Knowledge should be learned directly from qualified scholars; otherwise, one may fall into serious mistakes! 

It is narrated that a man was once seen circumambulating the Kaaba while carrying a knife and a mouse. When people asked him why, he replied, "That's what I read in one of the books."

When the book was brought and checked, it became clear that he had misread the text. The original wording was:

"One should circumambulate with tranquility and dignity."

In Arabic, he mistakenly read sakīnah ("tranquility") as sikkīn ("knife"), and waqār ("dignity") as fa'r ("mouse"), turning a serious instruction into a comical misunderstanding.

Hello friends, and welcome back!
As-salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
It's been a long time since this forum was created. Over the years, it has gone through several migrations and technology upgrades to keep it alive and running.
How have you all been?
I'd like to open a discussion with you and hear your honest thoughts.
Do you think forums still have a meaningful role in serving Muslims and those who are new to Islam, or has the era of discussion forums come to an end?
Do you still find yourself coming back to this forum to search its archives and benefit from the knowledge shared here?
Do you have any ideas or suggestions that could help revive this community and make the forum more active and useful?
And with the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and the massive technological changes we're witnessing today, do you believe that traditional forums have become obsolete, or do they still have a place alongside modern platforms?
I'd really love to hear your opinions and experiences.
May Allah bless you all with good health, well-being, strong faith, and safety.
Best regards,

   

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1052565039068350

If you're looking for a comprehensive and reliable source that offers an illustrated introduction to Islam, The New Muslim Guide website is the perfect place for you. This website is based on the book "The New Muslim Guide," written by Fahd ibn Saalim Baa Hammaam. The book is designed to provide a simplified, illustrated overview of Islam and has been reviewed and approved by numerous prominent Muslim scholars from around the world.

Features of the Website:

- Diverse Content: The website offers a wide range of information about Islam, making it a rich resource for new Muslims and those seeking a deeper understanding of the faith.
- Multiple Languages: The book and website content have been translated into 26 languages, allowing people from different cultures to benefit from the available information.
- Free Electronic Products: The site provides various free electronic products that help spread awareness and knowledge about Islam.
- Informational Media: The website uses different media forms to effectively and engagingly convey its message.

Invitation to Visit the Website:

If you're interested in learning more about Islam in a straightforward and accessible way, I invite you to visit The New Muslim Guide website at  https://newmuslimguide.com/  Feel free to share this link with your friends and family to spread the benefit and knowledge to everyone.

Contact Information:

For any inquiries or additional information, you can reach out via email at info@modern-guide.com.

We hope this website serves as a valuable and enjoyable resource for everyone, contributing to a better understanding of Islam and its culture.

When hardships intensify, it often signals their impending end. Difficulties are followed by ease, and those who hold fast to faith in God find relief swiftly because relief is in God's hands alone. History and life are filled with stories of adversity giving way to ease, whether for prophets or righteous individuals. While hardships can last for extended periods, the eventual relief compensates for the moments of sorrow and distress.

Stories of the Prophets on Relief After Hardship

The prophets faced severe trials with patience and faith, and relief came to them from God. Here are some stories illustrating this:

- Prophet Jacob (Yaqub)
  Jacob faced the trial of losing his son, Joseph (Yusuf), for many years. His grief led him to lose his sight from excessive weeping. Eventually, God restored both his son and his sight, bringing relief when all hope seemed lost.

- Prophet Job (Ayub)
  Job was tested with severe illness and the loss of all his children. His situation became so dire that his wife sold her hair to feed them. Job called upon God, and God responded, restoring his health and blessing him with more children and wealth than he had lost.

- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
  The Prophet Muhammad endured significant hardship in his mission. He was besieged in the Valley of Abu Talib for three years, during which he and his followers survived on leaves and animal hides due to the oppression by Quraysh. Relief came when a termite ate the oppressive agreement against them. During the Battle of the Trench, various tribes allied against him, causing fear and hardship for the Muslims. Yet, God sent a strong wind that scattered the enemies' camps, bringing relief to the believers.

Stories of the Righteous on Relief After Hardship

Many righteous individuals turned to God in their distress and received relief:

- Imam Bukhari
  Imam Bukhari, famous for compiling the authentic sayings of the Prophet, lost his sight in childhood. His mother, in her grief, prayed fervently for his sight to be restored. One night, she dreamt of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) telling her that her son's sight would be returned due to her prayers. The next morning, his sight was restored by God's grace.

- Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
  During the ordeal of the "createdness" of the Quran, Imam Ahmad refused to say that the Quran was created, as it is God's word. He endured severe torture for his stance. Despite attempts to coerce him, he remained steadfast. When tensions rose against the Caliph in Tartus, the Caliph planned to kill Imam Ahmad. However, while Ahmad prayed not to meet the Caliph, the Caliph died suddenly, granting Ahmad relief.

Your Way to Islam 
Authored by: Dr. Mohammad Suleiman Al-Ashqar 
Translated into English by: Dr. Abdul-Waris Saeed 
Revised Edition with Additions 1415 
J. D. C. Series on Islam No. 11

 
Introduction

This book serves as a valuable resource for new Muslims and those interested in learning more about Islam. Written by the esteemed scholar Dr. Mohammad Suleiman Al-Ashqar and translated by Dr. Abdul-Waris Saeed, it provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental beliefs and practices of Islam.

 
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful 

“O you people, adore your Lord who created you and those who came before you, that you may have the chance to be righteous.” (Qur’an 2:21)

 
Overview

"Your Way to Islam" is an invitation to everyone to join the faithful in their journey toward Allah's blessings. As the Qur’an states:

“Those who obey Allah and His Messenger are in the Company of those who are blessed by Allah, The Prophets, The Sincere (faithful), the Witnesses (Martyrs), and the Righteous (who do good), and what a beautiful fellowship!” (Qur’an 4:69).

Chapter 1: Preface

Reflect on everything around you on Earth: the objects, plants, insects, animals, birds, and fish. Observe how they all have precise systems that govern and guide their existence. Look above you at the sun, moon, planets, stars, clouds, and winds, all functioning accurately and serving life on Earth.

Consider yourself, your organs, and your intricate body systems working together to ensure your well-being. Who created all these marvelous things and established their precise systems? The Creator and Sustainer of all these creatures is One: Allah, the only true God.

It is logical to acknowledge this fact, recognize our Creator and Provider, be grateful to Him, and submit ourselves to His wise and merciful guidance. Our Creator has endowed us with intellect to understand and the freedom to choose the right path.

Allah has shown us the right path through His messengers, with the final messenger being Muhammad and His Books, culminating in the Qur’an. We have two choices before us: one leading to bliss in this life and the Hereafter—Islam, and the other leading to misery in this world and eternal punishment in the Hereafter. The choice is ours. May Allah guide us to the Right Path! Aameen.

 
Chapter Summary

- Chapter 2: Islam Why? For Whom? When?
  - Explores the reasons for choosing Islam and its universal message.

- Chapter 3: The Great Trip
  - Discusses the spiritual journey one embarks upon when embracing Islam.

- Chapter 4: What Do You Say to Declare Your Conversion to Islam?
  - Guides on the declaration of faith required for conversion to Islam.

- Chapter 5: What is Islam?
  - Explains the core beliefs and practices of Islam.

- Chapters 6-11: Articles of Faith
  - Faith in Allah: Belief in the oneness and attributes of Allah.
  - Faith in Angels: Understanding the role of angels in Islam.
  - Faith in Holy Scriptures: Belief in the divine books revealed by Allah.
  - Faith in Prophets: Acknowledging the messengers sent by Allah.
  - Faith in the Last Day: Belief in the Day of Judgment and the afterlife.
  - Faith in Fate and Divine Decree: Acceptance of Allah’s predestination.

- Chapter 12: Ibadat (Religious Deeds)
  - Discusses the essential acts of worship in Islam.

- Chapters 13-19: Pillars of Islam
  - The Two Shahadas: Declaration of faith.
  - Salat (Prayer): The significance and method of performing prayers.
  - At-Taharah (Purity): The ritual cleanliness required for worship.
  - Zakat (Alms): Obligatory charity to support those in need.
  - Sawm (Fasting): Observing fasts, especially during Ramadan.
  - Hajj (Pilgrimage): The significance and rituals of the pilgrimage to Mecca.

- Chapter 20: How to Develop Your Islam?
  - Provides tips on spiritual and religious growth as a Muslim.

- Chapter 21: How to Protect Your Islam?
  - Offers guidance on maintaining and safeguarding one’s faith.

- Chapter 22: How to Invite Others to Islam?
  - Provides strategies for inviting others to embrace Islam.

- Chapter 23: Muharramat (The Forbidden Things)
  - Discusses forbidden actions that Muslims should avoid.

- Chapter 24: Allah’s Awliya (Allah’s Friends)
  - Explains who the friends of Allah are and their characteristics.

- Chapter 25: Islamic Morals
  - Discusses the values and moral principles that Muslims should uphold.

- Chapter 26: Ad‘iya (Special Supplications)
  - Offers a collection of supplications for Muslims to use.

- Chapter 27: Muslim Woman
  - Discusses the role of women in Islam and their rights and responsibilities.

 
This book serves as a valuable guide for those interested in learning about Islam and provides a comprehensive introduction to its teachings and practices.



Your way to Islam | Introduction to Islam | Islam: Knowledge Library (islamsms.com)

As-Salaam alaikum,
  Ali Ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, quotes the Noble Prophet, Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam, as having said:--

        ''There is none whose final abode is not known to Allah from beforehand-
          whether it is going to be Hell or Heaven.''

The audience said, ''Should we not then hang on to the scroll of destiny and suspend action?''

The Prophet, Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam, said:- ''No, do your part for what is pre-ordained for one has been made
                                                                                easy for him. If he is fortunate, the path of goodness has been
                                                                                smoothened for him but if he is doomed, evil deeds are equally facile to him.''

He then recited the ayat/verse: ''But as for him who gives (in charity) and fears (Allah), and accepts whatever is good,
                                                         We surely will smoothen the path of happiness.''  (Bukhari and Muslim).

As-Salaam alaikum,
  Abdullah Ibn Amr, may Allah be pleased with him, says that one day the Noble Prophet, Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam, was talking about prescribed prayers and he said:--

       ''Whoso is regular in his prayers it will illumine his face, testify to the firmness of his
         faith and be the cause of his salvation on the Day of Judgement. And whoso neglects
        the prayers will neither acquire any glow nor staunchness of faith nor any means of
        salvation and he will join, on the Day of Resurrection, the company of Korah (Qarun),
        Pharaoh, Haman and Ubay Ibn Khalaf.''  (Ahamd, Baihaqi, Darimi).

Mind offering the 5 Daily Prayers on time, promptly, regularly...and preferably, in congregation with other Muslims in the Masjid.
Best Wishes.

 As-Salaam alaykum,

 As we strive to please Almighty Allah in the hope of securing salvation in the life Hereafter, it is good that we heed the advise of Sayyadi Ibn Arabi, may Allah be Merciful to him, that we should inculcate the rules of proper behavior toward Allah Ta'ala and our fellow Muslims and be:

 Virtuous; do good works;  strictly observe the rules imposed upon us by Allah;
 Perform supererogatory acts of piety;  mind our speech ( in particular avoid slander,
 backbiting even if our words are true),  dispense pious advice to our neighbors, 
 feed the poor and hungry,  clothe the naked,  forgive people their misdeeds, be patient
 in the face of afflictions, practice humility, maintain ritual purity, be considerate of your
 fellow Muslims, Remember Allah often and hold Allah's Friends (Awliya) in high esteem.

Best Regards.

As-Salaam alaykum,

   In ayat 8 of Surat Tahreem of the Holy Qur'an (66:8), Allah Ta'ala says:--

           ''O you who believe, truly turn to Allah with sincere repentance
           [Taubatun Nasooha]: in the hope that your Lord will remove from you your ills..''

What is sincere repentance?  Sayyadi Abdullah Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said that sincere repentance means that a person's heart is ashamed, his tongue seeks forgiveness and he resolves never to repeat the sin he or she committed.

 And a certain wise man has mentioned that Allah's acceptance of Tauba (Repentance) can be recognized by 4 signs as follows:--

 (1) A person guards his tongue from futile talk, lying and backbiting.

 (2) He habours no jealousy or enmity for anyone.

(3) He forsakes evil company.

(4) He prepares for death, is always remorseful, always repenting and always obedient to Allah's Orders.

 Let us all repent....