Cut The Culture


By Alveena Salim


Culture, what exactly is it? Well even though you might think it's got nothing to do with you; you are in fact surrounded by culture all the time � be it the culture of your parents/grandparents or the western Q & A With Shaykh Salim Giza!British' culture.



Culture is the outward expressions of your values, beliefs, lifestyle etc. So from that point of view if culture is just basically your way of doing things then Islam can be your culture right? Yep too right it can and so it should be!


But it ain't always as simple as that � you all have probably experienced or know someone who has been caught up in the clash between Islam and culture; this is when the culture from back home is mixed in with Islam and this in turn causes a major confusion.


The line between Islam and culture becomes blurred and that's when your mind starts to boggle!


Culture of our parents


It all started round and about the 50's and 60's when our parents or grandparents decided to come over here in order to work and make some cash. Not intending to stay forever they began working but ended up calling their families over and we've been here ever since.



Now when our elders came here they also bought along with them their culture i.e. their lifestyle, traditions and general customs.


Certain aspects of this culture have stayed with us whether Islamic or not and this is where the potential problems arise.


When parents/grandparents arrived here they were very careful and tried their best to hold on to their values and beliefs and when the third generation of Muslims were born in Britain and consequently exposed to the Western culture, understandably parents/grandparents started getting a wee bit worried.


Many of us don't realise and appreciate the big sacrifice that our parents/grandparents had to make in order to move here and if we did then maybe we would better understand their motives for always wanting to protect us!


I mean imagine arriving in a totally alien land where the people of the land have a different lifestyle altogether � wouldn't you be nervous about raising your children in such a place? Yeah I thought you would, so it's not right for us to totally look down on our parents/grandparents and see them as being Q & A With Shaykh Salim Giza!backward'.


National culture v Islamic culture


So we've established that it was hard for our parents to move here but the real issue here is the outcome of this great move and more importantly how does it affect us? Cos we're born in Britain and are more familiar with the Q & A With Shaykh Salim Giza!Western' lifestyle, some of us may find it difficult to empathise with many aspects of our parents' culture. For instance why do Asian brides always throw rice at weddings?


I mean that's just a waste of totally good food!! OK maybe I'm being too picky but you have to admit some parts of the Asian culture just don't make sense. On a more serious note some aspects of culture from many countries actually contradict the teachings of Islam but are nearly always done in the name of Islam.


So What is Islamic Culture?


You may be asking what is Islamic culture then? Well its simple really: its any aspect of culture that does not contradict the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah, and is not an official part of another religion.



Forced Marriages


One of the main dilemmas emerging out of many cultures that faces most youth is the ever-bugging forced marriage. We've all heard the horror stories about fathers beating their daughters or even killing them in the name of Q & A With Shaykh Salim Giza!honour', and all this is linked to the idea of forced marriages.


We may not personally know of any crazy fathers like these (hopefully!) but I'm sure many of us are familiar with the concept. Whether it is force by physical abuse or emotional blackmail � it is totally forbidden in Islam. Islam makes itself crystal clear on this issue.


The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) has made it clear to us that force and marriage do not mix, as stated in this hadith:


al-Khansa' bint Khidam said: �My father married me to his nephew, and I did not like this match, so I complained to the Messenger of Allah (pbuh). He said to me: Q & A With Shaykh Salim Giza!Accept what your father has arranged.' I said, Q & A With Shaykh Salim Giza!I do not wish to accept what my father has arranged.' He said, Q & A With Shaykh Salim Giza!Then this marriage is invalid, go and marry whomever you wish.' I said, Q & A With Shaykh Salim Giza!I have accepted what my father has arranged, but I wanted women to know that fathers have no right in their daughter's matters (i.e. they have no right to force a marriage on them).'� [ibn Majah, 1:602]


So if Islam doesnt allow forced marriages then why do some parents practise it?





There can be a number of reasons for this, one being lack of knowledge. Parents may not fully realise that what they are doing is wrong or it may be that they are just scared of the Western culture influencing their children so they become too strict in their ways purely because they want to protect you and in such cases it is up to you to inform them.



But this does not mean you can disrespect, shout at or unnecessarily hurt your parents. Islam instructs us to deal with our parents with kindness, love and with utmost respect at all times even in a situation like this.


Parents can NOT force their kids into marriage, so educate them with love and if they still try to force you into marriage then get a religious, respected and educated member of the community to talk to them.


Culture in Islamic weddings


There is nothing wrong with culture as long as it doesn't contradict Islamic teachings. But amongst Muslims it's always at a wedding where we cross the line.


In most weddings, especially amongst Indo-Pak Muslims we have intermixing, mendi (Henna nights) for men and women, young girls encircling the bride and groom with candles, throwing paint at each other and many other cultural traditions which have come from Q & A With Shaykh Salim Giza!back home' and really have no place in Islam. Muslim weddings should be carried out according to the teachings of Islam.


Sexist culture?


Also there are some aspects of culture that is downright sexist! For example a woman that is divorced is looked down upon!!! The Holy Prophet (pbuh) married women that were divorced and also encouraged divorced women and widows to marry again.


Housework is just for women


…if a man does it, it affects his Q & A With Shaykh Salim Giza!izzat' (honour). This exists in a lot of cultures worldwide! This crazy culture says that women should only do the housework and men are to come and sit on their backsides all day. Again, this is not very Islamic as the Holy Prophet (pbuh) did his chores himself. If the greatest of creation can do that then who else is to say otherwise.


Walk 10 steps behind your man!


The weirdest thing is when women are expected to walk 10 feet behind their husbands!! Come on now, what's all that about. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the husband and wife walking next to each other in public or even I would say holding hands God forbid!






Girls are locked up!


There seems to be this medieval attitude running through our communities, that girls can't get an education, they should just stay at home and learn how to cook and clean, whilst the boys can doss in the streets, get into trouble, stay out late and do whatever they want with no questions asked.



If a guy messes around it's not a biggie but if a girl is seen with a boy by a nosy auntie she's brought �shame on the family�. Such ridiculous sexist attitudes stem from the time a child is born - when a boy is born it's laddu (sweets) all around but if a girl is born its not a big deal or even a Q & A With Shaykh Salim Giza!bad' thing!


It's sad and difficult to believe this still goes on considering Allah warned us against it in the Quran 1400-odd years ago:


"whenever any of them is given the glad tiding of [the birth of] a girl, his face darkens, and he is filled with suppressed anger. Avoiding all people because of the [alleged] evil of the glad tiding which he has received, [and debating within himself:] Shall he keep this [child] despite the contempt [which he feels for it]-or shall he bury it in the dust? Old, evil indeed is whatever they decide!" [surah 16: Verses 58-59]


So people need to snap out of this ancient mentality and realise that Islam is NOT a sexist religion, far from it in fact! Morality is equally prescribed for both girls and boys - an un-Islamic act committed by a man or a woman carries the same amount of sin; the idea that if a man sins it ain't too bad but if a woman does it then it's really bad is unacceptable!





In the sight of God men and women are equal when it comes to reward and punishment. Also, it is an Islamic duty for every man AND woman to gain knowledge, religious or secular, so there's nothing at all wrong with a girl getting an education or pursuing a career.



Parents to blame?


Also parents need to take a reality check and remember their own youth (even though it may seem like yonks ago).



Most of our parents couldn't afford an education in the first place and so the men went out to work and the women spent their time doing the housework, which was the norm of that time.


So, parents can not expect their kid to be the perfect, traditional Paki, Guji, Bengali etc. Hadrat Ali (ra) said "Bring up your children differently to how you were brought up as they are from a different time".





Follow Islam- You cant go wrong!


In short there is nothing wrong with following ones culture as long as it doesn't go against Islam. So yeah you can still eat the food, wear the traditional clothes (I don't mean the sleeveless, skin-tight shalwaar kameez!) and speak your language etc. coz there's nothing wrong with all that.



At the same time there's nothing wrong if you don't follow some aspects of your culture � you ain't a bad Muslim if you prefer wearing loose jeans/top or a loose skirt and top instead of the traditional Shalwaar kameez, prefer chips to curry and would rather speak English!


Islam is more than that � as long as the core beliefs of Islam are maintained then it's all kool and the rest can sort itself out!

Ali Wannabe & Jamaal!


By Irfan Khan and Dawud


In the Mosque, after a talk has been held, everyone is sitting down to eat, food is being served. Jamal sees Ali and makes a bee line for him and sits across from him.


Jamaal: As Salaamu alaykum Ali, its a very pleasant surprise to see you here.


Ali: W-S


Jamaal: Huh? Double-you ess?


Ali: I said 'Wa Salaam.' And it's good to see you too.


Jamaal: Aww thanks, really though it's amazing that you're here.


Ali: Its nothing, I got a text saying there was food and...the rest is history.


Jamaal: Well the important thing is that you're here; just being in a Mosque is a rewardable act.


Ali: Bonus, I get rewarded from God and I get a Scran, now that's what I'm talking about.


Jamaal: err...exactly; you should stay positive... like the Shaykh!


Ali: Where is it? I'll have a mango or strawberry Shake.


Jamaal: No no, I meant the Shaykh who just gave the talk, as in learned Shaykh not a Milkshake.


Ali: What? Make your self clear next time bro me was well lookin forward to a shake, I can taste it now its your fault. [Jamaal takes out his mild frustration on the food]


Jamaal: You look great! What you been doing?


Ali: Sick bro, I met someone, and we're talking about marriage-


Jamaal: [Cough] [Cough] [splutter]


Ali: WOAH, JAM! I ain't never seen anyone cough curry out through their nose before!


Jamaal: That is so amazing, Masha Allah I am really glad for you! Really?


Ali: Yeah bro, I've seen people choking on water, or sneezing in their biryani, but for real you did something next level!


Jamaal: NO! The marriage, so you're gonna marry then?


Ali: Easy Bro, I know you Molvi types like your food but you ain't rushing me into getting married just so you can have some scran. I was talking to this guy I know he was telling me about his rishtah!


Jamaal: Oh right, sorry, sorry...so your giving advice to others when you going to take some advise and get married...to a nice girl?


Ali: Nah mate, I got all my all my chilling to do first!


Jamaal: Like what?


Ali: er...I want to see the world.


Jamaal: So marry someone and you can see the world together, a wife and traveling companion.


Ali: Yeah, but I wanna make bare dollars first.


Jamaal: No Problem, a wife won't stop you from making money.


Ali: No but she'll spend it pretty quick.


Jamaal: Ah I see your point. I could set you up with a girl from back home, easy maintenance n all that.


Ali: ...No woman is easy maintenance bro they just eat your money.


Jamaal: Okay, but did you know The Holy Prophet SAW has said that 'marriage is half of Deen'?


Ali: Okay...erm...but, I wanna work on the other half first.


Jamaal: You're not really going for the whole marriage thing are you?�


Ali: To tell you the truth Jam, I'm scared. If I get married, no more getting up at half twelve in the afternoon, and no more crazy nights with the boyz, no more reckless driving in the Pakimobile with the boyz...I'll go under Jam! I don't wanna GO UNDER! Don't let me go under! Please!


Jamaal: Shhh bro, everyone is looking at us... [Pause] Marriage ain't no prison sentence


Ali: Seems to look like one though


Jamaal: Look bro, Islam teaches us that the man and the woman are a perfect pair, some things the man has a degree of advantage and in something's the woman does. But together they're a team, a match made in heaven.


Ali: so what you're saying, is that if I get married, she can cook I'll eat, I'll make a mess n she will clean and wash up after me?... Wow marriage sounds good now.


Jamaal: Uh...we're getting there...


Jamaal:�Could you pass me some coke bro?


Ali: WHAT? In here? Look Jam I got none of that stuff! It's no good for you Jam! Drugs are HARAAM...aren't they?


Jamaal: What are you on about? There's a bottle right next to you.


Ali: Oh righht, coke. Ha-ha, sure no problem, ha-ha here you go.


Jamaal: Jazaakallah Khayr brother...So what d'you think I meant?


Ali: Noting noting, so marriage, yeah, tell me more.


Jamaal: The first objective of the Islamic law of marriage is that it protects the morals of the people. Islam forbids adultery and fornication, so it gives you a legit alternative which is then a rewardable act. The second objective is the relationship should be based on mutual love cooperation of love, mercy and kindness for each other, so they may enjoy the happiness and peace vital for a healthy society. The first woman was made from the rib of the first man to be by his side, and from his left rib to be near and protect his heart, and so that together the man and woman find completeness in each other. Allah SWT says in the Qur'an how everything is made in pairs and so it really is the natural way. [Ali digests more than just the food.]


Ali: Well I would like to settle with some nice girl.


Jamaal: That's good.


Ali: A nice house.


Jamaal: Excellent.


Ali: A few kids.


Jamaal: Beautiful.


Ali: But not yet.


Jamaal: Why.


Ali: I'm the heart break kid bro, me break enough women's hearts if me gets married, now me can't do that can I?


Jamaal: you don't know the half of it, fire underneath you, and hell fire above. Hot enough to melt your skin off.


Ali: Easy bro�


Jamaal: Is it too REAL for you?


Ali: Nah bro, it's just the whole skin melting thing, y'know I'm trying to eat an all.


Jamaal: I'm sorry; does the idea of your skin melting put you off your food? DO want to be drinking BLOOD and PUSS???


Ali: What you chattin' about you muppet?


Jamaal: HELL!!


Ali: Don't swear bro we're in a Mosque, and what's with the blood drinking talk, I ain't no vampire! Vampires are Kaafir...right?


Jamaal: Do you want to burn in HELL? Ali, because messing around with girls and having a bit on the side without getting married is a good way to book a reservation.


Ali: What? Talk sense fool, you trying to send me to Hell?


Jamaal: Not me brother, it's the devil that's trying. Hell ain't too pretty: �Thus. Then will they taste it � a boiling fluid and a filthy fluid of pus and blood and other penalties of a similar kind to match them.�[Quran.38: 57-58]


Ali: Okay now you're scaring me.


Jamaal: WOMAN is the last arrow of Shaytaan, when he runs out of tricks and disguises to throw at you; he uses the trap of women!


Ali: What you mean the trap of women?


Jamaal: The shaytan will tempt you into doing haram things and seen as men are weak and pathetic he will use the lure of women to make you do something that goes against Islam.


Ali: So I guess the Devil will be tempting the women too by using a good looking guy like me?


Jamaal: You wish�.So if you wanna put the smack down on The Devil, you gotta get married, that's why its � of your faith. Marriage stops you from doing so many wrongs if you go into marriage with the right frame of mind.


Ali: Right, so if I wanna give him a knock out blow or a big kick in the nuts then I should get married three more times!


Jamaal: I like your Taqwa, but if you plan on staying in this country, you have to obey the law of the land, and that means only one wife at a time.


Ali: Yeah, you're right four wives would be serious head-ache.


Jamaal: True, Were not allowed to take more than one wife Islamically, if there is a fear we wouldn't be able to treat them all fairly and justly.


Ali: That wouldn't be too easy, all that make up to buy, the latest fashion accessories, the new clothes��.someone grab me I'm gonna faint.


Jamaal: Marriage is a blessing upon us, it is mentioned as a blessed and rewarding thing in Allah SWT Qur'an, and it is the pious Sunnah of Our Beloved Prophet SAW. It leads to children, which are the mercy of Allah SWT, and a nourishing society.


Ali: Whoa that's tight. I'z gonna give that some proper heavy thought.


Jamaal: Really? You'll actually consider getting married.


Ali: Well I'm not saying I want to get married right now, but I don't think I'll be saying 'no' forever.


Jamaal: That's encouraging to hear.


Ali: So tell the molvi Saab the program was really good.


Jamaal: You liked it, aww that's beautiful.


Ali: Yeah, the way it started with rice and then the curry, and then some potato put in here and there, then how he wrapped it all up at the end with a small piece of naan. Genius. Left a warm glow inside of me�I gotta order here more often.


Jamaal: Have some water bro before that warm glow turns into a raging fire�.


Ali: You know what Jam? I fink you'd make a proper good husband�


Jamaal: Thanks Ali.


Ali: �To some molvi type woman! [Ali cracks up laughing]


Jamaal: I don't know why you're laughing bro, that's a really nice compliment!


Ali: What? Don't you want a good looking wife?


Jamaal: Of course I do.


Ali: Okay you're confusing me, if you want a good looking wife, shouldn't you go for someone sexy.


Jamaal: Hey, we're in a Mosque.


Ali: Right�yeah.


Jamaal: You can have a beautiful pious wife, The Beloved Prophet SAW said �A woman is married for four reasons, her wealth, lineage, status and Deen. Choose the one who is religious.� (Sahih al-Bukhari).


Ali: Whoa, that's like the best of both worlds.


Jamaal: You said it; the first marriage took place in paradise and lasted into this world and it works the other way too. Islam tells us that in paradise a wife will still be married with her husband, not just that but just being with your wife is a rewardable act that can lead you to paradise. Just a look of tenderness passed between husband and wife is a rewardable act as well as a divine blessing!


Ali: That's beautiful Jam, truly.


Jamaal: You should marry a molvi Ali.


Ali: You meant 'Molvi type wife' right?


Jamaal: Have lots of beautiful kids.


Ali: Actually I was thinking of having ugly ones��.of course I want beautiful kids.


Jamaal: No, what I meant is that, if you have pious children they are blessings for you; even after you kick the bucket. Their good deeds can redeem you from the hellfire or raise your Station in Paradise. They can ask forgiveness on your behalf, so you would get rewarded for being blessed with molvi type children.


Ali: Yeah that all sounds sick, in a good way, but why do we have to marry our cousins?


Jamaal: Uh�you don't. I know there are some people who say you can only marry your cousins, but that's not true, it is permissible for Muslims to marry their cousins but they can also marry other people too.


Ali: What about these people, who say you, gotta marry someone in your same caste?


Jamaal: Yeah that's true; they're called Hindu's, its haram for us to marry them.


Ali: What??? But I heard Muslims saying they got to marry in the caste?


Jamaal: No for real, only the Hindu's have castes. The Muslims believe all men are equal in the sight of Allah SWT except in piety, and we believe having different family names doesn't make you un-pious.


Ali: Okay one more question�What about goats? Is that halaal?


Jamaal: Goats? Yes, they make great food


Ali: No�er� I mean to marry one? Cos I read about this guy who was made to marry a goat. [Jamaal chokes]


Ali: Hey! You just did the curry out your nose trick again!...

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"The Most Gracious Allah has taught the Quran; He has created man; He has taught him speech.” (Surah Rahman ayat 1-3)


The tongue and the language are great gifts of Allah. These gifts that Allah has given him makes him superior to all other creatures.


The greater the gift, the higher would be its re-payment. Being grateful for it is as necessary as being ungrateful is reprehensible.


Before addressing others take a glance at yourself, and ask yourself whether this is an occasion which demands speaking. If the answer is in the affirmative, then speak, otherwise silence is much better. To avoid talking unnecessarily on appropriate occasions is a worship of great rewards.


Abdullah Ibn Abbas says: "Five things are more valuable than the horses with the black-striped legs:


1. Do not indulge in senseless talk, because it is useless and absurd.


2. Talk purposefully when there is an occasion for it.


3. Do not indulge in hot discussion with an intelligent man or with a fool. If he is intelligent, he will be angry with you and will hate you, and if he is a fool and uneducated, he will try to harm you.


4. In the absence of your brother speak of him in the same words in which you would like him to speak of you in your absence, and consider him innocent of the thing which you would like him to consider you innocent of.


5. Act like a man who thinks that he will be rewarded for a good deed and will be punished on committing a crime."


A Muslim can develop these attributes in himself only when he keeps his tongue in control, and is able to keep silent wherever necessary. He should be able to hold the reins of his tongue in his hand; wherever necessary he should speak, and wherever it is not necessary he should keep quiet.


Those who are ruled by their tongue, they are pushed back, and in the fields of life they receive insults and disrepute.


Source:


"Muslim's Character" - Muhammad Al-Ghazali

Signs of weak Iman and how to increase it





Signs of weak Faith:


- Committing sins and not feeling any guilt.


- Having a hard heart and no desire to read the Quran.


- Feeling too lazy to do good deeds, e.g. being late for salat


- Neglecting the Sunnah.


- Having mood swings, for instance being upset about petty things and bothered and irritated most of the time.


- Not feeling anything when hearing verses from the Quran, for example when Allah warns us of punishments and His promise of glad tidings.


- Finding difficulty in remembering Allah and making dhikr.


- Not feeling bad when things are done against the Shariah.


- Desiring status and wealth.


- Being mean and miserly, i.e. not wanting to part with wealth.


- Ordering others to do good deeds when not practising them ourselves.


- Feeling pleased when things are not progressing for others.


- Being concerned with whether something is haram or halal only; and not avoiding makroo (not recommended) things.


- Making fun of people who do simple good deeds, like cleaning the mosque.


- Not feeling concerned about the situation of Muslims.


- Not feeling the responsibility to do something to promote Islam.


- Liking to argue just for the sake of arguing without any proof.


- Becoming engrossed and very involved with dunya, worldly things, i.e. feeling bad only when losing something in terms of material wealth.


- Becoming engrossed and obsessive about ourselves.


Okay,..Wait we still have.... how to increase our faith?


- Recite and ponder on the meanings of the Quran. Tranquility then descends and our hearts become soft. To get optimum benefit, remind yourself that Allah is speaking to you. People are described in different categories in the Quran; think of which one you find yourself in.


- Realize the greatness of Allah. Everything is under His control. There are signs in everything we see that points us to His greatness. Everything happens according to His permission. Allah keeps track and looks after everything, even a black ant on a black rock on a black moonless night.


- Make an effort to gain knowledge, for at least the basic things in daily life e.g. how to make wudu properly. Know the meanings behind Allah's names and attributes. People who have taqwa are those who have knowledge.


- Attend gatherings where Allah is remembered. In such gatherings we are surrounded by angels.


- We have to increase our good deeds. One good deed leads to another good deed. Allah will make the way easy for someone who gives charity and also make it easy for him or her to do good deeds. Good deeds must be done continuously, not in spurts.


We must fear the miserable end to our lives; the remembrance of death is the destroyer of pleasures.


- Remember the different levels of akhirah, for instance when we are put in our graves, when we are judged, whether we will be in paradise or hell.


- Make dua, realize that we need Allah. Be humble. Don't covet material things in this life.


- Our love for Subhana Wa Ta'Ala must be shown in actions. We must hope Allah will accept our prayers, and be in constant fear that we do wrong. At night before going to sleep, we must think about what good we did during that day.


- Realize the effects of sins and disobedience- one's faith is increased with good deeds and our faith is decreased by bad deeds. Everything that happens is because Allah wanted it. When calamity befalls us- it is also from Allah. It is a direct result of our disobedience to Allah.

Moslems appetite for intolerance and destruction seems insatiable. No, it's not just women who dress as they see fit that makes <i>peaceful inner strugglers </i> hatin' mad. There's plenty of venomous hostility for anyone who would dare express an alternate thought or opinion or look beyond the horizons of life as it existed on the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century.
Gunmen attack Internet cafes in Gaza

Quote:A hitherto unknown group calling itself the Just Swords of Islam issued a warning to Palestinian women in the Gaza Strip over the weekend that they must wear the hijab or face being targeted by the group's members.
In pamphlets distributed in various parts of the Gaza Strip, the group also claimed responsibility for attacks on 12 Internet cafes over the past few days.


The warning was directed primarily against female students in a number of universities and colleges who do not cover their heads in line with Islamic tradition.


<b>The group said its followers last week threw acid at the face of a young woman who was dressed "immodestly" in the center of Gaza City</b>. They also destroyed a car belonging to a young man who was playing his radio tape too loudly.


Addressing female students, the group said: "We will have no mercy on any woman who violates the traditions of Islam and who also hang out in Internet cafes."


According to the group, its members used rocket-propelled grenades to attack 12 Internet cafes and a number of music shops in different parts of the Gaza Strip.

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<b>The Fetus Rights in Islam </b>
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By Dr. Nazmy Khalil Abou El Atta
Translated by Marwa Hassan


Revised By Magdy Abd Al-Shafy


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Calls for human rights resound in the whole world with a serious and false accusation that Islam comes to violate such rights. In a matter of fact, this is entirely repudiated by Islam and Muslims as well. Accordingly, we believe that it is our duty, as Muslims, to defend ourselves and our Islam by illustrating few established facts in our true religion to show how Islam preserve rights, whether these rights relating to living organisms or non-living things as Islam consider both divine . We will illustrate this by means of evidence and we will start by figuring out what rights Islam provided for the fetus.






1- The right of having known and contracted lineage:


One of the simplest fetus rights is to have one known lineage. Islam put some regulations and restrictions to the sexual relationships and bound it to marriage. Further, marriage is legislated by Islam and it was stated as the only way for people to procreate and have children


God says: in this concern what means “your wives are as a tilth unto you" , that is to say He made the womb like a soil where the sperm is the seed that a husband cultivates.


To have a true marriage contract, witnesses are provided. That is to say when two Muslim Couple is getting married, it is necessary for the other Muslims to witness such marriage contract and thus protecting the rights of the fetus to have two known and married parents.


To announce marriage, is another requirement for a true marriage contract as by this act Islam differentiates between illegitimate sexual relationships and marriage. Therefore the act of announcement means letting the majority to learn that those two people bound by the sacred bond of marriage.


Islam prescribed a period of waiting for the wife, Iddat, in order to make sure that her womb is free and she is not pregnant of her ex-husband. Accordingly, this protects the fetus rights to know who his father is and save any confusion in this regard.


Islam absolutely banned the believers to perform the act of adultery or fornication as God dictates in Sura El Nour ( Nour chapter in the Holy Quran)


"Let no man guilty of adultery or fornication marry any but a woman similarly guilty, or an unbeliever: nor let any but such a man or an unbeliever marry such a woman: to the believers such a thing is forbidden. " (Sura El Nure- verse 3)


Otherwise, the punishment of those who do not conform to the dictations of God and Islam should be punished in public in order to let the other Muslims witness that as God says "and let a pretty of the believers witness their punishment" ( Sura El Nure – Verse 2 ) in order to be deterrent .


Accordingly, Islam comes to protect the fetus right to have a known linage and origin. However, this right is not preserved in those communities which allow different forms of unregulated behaviors as far as the relationship between man and woman is concerned, such as adultery, deceit, sex offences and having babies without the bond of marriage, in other words, lovechildren.


2- the right to have a healthy and chaste womb environment



Womb is the first environment that fetus touches and this is where it stays to grow. It is figured more likely as a soil where the sperm is cultivated. Islam has granted this soil some sort of sanctity as it bounds the sexual relationship to marriage where only the husband can sow the seed in order to reap the harvest. Islam banned sex offences for a higher and virtuous reason; that is to keep such soil healthy and chaste rather than exhausted or injured...


When diseases occur due to sex offences the first organ to be affected is the womb of the woman. This is why Islam banned adultery and fornications as through improper sexual relationships venereal diseases easily transmit. Islam has also banned alcoholic drinks, drugs and eating spoiled food as His Almighty says "Eat of the good things we have provided for you"


Islam has also banned eating dead bodies of animals or birds, eating swine's meat (pork) or drinking blood. Further, ill-gotten food is strictly forbidden. Avoiding all these things ensure a healthy womb environment


Islam dictated some regulations and restrictions concerning the relationship between man and woman. Further, it forbids Muslim women to interact with strange men for women's sake and to keep them away from sick and evil people. Thus that would provide protection for fetus and secure chaste womb.


3- The right to have a strong genetic origin
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from the scientific point of view; fetus is formed as a result of integration in the hereditary substance, in other words chromosomes, of both man and woman, where these chromosomes carry the genetic characteristics of the child. In a matter of fact, marriage which is exclusive to the relatives of one's family is not favorable; this is according to the prophetic tradition, Muhammad (PBUH), " marrying a non-relative is favored than marrying a relative one"…narrated by El Bukhary. The Hadeeth advises people not to get married to a relative spouse as this results in deformed kids. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advises those who wishes to get married, to choose their wives carefully in order to make sure that she free form any deformity, and thus he assures that he will be having healthy and deformity free kids.


4- The right to have a true faith



Marriage is the most intimate relationship that combines spiritual harmony with physical link. This is a vital matter that affects both parties and influences their potentiality of choice to a great extent. The main aim of both parties is to seek for the right and good partner rather than an unbeliever! God says " do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters) until they believe. A slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she allures you"( Sura Bakara – verse 221)


When God dictates that Muslims are to be married to believers and never to unbelievers, was to ensure a true faith and powerful religion to the coming children and not to be subjected to the whims of an unbelieving father or mother.


5- The right to get into heaven
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Islam maintains the right of fetus to get into heaven and to stay away from Hell as God says " O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from fire" . A believing father raises his children on virtues and the dictations of Islam which works as a firewall against tracing the devil's track. Thus Islam ensures religious family for fetus and a believing social background.


6- The right of equality with other fetuses



Islam stipulated that it is only He, God ,the Almighty, Who grants people baby boys or girls. So, it is up to God only to determine the fetus sex, whether it is a boy or a girl. In other words, fetus is helpless when the matter of sex is concerned and this makes all fetuses equal, girls and boys.


7- The right to have a normal social life
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Islam prescribed that both parties, the husband and the wife, shall be socially equivalent as this ensures a normal and social environment for the coming children, where no way that one of the parents act superciliously. As a matte of fact, this lessens the potentiality of social discord and family disunity as it enhances the social life of families and the psychological needs.


8- The right to maintain fetus life



The law of Islam has provided the right of fetus to live and prohibited any attempt of killing him and further abortion is legislated in few established situations which are determined by physicians, Islam legists together with sociologists. In Islam, violators are punished equally, whether it is the father, the mother, or some one else... as the Islamic law dictates that the violator is to be deprived from inheritance in case of getting rid of fetus to capture his share in the inheritance. Accordingly, the right of fetus to live is secured by Islam.


Islam legists agreed unanimously on prohibiting abortion and they resorted to the fact that God granted life to such lifeless thing and only He who has the power to take it back. Physicians and embryologists agreed that fetus is a living organism even when it is still a sperm and this is a convincing reason, from the scientific point of view, for not depriving such a helpless creature form the divine right of life.


9- The right to enjoy health life within womb
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In Islam, the responsibility of fetus is resorted to parents as it is to be considered one of their duties, in other words subjects, in life " You are all guardians and each one of you is responsible for his own subjects", or that is to say " good shepherd is responsible for his own sheep" . Islam stipulated that the husband shall spend on his pregnant wife and socially protect her. This provides the right of fetus to enjoy secure, and serenity and good food " Let the women live (in Iddate) in the same style as ye live, according to your means: annoy them not, so as to restrict them. And if they carry (life in their wombs), then spend (your substance on them until they deliver their burden…" (Sura Talak – verse 6)


Accordingly, in Islam the husband is entitled to pay all the expenses of his pregnant wife after divorce, including food, housing, clothing, social protection, psychological support and medicines. This protects fetus against malnutrition and psychological illness. Islam protected women as well in a way that it allowed them to work outdoors only under admissible necessity.


10- Maintaining fetus good and benefit



For fetus sake, Islamic law gives the permission to the pregnant mother to eat in Ramadan and not to fast. (Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, exempted pregnant or suckling mothers from fasting) narrated by Termezi in the Fasting section.


11- Temporary hold of penalties for the pregnant
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Islamic Law stipulated the delay of executing penalties on the pregnant adulterer till delivery, as what was dictated by Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, to a pregnant adulterer in an incident (you may go till your childbirth). Thus Islam comes to absolve fetus from the guilt of his mother.


12- Maintaining fetus's financial rights



Islam preserves the right of fetus in inheritance in case if it is born live. Islam legists stated that fetus is to be counted within the total of inheritors and his share should be preserved till childbirth. In case if it is born live, his assigned share should be separated. In Islam, patrimony is divided on the basis of holding back the major part for the sake of such fetus, and further the legacy for the fetus is considered true and correct.


13-Honorable Islamic precedence
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What we have already mentioned is a small number of rights out of the large number of rights for the fetus in Islam which wad not introduced to the modern civilization until 1959, when the committee of child's rights – which is affiliated to the General Society of the United Nations – stated that both mother and baby shall get the utmost care and protection especially before delivery. In 1966 the United Nations approved on providing special care for pregnant women before and after delivery as well and granting them paid vacations.




Revised By Magdy Abd Al-Shafy

Two of the most Jew hatin’est ideologues from the most Jew hatin’est places on earth, Iran and what some call “Palestine” were commiserating the other day and discussing their hopes for the apocalypse. Kickin’ back out with his Sunni pal, Hamas Capo Ismail Haniyeh, Iran's apocalypse obsessed “president” once again goes on record
to say that Israel will soon cease to exist.



And in the meantime, "Palestinian" Arabs play the lachrymose role of the aggrieved and oppressed people in the charade of their invented victimhood.

Quote:Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyah held talks in Doha, Qatar on Friday.
According to the Media Department of the Presidential Office, President Ahmadinejad, in the meeting, said: "As everybody knows, the Zionist regime was created to establish dominion of arrogant states over the region and to enable the enemy to penetrate the heart Muslim land."


Saying the Israeli regime was inherently a "threat," he said it was established in the region to create tensions and impose the arrogant policies of the US and UK on regional states.


"Under no circumstances can it contribute to peace and security." Premier Haniyah, for his part, praised the support of the Iranian government and nation for the cause of the Palestinian nation, saying "the Iranian nation's brilliant stand in the rightful battles of the Palestinians encourages them and signifies their deep understanding of Islamic principles."


"The Intifada (uprising) of the Palestinian nation will continue until the cause of the Palestines is materialized and Al-Qods Al-Sharif is liberated," he added.


Referring to the decline of the Zionist regime and success of the freedom struggle of the Palestinians, President Ahmadinejad said: "Today scores of Western politicians are in doubt as to the future of this illegitimate regime and its existence has come under question."


He further said that it is the religious duty of all Muslims to support the Palestinian nation.


"There is no doubt the Palestinian nation and Muslims as a whole will emerge victorious," the president told the Palestinian prime minister.

Assalamu alaykum


Brother and sister in Islam i need a solid information about the black stone of the kaabah,


i was small l when i lived in saudi arabia, didnt know much about it, i asked some peoples but they have different way of answering.


some says it is a stone from paradise.......u can see people kissing the black stone some says it was a white and becoz it absorbs the sin of wicked person it became black, how logical is it? becoz of different answer from different individuals i was unhappy.


therefore i need an accurate information about it, why do people have to kiss the stone? what if anyone does not kiss?


wassalam

asalamu alaikum


dear administrator, i am a sister and as i am a new member. I want to join the sisters room, but i cant get access.


Permission to the Banaat sisters room. and I am 19yrs old

Ya’ know, nothing will send a muslim into trembling, OCD reflexive fits of insecurity like what follows. Morocco jails German for trying to convert Muslims[/color]

Quote:RABAT (Reuters) - A Moroccan court jailed a German tourist for six months for attempting to convert Muslims in the southern resort of Agadir, officials said on Wednesday.
The court in Agadir, Morocco's main tourist destination, found the 64-year-old man guilty of trying to "shake the faith of a Muslim," they added.


The court also fined him 500 dirhams ($60) in its verdict issued late on Tuesday.


Court officials named the German of Egyptian origin as Sadek Noshi Yassa, who was arrested last week as he was distributing books and CDs about the Christian faith to young Muslim Moroccans in the street, the officials said.


Under Moroccan law "anyone who employs incitements to shake the faith of a Muslim or to convert him to another religion" can be jailed for up to six months and fined.


The verdict came after local media reports that some Christians had launched a clandestine campaign to convert thousands of Muslim Moroccans to Christianity.