Asalamalaikum, I was just reading this, so I thought maybe I should share it with you guys. InshaAllah those of you who are planning to have children, this might interest you and perhaps even prevent you from sleeping without your children when they're babies in the future. I know I would NEVER EVER let my baby out of my sight and put it in some crib inshaAllah. May Allah never snacth mercy out of our hearts, ameen.


<b>The Family Bed in Islam</b>


The family bed is an aspect of traditional family life, which has largely become a thing of the past. Even Muslims have adopted the unnatural Western cultural practices of confining the baby to a separate room away from its parents and replacing breast-feeding with bottle-feeding. "Modern" parents try to put the baby to sleep in a crib away from human touch. The parents will then spend countless nights awake, coaxing their baby to sleep, only to have him wake up as soon as he is put down in the crib. In order that the baby will stop disturbing the parents' sleep, it is considered necessary for children to develop "independence" at an early age. That is why doctors in the West push parents to teach the baby to sleep through the night alone, which can only be done by teaching the baby that no one is available. The standard American baby handbook, What to Expect the First Year (Eisenberg) advises:


"If you can tolerate an hour or more of vigorous crying and screaming, don't go to the baby, soothe him, feed him, or talk to him when he wakes up in the middle of the night. Just let him cry until he's exhausted himself-and the possibility, in his mind, that he's going to get anywhere, or anyone, by crying-and has fallen back to sleep. The next night do the same; the crying will almost certainly last a shorter time…You may find that earplugs, the whir of the fan, or the hum of voices or music on the radio or TV can take the edge off the crying without blocking it out entirely. If you have an intercom from the baby's room, the magnified crying may be particularly grating. You can reduce that problem by turning it off when the crying starts. If baby is truly hysterical, you may hear him anyway. If you can't hear him at all, set a minute timer for twenty minutes. When the buzzer rings, turn the intercom back on to see if he's still at it. Repeat this every twenty minutes until the crying stops."


Is it any wonder that American youth feel alienated and depressed? Today's young people are characterized by a lack of connection with the home and family and a deep insecurity about whether they are loved. This feeling of distance from others is most likely something which started at infancy. If we gave our child the message since he was a baby that we are only available if and when it is convenient to us, who can blame them when they have problems later on in his life. If feels afraid and alone, it will not occur to him to ask his parents for advice, but he will instead turn to love substitutes and develop bad habits. Could you respect someone who sat by and knew you were crying and didn't try to help you solve the problem?


As Muslims, we want to create a strong emotional bond with our children that will last into our old age, when we will become dependent upon our children to take care of us, as Islam demands. We definitely do not want to give our children the message that we were not available when they needed us.


Some parental advocates are starting to wake up to the dangers of isolating a baby in this way. According to SIDS researcher James J. McKenna,


"Nighttime parent-infant co-sleeping during at least the first year of life is the universal, species-wide normative context for infant sleep, to which both parents and infants are biologically and psychosocially adapted…Solitary infant sleep is an exceedingly recent, novel, and alien experience for the human infant - a sensory - deprived microenvironment for which not all infants are equally prepared biologically."


Research reveals lower Sudden Infant Death (SID) rates in cultures where mothers sleep in close proximity to or in contact with their infants during the first year of life (Mothering, No. 62, Winter 92). Babies are less likely to mysteriously stop breathing when they are in close contact with another human being, especially the mother. This disproves the idea that the danger of rolling on top of one's baby and smothering them justifies depriving the child of your warmth. This tragedy occurs very rarely, and usually it involves parental use of drugs or alcohol putting the parent into a deep sleep. Under healthy circumstances, a mother is highly tuned into her baby even in sleep. She would be no more likely to roll over on top of her baby and not notice them struggling to squirm free than she would be likely to roll over and fall off the bed. Most infant smothering happens when a baby is laying face down in a thick quilt.


Statistically, a baby is actually more likely to die when left alone in their crib where no one notices them. In the entire kingdom of nature, no mother sleeps away from her infant, leaving it defenseless against predators. All mammal babies sleep curled up next to their mothers, suckling sweetly. If a baby cries in the night, it is because they want their mama! Who can blame them? Close physical contact is also essential to the swift recovery of a premature infant. It is recommended for weak and small babies to be held skin to skin with a parent for several hours a day. This is called the "kangaroo hold" and can be done by keeping him in a sling under your shirt or jacket (leaving ample breathing room) during the day.


A Muslim mother is available to her child. A Muslim father is available to his child. We know that with parent-child attachment comes the emotional security that is necessary for developing a healthy inner self-confidence. The message we want to get across to our child is, "If you have a problem, come to me. If you are afraid, tell me about it. If you are lonely, I am here." We are not interested in cultivating independence before the child is ready for it.


The Holy Prophet prescribed separating the children in their beds by the age of ten:


"Order your children to observe Salat when they reach the age of seven and spank them for not observing it when they reach the age of ten, and arrange their beds (for sleeping) separately." (Abu Dawud)


This hadith implies that before the age of moral reason, small children are not required to sleep alone. Islam has no prohibitions against parents sleeping in the same bed with a small child. In practice, a Muslim baby should sleep with its parents, especially while they are still breastfeeding. Since the father is usually only home at night, being near the baby during sleep is beneficial to the bonding process. Sleeping with their mother also gives the baby the opportunity to nurse on demand, which is important for Muslim mothers wishing to complete the full term as prescribed by Allah.


"… His mother bears him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning takes two years - Be grateful to Me and to your parents." (Quran 31:14)


Compare the two situations: A child cries in the night. The mother pulls them to her breast, with both drifting back to sleep next to each other. And, a child cries in the night. Mother or father gets out of bed, warms a bottle, and brings it to the child. Parents take turns rocking the baby back to sleep, slowly put him down, and tiptoe away from the crib. Which couple got the most sleep? Experienced mothers know that an infant will sleep soundly through the night as long as they can smell their mother nearby and feel her warmth, and if they awaken hungry in the night, they will only cry for a second until the child finds the breast and nurses back to sleep. There is no stress on the mother, disturbing of the overworked father, getting up out of bed, or tears in the night. Sleeping with a small child gives them the security that you are there. As far as the baby is concerned, they are completely happy.


As a baby grows into a child, their need to be near others while they are sleeping does not go away. Those children who have been trained to sleep in their own beds will still find countless ways to disrupt their parents' sleep, requesting glasses of water, trips to the washroom, somebody to close the closet door, check under the bed for monsters, etc. I recall many nights in my own childhood lying awake in bed, obsessing and panicking about the concept of death and other heavy issues, but knowing I was not to disturb my parents. Patrick C. Friman, a clinical psychologist and director of clinical services for a boy's counseling center explains, "It's not pathological, it's not a disease, and it's common in industrialized cultures," where children usually sleep apart from parents (NJ Star-Ledger).


Children come up with these ploys because they are frightened of how it feels to be alone, drifting into unconsciousness. Instead of engaging in power struggles with small children over intimate issues, parents can opt to allow the child back into their bed even if he/she has their own bed as long as they are under the age of reason. This differs according to each child. The hadith mentioned above points to 7 - 10 as a maximum age, although another hadith from Abu Dawud describes the age of reason as the time when a child can distinguish his right hand from his left.


Newlyweds, when planning your marital bedroom furniture, consider buying a king-sized futon to lie on the floor. That will serve you for years to come as a child-safe family bed, where the father will have room to snuggle with mother and baby rather than being banished to the couch, as often happens when new parents discover that the baby doesn't want to sleep in their crib and takes over the honeymoon bed. Even if you don't plan to have children immediately, a large bed is still a very comfortable sleeping option and it will save you time and effort in the future.

Assalamu alaikum everyone,


I just wanted to share some interesting information I found about birthday celebrations.


ORIGINS OF BIRTHDAY CUSTOMS


What are the origins of some of the customs used to celebrate


birthdays? Following are some secular publications and their comments


of these origins.


The German periodical "Schwنbische Zeitung" (magazine supplement Zeit


und Welt) of April 3/4, 1981 on page 4 stated: "The various customs


with which people today celebrate their birthdays have a long


history. Their origins lie in the realm of magic and religion. The


customs of offering congratulations, presenting gifts and celebrating


- complete with lighted candles - in ancient times were meant to


protect the birthday celebrant from the demons and to ensure his


security for the coming year. . . . Down to the fourth century


Christianity rejected the birthday celebration as a pagan custom."


The book The Lore of Birthdays (New York, 1952) by Ralph and Adelin


Linton, on pages 8, 18-20 had this to say: "The Greeks believed that


everyone had a protective spirit or daemon who attended his birth and


watched over him in life. This spirit had a mystic relation with the


god on whose birthday the individual was born.


The Romans also subscribed to this idea. . . . This notion was


carried down in human belief and is reflected in the guardian angel,


the fairy godmother and the patron saint. . . . The custom of lighted


candles on the cakes started with the Greeks. . . . Honey cakes round


as the moon and lit with tapers were placed on the temple altars of


[Artemis]. . . . Birthday candles, in folk belief, are endowed with


special magic for granting wishes. . . . Lighted tapers and


sacrificial fires have had a special mystic significance ever since


man first set up altars to his gods. The birthday candles are thus an


honor and tribute to the birthday child and bring good fortune"


This same book, on page 20, also had this to say about the


traditional greeting of 'Happy Birthday': "Birthday greetings and


wishes for happiness are an intrinsic part of this holiday. . . .


originally the idea was rooted in magic. The working of spells for


good and evil is the chief usage of witchcraft. One is especially


susceptible to such spells on his birthday, as one's personal spirits


are about at the time. . . . Birthday greetings have power for good


or ill because one is closer to the spirit world on this day."


And Horst Fuhrmann, professor of medieval history at the University


of Regensburg, made this comment about birthdays: "The birthday


celebration was in honor of one's guardian angel or god, whose altar


was decorated with flowers and wreaths; sacrifices were offered to


the god of festival, friends offered congratulations and brought


gifts." Furthermore, he stated in the German newspaper "Süddeutschen


Zeitung": "Great prominence was given the birthday parties held for


the emperor, replete with parades, public banquets, circus plays, and


the hunting of animals: spectacles disgusting to the [early]


Christians."


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


[part of an article from a Christian's site]


Origin of Birthdays


Then where did birthdays come from? The astonishing answer is from


the pagan practice of astrology! Thousands of years ago, when men


looked up into the night sky and charted the stars, they invented


calendars and calculated the birth dates, to the very hour, of kings,


rulers and their successors. These ancient pagan astrologers


meticulously examined horoscopes and birthday omens because they


believed that the fate of the rich and powerful might affect an


entire society. Even to this day, men have been putting their trust


in horoscopes instead of God.


In ancient Egypt, the pharaohs ordered businesses to close on their


birthdays and gave enormous feasts for hundreds of servants. In


ancient Greece, wealthy males joined birthday clubs composed


exclusively of men who shared their birth date. Once a month, the


club celebrated with a feast. When a member died, he left money to


help pay for future parties. In Persia, noblemen observed their


birthdays by barbecuing an ox, a camel and a donkey and serving


hundreds of small cakes to the celebrants.


In ancient Rome, the emperor gave huge parties in honor of his own


birthday, which included parades, circuses, and gladiatorial combat.


The celebration of days was so important to the average Roman citizen


that the Roman calendar designated a majority of days for some form


of celebration—including many birthdays of gods and famous men.


The Roman calendar, with its emphasis on continual celebration, has


had great influence on modern society. Consider the following quote


about the origin of the Roman calendar:


“Our [Roman] calendar is not Christian in origin. It descends


directly from the Egyptians, who originated the 12 month year, 365


day system. A pagan Egyptian scientist, Sosigenes, suggested this


plan to the pagan Emperor Julius Caesar, who directed that it go into


effect throughout the Roman Empire in 45 B.C. As adopted it indicated


its pagan origin by the names of the months—called after Janus, Maia,


Juno, etc. The days were not named but numbered on a complicated


system involving Ides, Nones, and Calends. It was not until 321 A.D.


that the seven-day week feature was added, when the Emperor


Constantine (supposedly) adopted Christianity. Oddly enough for his


weekdays he chose pagan names which are still used.” (Journal of


Calendar Reform, Sept. 1953, p. 128.)


Modern birthday parties and celebrations by children take their form


mainly from Germany, where the birthday child received gifts, chose a


menu and received a candle-ringed butter or jam cake. The lighted


candles for the cake may have originated from the birthday of the


Greek moon goddess Artemis. Pagan worshippers honored her every month


with moon-shaped honey cakes. Because the moon glows with light, the


cakes were decorated with lighted candles.


Saying “happy birthday” to friends and loved ones was society’s


superstitious way of protecting them from evil spirits. Birthday


thumps, bumps, pinches, etc., were said to bring luck and send away


evil spirits. Party snappers, horns and other noisemakers were also


intended to scare off bad-luck spirits.


It should now be clear that birthdays are not only unbiblical, they


are pagan!


"The knowledge of the hypocrite is in his speech, yet the knowledge


of the believer is in his actions"

Dear All


Various Aspects of Salaat for Social Transformation :-


Islam is the name of obeying the Divine Laws in every walk of life; it


is the complete submission to these laws. Salaat - Prayer, in this


way, is the practical admittance and concrete manifestation of


subservience to these Laws from the deepest recesses of the human


heart.


The Word Salaat


The word Namaaz, usually used for Salaat is not of Arabic language; it


is a Persian word; but more than that, it is Pahlvi in its


connotation. It was used for the old method of worship popular among


the Persians. Later on when the alien conspiracies were made to


prevail upon the teachings of Islam, this word was used for the


congregations of Salaat; now this same word is in vogue.


The word Salaat that has come in the Quran is very vast and


comprehensive. Its basic meanings are " to comply some one from within


or to submit and to be under the command of some one. " In this way,


according to the Quran, Salaat is a collective process through which a


true Quranic Society is established. That is why the meanings of


Salaat are " balanced and continuous tempo and incessant obedience to


the Divine Laws from the deepest recesses of heart ." It is plain


enough that this entity is collective, it is not individual in nature.


The Quran has also used this word for the congregations of Salaat –


Namaaz.


The root of the word Salaat is S-L-O. Its root-meanings and various


aspects have profusely been dealt with in an e-mail of Mr. Saim. So I


need not to make a mention of them.


The Quran has used the term aqaa mate salaat (i) as the establishment


of the System of Islam and (ii) as the establishment of the


congregations of Salaat. The establishment of Salaat – so far I could


grasp the Quran - is an extremely comprehensive and scholarly term of


the Quran. Its aim is to develop a society where the Divine Laws are


practically implemented. And thus full-blown development of the


potentialities of every individual of the society may go on blooming


and blossoming so that after achieving the pleasant accomplishments of


this world and that of the hereafter, he may go ahead onto the next


evolutionary stage of life. So the system of Salaat encompasses the


all life of a Momin (or the jama'et of the Momineen). Every breath of


their life stands witness to this exalted reality that these are the


Musallees (i. e. the members of the caravan following – the dictums of


– Allah). Each and every aspect of their life – and each and every


sphere of their Ibadaat confirms their sub-ordination to the Divine


Laws. The record of their business life – when manifested – looks to


be the living picture of the Divine will. Due to their adherence to


this collective system, their earthly life, right from its burgeoning


to the end, reflects the comprehensive exegesis of Islam: (fal a


tamootunna ill a waantum muslimoona) (2:132)


THE SYSTEM OF ISLAM


The following are the ingredients of this system they project in the


whole tenure of their life:


1. The Quran i.e. Islam's Constitutional Code


2. The Centre i.e. the implementing force of the Divine Code and


3. The Party – the individuals of the society with whom this system is


established.


And the following two are the principles and foundations of its


pragmatic execution:


1.Complete harmony among the individuals of the society i.e. one


heartedness, one vision, one footedness and


2. Subordination to the Centre


ALL TIME PROGRAM FOR SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION


This system remains pervaded in the all life of the rank and file of


the Momineen. And there happens to be not a single moment in any


single day and night in their life when they may even cross this fold.


It enjoys the same status in their "human life", as is the air for the


"physical life." The human life depends upon air and every body


acknowledges its need and significance. Even then the doctors have to


reiterate this sentence frequently: there is urgent need of open and


fresh air for health and life. This has to be repeated just because


its reminding makes its importance self-evident. The Divine Code has


also had the provision that the reminding of this system is made


regularly so that its principles and foundations become refulgent. And


its significance does not go out of sight.


TIME-RELATED CONGREGATION


The name of this reminding is the ‘time-related obligation' of Salaat


i.e. the congregation of Salaat at conspicuous timings. The Quran, in


its program for ‘ the construction of society ' has elaborated this


vantage point very profusely. For this purpose the necessary


accessories are the time-related congregation where, after God's


appreciation, and adjudication of His obeisance and subordination,


important and urgent matters are mutually consulted. That is why the


order of ‘mutual consultation' and ‘establishment of Salaat' have come


together in the Quran. In Surah Shoora , says the Quran:


These are the people who respond to the call and come forward to


establish the Nizam-e-Rabubiyyat. They obey His Laws and remain within


the bounds of Nizam-us-Salat, which teaches them to decide their


affairs through mutual consultations and according to Divine Laws.


Furthermore they keep open for the nourishment of other (needy) human


beings, most of whatever means of sustenance which they have been


provided with. (In effect, they retain for themselves only what is


necessary for their own survival.) (42:38)


This is the group of the people who voluntarily leaping to the law of


Nourishment of the Nourisher establish the system of Salaat and their


matters are decided with mutual consultation. And whatever We have


provided them, they keep it all open for the nourishment of the


masses.


The history stands witness to this fact that whenever there happened


to be any important episode demanding immediate gathering, there was


proclamation with these words : Assalaa-tul-jaam'ia . So, hearing


these words the people used to assemble and the matter under


discussion was considered. My companion, Mr. Bashir Abid has


elaborated this point in an email, so I leave it at present. This


makes the exposition of assalaat clear.


This corroborates that fundamental principle of the Order of Deen,


Islamic Society , - to enjoy the life of achievement and prosperity -


is not individual in its nature; it is collective. The congregation of


Salaat takes its initiative from this very principle i.e. the


gathering of the scattered people at one place on a single call.


The next step in the Order of Deen is obedience to the Centre . In the


Collective Salaat its manifestation harbors in a practical form when


this conglomeration selects the best of its individual within its own


rank and file as an "Imam" – the leader. And the criterion of being


the best is the one whose life surpasses the most in harmonizing the


Divine Laws. This same "Imam" is the representative of this gathering.


Every one has to rise up on the call of this same one. And every one


has to kneel down on the same call – And this kneeling and rising is a


simultaneous anchoring providing witness to the stark fact that there


is perfect harmony of thought and action among the individual members


of this group. This makes the social stigmas go vanishing.


IMAM, THE LEADER


The word "Imam", used above, is the name of the thread that the masons


use to judge whether the wall he is constructing is rising exactly


straight up - watch out that the building bricks are not swaying.


The next principle of the Order of Deen is that it is all-universal


and its concrete Centre is the House of Allah Almighty. So, for


reminding this reality, the direction of the group members in the


Collective Salaat is kept towards Kiblaa (Mecca). It means the aim and


destiny of all Muslims of the world will be the same one entity.


As stated above, the establishment of the Islamic Society is founded


on the Divine Laws. And the objective of the congregation of Salaat is


basically the reminding of this very foundation. That is why the


concept of Salaat can not be imagined without the Quran. Its very


purpose is to divert the attention of the members of the society to


the Quran. – These gatherings have been stemmed for the sake of


reminding this very purpose. So the Quran is repeatedly recited in


these congregations so that this conviction (the aim of life) is


revitalized – that we have to establish ourselves alert to rise


against every non Quranic Order; we have to surrender down from the


deepest recesses of our heart to its decree alone.


SALAAT AND SOCIETY


These congregations of Salaat are not merely for the sake of its


reminding; these also encompass the mutual consultation for the


solutions of the matters of the Ummah. In fact, as mentioned earlier,


these are the gatherings of the " consultative council " of the


Quranic Government. So, in the Surah "Shura" the characteristics of


Momineen are described as


These are the people who respond to the call and come forward to


establish the Nizam-e-Rabubiyyat. They obey His Laws and remain within


the bounds of Nizam-us-Salat, which teaches them to decide their


affairs through mutual consultations and according to Divine Laws.


Furthermore they keep open for the nourishment of other (needy) human


beings, most of whatever means of sustenance which they have been


provided with. (In effect, they retain for themselves only what is


necessary for their own survival.) (42/38)


" These people establish Salaat, and their matters are mutually


decided. "


The injunctions of establishment of Salaat and mutual consultation at


one place profusely determine the aim and purpose of congregations of


Salaat. So the history unveils to us that after the exalted period of


the Rasool Allah, whenever there was any matter during the period of


caliphate, the guided, a proclamation of assalaat-ul-jaam'ey was made


on behalf of the caliph. The people used to gather in the Nabvi Mosque


for discussion, deliberation and decision. First two rak'ah of Namaaz


were used to be offered, then the caliph used to explain the matter


under discussion and so its decision with the mutual consultation of


the gathering was used to be made.


MISNOMER: INDIVIDUAL SALAAT


So far my insight goes I do never find any glimpse of guidance for the


Individual Salaat anywhere in the Quran. Factually the only difference


between Collective Salaat and Individual Salaat (if the Individual


Salaat could ever be called Salaat) is not that when a number of


people offer Salaat together, it is called Collective Salaat, and when


a single individual offers it privately – all alone – it is Individual


Salaat. These are exponentially the two distinctly different concepts.


The Collective Salaat, according to the Quran, is founded on this


concept that the personality development of the individual can only be


made within a society, being an integral part of it. Also the


exposition of Ibadaat is "unbiased and pure obedience to the Divine


Laws" which too is possible within a society; it is not possible


individually. Contrary to it, the Individual Salaat (non Quranic in


nature) is based on the concept that an individual can "purify the


self" privately, being isolated from the society. And that the purpose


of Ibaadat , which can be done privately, is to worship God. It is


plain enough to say that both of these concepts, from their genuine


and foundation point of view, are diametrically opposite to each


other. The Quran is an echoing protest against the individual concept


of life and a clarion call for the collective concept of life. So it


is not possible that the Quran, a herald and a procurer of Collective


Salaat, be simultaneously a proponent of Individual Salaat and may


tell of its benefits. The entity called Individual Salaat is, in fact,


a benediction – da'a, not the Quranic Salaat, which is offered.


The episode of Hazrat Zachariah is quoted as the example of the


Individual Salaat. The story of Hazrat Zachariah starts with the words


humaa lika da'a Zakaria rabbo hoo (3:37). Zachariah solicited


benediction (da'a) from his Nourisher and said: my Nourisher, bestow


on me from Thy self a goodly offspring. ( innaka samee udd'a ) Thou


hearest benediction. After this, as the story goes, it is given that


he still stood soliciting benediction in the altar when God rejoiced


him good news of the son. Fan a dat-hu almal a - ikatu wahuwa q a -


imun yu s allee fee almi h r a bi (3:39)


The Quran has added the words wahuwa q a -imun yu s allee fee almi h r


a bi (3:39) – to tell that Zachariah had hardly vanquished his


benediction (da'a) when God blessed him with the confirmation. This


matter has been elucidated in Surah Maryam – Zachariah's soliciting of


benediction, confirming of his benediction and getting the happy


tidings of his son had all occurred at the same time. That is why when


all this had happened, ( fa khara ja al'a qaume hee min al meh rabe


19:11), Zachariah (peace be upon him) came out to his people from the


altar. Therefore, in the story of Zachariah, the meaning of usalli fil


mih rabe 3:39 is not ‘to offer the Salaat in the Quran's terminology'


but it is the ‘soliciting of benediction (da'a) for the son.' The word


‘Salaat' for the meaning of benediction (da'a) has been used at


numerous places in the Quran. For example, salaato ka sakunn la hum


9:103 your benediction (da'a) is a comfort for them. So this saying is


then correct that Benediction (da'a) can be solicited individually.


But to say that the Quranic Salaat can be offered collectively as well


as individually will not be correct. Be it known that even the


Namaazein that we offer with congregation today are Individual Salaat


(if the Individual Salaat could ever be called Salaat) in the real


sense. Its reason is that the basic concept involved in it is of


‘God's worship' and of ‘individual incarnation'. Hence, neither the


separately offered Namaaz of any individual, nor that of offered with


congregation falls under the canopy of the concept of Salaat from the


desired vantage ground of the Quranic.


But when this system of Salaat vanishes, the mosque and the State


become two separate entities. Then, as the human psychology


corroborates the fact that the "material-worshipers of the world,"


attain the life facilities by virtue of their intellectual chicaneries


and hence get satisfaction of their passions. And the "Religionists"


gain the sang-froid of their passions by the individual worship. When


the Quran said Fakhalafa min baAAdihim khalfun a da AAoo al ss al a ta


waittabaAAoo alshshahaw a ti fasawfa yalqawna ghayy a n


(19:59)


After the Anbiya, their followers wasted the Salaat, and followed


lasciviousness, licentiousness, wantonness, so its consequence was


destruction and devastation. Then by the word itte ba-e-shahawaat –


"the following of lasciviousness, licentiousness" - meant "these


people wanted the satisfaction of their passions by other means and


ways instead of Divine Laws".


This was the very blunder they committed. It may be clarified here


that the satisfaction of the passions in line with what the Quran says


is not bad. The bad in it is that the non-Divine means and ways


accomplish this satisfaction. But the genuine satisfaction of the


human passion is by means of integration and consolidation of human


personality. That is why the following find no mention in the Quran:


Performance of fraaiz-o-waaji baat, sunnan, mustah baat etc of Namaaz


accurately


Performance of its elements: Qeyaam , ra'koo, Sajda etc. correctly


Keeping of this much distance between both the feet on standing


Raising of hands for Takbeer up to the lobule of ears


Keeping of hands to such and such position while in Qeyaam


Observing of this form while bending in ra'koo


Keeping of this posture while in Sajda etc.


Then the following necessities/things to the satisfaction of one's


passions were propagated from the religious platform. And you know


that crowning satisfaction of passions on one's own by wasting the


Salaat is the second mechanism. This is an erroneous errand. The human


psychology provides ample proof to this fact that the human passions


are not restrained to the "animal passions" alone. They include those


"sacred passions", the satisfaction of which the religionists attain


by means of individual worship. The Quran has denoted it with the term


mysticism . You know it well that in mysticism "Individual Salaat"


(i.e. the mechanism for gaining serenity by worshiping God) could not


bring Allah's prescribed-pleasant-consequences; so the same mode could


bring no surety for the goodness of the consequences envisaged -


though how much elegantly that might have been made valid and


reliable! That is why the Quran made it clear when it proclaimed


through the people of Hazrat Shuaib (peace be upon him):


O Shuaib! When you had asked us not to interfere in your obedience to


Allah, we had thought that it meant only your worship of Allah. Now we


see that it goes beyond that. Your Salaat does not allow us to adhere


to the religion of our ancestors, nor to use our wealth as we like....


11: 87.


It is my little effort to share this thought with every one of you.


regards


Nawaz

Authentic Proofs of the Excellence of Islâm


Compiled by: Omar Mababaya and Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya


All followers of different religions claim that their religion is the right or true religion. However, only the Muslims have the divine proofs for such claim. Only the Muslims have the Qur’an and the Sunnah (Prophet Muhammad’s Tradition) to prove that Islam is the true religion from Allah, the Only True God. Both the Qur’an and the Sunnah, the two Divinely Revealed Islamic Sources of knowledge and guidance, explicitly make clear to us the excellence of Islam.


This brief work is a compilation of some verses from the Qur’an and the authentic Ahâdîth (Teachings of Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, meaning: May the Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that show concrete proofs to elucidate the excellence of Islam. We, the whole humanity, especially non-Muslims, must reflect and ponder upon the veracity of the divine proofs. In this way, we give due importance to the True Religion and live according to its divine teachings; and thus, attain success, especially ultimate success in the eternal life Hereafter.


This compilation on the authenticity of the excellence of Islam, far from being complete, is brief, yet comprehensive enough to cover the important aspects of the true and unique Religion and Way of Life, Islam. All the Qur’anic Ayât (Verses) and authentic Ahâdîth enumerated in this work serve as concrete proofs for the excellence of Islam. The divine teachings are direct and simple -- clearly or explicitly stated. They do not need further explanations, non-Muslims who read them with objective minds and hearts will, by Allah’s Grace, embrace the True Religion. Let the following words of Allah and His Messenger guide and inspire all of us to the excellence of Islam:


1. Islâm Teaches Absolute Oneness of Allâh (Subhananu wa ta'ala, meaning: the Most Glorified, the Exalted) the Unique God, Who Alone is Worthy of True Worship “Say (O Muhammad): ‘Truly am I a Warner: no god is there but the One Allâh Supreme and Irresistible, the Rabb (Only God and Sustainer) of the heavens and the earth and all between Exalted in Might Able to enforce His will forgiving again and again.’ Say: ‘That is a message supreme (above all) from which you do turn away!’” (Qur'an 38:65-68)


“Say: ‘He is Allâh the One. The Eternally besought of all. He begets not nor was He begotten and there is none comparable unto Him.’” (Qur'an 112: 1-4)


“Verily, I am Allâh: There is no god but I: So serve Me (only), and perform regular prayers for My remembrance.” (Qur'an 20:14)


“To Him (Allâh) is due the true prayer...for the prayer of those without Faith is nothing but vain prayer.” (Qur'an 13:14)


2. Clarifies the Purpose of Our Creation


“I have created not the jinn and men except that they should worship Me (Alone). I seek not any provision from them nor do I ask that they should feed Me. Verily, Allâh is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, Most Strong.” (Qur'an 51:56-58)


“So glorify the praises of your Rabb (Sustainer) and be of those who prostrate themselves (to Him). And worship your Rabb (Sustainer) until there comes unto you the Hour that is certain (i.e., death).” (Qur'an 15:98-99)


3. Everlasting Rewards in Islâm is based on Three Divine Conditions:


a. Belief in One God


“...But if they had joined in worship others with Allâh, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them.” (Qur'an 6:88)


And indeed it has been revealed to you (O Muhammad), as it was to those (Allâh’s Messengers) before you: “If you join others in worship with Allâh, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers.” (Qur'an 39:65)


b. Sincerity of purpose (Ikhlas) or doing good deeds for the pleasure of Allâh


“And they have been commanded no more than this: to worship Allâh, offering Him sincere devotion, being True (in Faith); establish regular prayer; and to give Zakat. And that is the Religion Right and Straight.” (Qur'an 98:5)


“Say: Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death are (all) for Allâh, the Rabb (Only Cherisher and Sustainer) of the Worlds.” (Qur'an 6:162)


‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab t said: I heard Allâh’s Messenger r saying, “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended....” (Bukhâri, 1/1 and Muslim3/ 4692)


c. Deeds must be in accordance with the Qur’ân and Sunnah.


“O you who believe! Obey Allâh, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad) and render not vain your deeds.” (Qur'an 47:33)


4. Based on authentic revealed sources (Qur’ân and the Sunnah)


“For We had certainly sent unto them a Book (the Qur’ân) based on knowledge, which We explained in detail a guide and a Mercy to all who believe.” (Qur'an 7:52)


Abdullâh ibn ‘Amr t reported that Allâh’s Messenger r said, “Knowledge consists of three things: the decisive verses (Qur’ân), authentic Ahâdîth and prescriptions rightly deduced from the two. What is beside them is superfluous.” (Ibn Mâjah, 1/54)


‘Abdullah ibn Amir ibn Al-As t narrated that the Prophet r said, “Knowledge has three categories; anything else is extra; a precise verse, or an established Sunnah (practice), or a firm obligatory duty.” (Abu Daud, 2879)


Jâbir ibn ‘Abdullâh t reported that Allâh’s Messenger r said, “The best of affairs is the Book of Allâh (the Qur’ân) and the best of guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad r.” (Ibn Mâjah 1/45; Muslim1885)


5. Rational and Well-documented based on Knowledge, Proofs, and Certainty


“Read! In the name of your Rabb (Only God and Sustainer) Cherisher, Who created — created man, out of a leech-like clot: Read! And your Rabb is Most Bountiful. He Who taught (the use of) the Pen, taught man that which he knew not.” (Qur'an 96:1-4)


“And they say: ‘None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.’ Those are their (vain) desires. Say: ‘Produce your proof if you are truthful.’” (Qur'an 2:111)


“...Say: ‘Bring the Torah and recite it, if you are men of truth. If any, after this invents a lie and attributes it to Allâh, they are indeed unjust wrong-doers.’” (Qur'an 3:93-94)


“Or have they taken for worship (other) gods besides Him? Say, ‘Bring your convincing proof: this is the Message of those before me.’ But most of them know not the Truth, and so turn away.” (Qur'an 21:24)


“Allâh! There is no god but He: of a surety He will gather you together on the Day of Judgment, about which there is no doubt. And whose word can be truer than Allâh’s?” (Qur’ân, 4:87)


6. Universal in scope (i.e., the religion for the whole mankind)


“Say: ‘I seek refuge with the Rabb and Cherisher of mankind, the King (or Ruler) of mankind, the God (or Judge) of mankind ¾ from the mischief of the Whisperer (of Evil), who withdraws (after his whisper) (the same) who whispers into the hearts of mankind ¾ among Jinn and among men.’” (Qur'an 114:1-6)


“O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Rabb Who created you from a single person, created of like nature his mate and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women. Reverence Allâh through Whom you demand your mutual (rights) and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you): for Allâh ever watches over you.” (Qur'an 4:1)


O mankind! Remember the Grace of Allâh upon you! Is there a Creator other than Allâh to give you Sustenance from heaven or earth? There is no god but He. How then are you deluded away from the Truth? (Qur'an 35:3)


“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allâh is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allâh has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” (Qur'an 49:39)


“Whatever good (O man) happens to you is from Allâh; but whatever evil happens to you is from your (own) soul. And We have sent you (O Muhammad) as a Messenger to mankind: and enough is Allâh for a witness.” (Qur'an 4:79)


“We have not sent you (O Muhammad) but as a universal (Messenger) to the whole mankind giving them glad tidings and warning them (against sin) but most of mankind understand not.” (Qur'an 34:28)


“O mankind! The Messenger (Muhammad) has come to you in truth from Allâh: believe in him: it is best for you. But if you reject faith to Allâh belong all things in the heavens and on earth: and Allâh is All Knowing, All-Wise.” (Qur'an 4:170)


7. Practical and easy


“...Allâh intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties...” (Qur'an 2:185)


“But whoever believes and works righteousness he shall have a goodly reward and easy will be his task as We order it by Our command.” (Qur'an 18:88)


Anas bin Malik t (Radhiallahu anhu, meaning: May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet r said, “Make things easy for the people, and do not make it difficult for them, and make them calm (with glad tidings) and do not repulse (them).” (Bukhâri,8/146)


Abu Hurairah t narrated that the Prophet r said, “Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by worshipping in the mornings, the nights.” (Bukhari 1/38)


Anas (bin Malik) t narrated We were with 'Umar and he said, “We have been forbidden to undertake a difficult task beyond our capability...” (Bukhari 9/396)


Abu Musa t narrated that when Allâh’s Messenger r sent him and Mu'adh Bin Jabal to Yemen, he said to them, “Facilitate things for the people (treat the people in the most agreeable way), and do not make things difficult for them. Give them glad tidings, and let them not have aversion (i.e. to make the people hate good deeds). And you should both work in cooperation and mutual understanding and obey each other.” (Bukhari 8/145)


8. Avoidance of Bid’ah or Innovation in Religion


Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said, “The best speech is that embodied in the Book of Allâh, and the best guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad. The most evil affairs are their innovations; and every innovation is an error.” (Muslim1885)


Ali ibn Abu Talib t said: (According to Allâh’s Messenger r), “…If anyone introduces an innovation, he will be responsible for it. If anyone introduces an innovation or gives shelter to a man who introduces an innovation (in religion), he is cursed by Allâh, by His angels, and by all the people.” (Abu Dawud 4515)


Yahya ibn. Abu Muta t said, “I heard Irbad b. Sariya t as saying, “One day Allâh’s Messenger r said, ‘… it is incumbent upon you to adhere strictly to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided Caliphs. Hold fast that with teeth and pursue not the affairs of innovation for every innovation is straying from the Right Path.’” (Ibn Majah 1/42, Abu Dawud 4950, and Tirmidhi)


9. Moderation and Consistency


Abû Hurairah t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said, “The deeds of anyone of you will not save you (from Hell-Fire).” They said, “Even you, (will not be saved by your deeds), O Allâh’s Messenger?” He said, “No, even I, unless and until Allâh bestows His Mercy on me. Therefore, do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and worship Allâh in the forenoon and in the afternoon and during a part of the night, and always adopt a middle, moderate, regular course whereby you will reach your Target (Paradise).” (Bukhâri 8/ 470)


Abu Hurairah t narrated that the Prophet r said, “Religion (Islâm) is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by offering the prayers in the mornings, afternoons and during the last hours of the nights.” (Bukhâri 1/38)


10. Complete/comprehensive


“…He it is Who has sent unto you the Book, explained in detail. They know full well, to whom We have given the Book, that it has been sent down from your Rabb in truth. Never be then of those who doubt.” (Qur'an 6:114)


“For We had certainly sent unto them a Book based on knowledge, which We explained in detail ¾ a guide and a mercy to all who believe.” (Qur'an 7:52)


“…(This is ) a Book with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning) ¾ further explained in detail ¾ from One Who is Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all things).” (Qur'an 11:1)


11. Well-balanced life


“But seek the wealth which Allâh has bestowed on you, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget your portion in this World. But do good, as Allâh has been good to you, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land; for Allâh loves not those who do mischief.” (Qur'an 28:77)


“And when the prayer is finished, then may you disperse through the land, and seek of the Bounty of Allâh: and remember Allâh frequently that you may prosper.” (Qur'an 62:10)


“Our Rabb! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter. And save us from the torment of the Fire!” (Qur'an 2:201)


12. Enjoins Universal Brotherhood and Unity Among the Bel b ievers


“Verily, this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood, and I am your Rabb (the Only God, Cherisher and Sustainer: therefore serve Me (and no other). But (later generations) cut off their affair (of unity), one from another: will they all return to Us.” (Qur'an 21: 92-93)


“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong; they are the ones to attain felicity. Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving clear signs; for them is a dreadful penalty.” (Qur'an 3:104-105)


And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allâh (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves. And remember with gratitude Allâh’s favor on you; for you were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His grace, you became brethren; and you were on the brink of the pit of fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allâh make His signs clear to you: that you may be guided. (Qur'an 3:102-103)


“Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving Clear Signs; for them is a dreadful Chastisement.” (Qur'an 3:105)


An Numan Bin Bashir t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said, “You see the believers as regards their being merciful among themselves, showing love among themselves, and being kind, resembling one body; so that, if any part of the body is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it.” (Bukhari 8/40 and Muslim)


Abu Musa t narrated that the Prophet r said, “A faithful believer to a faithful believer is like the bricks of a wall, enforcing each other.” While (saying that) the Prophet r clasped his hands, by interlacing his fingers. (Bukhari 1/468)


Abu Hurairah t narrated that the Prophet r said, “The believer is the believer’s mirror, and the believer is the believer’s brother who guards him against loss and protects him when he is absent.” (Abu Dawud 4900)


13. No Racial Discrimination, Superiority is Based on Righteousness and Piety


“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allâh is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allâh has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” (Qur'an 49: 13)


Prophet Muhammad r said: "The whole mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves. Remember, one day you will appear before Allâh and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone. O People no Prophet or Messenger will come after me and no new Faith will be born. Reason well therefore, O People and understand words, which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur’ân and my example the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray." (Muslim)


Abu Dharr t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said to him, “You are not better than people with red or black skins unless you excel them in piety.” (Tirmidhi 5198 and Ahmad)


14. Eternal Effects and Supreme Success


“Nothing is the life of this world but play and amusement. But for better is the Home in the Hereafter for those who are pious. Will you not then understand?” (Qur'an 6:32)


“Allâh does enlarge, or grant by (strict) measure, the Sustenance (which He gives) to whom so He pleases. They rejoice in the life of this world: but the life of this world is nothing but little comfort compared to the Hereafter.” (Qur'an 13:26)


“The believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers practice regular charity and obey Allâh and His Messenger. On them will Allâh pour His mercy: for Allâh is Exalted in power Wise. Allâh has promised the believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allâh: that is the supreme success.” (Qur'an 9:71-72)


Verily, the Righteous (they will be) in a position of Security, among Gardens and Springs; dressed in fine silk and in rich brocade they will face each other; and We shall join them to Companions with beautiful big and lustrous eyes. There can they call for every kind of fruit in peace and security; nor will they there taste death except the first death. And He will save them from the Torment of the Blazing Fire as a bounty from your Rabb (Only Cherisher and Sustainer)! That will be the supreme success!” (Qur'an 44: 51- 57)


15. The Right and True religion


“Verily this is My Way leading straight: follow it, and follow not (other) paths. They will separate you (away) from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become righteous (pious).” (Qur'an 6:153)


“Truly the Religion before Allâh is Islâm (submission to His Will). Those who were given the Scripture (the Jews and the Christians) did not differ except out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. But if any denies the Signs of Allâh, Allâh is swift in calling to account.” (Qur'an 3:19)


“Whatever you worship apart from Him is nothing but name which you have named ¾ you and your fathers, for which Allâh has sent down no authority. The command is for none but Allâh. He has commanded that you worship none but Him. That is the Right Religion, but most of mankind do not know.” (Qur'an 12:40)


“So set your face steadily and truly to the Faith: (Establish) Allâh’s handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: no change (let there be) in the work (wrought) by Allâh. That is the True Religion: but most among mankind understand not.” (Qur'an 30:30)


16. No Compulsion in Religion


“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error...” (Qur'an 2:256)


“...And say to the People of the Book and to those who are unlearned: ‘Do you (also) submit yourselves?’ If they do, they are in right guidance, but if they turn back, your duty is to convey the Message; and in Allâh’s Sight are (all) His servants.” (Qur'an 3:20)


“If it had been Your Rabb’s Will, they would all have believed, ¾ all who are on earth! Will you then compel mankind, against their will, to believe?”


17. Divine Guidance


“This is the Guidance of Allâh. He gives that guidance to whom He wills, of His servants if they were to join other gods with Him, all that they did would be vain for them.” (Qur'an 6:88)


“Whom Allâh does guide, he is on the Right Path. Whom He rejects from His Guidance, such are the persons who lose.” (Qur'an 7:178)


18. Teaches Righteousness and Forbids Evil Deeds


“The Believers, men and women, are protectors, one to another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil . . .” (Qur'an 9:71)


“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good (i.e., Islâm), enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: they are the ones to attain felicity.” (Qur'an 3:104)


Abû Sa ‘id Al-Khudri t narrated that he heard Allâh’s Messenger r as saying, “He who amongst you sees something abominable should modify it with the help of his hand; and if he has no strength enough to do it, then he should do it with his tongue. And if he has no strength enough to do it, (even) then he should (abhor it) from his heart and that is the least of faith.” (Muslim79)


‘Abdullâh ibn Mas‘ud t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said, “…By no means, I swear by Allâh, you must enjoin what is good and prohibit what is evil, prevent the wrong-doer, bend him into conformity with what is right, and restrict him to what is right.” (Abû Dâwûd 4322)


19. Adheres to Truth and Forbids Falsehood


“O you who believe! Fear Allâh and be with those who are truthful.” (Qur'an 9:119)


“That Allâh may reward the people of Truth for their Truth, and punish the Hypocrites if He wills, or turn to them in Mercy; for Allâh is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur'an 33:24)


“Who does more wrong than those who invent a lie against Allâh? They will be turned back to the Presence of their Rabb and the witnesses will say, ‘These are the ones who lied against their Rabb!’ Behold! The curse of Allâh is on those who do wrong!” (Qur'an 11:18)


“Shall I inform you (o people) on whom it is that the evil ones descend? They descend on every lying wicked person (into whose ears) they pour hearsay vanities and most of them are liars.” (Qur'an 26:221-223)


‘Abdullâh ibn ‘Amrt narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said, “If you have four characteristics, whatever worldly advantage passes you by does not matter to you: keeping a trust, speaking the truth, a good character, and abstemiousness in food.” (Qur'an Tirmidhî 5222, Ahmad and Bayhaqi)


Abû Umamah Sa‘d ibn Abi Waqqâs t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said, “A believer is stamped with all the characteristics except treachery and falsehood.” (Tirmidhî 4860 and Ahmad)


20. Fights or Shows Enmity to Satan


“O mankind! Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of Satan for he is to you an avowed enemy. For he commands you what is evil and shameful, and that you should say of Allâh that of which you have no knowledge.” (Qur'an 2:168-169)


“O you children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you, in the same manner as he got your parents out of the Garden, stripping them of their raiment, to expose their shame: for he and his tribe see you from a position where you cannot see them. We made Satan’s friends (only) for those without Faith.” (Qur'an 7:27)


“Verily, Satan is an enemy to you: so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his adherents, that they may become companions of the Blazing Fire.” (Qur'an 35: 6)


21. Perfect


“...This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islâm as your religion.” (Qur'an 5:3)


22. The Only Religion Acceptable to Allâh I


“If anyone desires a religion other than Islâm (submission to Allâh), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).” (Qur'an 3:85)


23. Enjoins the Believers to Enter into Islâm wholeheartedly


“O you who believe! Enter into Islâm wholeheartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the Evil One, for he is to you an avowed enemy.” (Qur'an 2:208)


“O you who believe! Fear Allâh as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islâm that you may be guided.” (Qur'an 3:102-103)


Conclusions And Recommendations


All the above concrete proofs from the two Revealed Sources of knowledge and guidance show that indeed, Islam is the True Religion from Allah. We Muslims must be thankful to Allah the Almighty for guiding us to the Right Path. Islam is His Grace to whom He pleases. Being Muslims, being guided to the Perfect Religion and Way of Life, is really the greatest blessing from our Creator. It is something that makes us outstanding over other peoples of other religions.


For our success, we need to strive hard to know the following four important lessons: 1) to acquire authentic knowledge of Islam according to the Qur'an and the Sunnah; 2) practice it correctly and live according to its Teachings; 3) share our knowledge of Islam with others in order to call or invite them to Islam; and 4) be patient as Muslims. We Muslims need to know more about Islam in order to worship our Creator the way He likes us to worship Him and perform other forms of worship -- all for His Pleasure. We need to know how to live and practice the Islamic way of life according to the Sunnah of Allah's Messenger r. Likewise, we need to know how to share authentic knowledge of Islam to others according to the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Last but not the least, we need to know how to be patient in the acquisition of Islamic knowledge, in the application of Islam to our daily lives, and in conveying the Message of Islam to others. Let us strive hard to know more about Islam according to the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah. Let us adhere to its teachings. Let us invite non-Muslims to the Right Way to Success. Let us be patient in all our ways hoping for Allah's Supreme Rewards, which He promises to those who believe and do righteous deeds in Islam. Let us remember that, indeed, Islam as the True Religion from Allah has all the concrete proofs of EXCELLENCE!


http://www.wefound.org/texts/Islam_files/I...Excellence4.htm

With the name Of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower Of Mercy.


As-salâmu ?alaykum wa rahmatullâh:


Alhumdulillah, Manchester has been blessed with a very important reminder coming up on Bank Holiday Monday- 27th December.


An event entitled "The Day of Judgement" with Murtaza Khan and Tawfeeq Choudhury is taking place from 12pm to 3pm.


The two topics will be: "Death and the Grave" and "Resurrection and the Final Home".


Entry is free and food will be served at the end of the event.


The event will take place at Makki Masjid, 125 Beresford Rd Longsight,


Manchester.


For more info call 07961838649

Dear All


I dare to bring forth the underpinnings of the curriculum offerings. This will make "Quranic Values System" radically different from the one we have in practice. In this Quranic Values System, self or personality is the kernel, the core, the hub, or the nucleus. This whole System metaphorically draws upon as ‘that hard kernel of gaiety that never breaks’. The Foundations of this System is on the basis of which the curriculum offerings of all the disciplines of Social or Physical Sciences, or of the professional pursuits like the Medical, Engineering, Networking, Teacher Education or of the Training Programs are to be worked out:


The Ideological Basis of Curriculum;The curriculum in this System reflects the underpinning of that ideology, which is based on the values enshrined in the Quran and provides the individual for self-development. The Quranic basic principles are:


(i) the individual is the focus of these values and


(ii) the group exists to enable the individuals to develop and express themselves to the full extent of their capacity. It lays primary stress on personal worth of the individual and the gaining of knowledge of invariable sequence of events. This enables the individual to make better adjustment. This also makes the individual conscious of the causal nexus between events governed by the Law of Requital.


And also that the action performed deliberately, or with a high degree of ego-involvement, changes the personality of the doer for better or for worse. The curriculum offerings are built on these values and are named as the "ideological


basis of the curriculum".


Regards


Nawaz

Asalaamu alikum wa rhamatuhallahi wa barakatuh Brothers and Sisters,


I have found this article and thought it would be of great importance to share with all of you. If we look inside ourseleves and ask, If every Muslim in the world was like me, would we deserve the victory from Allah(SWT)?


STOP! PLEASE READ!


Bint Abdul Khaliq


Courtesy: HidayaOnline


You may be busy with your next project,you may be just about to perform your Salaah or rush off to Hifz class. Or maybe you are a brother deciding to start a beard, or a sister donning the beautful Hijab or Niqaab. Whatever it is…Please STOP! And take a few minutes to read this…


The Prophet of Allah Muhammed (SAWS) said: Actions are only by intention, and every man shall only have what he intended. Thus he whose hijra was for the sake of Allah and His Messenger,his hijra was for Allah and His Messenger, and he whose hijra was to achieve some worldly benefit or to take some woman in marriage, his hijra was for that for which he made hijra.(Bukhari)


INTENTION CHECK!!!


Let us look deep into our souls to question ourselves today and let us be absolutely HONEST in our answers.We can fool the whole world but we cannot fool ALLAH. So here it is : How many of the good deeds that we are performing are TRULY and SINCERELY done ONLY for the pleasure of ALLAH TA’ALA??? Are we performing our actions truly with Ikhlaas?


Actions done only for HIM, and HIM alone. Not to seek the slightest bit of fame, praise or ulterior motive. Pure, unadulterated , sincere intentions. I am doing this act ONLY to please ALLAH. I am writing this article ONLY to please ALLAH.I am learning The Glorious Qur’aan ONLY to please ALLAH. Saying it, believing it and meaning it.


Astaghfirullah ! When I scanned my heart,I hung my head in utter shame.ALLAH is so Merciful, HE has concealed my faults even though I do not deserve it. The most hidden intention in the depths of my heart cannot escape my Creator. I claim to be performing such and such ‘Aamaal but when I strip each one down to it’s core and foundation-The INTENTION-I am disgusted at what I find.


To please who?


Many a times, it so happens that we think that our actions are for Allah TA’ALA, but in reality, they are lacking sincerity. Here is a story of a man who used to stand in the first row for every Salaah. As the Prophet (SAWS) mentioned in one of the Hadith that if people knew the reward of standing in the first row and calling the Adhan, they would fight one another to perform these acts. But once it so happened, that this man was late for prayers and had to stand in the second row. He felt embarrassed that people would see him in the second row, and it was then that he realized that the satisfaction he used to get from standing in the first row was from people seeing him in the first row and his sincerity in doing this act was impure. This is just a small example of how our sincerity towards our Lord is unsafe from being impure.


Ahhh..how often do we do things for show? Unconciously…There’s are bearded brother going past,so she lifts her scarf off her shoulders and places it on her head. He fancies a certain ‘pious’ girl, so he starts growing a beard. She loves to give charity,but only when Her friends are around.We can go on an on…but we get the point. This is all Riyaa-actions done for show.They lack the Ikhlaas needed to beautify these actions. They are like Mirages that fool us until we reach it to find nothing.


The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:


"What I fear for you the most is the minor shirk, that is ar-riyaa. Allaah will say on the Day of Judgement when He is rewarding the people for their actions: Go to those for whom you did riyaa for in the world then see if you find the reward with them."


[Related by Ahmad (5/428, 429) and al-Baghawee in Sharh us-Sunnah (4135) from the hadeeth of Mahmood bin Lubaid, radiyallaahu `anhu, with an authentic chain upon the conditions of Muslim.]


The Prophet, Sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, also said:


"Shall I not inform you of what I fear for you more than the maseeh ud-dajjaal? It is the hidden shirk. It is when a man stands up for prayer, then beautifies his prayer for another to look at."


[Related by Ibn Maajah (2604) from the hadeeth of Aboo Sa`eed al-Khudree, radiyallaahu `anhu. The hadeeth is hasan.]


One more hadith…


The illustrious Sahabi, Abu Hurairah (RA), narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:


"People will come on the Day of Judgement with good deeds like the mountains of Tihaamah and Allah will make their deeds like scattered dust." The Sahabah asked, "Will they not be Muslims?" He (SAWS) replied: "Of course! They will have prayed as you pray, they will have fasted as you fast, they will have spent in charity from their excess wealth and will have given their portion to the night (i.e. in Salaatut Tahajjud); however, WHEN THEY WERE ALONE THEY WOULD VIOLATE THE SANCUTARY OF ALLAH (i.e. fall into the Haraam)." [Collected by Ibn Maajah from Thawbaan and authenticated by Shaikh Al-Albaanee in his Saheeh Ibnu Maajah, #3423].


The time for change…


It is time for us to change…how long will we carry on the way we do? On the Day of Qiyamah,when mothers will not even want to help their own children,such will be the terror of that Day ,when even the atoms weight of good and bad shall be brought forth,what shall be our position? Would we like all our good deeds, which we had slogged to perform in this Dunya,to go to waste? Imagine the shock and the unimaginable terror of finding out that( ALLAH forbid) all our good deeds have amounted to nothing! All our efforts amounted to nothing! Because the soul of those deeds-the Niyyah was not pure.Imagine the humiliation, the shame. Our ALLAH is so merciful to us…every breath we should only be taking to please HIM alone. It is not worth it doing doing anything to please anyone but HIM. Our living must be for ALLAH,Our dying must be for ALLAH,.And every action should be done first by cleansing our intention that we are doing it solely for HIS pleasure.


I am the worst and the most guilty of all.I am writing this firstly for MYSELF to take heed,that Inshallah this article shall bring about a change in MY life as well as all those who read it,Inshallah.I beg of you to remember me in your pious duas

Dear All


Taking the 1400 years in full sweep, the first and the foremost issue is that of original source material, but for the times of Messenger Muhammad peace be upon him and his immediate successors, even these original sources are not available. The so-called original sources, Al-Tabri's history and Ibn-Ishaq's biography of Messenger Muhammad peace be upon him and the collected traditions were written more than 200 years after the event, without any previous written record. What happened to this previous record is perhaps a story by itself and needs to be researched. The funny thing is that subsequent historians and biographers continued to refer to these so-called -original- sources and till today no historian, Muslim or non-Muslim, has ever questioned the authenticity of Al-Tabri and Ibn-Ishaq.


Secondly, there is need to emphasize that the Ummayed dynasty, the Arab in character, remained men of action harmonius with their centuries old mode of living. The unleashing of this quality led to the conquest of vast lands from the Atlantic and the Pyrenes in the West to the Chinese frontier in Sinkiang in the East. Writing was not their main bastion. But when the Abbasides came to power with the support of the Persians and Khorasanians, the period of action and conquest ended and that of writing began. The writers of this period were predominantly Persians, who were hell-bent upon winning the war against the Arabs with their writings -and against the war, which they had lost in the battlefield.


Regards


Nawaz

salaam


This is a new forum .


unitedmuslimz


Visit now and find out Islamic Information for your self


another onesabelillah

Bismillah


as salam alykom


I found this useful link with free downloads including speaches for many Imams such as Siraj Wahaj.


http://nadeem.lightuponlight.com/