By: Umm Rashid


Big city, bright lights. Cars flash in fast lanes. Young Muslims are getting ready to hit the “night scene”. Branded shoes and designer clothes in place, clutching the latest mobile gizmos and sporting the trendiest watches, their perfume smells --- more than anything else – of money. You can see them “hanging out” in groups, lolling in the bright lights of a megamall, lingering aimlessly in hypershops, buying a knick knack to drive away the boredom; even if it’s just for a second. You can see them sipping cappucino at a Starbucks café …watching people go by, sharing a joke and laughing raucously; vacant eyes straying over to huge TV screens for the latest football score.


You can see them racing cars dangerously late into the night, music blasting from the stereos, startling passersby while they laugh in their faces. A standard sight.


Each time I see this all-too familiar scene, I find myself thinking of someone. Someone who lies buried in the blood-wet earth of ‘Uhud, feet covered by scented grass and his body covered only by a square woollen sheet that was not even sufficient to cover him completely. Someone who was his mother’s pampered son, he wore the best clothes his rich mother’s money could buy, his perfume scented the streets he walked through. The talk of Makkan matrons and maidens in their plush salons, the toast of his peers in the city’s clubs, the most flamboyant young man of the Quraysh, who left a life of pleasuring the Self to gain the pleasure of Allaah: Mus’ab bin Umair bin Hashim bin Abd Munaf who was also known as Mus’ab al Khair.


Mus’ab was only a youth when he heard of the new Prophet who had arisen among the Quraysh and his Message of monotheism; Makkah talked of very little else in those days. His curiosity piqued by all the talk, Mus’ab decided to approach the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam on his own to determine the truth of his Message.


One night, instead of joining his friends in their customary revelry, Mus’ab made his way to the house of Al-Arqaam Ibn Al-Arqaam which came to be known as Daar al Arqaam among the Muslims. It was here that the Prophet met with the growing band of Muslims, away from the eyes of the Quraysh. It was here that the Companions talked over the future of their faith, heard and recited newly revealed portions of the Qur’aan and prayed behind the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wassallam to Allaah.


That night, Mus'ab sat down among the gathering of the faithful and heard the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wassallam recite verses of the Qur’aan. From that moment on he forgot for ever his life of luxury and indolence, in the ecstasy of discovering the key to eternal life.


Mus’ab’s path to the faith was not easy – his mother, Khunnas bint Maalik, a strong willed woman infamous for her sharp temper and sharper tongue – was his chief opponent. In order to avoid an unpleasant confrontation with his mother, Mus’ab initially avoided telling her about his new faith. However, people found him frequenting Daar Al-Arqaam more than his usual haunts and saw him coming under the influence of the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam. It wasn’t long before news of his conversion reached his mother.


Reacting with the imperiousness of her nature, her pride in her lineage and her age-old allegiance to the gods, she commanded Mus’ab to return and repent to the gods he had abandoned in his “foolishness”; and when he refused, she had him shackled and imprisoned in a corner of the house.


Somehow, news of the first emigration of some Muslims to Abyssinia reached Mus’ab in his incarceration and his heart longed to join his brothers in the faith. Using his ingenuity, he managed to delude his mother and his guards and escaped to Abyssinia with other emigrants. Later, he returned to Makkah with them for a short while and emigrated a second time, this time as the Prophet [sAW]’s chosen envoy to the new centre of faith: Yathrib.


When Mus’ab returned from Abyssinia, his mother sought to imprison him yet again. But this time he vowed that if she attempted that, he would kill all those who came to her aid to lock him up. She knew the intensity of his determination better than anyone else and so she bade him a final farewell, crying bitterly: Go away, I am no longer your mother.


At this, Mus’ab went close to her and said: O Mother, I am advising you and my heart is with you, please bear witness that there is no God but Allaah and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. Enraged, she swore: By the stars, I will never enter your religion, to degrade my status and weaken my senses!


But Mus’ab entered Islaam in the spirit of the Qur’aan when it says: udkhuloo fi silme kaafah [enter into Islaam completely]. He forsook every semblance of satisfaction of the Self for the sake of Allaah – his dress was tattered, his food was simple, the bare earth was his bed.


One day he went out to meet some Muslims while they were sitting around the Prophet sall Allaahu alayhi wassallam, and when they saw him they lowered their heads and shed silent tears at the sight of the pampered youth of their memory , moving about in wornout patches held together by thorns, which barely covered him. After Mus’ab moved away from the gathering, the Prophet sall Allaahu alayhi wassallam recalled: I saw Mus’ab, and there was no youth in Makkah more petted by his parents than he. Then he abandoned all that for the love of Allaah and His Prophet.


Recognizing Mus’ab’s noble manners and patience, the Prophet [sAW] commissioned him to instruct the people of Yathrib who had pledged their allegiance to the Prophet at ‘Aqabah, to call others to Islaam and to prepare the city for the eventual migration of the Prophet [sAW].


At that time, there were among the Companions men of sterling character and nerves of steel, men who were older and more experienced in the ways of the world; yet he [sAW] chose Mus’ab as his representative. And Mus’ab proved worthy of the Prophet’s choice many times over, dealing with detractors with patience and sagacity.


Mus’ab entered Yathrib as a guest of Sa’ad ibn Zurarah of the Khazraj tribe. Together they went approached the citizens of Yathrib, explaining the message of Monotheism and reciting the Qur’aan. Once Musa’ab and Sa’ad were sitting near a well in an orchard of Banee Zafar, when they were approached by Usayd ibn Khudayr brandishing a spear in obvious rage. Sa’ad whispered to Mus’ab: This is a chieftain of his people. May Allaah place the truth in his heart.


Mus’ab replied calmly: If he sits down, I will speak to him.


Usayd was angry at the success of Mus’ab’s mission and shouted angrily: Why have you both come to us to corrupt the weak among us? Keep away from us if you want to stay alive. At this, Musa’ab smiled and said softly: Won't you sit down and listen? If you are pleased and satisfied with our mission, accept it; and if you dislike it we will stop telling you what you dislike and leave. Sticking his spear into the ground, Usayd sat down to hear them out. As Musa’ab began telling him about Islaam and reciting portions of the Qur’aan to Usayd’s expression changed. The first words he uttered were : How beautiful are these words and how true! What does a person do if he wants to enter this religion?


Mus’ab explained: Have a bath, purify yourself and your clothes. Then utter the testimony of Truth (shahadah), and perform prayers. Usayd testified that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, prayed two rakaats of salaah and was followed by another influential man: Sa’ad ibn Muaadh.


By the time the Prophet [sAW] emigrated, there was not a single household in Yathrib in which Mus’ab had not endeared himself and the Message of Islaam. In the subsequent pilgrimage, he led a company of 70 people went from Yathrib to pledge allegiance to the Prophet.


In a famous incident after the victory at Badr, the Muslims captured some Makkans and sought to ransom them. Mus’ab was passing by the ranks of prisoners and stopped when saw his brother, Abu Azeez ibn Umayr among them. However, instead of interceding on his behalf, he instructed his brother’s captor to bind him securely and to extract a large ransom for the prisoner, because “his mother is a very rich woman” When the brother sought to remind Mus’ab of his relationship, Mus’ab replied: I only recognize brotherhood of the faith, this man is my brother, not you!


At ‘Uhud, the Prophet sall Allaahu alayhi wassallam chose Mus’ab to bear the battle standard. In the melee that followed the archers descent from the hill where they were stationed, in violation of the Prophet [sAW]’s orders, the Makkans fought back fiercely. Taken unawares by the cavalry of the Quraysh attacking from the rear, the Muslim ranks scattered. Intent on harming the Prophet [sAW], the Makkans searched for him while he was being guarded only by a handful of companions. Suddenly, someone shouted that the Prophet [sAW] was no more.


It was at this juncture that Mus’ab’s glorious life reached a fitting culmination: Ibrahim ibn Muhammad related from his father, who said: Mus’ab ibn ‘Umair carried the standard on the Day of Uhud. When the Muslims were scattered, he stood fast until he met Ibn Qaami'ah who was a knight. He struck him on his right hand and cut it off, but Mus'ab said:And Muhammad is but a Messenger. Messengers have passed away before him. He carried the standard with his left hand and leaned on it, when his left hand was cut off, he leaned on the standard and held it with his upper arms to his chest, all the while saying: And Muhammad is but a Messenger. Messengers have passed away before him. Then a third soldier struck Mus’ab with his spear, and the spear went through him.


After the battle, the Prophet and his companions came to the plain of ‘Uhud to bury the martyrs, some of whose bodies had been mutilated by the marauding women of the Qur’aysh. Pausing when he saw Mus'ab, the Prophet [sAW] recited: Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah. Then he [sAW] looked at the remains of his companions in the battlefield and said: The Prophet of Allaah witnesses that you are martyrs to Allaah on the Day of Resurrection.


There wasn’t enough material to serve as a shroud for Mus’ab. Khabbaab ibn Al-Arat narrated: We emigrated with the Prophet for Allaah’s cause, so our reward became due with Allaah. Some of us passed away without enjoying anything in this life of his reward, and of them was Mus'ab ibn 'Umair, who was martyred on the Day of Uhud. He did not leave behind anything except a sheet of shredded woollen cloth. If we covered his feet with it, his head was uncovered, and if


we covered his feet with it, his head was uncovered. The Prophet [sAW] said to us: Cover his head with it and put lemon grass over his feet.


It was this memory of Mus’ab in his martyr’s grave, that caused companions like Abdur Rahmaan ibn ‘Awf to cry in fear of having no share in the Hereafter, because they had been granted a life of plenty and ease right here in this world. Once his servant brought him a meal to break his fast and ibn ‘Awf burst into tears, remembering Mus’ab who had passed away without tasting the good of this world, to the certainty of eternal pleasure in the Hereafter.


As night falls, I think of the shadows lengthening across ‘Uhud where the martyrs lie buried, when visitors drive off leaving the plain quiet, dark and peaceful. I think of the graves of the shuhadaa, resplendent with the dazzling light of the truly fortunate: those who are pleasing to Allaah and are pleased with Him.


In the neon dazzle of malls, where countless young Muslims strive daily in the trivial pursuit of pleasure, we would do well to bear the memory of Mus’ab radiyy Allaahu anhu in mind. It may keep us from getting lost in the light.

<b>The Veil</b>


The pea is a splendid plant. It proudly displays its strong green


Hijab. It protects it from the hot and cold weather and guards it from insects. Allah has blessed the pea with a special Hijab, because without it, the seeds would scatter, dry up and die.


The orange keeps itself within its shiny orange Hijab to protect its delicious fruit. Otherwise it-looses its taste too.


So are the banana, the coconut and the pomegranate. Each one has an elegant and unique Hijab, which protects it from disease and destruction.


The jewel of the sea, the pearl, has been given a very tough and rugged Hijab - oyster shell. It protects it from sea animals and keeps it sparkling and shining inside.


However, the most beloved of Allah in all His creation is the Muslim girl who wears the Hijab. She knows it is a gift from Allah. It protects her from harm, injury and mischief. She wears it knowing it gives her dignity, beauty and respect. So precious she can be that she hides herself beneath her Hijab.


"Allah does not look at your body and face; rather he looks at your heart"[at-tirmidhi]


"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty......And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms...." (Qur'an 24:30-31)


The world is prison for the believer and paradise for the disbeliever"[Muslim]


"O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their bodies(when abroad) so that they should be known and not molested" (Qur'an 33:59).

<b>Upbringing of children... into Islam</b>


Children are without doubt an amazing blessing of Allah (swt). With their arrival while still being unable to speak, they give their parents a very powerful message: that the roles of thee two individuals have now forever changed. From being a carefree youthful couple they have now transformed into a caring set of parents, whom the child will soon lovingly refer to as mum and dad. (Fisabilillah.org).


When I child begins talking the child should first be made to recite the kalimah:


"There is none worthy of worship but Allah (swt), Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah(swt)".


Every child has the right of Islamic education and being taught good manners upon their parents. This in turn will ensure that they lead a proper Islamic life and be saved from the hardships of this world and the Hereafter. The Quran says: "O you who believe, save yourself and your family from a fire, the fuel of which is men and stones". (Surah at-Tahrim)


The story of this book continues... I love this topic about raising children... but the issue always is about the parents first, the parents need to be motivated and be self taught into Islamic way of life in a decent environment for the child to be raised in.


Seeking a pious person can be a difficult process... even though Islam teaches us Deen is the most important aspect of any partner... I would love to have children as I'm sure anyone would but in order for that to occur a decent pious partner is required. You cant just marry anyone and hope for the best... I found someone whom I believed was a perfect pious muslimah (a dream - trustworthy, loyal, committed, pious, loving, understanding, smart, a great role model) whom I assumed would be ideal for a perfect pious partner to gain knowledge from each other and be awesome enough to raise our child the right way... in a great atmosphere with a muslim community near by and masjids close by (like in a arab country). I will always pray for her and if the future will let us be one, then I know our living environment and children will be raised well. If not at least we will know there was one who was enough, whom I will miss dearly. In-laws are also an important aspect to the upbringing of our children if they come from a decent Islamic background too... a young family is better to spend time with as is the older generation I knew of...


Life is full of suprises and though we will have free choice to decide who to have a family with, Qadr from Allah (swt) will always be a our fate, Allah (swt) knows best and is the best of planners. May Allah (swt) give us all a chance of parenthood and raise our children the right way with the right people behind us, Ameen.


Ma'asalaama

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful


<b>The Excellence of Observing Saum (Fasts) during Ramadan</b>


(SOURCE: Riyad-us-Saliheen, Imam Nawawi)


Allah, the Exalted, says:


"O you who believe! the fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious). (Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, ( e.g., an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast is better for you if only you know. The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days.'' (2:183-185)


1215. Abu Hurairah (radi'Allahu anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) said, " Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: `Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except As-Siyam (the fasting) which is (exclusively) for Me, and I will reward him for it.' Fasting is a shield. When anyone of you is observing fast, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him, he should say: `I am fasting.' By Him in Whose Hand the soul of Muhammad is, the breath of one observing Saum is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. The one who fasts, experiences two joys: he feels pleasure when he breaks the fast. He is joyful by virtue of his fast when he meets his Rubb .''


[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


In a narration by Al-Bukhari, the Messenger of Allah (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) said, " Allah says: `(The person observing Saum) has abstained from food and drink, and sexual pleasures for My sake; fasting is for Me, and I will bestow its reward. Every good deed has ten times its reward '.''


In a narration by Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) said, "The reward of every (good) deed of a person is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times. Allah (Subhanu wa ta'ala) says: `The reward of observing Saum is different from the reward of other good deeds; Saum is for Me, and I Alone will give its reward. The person observing Saum abstains from food and drink only for My sake.' The fasting person has two joyous occasions, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time of meeting his Rubb. Surely, the breath of one observing Saum is better smelling to Allah than the fragrance of musk .''


Commentary: "Khuluf'', is the smell that comes from the mouth of person who observes Saum. It results from the thirst and hunger which he has to suffer during the Saum. The Hadith not only tells us the merits of Saum but also brings into focus the true significance of it. Saum is not thus mere abstention from food, drink and sexual intercourse, but also keeping away from all evils and vices and embracing virtues.


1216. Abu Hurairah (radi'Allahu anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) said, "He who spends a pair in the way of Allah will be called from the gates of Jannah: `O slave of Allah! This gate is better for you' and one who is constant in Salat (prayer), will be called from the Gate of Salat; and whoever is eager in fighting in the Cause of Allah, will be called from the Gate of Jihad; and who is regular in observing Saum will be called from Ar-Raiyan Gate. The one who is generous in charity will be called from the Gate of Charity. '' Abu Bakr (radi'Allahu anhu) said: "O Messenger of Allah (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam)! May my mother and father be sacrificed for you! Those who are called from these gates will stand in need of nothing. Will anybody be called from all of those gates?'' He replied, " Yes, and I hope that you will be one of them.''


[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: "Pair'' means two; in other channels of transmission, it has been explained thus: "They asked him, `Pair of what?' He (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) said, ` A pair of horses, cows or camels'.'' "Pair'' in this Hadith, however, can be all-inclusive; i.e., fasting two days or performing two prayers, etc. This Hadith also mentions special distinction of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (radi'Allahu anhu) and the esteem in which he was held by the Prophet (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam). It also transpires from this Hadith that one can praise such a person right on his face about whom one does not fear that it will make him proud. This Hadith has also an inducement for giving in Sadaqah two instead of a single item.


1217. Sahl bin Sa`d (radi'Allahu anhu): The Prophet (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) said, "In Jannah there is a gate which is called Ar-Raiyan through which only those who observe Saum (fasting) will enter on the Day of Resurrection. None else will enter through it. It will be called out, "Where are those who observe fasting?'' So they will stand up and proceed towards it. When the last of them will have entered, the gate will be closed and then no one will enter through that gate .''


[Muslim].


Commentary: This Hadith tells us about the special distinction of those who observe Saum. "Only those who observe Saum '' signify the faithful who not only observe Saum during the month of Ramadan but also frequently observe voluntary fasts over and above the obligatory ones, otherwise Saum of Ramadan are compulsory for every Muslim. Similar is the case of the people of Salat, people of Sadaqah and people of Jihad, who have been mentioned in the preceding Ahadith otherwise all Muslims are on par so far as the Salat, Sadaqah, etc., are concerned.


1218. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (radi'Allahu anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) said, " Every slave of Allah who observes Saum (fasting) for one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will draw his face farther from Hell-fire to the extent of a distance to be covered in seventy years .''


[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: "Every slave of Allah'' includes men, women, the free and the unfree, because they are slaves of Allah. The Hadith highlights the excellence of fasting for the sake of Allah which will serve, on the Day of Resurrection, as shield against Hell-fire.


1219. Abu Hurairah (radi'Allahu alnhu) reported: The Prophet (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) said, "He who observes fasting during the month of Ramadan with Faith while seeking its reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven .''


[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: "Sins'' here means minor sins which relate to the Rights of Allah.


1220. Abu Hurairah (radi'Allahu anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) said, "When Ramadan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained .''


[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: This is a special distinction of the month of Ramadan during which Muslims become more inclined towards the worship of Allah. They pay greater attention to the recitation of the Qur'an, remembrance of Allah, worship, and seeking pardon for sins.


1221. Abu Hurairah (radi'Allahu anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) said, "Observe Saum (fast) on sighting the crescent and terminate it on sighting it (the new moon), but if the sky is cloudy before you, then complete the number (thirty days) of the month .''


[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: The words "Ghabiya'', and "Ghumma '', both have the same meanings, namely clouded sky or sky overcast with clouds, as a result of which the moon is not visible. In that case, the injunction is that thirty days of the month be completed. If the moon of Ramadan is not sighted on the 29th Sha`ban, then its thirty days be completed and Ramadan's Saum be started on the next day. Similarly, if the moon for the month of Shawwal is not sighted on the 29th of Ramadan, thirty days of Saum must be completed before celebrating `Eid-ul-Fitr. This means that the sighting of the moon is necessary for keeping the Saum of Ramadan. Counting by celestial system is not sufficient for this purpose. Moreover, the evidence of reliable witnesses for the crescent of Ramadan and the evidence of two dependable witnesses for the crescent of Shawwal are sufficient. This amount of evidence will fulfill the requirement of sighting the moon. Whether the sighting of the moon at one place is sufficient for another place is controversial and arguments of both the groups of `Ulama', who support and oppose it, are based on this Hadith. The group which contend that the sighting of the moon at one place is valid for another holds that the words " Sumu" and "Aftiru" are addressed to all the Muslims, and for this reason the sighting at one place holds good for another place. The group which holds that the sighting of the moon at one place is not enough for the Muslims of other localities contend that the words are addressed to the people who have actually sighted the moon. The Muslims of the localities of other areas who have not sighted the moon are not addressed by these words. They say that the sighting of the moon goes with each area according to which they will decide about starting of Saum and celebrating `Eid. There is a third group also, which is of the opinion that for such areas which are in close proximity and do not have much difference in the timings of sunrise and sunset, the sighting of the moon at one place holds good for the other. In any case, it is a moderate view, which can be implemented without fear of its being wrong. According to this view, at least in one country the sighting of the moon at one place holds good for all other areas.


MAY ALLAH MAKE THIS ARTICLE BENEFICIAL TO ALL - AMEEN

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An Open Letter to the British Home Secretary


The home secretary has braved a critical audience to call on Muslim parents to do more in the battle against terrorism. He asked to look for the “tell-tale signs” in their children and intervene if they suspect they are being influenced by extremists. Islam was being perverted by “fanatics” exploiting young people. These fanatics are looking to groom and brainwash children for suicide bombing. When he was the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, he never urged parents to monitor their children. Muslim parents shall be treated differently if their children show extreme tendencies compared to others of different faiths who may also harbour extreme tendencies.


Muslim parents have been worried about their children indulging in anti-social behavior, binge drinking, drug addiction, sexually transmitted diseases and teenage pregnancies and other social evils. Muslim children suffer bullying and racism in schools and outside the schools. Majority of Muslim children leave schools with low grades. Muslim parents would like their children to learn Standard English to follow the National Curriculum and go for higher studies and research to serve humanity. Majority of Muslim youths are unemployed and even 25% of Muslim graduates are without full-time employment. Those who are lucky to be employed find bullying, discrimination and few prospects for promotion to higher positions. The number of Muslim youths in prison and mental hospitals is on the increase. The number of drug addicts is on the increase. Hundreds of overseas Muslim doctors are unemployed. Terrorism is not the issue for the Muslims. It is the creation of the West.


Muslim children are human beings with social, emotional and spiritual needs and demands. They are not just economics for the economic prosperity of the British society. They are cut off from their cultural roots and are unable to enjoy the beauty of their literature and poetry. British schooling dislocates Muslim pupils from their cultural heritage. By the age of 16 “they are not ours, neither are they theirs”. Majority of Muslim parents wanted access to an” environment where their children can grow up with an understanding of Islam, Arabic, Urdu and other community languages. The sound knowledge of ones language would appear to help – and not hinder the acquisition of a second language and bilingual children may even have slight cognitive advantages. In British schooling, priority is given to suppress the other languages in favour of English. In fact, other languages should be fostered in addition to English.


Mastery of English language is not enough for the Muslim children. If they find that they are not welcome in a country, it is difficult to find motivation for integration and education. In the past Muslims were victim of Paki-bashing in all walks of life. The British Establishment did nothing to tackle that problem and issue. Now the young Muslim generation, well versed in English is victim of terrorism by the British Establishment and thousands of Muslim youths have been searched and arrested and are behind the bar without any charges and that make them more alienated from the British society.


Iftikhar Ahmad

السلام عليكم ورحمه الله وبركاته


:assalam:


اسمي عبدالوهاب


عمري 23


كيف الحال شباب انا عضو جديد واتمنا اني اشوف ترحيب


ياشباب الي يعرف موقع اسلامي عربي تكفون يعطيني الموقوع تسلمون

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<b>Episode 1</b>
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In the name of Allah (God), The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful. All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon our master, the most noble Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) .


In our program “In Thy Name We Live” we will be talking about The Most Beautiful Names of Allah. This program has two important features; first is the special place from which we air, Makkah - near the Ka’ba, Second is the special occasion, the holy month of Ramadan.


Talking about The Most Beautiful Names of Allah before the Ka’ba makes me feel the greatness and solemnity of Allah. Before starting this episode, I kept reflecting on this sanctified place above which there is the much-frequented fane which is visited by 70 000 angels each day until the Day of Judgement.


Allah says what can be translated as, "And as We made the Home an ingathering for mankind and a (place of) security…” (TMQ , 2:125). Allah has also ordered Ibrahim (AS) (Abraham) to call on people for hajj in this place, though it was completely deserted. As a result, millions of people visit this place since that time. Besides, from this holy place, the Prophet (SAWS) set forth on his journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and it is also where the Prophet (SAWS) put the black stone with his own hands. As for the special occasion which is Ramadan, we all know how Allah shower us with His forgiveness, mercy, generosity as well as many other graces during this holy month.


In our program we will only talk about The Most Beautiful Names of Allah that are mentioned in Qur'an. Every day we will choose a name to talk about and discuss its influence on our life and surroundings; we will try to get closer to Allah through this name. Today’s episode consists of four main points. First is the purpose of our program, second are the signs of creation by which we know the Names of Allah, third is why our program is called “In Thy Name We Live” and fourth is general remarks.


The purpose of our program is to know Allah and consequently love Him, fear Him obey His orders and submit to His decrees. Our religion can be summarized as knowledge that leads to obedience and consequently to happiness. That is why Allah says what can be translated as, “Ta-Ha (These are the names of letters of the Arabic alphabet. They are sometimes understood as one of the names of the prophet, and Allah knows best), In no way have We sent down the Qur’an upon you for you to be wretched, (We have not sent it down) except as a reminding to him who (is) apprehensive; A successive sending down from Him Who created the earth and the exalted heavens. The All-Merciful has upon the Throne leveled Himself (How He has done so is beyond human understanding). To Him belong whatever is in the heavens, and whatever is in the earth, and whatever is between them, and whatever is beneath the ground. And in case you are loud in (your) speech, then surely He knows the secret and whatever is (yet) more concealed. Allah -there is no god except He. To Him belong The Fairest Names.” (TMQ, 20: 1-8).


Abdullah Ibn-Huzafa, for example, was sent by the Prophet (SAWS) to deliver a letter to the Roman king. The King captured Abdullah and tortured him to give up Islam, but he refused. When the king ordered his soldiers to kill Abdullah, he cried. The king thought fear got into him but Abdullah said that he wished he had numerous souls to sacrifice them in the way of Allah one after the other. Al-Khansa’ is also an example. Before embracing Islam she wrote many elegies for the death of her brother. After knowing Allah and embracing Islam, she received the news that her four sons were martyred. However she did not grieve but submitted to Allah’s decree saying, “ِِAl-hamdulillah (all praises be to Allah) Who gave me the honor of having four martyred sons.”


Hence, we need to know Allah with our hearts. We need to worship Allah as if we see Him, if not, He sees us. knowing Allah will help us perfect all our deeds. The Prophet (SAWS) once asked Haritha how he was, he told him that he came to be a true believer. When the Prophet asked Haritha for a proof of what he said, he told him that he felt as though he could see the throne of Allah, jannah (Paradise) and hell. As a result, he prefered qiyam (voluntary night prayer) and fasting to the worldly pleasures.


Ibn-Omar once said that he saw the tribune of the Prophet (SAWS) trembling when he (SAWS) glorified Allah and mentioned some of His names, to the extent that Ibn-Omr feared that the Prophet (SAWS) would fall of it. If we know Allah we will know the purpose of our life.


Let's move to our next point which is the signs to know The Most Beautiful Names of Allah. Allah gave us two approaches through which we can know His names. One is Qur'an and the other is the universe.


The prophet (SAWS) asked Haritha about his mood today. He said that he is now a real believer. The prophet (SAWS) asked him what the proof is. Haritha told him that he feels as if he has seen Allah's (SWT) throne, the people in paradise live happily, and those in hell are screaming from torture. As a result, his soul has renounced the present life, and he decided to spend the night in qiyam (voluntary night prayer), and the day in fasting. The prophet (SAWS) then told him that he has known Allah (SWT). This is the knowledge that I am talking about.


There is a well known Hadeeth that says that Allah (SWT) has 99 names, whoever count them enter paradise. People understand the word "count" as "memorize", although there is a great difference between them. The meaning is to calculate, understand, and analyze them. Allah (SWT) said what can be translated as, "Indeed He has already enumerated them, and He has numbered them with (exact) numbering"(TMQ, 19:49).


How Allah (SWT) shows himself to us?


Allah (SWT) provided us with two means to know Him; the Qur'an, and nature. For example, the first ayah revealed to the prophet (SAWS) is, "Read: In the Name of your Lord Who created"(TMQ, 96:1) Each Surah starts with, "In The Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Ever Merciful". Surat Al-Fatiha includes many of The Most Beautiful Names of Allah, and you have to read it in every prayer. Another Sura is Al-Ikhlas which is equal to one third of the Qur'an as the Prophet has said. Have you ever felt the name of Allah The Everlasting Sovereign whenever you read this Surah? This name means that you resort to Allah (SWT) in your distress because He is The Only One. Allah (SWT), in other ayahs, explains a certain issue then ends the ayah with his Most Beautiful Names as a summary to what came before. Allah (SWT) also says what can be translated as, "And as Ibrahîm (Abraham) said, “Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.” He Allah) said, “And have you not believed?” He (Ibrahîm) said, “Yes indeed, but that my heart be composed.” Said He, “So take four of the birds, then wring them to you (and divide them); thereafter set a portion of them on every mountain; thereafter call them; they will come up to you with hasty diligence (and) know that Allah is Ever-Mighty, Ever-Wise” (TMQ, 2:260). Therefore try to read the Qur'an this year in Ramadan in search for The Most Beautiful Names of Allah (SWT), and whenever you make dua’a (supplication), ask Allah (SWT) by these names.


Everything in nature glorifies Allah (SWT), but we cannot comprehend their language. Allah (SWT) sends you messages through nature to know him. For example, when there is rain, you remember Allah (SWT) the Superb Provider. When someone dies, you remember Allah (SWT), the Ever Living. The whole universe is a huge mosque where man gets to know The Most Beautiful Names of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "and decidedly not a thing (is) except that it extols His praise, but you do not comprehend their Extolment. Surely He has been Ever-Forbearing, Ever-Forgiving" (TMQ, 17:44).


Why we called the program "In Thy Name We Live"


Many people consider The Most Beautiful Names of Allah (SWT) a good omen in celebrations and the like. Others know them by heart but they cannot imagine that every minute in our life is linked to those names. This program is to insure that our life is linked to those Most Beautiful Names of Allah (SWT), and to show how the whole universe lives in them.


In Surat Al-Hashr some of the most beautiful names of Allah (SWT) are mentioned successively. This Surah is about a battle between Muslims and Jews who were defeated. That is why this great number of the Most Beautiful Names of Allah (SWT) are mentioned in the Surah to remind us that those names are the cause of our victory. They are not far away from our life. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "He is Allah, The Creator, The Initiator, The Supreme Fashioner. To Him (belong) the Fairest Names. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth extols to Him, and He is The Ever-Mighty, The Ever-Wise" (TMQ, 59:24).


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1- The word Allah is the Arabic term for God. Although the use of the word "Allah" is most often associated with Islam, it is not used exclusively by Muslims; Arab Christians and Arabic-speaking Jews also use it to refer to the One God. The Arabic word expresses the unique characteristics of the One God more precisely than the English term. Whereas the word "Allah" has no plural form in Arabic, the English form does, and the word 'Allah' in Arabic has no connotation of gender. Allah is the God worshipped by all Prophets, from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad.



2- Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam [All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon him]


3- a place above the Ka’ba in the seventh heaven where angels go to pray


4- TMQ=Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated (Surah:Ayah) of the Qur'an. Reading the translated meaning of the Qur'an can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed.


5- The pilgrimage to Makkah during the first half of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, and is the fifth pillar of Islam.


6- Salla Allah alayhe Wa Salam [All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon him]


7- SWT = Suhanahu wa Ta'ala [Glorified and Exalted Be He].


8- A verse in the Qur'an


9- A chapter; the Qur’an is comprised of 114 surahs


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Bismillah




As salam alykom brothers and sisters,




I was motivated to start this thread in an effort to pay the due right of our beloved Messenger salla Allah a`lyhee wa sallam but in a practical manner.




Sobhan Allah, just thinking about it, I found that shaytan started throwing stones in my way to serve as obstacles and pull me back. But Alhamdulelah here I m fighting in the name of Allah to fulfill my duty as a muslim and introduce benefits of following the Messenger salla Allah a`lyhee wa sallam. Aoudhbillah mina shaytan arrajeem.




May Allah Accept, Assist me much to continue this as much as possible. However, I do encourage brothers and sisters to share this thread and fill in as much as possible. It will serve both ways a reminder for us, learning more, and correct presentation of our Prophet.




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"Say: "If you love Allah then <b>follow me, </b>




Allah will (then) love you




and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran 3: 31)




1. Follow the Messenger, of course only if u love Allah = Allah Shall love you, and because Allah Is Gracious, not only that He will love you but also forgive your sins.




"And <b>obey Allah and the Messenger </b>
(Muhammad) that you may <b>obtain mercy</b>." (Quran 3:132)





2. obey Allah and the Messenger= You obtain mercy.





Insh a Allah I gave the kick off, may Allah Assist us all to contribute as much as possible.





 




 


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<b>In the name of Allah, The Compassionate, The Merciful</b>


As I have stated I am the witness of ALLAH MOST HIGH.


Some say that I am in the wrong and that ALLAH is not guiding me. They say that Allah did not tell me to pray 7 times, but by the 7 oft-repeated verses of Al-Fatiha it is true.


So pray and ask Allah about "Bodhitharta" ask about "Asana Bodhitharta" and if I am lying may I be cursed but if you are wrong about me then may you be blessed.


This is no Jinn influenced writing or speech for <b>Allah is My Guardian, my Wali </b> and there is none that can protect better because he is <b>The Best of Protectors</b>.


He(Allah) even when revealing this message implanted a sign in the book "Witness The Real" as each chapter is called Q..ie..Q-1 and so on... this was before I knew that Surah 50 was QAF so imagine my heart when I read that for the first time. While Q is the 19th letter I didn't find a connection there regarding me but the number 17 holds a special signifigance.


Please take my prayer challenge and God Willing <i>you will all find out the truth </i> about Bodhitharta, Asana Bodhitharta.


<b>ALLAH HU AKBAR</b>


May Peace and blessings be bestowed upon you all

Assalamualaikum


I thought id share this with u guys.....





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