I wanted to start a poll on boycott...but didnt know where to start it.


Suggestion: Miscellanious forum.

As-salamu alaikum.


Mashallah really brilliant forum.


I'm used to fast reply. Its much easier, faster and I like it.


I'd appreciate if you turned fast reply on.


Jazakumullah wassalam

As salaam alaikum...


I am new to this board and I have read the "funeral procession" topic which was very beneficial, masha'Allah. I am wondering, insha'Allah, if anyone can guide me to obtaining an Islamic will. I am possibly having surgery soon which is not an easy one and I need to get this done as soon as possible. I have found a will online from the Islamic Society of North America, but I was hoping to find a more general one which would allow me to fill in my local ummah information. If anyone can assist, it would be greatly appreciated. Jazakullahu khairun...


Sadiyah

Dear All


Home plays a very important role in the civilised life of man. It is a small world in itself. An individual is born, brought up, and trained in family atmosphere and this naturally leaves an everlasting impression on him. His character and habits are developed at home, and in the family, and these factors are responsible for his future career. This is the reason why the Quran has laid so much emphasis on family life, and has touched (for guidance) even the minute aspects of it in most elaborate form. A good family order serves as a model for the society, and its people determines future of a nation. Within a family, role of its head is very important as the entire responsibility of family management rests on him, particularly at the stage when children are in their tender age. He has to protect himself as well as his family members from all kinds of troubles and difficulties. He has to arrange for their basic needs health, care, and educational requirements. The head of the family has to be very carefully while taking decisions in these matters. A wrong decision taken by the head of the family can become the cause of great damage to the entire family. He shall, therefore, prevent himself and his family from the disastrous consequences of choosing a wrong path -(Quran chapter 66 verse 6)- He has to see that his family is engaged in productive activity as well as constructive work. This is possible through correct and farsighted planning and its effective implementation.


Regards


Nawaz


www.parvez-video.com

Bismillah


Assalamu alaikum and hello to our non-muslim guests


A lot of times when women's rights in Islam are mentioned, non muslims laugh. Some say there's no such thing as women's rights in Islam. This seems to be a difficult concept for many to grasp, so I thought I would post a simple, straight forward list of the rights women enjoy in Islam. These rights may not always be implemented in every culture, but that is a cultural issue.


Many people may think women in Islam are oppressed and seen as second class citizens. On the other hand, women in the west have worked hard to earn many rights that they enjoy today, by attaining an "equal" status to men. These rights are revolutionary, but you may be surprised to find that these rights were given by Islam... so they were not revolutionary in the west, they were actually revolutionary with the advent of Islam.


Further, in Islam men and women <b>are</b> considered equal. But unlike in the west, in Islam equality does not mean sameness. Women and men are considered equal in worth, and their societal responsibilities are equally important. But their roles are definitely not the same. Islam recognizes the differences between men and women, their needs and their capabilities.


So here is a short list of rights women enjoy in Islam, and have enjoyed since the time of prophet Mohammed saws. I'm sure it is not complete, so if anyone here has any to add, your contribution is welcome


Some of the items in this list refer to verses of the Qur'an or Bible. I have given the text of each reference at the end of the list.


Women's Rights in Islam


1. Men and women are equal in the sight of Allah. The Qur'an says men and women are made from the same soul, therefore, men cannot be superior to women. (Qur'an 4:1)


2. Women are free to choose their own religion, as are all people regardless of age, race or gender. The Qur'an states, <i>"let there be no compulsion in religion."</i> (2:256)


3. Women are encouraged to contribute their opinions and ideas, which are equally as valid as men's.


4. A woman's testimony is valid in legal debates, and can even be conclusive in matters with which women are more familiar.


5. Women are encouraged to be educated, and are recognized to have the same capacity for learning and understanding as men. In fact, an uneducated woman is not as desirable for marriage as an educated one, since it is the mother's responsibility to raise and teach her children. The Prophet Mohammed saws said, <b>"If you educate a man, you educate an individual. If you educate a woman, you educate a nation."</b>


The Prophet Mohammed saws also said, <b>"Heaven is at the feet of mothers."</b> This shows the tremendous amount of respect held for women. This statement can be interpreted to mean that the success of a society can be traced to the mothers that raised its citizens. Additionally, Abu Hurairah reported that a person came to the Prophet Mohammed (saw) and asked, <b>"Who among people is most deserving of my fine treatment?" He said, "Your mother." He again asked, "Who next?" "Your mother." "Who next?" "Your mother." "Who next?" "Then your father."</b> Clearly, the mother is three times as important as the father.


6. Women have the right to vote, to select a leader, and to hold government positions.


7. A woman has the right to earn money, own property, enter into contracts, and run her own business - all in her own name. Additionally, she manages her assets by herself, and no one has a claim to any of her earnings or property, not even her husband.


8. A woman has the right to a portion of the inheritance from her relatives. It is a smaller portion than a man's (she receives half the amount of her male counterpart), but as you will see below, the entire financial burden is on the man to support his family -- her portion of the inheritance is hers to keep.


9. In the Bible, Eve is blamed for the original sin (Genesis 3:8-17). The Qur'an clarifies both Adam and Eve are equally responsible. (7:19-25)


10. The Qu'ran prohibits female infanticide (16:58-59), and holds daughters equal as sons (42:49). Further, the Prophet Mohammed saws stated, <b>"He who is involved in bringing up daughters, and accords benevolent treatment towards them, they will be protection for him against Hell-Fire"</b> (Bukhari and Muslim); <b>"Whoever maintains two girls till they attain maturity, he and I will come on the Resurrection Day like this; and he joined his fingers"</b> (Muslim)


11. The Bible says divorced women commit adultery, but not divorced men (Matt 5:31-32). The Qur'an allows divorce and does not penalize women nor men (Qur'an 65:1-2)


12. A woman has the right to choose her own husband, and no one can marry her without her consent.


13. A woman has the right to a divorce if she has a valid reason. Additionally, a man must have a valid reason to divorce his wife.


14. A woman keeps her father's name after marriage. Her identity stays the same, and she does not become the property of her husband.


15. A woman has the right to a dowry (mahr) at marriage. The man must give the woman the amount she requests as a free gift. If they are later divorced, she keeps the dowry. This provides financial security for her.


16. A woman has the right to financial support and maintenance from her husband (food, clothing, shelter, etc) despite her wealth. As wealthy as she may be, her husband is required to provide for her from his own means, and may not ask for any of his wife's wealth. If she does not have a husband, this responsibility is her father's. If her father is incapable, the responsibility is her brother's. If she does not have a capable brother, then her father's brothers are responsible, and any other male relatives. If she has no capable male relatives, then the responsibility is for the men of the community.


17. A woman has the right to physical protection and kind, respectful treatment from her husband and all men in the community.


18. A woman has the right to companionship and sexual satisfaction from her husband. Her husband may not be away from her for more than 3 months without her permission.


19. A lack of any of the above is a valid reason for a woman to divorce her husband. Additionally, a man has similar rights in a marriage. In exchange for financial support and physical protection, he can expect his wife to keep the home clean and pleasant, prepare meals for him, and raise their children. The scope of responsibilities between a husband and wife is more detailed, and if either the husband or wife does not fulfill his or her responsibilities, the other has a valid reason to divorce. On the other hand, if they both do fulfill their responsibilities, they will receive equal reward in heaven.


20. Now the most controversial one, the provision for multiple wives. First it must be noted that this provision is limited to only 4, and it comes with strict circumstances that must be fulfilled. Some of these are:


--The man must treat each wife exactly the same, with the same amount of love and attention.


--He must treat them both fairly and keep each one satisfied emotionally, physically, sexually and financially.


--He must provide separate houses for each, of equal value.


--He must divide his time equally between them.


So far, that seems hard to do. But the truth is, the provision for multiple wives is actually a right given to <b>women</b> as well as men. All of the rights listed above that a woman has over her husband are valid rights, guaranteed to her by Allah. How can she take advantage of these if she does not have a husband? In times such as war when there is a shortage of men, Allah has given a way for everyone to receive their full rights.


There may also be a reason for a man to take more than one wife that has nothing to do with a shortage of men. Suppose a man marries a woman who turns out she cannot have children? He is entitled to have his children, so does he divorce his wife and leave her with no one wanting to marry her? No, she may remain his wife with her full rights protected, while he takes another wife who can bear children, and in this situation the rights of both wives are further protected by the conditions listed above.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


(This text is taken from Yusuf Ali's translation of the Qur'an, and the New English Translation Bible)


1. Qur'an, 4:1 "O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord Who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate and from them twain hath spread abroad a multitude of men and women."


9. Genesis 3:11-17


11 And the Lord God said, "Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?"


12 The man said, "The woman whom you gave me, she gave me some fruit from the tree and I ate it."


13 So the Lord God said to the woman, <b>"What is this you have done?"</b> And the woman replied, "The serpent tricked me, and I ate."


...


16 To the woman he said,"I will greatly increase your labor pains; with pain you will give birth to children. You will want to control your husband, but he will dominate you."


17 But to Adam he said, "Because you <b>obeyed your wife</b> and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat from it,' cursed is the ground thanks to you; in painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.


Qur'an 7:19-24


19 "O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden, and enjoy (its good things) as ye wish: but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression."


20 Then began Satan to whisper suggestions to them, bringing openly before their minds all their shame that was hidden from them (before): he said: "Your Lord only forbade you this tree, lest ye should become angels or such beings as live for ever."


21 And he swore to them both, that he was their sincere adviser.


22 So by deceit he brought about their fall: when they tasted of the tree, their shame became manifest to them, and they began to sew together the leaves of the garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto them: "Did I not forbid you that tree, and tell you that Satan was an avowed enemy unto you?"


23 They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls: If thou forgive us not and bestow not upon us Thy Mercy, we shall certainly be lost."


24 (Allah) said: "Get ye down. With enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood,- for a time."


10. Qur'an 16:58-59


58 When news is brought to one of them, of (the birth of) a female (child), his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief!


59 With shame does he hide himself from his people, because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain it on (sufferance and) contempt, or bury it in the dust? Ah! what an evil (choice) they decide on?


Qur'an 42:49


To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills (and plans). He bestows (children) male or female according to His Will (and Plan)


11. Matt 5:31-32


31 It was said, 'Whoever divorces his wife must give her a legal document.'


32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.


Qur'an 65:1-2


1 O Prophet! When ye do divorce women, divorce them at their prescribed periods, and count (accurately), their prescribed periods: And fear Allah your Lord: and turn them not out of their houses, nor shall they (themselves) leave, except in case they are guilty of some open lewdness, those are limits set by Allah: and any who transgresses the limits of Allah, does verily wrong his (own) soul: thou knowest not if perchance Allah will bring about thereafter some new situation.


2 Thus when they fulfil their term appointed, either take them back on equitable terms or part with them on equitable terms; and take for witness two persons from among you, endued with justice, and establish the evidence (as) before Allah. Such is the admonition given to him who believes in Allah and the Last Day. And for those who fear Allah, He (ever) prepares a way out

This question has come to the forefront of my mind particularly due to something I saw on another thread and also from some things we're covering in this Christian theology course I am taking right now.


Muslims say that they revere Jesus. Some are even arrogant enough to say that they love and respect Jesus more than Christians do. But in what way or what manner?


The only thing I hear is that 1) Muslims repeat "Peace be unto you" all the time to each other (<i>which, BTW, was <b>NEVER</b> commanded by Jesus to do</i>) and 2) Muslims bow when they pray (<i>but nothing is unique about this, because Christians, Jews and a host of other religions bow in prayer or meditation as well</i>).


<b>CLEAR</b> teachings by Jesus, however, seem to go unnoticed or ignored by Muslims.


One example is when the Sadducees came to Jesus and asked Him a question:

Quote:Matt. 22:23 On that day some Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to Jesus and questioned Him,
24 asking, "Teacher, Moses said, `IF A MAN DIES HAVING NO CHILDREN, HIS BROTHER AS NEXT OF KIN SHALL MARRY HIS WIFE, AND RAISE UP CHILDREN FOR HIS BROTHER.'


25 "Now there were seven brothers with us; and the first married and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother;


26 so also the second, and the third, down to the seventh.


27 "Last of all, the woman died.


28 "In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had married her."


29 But Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God.



30 "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.

This book is given out to Muslimchildren in some countries, under the name of the Quran!


"Cant Ignore this, send it to as many muslims as u can. The new AMERICAN Quran: a dangerous trick A new Quran is being distributed in Kuwait, titled "The True Furqan". It is being described as the ayats of the Shaytan and Al-Furqan weekly magazine has found out that the two American printing companies;'Omega 2001' and 'Wine Press' are involved in the publishing of 'The True Furqan', a book which has also been titled 'The 21st Century Quran'! It is over 366 pages and is


inboth the Arabic and English languages...


it is being distributed to our children in Kuwait in the private English schools! The book contains 77 Surats, which include Al-Fatiha, Al-Jana and Al-Injil. Instead of Bismillah, each Surat begins with a longer vesion of this incorporating the Christian belief of the three spirits. And this so called Quran opposes many Islamic beliefs. in one of its ayats it describes having more than one wife as


fornication, divorce being non-permissable and it uses a new system for the sharing out of the will, opposing the current one. It states that Jihad is HARAAM. This book even goes as far as attacking Allah, Subhanahu wa Tahala! All this is poisoning our children at approx. $3.


DONT BELIEVE IT?....


Here's the review from AMAZON.COM click here.


http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...1944262-6993407

Dear All


Now, we come to the most important aspect of Allah’s Will, that is, Allah’s Will in relation to the world of human beings. How does Allah’s Will function in the world of human beings? This is the critical question as far as human beings are concerned. Without a proper understanding of this question, it is not possible to find the straight path, Siraat-al-Mustaqeem, we so earnestly seek and so eagerly want, that we ask Allah Almighty to help us find in every raka’a of every prayer. And how does God Almighty respond to this request?: By sending His guidance as a free gift to us in the form of Wahi or Revelation which is more valuable than anything else in the universe. Can there be any better gift to humanity from the Creator of all the worlds? Not only has He given this priceless gift of the Quran but God has also, in this process, raised the status of human beings in the universe to the level of Ashraful Makhlooqat.But this elevated status is not free,we have to earn it.Thus human beings occupy a unique place in the universe.By virtue of possessing a human body, man is part of the material world.Thus,he is as much subject to natural laws as is any other object in the universe. Birth, growth, decay, and death of the human body are natural processes and so are governed by the laws of nature.But man is also endowed with a self or ego which expresses itself as free will, and freedom of choice is inherent in the self.


Since the self is a special gift given to mankind by God,it is not part of the material body of man. Although it uses the body as a vehicle for its expression, it is not bound by space and time and, therefore, not subject to any physical laws. Since the essence of self is freedom of choice, the Divine Will in the sphere of man performs this function as guidance and not control, and human beings are free to accept or reject His guidance. The Quran is very clear on this point:O Messenger Muhammad! proclaim to the entire mankind The truth has come from your Rabb, whoso ever chooses may accept it and whosoever chooses may reject it-Quran Chapter 18 verse 29-


Regards


Nawaz


www.parvez-video.com

The Muslim Ummah was a global political and economical power for several centuries, and it was not until the time of the Western Elightenment that its stagnation or decline began to occur, which lasted for more than 300 years. The re-emergence of the Muslim world as a powerful political and economic force is a recent phenomenon, and a lot of critical thinking is taking place within the Ummah and in the capitals of its adversaries. The rediscovery of its past glory, moral superiority is critical part of this recovery.


At present, the Ummah is 20 percent of the human race, or over 1.3 billion people – some 900 million in 57 Muslim nation-states and 400 million in over 100 communities in the rest of the world. With over 30 million Muslims in Europe, and more than 10 million in North America, Islam is the second largest religion in Europe, Canada and USA. The 57 nation-states occupy 23 percent of the world area.


The Muslim countries, though rich in natural resources, lag behind in economic and industrial capabilities due to continuous exploitation by their past colonial masters through their proxy governments. Muslim countries have huge financial resources, but weak in field of modern technology, management and mass production techniques. 87 percent of their trade is with non-Muslim countries, which shows their strong link with the global economy. If properly, harnessed under a sincere Islamic leadership, these resources would certainly bring back the Ummah to be a leading power in the 21st century.

Bismillah


As Salam alaikum


My brother and I were discussing this very subject earlier. The way that I see it is that the bible is like the qur'an and the sunnah meshed into one text. The only problem is that it makes it difficult to pick out which is which. It is hard to tell what God said, which should in theory not be allowed to be altered, and from the parts where man could insert or delete what they wanted. It is almost like a puzzle sometimes. Yet the qur'an for muslims is all Allah's Words directly and unchangable. For the aspect which men could change, Alhamdulillah, that Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, and other ahadith collectors formulated a systematic way in order to divulge the most accurate hadith from the prophet. On a side note, I find it interesting that even the hadith which are proven to be fabricated where still retained but just marked as fabricated. To me it is very reassuring in the accuracy of the sunnah. I could ask to see why a certain hadith was deemed weak and the methodology would be laid out for me in a chain of narrators who are judged on character. On an even further side note, I was a little put off when I first converted because this was the criterea and it seemed a little arbitrary. But the more I get to know Islam the more I come to realize that a person cannot fake the type of character one develops when one is walking unshakenly along the straight path. Insha'Allah I will become like this one day. I am going to shut up now.


As Salam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu