area you live in is one of these ‘ghettos’ that rappers rap about then do something positive about it to change the bad things about it.


Gangster rappers


SO take a step back for a minute and think — who’s your favourite rapper or most influential gangster? E.g. 50 Cent — who’s his idol — it’s Tu Pac — who’s his role models — Marvin Gaye, Huey Newton and Malcolm X.


Marvin weren’t a gangster. Huey was a great and courageous hero for Blacks in America and all oppressed people in the world. Malcolm was too and he was also a practising Muslim and a hero of Islam and Muslims worldwide. He encouraged positive work and intellectual development by leading the example himself. Malcolm used to be a gangster and ended up in prison for it. It was in prison where he decided to be different from the rest of the convicts and gangsters by devoting himself to learning about Islam and the meaning of his own life. Who was Malcolm X’s hero/role model — the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself, who leads you straight into the love, mercy and reward of Almighty Allah(swt).





Is it worth living the G lifestyle?





So why give your heart, mind and soul the torture of the long route that’ll only lead you to prison, drug addiction, financial problems and self destruction? Not forgetting that you will be making your parents life a living hell! That’s just the outcomes this world. When you die you’ll join your homies and gangster brethren and be escorted by frightfully ugly creatures straight to hell itself. So is it all worth it?



Today a lot of the youngsters look up to and wanna be like ‘Gangsters’ including SOCent, Tu Pac, Biggy, Snoopy Dogg, Diddy (or whatever he’s called now) and even gangsters of the past like the Kray brothers and Al Capone. Why choose a role model at the bottom of the influence ladder when you can have the influence of the best of mankind and that’s the example led by the Prophet (pbuh).


However if you ain’t on that level yet to reach to him directly then take the example of the closest one from the positive chain of influence to you. It could be anyone from the companions of the prophet (pbuh), legendaries like Salauddin, Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali or Muslim youngsters in your own community like that brother you try to avoid every time you’re at mosque during Jummah. Talk to that brother and ask him to help you change your lifestyle.





Don’t give it up and go back to gangsterism


You know you can change. As for the bad friends, well if they’re your true friends then they’ll appreciate you doing something good with your life, and you may have a chance in helping them change too, If they don’t understand or appreciate your new lifestyle and you don’t think it’s appropriate any more chilling with them, as their lifestyle doesn’t help you or makes you wanna throw up, then don’t be afraid to leave them. They’re not gonna be with you in the grave.


Most importantly for all gangsters reading this — take a moment of silence and really think about the world and your life in it. Think about everything you’ve witnessed and experienced and then ask yourself — where is this leading me?


Gangsterism if the exact opposite of Islam


And its head is Mr. Shaytaan a.k.a DJ Iblees who cannot help man but only destroy him by lust, greed, jealousy, envy and hatred. Islam’s God is Almighty Allah and He (swt) will never let you down no matter how many times you slip and fall. He(swt) will always lift you back up. You just gotta call on Him(swt).


Islam is about making you a better person for society and paradise as a reward for you. Gangsterism is about how to make you more dominant in society, preferably be feared and therefore a ‘badder’ person in society; its possible reward is a fake paradise on earth. In Islam there is forgiveness and mercy but in Gangsterism it’s revenge and ruthlessness.


Many Gangsters from Muslim families claim Islam is their religion because they have a Muslim name and family and know how to read Arabic and how to perform the prayers. Some would also pray the weekly Jummah Salah. If that’s what you do then do it all the way without being a gangster or at least try to without giving up.


Don’t say “It’s hard Bruv I don’t know if I have it in me”. If you’re strong enough to beat someone up, run from police and take all the risks you take as a gangster then are you not strong enough to ask for forgiveness, change your ways, and adapt discipline in your life?


* Islam gives you a proper purpose in life where you can live a meaningful and very happy life.


* Islam helps you become a good person no lies, cheating, fraud etc.


* Islam gives you discipline.


* By being a good Muslim you help other and others help you.


* Peace of mind, happiness and no fear.


* No fear of being clocked and banged u in prison for life.


* People like you for YOU not cos you have the money and not cos they’re scared of you!


* You get genuine mates not mates who just use you.


* You still get “nuff respect” but the decent Islamic kind. A practising Muslim is respected in the sight of Allah (swt).


* You can treat and serve your parents well, not use and abuse them as a gangster!


* You know you could be dead tomorrow, Islam helps you prepare for the life hereafter





You gangster or Muslim?


You cannot call yourself a Muslim because you pray Jummah in the daytime if at night you’re gonna go clubbing, selling the weed, doing the scams or have a blazing session cos it’s Friday and you wanna get high. Then at best you’re just a hypocrite and at worst you’re still a gangster. It’s not about “Only God can judge me”. Your Ummah is there for you to help you.



Think of Gangsterism as a way of life an Islam a way of life and then choose one. I mean you wouldn’t choose certain principles and practices from Hinduism and Islam and still call yourself a Muslim, now, would you? So why do so with Gangsterism and Islam? Choose between the two Gangsterism or Islam? You Gangster or Muslim?


I will leave you with the words of Tu Pac: Is there heaven for a ‘G’? Remember The, so many homies in the cemetery… I know my destiny is hell, where did I fail? ‘My life is in denial. And when I die, baptised in Eternal Fire...





lmran Younis and Sajid lqbal

If You Have No Shame Then Do As You Wish


With the significant increase in pre-marital relationships in the last 30 years amongst our Muslim brother and sisters, it does seem as if most of us no longer have any shame. One just needs to visit their local shopping centre, cinema or library to see the significant increase in unmarried Muslim couples. We have an increase in Romeo’s roaming the streets, happily driving around the block all day long looking for girls and an increase in melodramatic Juliet’s who’ll “just die if they don’t end up with their man”.


Much of this attitude is fuelled by popular culture that subconsciously taps into our consciousness and plants in our minds unrealistic fantasies. Evil whispering now come in variety of different forms; music, romance novels, bollywood films, teenage magazines and the unrealistic romantic storylines as depicted on TV. Satan has his workload significantly reduced because of them.


Over time these suggestions build up to the point that one can no longer discern between truth and falsehood. These strong external influences coupled with the inclination towards their natural desires results in a significant increase in teenagers succumbing to temptation. Unsurprisingly the sugar coated words of popular culture fail to shed light on the ugly reality of being involved in a pre-marital relationship; the heartache, the mood swings, the tears, the fluctuating eating and sleeping habits, the depression, the lies, the deceit, the sneaking about behind parents back (the secret meetings in the “library”) the fights with parents (because suddenly they became the obstacle standing in the way of “true love”), the loss of self respect, and the negative reputation earned in society.


There is no peace in such a relationship, after all how can there be peace when the limits ordained by Allah (swa) are being broken? Unfortunately, as well as breaking the limits ordained by Allah (swa), many Muslims have a tendency to self-justify their actions as well. Many of our Muslim brothers and sisters claim that “it’s okay because we have the intention to marry”, however they fail to realise that death can come knocking on our door at any time, and the excuse “it’s okay because we had the intention to marry” will not be valid in the Court of Allah (swa).


Others claim that “maybe if our parents had agreed we wouldn’t be carrying on like this-it’s their fault” however is it really wise to blame the parents for ones own shortcomings and lack of self-control? Some Muslim brothers and sisters feel that they aren’t even in the wrong because Allah (swa) knows that “their hearts are pure”, however they fail to realise that if their hearts were really pure they wouldn’t be indulging in such shameful activities. Others feel reassured because their bodily contact is limited and they do not allow themselves to go all the way, however they do not realise that every part of the body can commit Zinnah (fornication); the eyes, the tongue, the ears etc.


The disastrous consequence of self justifications is that, even though Muslims initially feel guilty when indulging in pre-marital relationships, eventually the guilt wears off. This closes the door for repentance, after all how can one repent or amend their ways if they don’t even feel guilty about what they are doing?The heart is a vessel that perceives wrong doing. When one commits the sin of entering into a pre-marital relationship they do so against their heart, the heart then enters into a state of spiritual agitation. However people work very hard to cut themselves off from their heart, the pressure to do this is very strong in our modern culture.


There is an urgency to root out the feelings of shame and guilt, there are even self-help books available to show how one can excise this out of their souls. However guilt, shame, regret and remorse are vital for spiritual success. A human is spiritually stalled if he/she is smug and content with their state, one can only reform and amend their ways if they feel guilty and ashamed of their actions. One should realise that life does not come with any guarantees. This is why it’s almost foolish to submit ones heart, body, mind and soul as well as showering love and attention to someone who can not promise a life of peace and happiness.


In other words there is no guarantee that one will have a happy and stress free life with the one that they have fallen for. Love has often been described as a sickness that impairs the mental state, clouds ones vision and sense of reason. Imam Busiri has said “the man in love is deaf to all reproaches” Often the person in love is so besotted with the beloved that they simply can not see the things that are wrong with the loved one. Or if they can they assume that their love is so powerful that it will overcome all obstacles. As if! Ones passion or infatuation is like the wind, in that it comes, stirs up emotion, and then dies down.


Ones infatuation often dies down after the honeymoon period when one has to settle down to the humdrum, mundane activities of daily life. In most instances people are more “in love with love” then they are in love with their partner, and crave the excitement of a continual romance that is often lacking or absent altogether in a marriage. One should also know that as there is no permanence to our world the nature of our worldly infatuations is also temporary. However since Allah (swa) surpasses all barriers of time and distance, loves based for His sake are the only loves that are transcendental and eternal.Crushes are however natural and something beyond ones control, to have a strong crush on someone one must have nurtured the thoughts of that person in their mind to an extreme extent.


To get over someone (for such feelings are not approved in Islam, as there is a danger of one pursuing the matter forward- after all we were created weak ) one must occupy themselves in useful, productive activities. If the self is not occupied with anything worthwhile it will occupy itself with falsehood, it never rests idle, which is why in most cases a crush is a result of an idle mind. Allah (swa) has said in a beautiful Hadith Qudsi “…if he (man) draws near to Me a hand’s span, I draw near to him a arm’s length. And if he comes to me walking, I go to him running….” This shows that if one does their bit, even if it’s something as small as making the intention to avoid the object of ones desire, or by keeping the self busy. Allah (swa) will know that they are making an effort and will make it easy for them to get over their crush. One should also keep away from popular culture, because in most instances it normally adds fuel to the fire.


In conclusion, one should know that temporary/short lived pleasures should not be gained at the expense of the eternal hereafter. Being patient until marriage maybe uncomfortable or even frustrating, but its benefits are far greater then any temporary pleasure attained in falling into sin. Allah (swa) has promised seven types of people His shade on the Day of Judgment, as a mark of distinction and honour. Teenagers who spend their years as devout and conscious Muslims in the face of overwhelming temptations and seductions are one of the seven people.


The fact that Allah (swa) grants such a distinguished position to them shows how difficult these challenges are. One should know that if they wish to end up with someone pious, pure and pleasing in character they should make an effort to transform themselves as such. It’s hypocrisy to expect a pious, pure partner if they themselves have spent their youth sowing their wild oats, without showing any signs of regret and remorse. One should also know that pre-marital relationships are spiritually and emotionally very draining, and the time and attention given to ones emotional attachment is the precious strength the soul needs to grow.


Allah (swa) has not allotted anyone with two hearts, which means that we are unable to feel or want two things at the same time. In other words those who desire and nurture the thoughts of the forbidden and give in to temptation have no place for Allah (swa) in their hearts or in their lives.


May Allah (swa) give us the towfeeq to preserve our haya and keep us firm in the face of temptations, Ameen.


By Alveena Salim

October 17, 2006


Anger over plans to spy on students


University bosses and lecturers reacted with anger and alarm last night over government plans to encourage academics to spy on their students. They said the measures, outlined in a leaked document obtained by the Guardian, were misplaced and likely to be counterproductive in the drive to root out extremist activity on university campuses.


According to the proposals drawn up by the Department for Education and Skills, ministers are to ask staff to spy on “Asian looking” or Muslim students, informing special branch of anyone they suspect of being involved in Islamic extremism.


Downing Street yesterday briefed that they wanted lecturers to promote pluralism, not to spy on students. But the document seen by the Guardian did not contain the phrase.


Ruth Kelly, the communities secretary, reiterated that academic staff were not being asked to “spy” but rather to monitor their students.


But Paul Mackney, the joint general secretary of the University and College Union, said: “We expressed concern that we were being sucked into a kind of Islamic McCarthyism which has major implications for academic freedom, civil liberties, and blurring of the boundaries between the illegal and the possibly undesirable,” he said.


Last night the vice chancellors’ umbrella group Universities UK said it had been involved in ongoing talks with ministers over their plans to tackle campus extremism. UUK President Drummond Bone said: “While this is clearly a draft document, there are dangers in targeting one particular group within our diverse communities of students and staff. Not only is this unreasonable but, crucially, it could be counterproductive. The key to this is balance and discussion - and we have made this point repeatedly to ministers.”


Guardian


Filed under: UK — irfghan @ 11:42 am

What Role Does Islam Play In Your Life?


The Revival has travelled across the UK to speak to young Muslims about the role of Islam in their everyday lives:


NB: Some personals details have been changed or ommitted to ensure anonymity


Name: Sara Age: 21 Location: Bolton





Islam is my passion. My life revolves around my Islamic commitments, even Uni and work is set around my Islamic timetable. On a weekly basis I attend/lead Islamic circles, manage Islamic websites, organise Islamic programmes and write Islamic articles.


My parents are not happy with the extent of my involvement in Islam (coz I'm never at home!), so its not unusual for me to attend Islamic programmes and tell my parents I'm in a lecture in Uni nor is it unusual for me to sneak out of the house and sit in a late night Zikr when dad is out of the country.


It is because of Islam that I've led a happy, successful, stress free life so far. It's given me extreme respect and love from most people. Islam is also the reason why I'm somewhat anti-marriage at the moment. This is coz I feel that marriage will be the end of most of the Islamic activities that I'm involved in and I don't feel ready to give all that up yet.


Name: Waqar Age: 22 Location: Birmingham


As a Muslim being brought up and living in Birmingham I felt that I was always a part of not only a British society but an Islamic one also. Where I could easily learn about my religion and at the same time be part of a multi-cultural and multi-faith community where there was a mutual understanding and respect for one another, and I strongly believed and till this day still do that this was Islam for me.


As well as attending a state school at a very young age I also attended a Muslim faith based school. Attending this school when I did, I believe for me was the best thing I did where I not only learnt my duties as a Muslim but also that what Islam had to offer was not only for Muslims but for the whole of mankind. I also learnt the true values of my faith which are that Islam is not only for the Muslim world, it is to be practised wherever we are. Islam for me is not a religion but a way of life.


I am grateful to Allah (SWT) that he gave me the best of way of life to follow and that I am amongst the best of nations. Islam welcomes us all no matter what our race, culture or creed and this is the beauty of Islam. Islam has taught me to respect the young and old, man and woman, parent and teacher, where we are all equals. For me the door of Islam is always open when all others are closed. This is Islam for me....!!


Name: Sophia Age: 22 Location: Bradford


I was born into a Muslim family and I'm proud to be a Muslim, but I gotta admit I'm very far from Islam. My boyfriend is my main distraction from Islam. I'm currently in a long term relationship and I'm hoping to marry him in the near future. Being with someone who understands me and makes me feel pretty makes me feel good.


I've been through bear crap in my life; my world was turned upside down when I was clocked by my parents in town with my ex boyfriend. I hurt my parents and went through hell when they stopped me from going to College and checked up on me 24/7. I realised that I needed to change my ways, so I prayed a lot during that time and asked Allah to get me through that stressful time and he did. My parents eventually forgave me and I realised that my boyfriend was not good for me.


I'm now stricter with my prayers and do try to attend talks sometimes, my only weakness is my boyfriend and I know that if I wasn't with him I'd cover my head too. I intend to become a better Muslim after I get married, so I hope that my boyfriend will encourage me to become a better Muslim.


Name: Dawud Age: 18 Location: Manchester


I wake up and I know I am alive coz of the kindness of Allah (swt). When I smile at someone, embrace them or if I am happy with them, I know it's because the kindness of Allah (swt) is showering upon me.


On a more specific level, maybe one of the bigger changes to my life since I became a Muslim is the struggle - Jihad. I try to purify my character, say kind words , wake up early for Fajr prayer and Sehri, to refrain from baseless thoughts, words and actions.


I aspire as much as possible to follow as best as possible the holy Prophet (pbuh)- the height of excellence and beloved of Allah. So as a Muslim, I try to be grateful and repentant to my Allah (swt). I try to serve my fellow man, be gracious to my family and friends, not to envy others but to empathise with the needy and help as best I can.


What role does Islam play in my life? Islam is a way of life, it's my way of life.


Name: Madheia Age: 19 Location: London


Islam is in my face 24/7. I am close to both my mum and my sister and they just happen to be on the holy moly flex. In their day to day life, they're both always running around, attending/giving lectures and I've got the choice to either go with them or stay home and clean up. I always end up on my jacks miserably cleaning up.


Mum teaches kids every day after school.. And I gotta attend mosque down the road at the same time, I try to bunk mosque by hiding upstairs whilst mums teaching downstairs and when her class finishes, I come downstairs pretending I've been in Mosque the whole time, but sometimes mums too clever for me and comes upstairs to check on me and when she finds me cowering under the bed, she goes psycho on me.


I wear a scarf out of my own choice.. cos deep down inside I should. During high school I used to wear it on and off but when I started sixth form I decided to keep it on at all times.. at times I really wanna take it off, I want my hair to look sleek and straightened just like most girls but my scarf makes it look flat and manky.


Its hard sometimes as I don't wanna be wearing a scarf with tight jeans and short tops but at the same time I don't wanna wear a jilbaab or the traditional shalwar kameez.. so I just spend my monthly pocket money buying the latest high street fashions and trying to make them decent by wearing long tops…


In the future I wish to become practising from my heart.


Name: Sulman Age: 18 Location: Cardiff


I come from a very religious family. Mum's lectures are about one thing and one thing only-Islam. Mum does everything she can to get me on this flex too. She's always enrolling me into Islamic classes that I always bunk, she even promises to give me �10 if I read all my namaaz for a whole week and grow a beard (which I've done a few times only cos I needed the money).


Mum is always yelling at me to �turn that shaytaan (rude music) off�. And we often argue when she hides my MP3 player and refuses to tell me where it is.


My mates and cousin got me into weed. I aint addicted to that crap but I roll up when I'm with them cos they'd think I was gay if I refused.


I'm better than most guys, I read my jummah regularly, I fast in Ramadan, I don't mess about with girls, I don't touch alcohol. I'm just interested in making money and not ending up banged up in jail with no future like most of the scum's in my area.


Name: Humaira Age: 21 Location: Glasgow


We know that Islam is referred to as Deen - a complete way of life, and not just a religion. So to me, Islam ain't just about praying, fasting and so on�its also about our moral conduct, the education we seek, our worldly actions etc. Islam plays a huge part in my life or so I like to think it does. Two years ago I had no direction, I didn't know where I was heading but this changed when I was in presence of a well renowned eminent scholar. Basically he made me aware that this life is for only a short time, and we shouldn't run around to please the world�rather we should please Allah (swt) so we can benefit in this life and the hereafter. I think about this a lot, and it makes me realise a lot what is important to me and what isn't.


I attend study circles every week where I learn about the life of the Holy Prophet (saw) and the contemporary issues facing the Ummah of today. I also enjoy taking part in organising different Islamic events. Being Part of an organisation gives me aims and objectives it also makes me aware of Allah (swt). Like I said, Islam is a complete way of life so at the moment I am at university where I'm studying. I also spend time with family, go out with friends, and to me Islam means fulfilling your rights but also enjoying your life in a manner that is acceptable in Islam. Islam doesn't limit us in anyway but its the lack of knowledge we have which limits our understanding about Islam.