I am leaving here now, Purgetory stated a while back that if posts were censored, he would leave, in regard to non-Muslims. He hoped that I would leave with him, I didn't at that time accept it but since he has decided to leave for the reason of censoring, I will follow, not in protest as I will not come back, but because I have done what I set out to do in the first place.

[u:b21f914613]Do not delete or edit the above and especially the below[/u:b21f914613]

The below scripture is from the Bible. When you read it, think about "Edited by Abu Noran[/color:b21f914613]". "I will think of you instead, how is that?? Abu Noran"

Jesus warned, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. "You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? "Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them." (Matt. 7:15-20)

There's no such thing as time, we are forever and it is never to late, when you die , immediately you will realise that you still exist, you will leave your body, you will look at it for what it is, a car without a driver, a light will then appear before you,

Will you know the light?

I hope you do.......................

Cheers Everyone!!!!!!

God identified Himself to Moses as “I AM THAT I AM” AND I AM’

Jesus said "Before Abraham Was, I Am"

Jesus said

"I AM the Bread of Life"

"I AM the Light of the World"

"I AM the Door"

"I AM the Good Shepherd"

"I AM the Resurrection and the Life"

"I AM the Way and the Truth and the Life"

"I AM the True Vine"

Have a great life everyone!!!!!

As-salaam Alla maan Etba El-Hoda, السلام على من أتبع الهدى

الحمد لله رب العالمين وأصلي وأسلم على خير خلقه أجمعين نبينا محمد وعلى آله وأصحابه ومن اتبع سنته واهتدى بهديه إلى يوم الدين أما بعد,[/color:912eb756af]

Could someone dare to put the Quran on trial? The word of ALLAH (SWT) is being questioned? Subhan ALLAH from those things they ascribe to him.

Az-Zukhruf (Surah #43)

<span>[82] Glory to the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the Lord of the Throne (of Authority)! (He is free) from the things they attribute (to Him)! </span>

<span>[83] So leave them to babble and play (with vanities) until they meet that Day of theirs, which they have been promised. </span>

<span>[84] It is He Who is God in heaven and God on earth; and He is Full of Wisdom and Knowledge. </span>

<span>[85] And blessed is He to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all between them: with Him is the knowledge of the Hour (of Judgment): and to Him shall ye be brought back.[/color:912eb756af] </span>

<span>Yes they did, infidels always did, we had an example of one on this board just yesterday. </span>

<span>http://www.islamsms.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=860</span>

<span>Well, What do they know about the Quran? </span>

<span>Aparently NOTHING. They never did, and will never do.</span>

<span><span>What they try to do when talking about such a subject is to approach the weak Muslims that has no or little knowledge of Islam. Their aim is to engage with them in such a talk, of course at one point they will start winning the discussion, not because they are right, not at all, but because they are just taking advantage of the poor knowledge of the weak Muslims that can't answer them right due to their lack of knowledge. A lot of Muslims have fallen in that trap before and will continue to as long as they keep engaging in such talks with no knowledge to answer the infidels.[/color:912eb756af]</span></span>

<span><span>Insha ALLAH in this thread we will talk about the light and wisdom in the Quran. We will also try to explain (it's very hard to explain cause you can't hear how I read and understand how to prenounce the letters, and where do they orginate from and how the tongue moves to prenounce certain letters in a certain way, but we will try) the rules of reading the Quran (Ahkam Al-Qera'a), the rules of reciting the Quran (Ahkam Al-Tajweed) and the differences between each way, we will try to explain the letters and dots that appear on top of each word in the Quran, what they mean and how they can change how a word is prenounced, and a lot more. </span></span>

<span><span><span>Any of the reciters of the Quran have to go to Islamic schools at the age of 5 years old to start learning the rules of reading (Ahkam Al-Qera'a) and the rules of reciting (Ahkam Al-Tajweed) the Quran.[/color:912eb756af]</span></span></span>

<span><span><span>Insha ALLAH, this will be a long thread with a lot of posts from the moderators brothers and sisters along myself.</span></span></span>

<span><span><span>Its main porpose is [u:912eb756af]NOT[/u:912eb756af] to answer those infidels only, but yet to educate Muslims about our beloved book, the book that ALLAH (SWT) talks to us in. </span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span>The Quran was NIETHER written NOR created by ALLAH (SWT), The Quran is the spoken word of ALLAH (SWT) revealed to Mohammad (SAAWS) by the honest Angel Gebreil.[/color:912eb756af] </span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span>An-Nisaa (Surah #4) </span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span>[82] Do they not consider the Qur-an (with care)? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy. </span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span>[83] When there comes to them some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they divulge it. If they had only referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have tested it from them (direct). Were it not for the Grace and Mercy of Allah unto you, all but a few of you would have followed Satan. </span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span>[84] Then fight in Allah's cause - thou art held responsible only for thyself - and rouse the Believers. It may be that Allah will restrain the fury of the Unbelievers; for Allah is the strongest in might and in punishment.[/color:912eb756af] </span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span>Al-An'am (Surah #6) </span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>[25] Of them there are some who (pretend to) listen to thee; but We have thrown veils on their hearts, so they understand it not, and deafness in their ears; if they saw every one of the Signs, they will not believe in them; in so much that when they come to thee; they (but) dispute with thee; the Unbelievers say: "These are nothing but tales of the ancients." </span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>[26] Others they keep away from it, and themselves they keep away; but they only destroy their own souls, and they perceive it not. </span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>[27] If thou couldst but see when they are confronted with the Fire! They will say: "Would that we were but sent back! Then would we not reject the Signs of our Lord, but would be amongst those who believe!"[/color:912eb756af] </span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span><span>[u:912eb756af]The main reason that I choose to start this topic and not continue with the topic that the infidel started is the following Ayat[/u:912eb756af]:[/color:912eb756af]</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Al-An'am (Surah #6) </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>[68] When thou seest men engaged in vain discourse about Our Signs, turn away from them unless they turn to a different theme. If Satan ever makes thee forget, then after recollection, sit not thou in the company of those who do wrong. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>[69] On their account no responsibility falls on the righteous, but (their duty) is to remind them, that they may (learn to) fear Allah. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>[70] Leave alone those who take their religion to be mere play and amusement, and are deceived by the life of this world. But proclaim (to them) this (truth): that every soul delivers itself to ruin by its own acts; it will find for itself no protector or intercessor except Allah; if it offered every ransom, (or reparation), none will be accepted; such is (the end of) those who deliver themselves to ruin by their own acts: they will have for drink (only) boiling water, and for punishment, one most grievous; for they persisted in rejecting Allah.[/color:912eb756af] </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Al-Hijr (Surah #15)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>وَهُوَ الْقُرْآن وَهُوَ الْحَافِظ لَهُ مِنْ التَّغْيِير وَالتَّبْدِيل وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ أَعَادَ الضَّمِير فِي قَوْله تَعَالَى " لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ " عَلَى النَّبِيّ صَلَّى اللَّه عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ كَقَوْلِهِ " وَاَللَّه يَعْصِمك مِنْ النَّاس " وَالْمَعْنَى الْأَوَّل أَوْلَى وَهُوَ ظَاهِر السِّيَاق .[/size:912eb756af][/color:912eb756af]</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>[b:912eb756af]</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>[9] We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).[/color:912eb756af][/b:912eb756af]</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Now its time to start learning about The Miracle of Miracles.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>This thread is intended as an informative thread and NOT as a discussion thread and that's is why its locked, only the moderators will unlock it to post their reply then lock it again, in that way we can keep the flow of the thread and we will not engage in any discussions that will derail the thread from its pass. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>If anyone needs to discuss a certain part, then they can copy whatever needs futher explanation to another thread and we can all reply to it.[/size:912eb756af][/color:912eb756af] </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>

(......................)

After all the blocking, locking, editing and sensoring of what the non-muslims are trying to say, I realised that this is not the place where anything could be done for our religion. What are we afraid of for God's sake? Our religion is clear, our Qoran is plain and we have nothing to hide.

It is true that some non-muslims who came here have been stuborn, even stupid sometimes, yet that doesnt take us away from our duty to our religion. To teach them and show them the truth and show them how wrong they are. If we cant convert them, the least we can do is show them that their information is wrong.

The last incident of Whisper is what woke me up. Whisper did NOT use harsh language. All what he did is post articles and argued with us about religion. In any argument, you realy should expect to be offended. It is human nature that you are offended by the beliefs of a person who doesnt believe in what you do. We believe that Jesus is not God, and we said that to them several times. When they say Allah is not God, we get all worked up, when we our selves have offended their beliefs.

I dont hold myself blameless, for I too might have said a few wrong things to them, yet never will I hit someone for his belief, and if I cant hit him because he's in another country, I close my eyes and block him.

Whisper might have been dancing around, he might be very stuborn and stupid, yet that is expected from someone who is seeing a shake in something he believed in from all his life, something as important as religion and eternity. But presisting with him, until HE HIMSELF leaves the forum of his own will, will get us to a good conclusion. He might start thinking, yet banning him and locking topics or deleting post is of no use to him or to other guest who are just passing by to learn about our religion. What Whisper believes in is what all Christians believe in. If we dont answer him, we dont answer to no one, the light of Islam will remain forever in this box.

You say that it is illegal for non-muslims to preach here, yet how are they to learn that they are wrong if they dont give us their side of the story. Most people wont come here of their own accord to simply learn more. Most of them would come here to prove themselves, and if we dont answer them, then they will remain with their foolish pride and that, I believe is not accepted by Allah. Allah wants us to spread Islam and save those people, however hard or stuborn they may be. everyone could be broken in a false belief, unless ofcourse, you dont trust yourself and your own faith, Islam.

I find it useless to remain here and thus, this will be my last post. I hope you will learn something someday. I am no position to tell you what to do, I am just giving my advice, and reason for leaving. Whether you see my point or not, thats your problem. I have promised Whisper to leave here with him if I see his work being sensored unfairly.

And so I have.

Good luck,

Purgetroy

!!

تنقل بين أربع ديانات، فقد كان هندوسياً ومن أسرة مقدسة في تلك الديانة، ثم انتقل إلى البوذية ومنها إلى النصرانية التي أصبح فيها قسيساً، ولأنه يبحث عن الحق كان لابد أن يصل إلى الإسلام. هكذا كانت رحلة محمد شان (49 عاما) القادم من سيريلانكا. التقيناه وكان معه هذا الحوار

* ماذا كانت ديانتك قبل الإسلام؟ وكيف كانت حياتك؟

- أنتمي إلى عائلة مقدسة في الديانة الهندوسية بسريلانكا، يتمتع أفراد أسرتي بثراء فاحش، كما أنهم يتعالون على بقية الناس، وأتذكر وأنا صغير لم أتجاوز العاشرة من العمر أني لعبت مع أحد الصبية الصغار، فعندما رآه والدي ضربه ضرباً مبرحاً لأنه تجاوز الفروقات الطبقية التي لا تسمح لمثله أن يتقرب فضلاً أن يلعب مع من هو من طبقتي.

* كيف كانت ممارساتكم الدينية الهندوسية؟

- كان لي معلم يتولى الإشراف على دراستي الدينية، وهذا المعلم الرئيسي رجل يمارس ما يسمى بـ «السحر الأسود» مثل المشي على الجمر أو على كسر الزجاج حافياً دون ألم، وكذلك إدخال المسامير في اللسان والخد دون خروج دم أو الإحساس بألم.

* هل تعلمت هذه الحركات ومارستها بنفسك؟

- نعم كنت أمارسها أمام الناس من الطبقات الدنيا، كانوا يعتقدون أني أتقن هذه الحركات لأني أنحدر من تلك العائلة المقدسة.

* ما هو تفسير قدرتكم على أداء هذه الحركات العجيبة ؟

- كنا نستعين بشياطين الجن، الذين كانوا يقدمون لنا أشياء تكرس في نفوس أبناء الطبقات الدنيا قداستنا، إضافة إلى ذلك فقد كان الناس يسألونني عن أمور غيبية، وكان الجن يحضرون المعلومات بل ويتحدثون على لساني، لأنهم يتلبسون بي أحياناً، استغلالاً للجهلة لصرفهم عن الحق.

* هل كنت تحس بدخول الجن إلى جسدك، وماذا كانت مشاعرك نحو هذا الأمر؟

- نعم كنت أحس بهم، وكان هذا من الأسباب التي قادتني إلى التساؤل عن صحة الديانة الهندوسية.

* متى ابتدأ الشك عندك؟

- بدأت الشكوك تساورني عندما كان عمري قريباً من الخامسة عشرة، وكان من دوافع تلك الشكوك كثرة الآلهة عندنا، حيث يوجد في منزلنا قرابة مائة وخمسين إلهاً، كل واحد منهم يختص بجزء من شؤون الحياة، فأحدهم إله للمطر وثان للقوة، وثالث للحكمة، ورابع للحب، وخامس للرزق.،... إلخ ( ** هذا تعليق من ماجد .. يعني يحتاح الان اله للتجاره الحره والعياذ بالله واخر لتقنية المعلومات معاذ الله ... !!!!!!!!!!ظلمات بعضها فوق بعض ) وكان أحدهم- في العقيدة الهندوسية- لا يغني عن الآخر لذلك تساءلت: هل هذه آلهة حقيقية؟! إضافة إلى ذلك، فقد كان معلمونا ينهروننا عندما نسألهم بعض الأسئلة حول بعض الأمور التي لا تنسجم مع العقل والمنطق السليم.

ولكن نقطة التحول كانت عندما كان معلمي الرئيس في إحدى المرات يقوم بحركات سحر أسود، وأبلغه الجن أن يغادر ذلك المكان قبل الساعة الرابعة عصراً ولكنه كان سكيراً، فشرب الخمر ونسي المغادرة ونام، بعدما أفاق فقد القدرة على الكلام. قمت بزيارته بعدها، فأبلغني أن شياطين الجن هم من فعل به ذلك وحذرني منهم.

* كم كان عمرك حينها؟

- كنت أبلغ من العمر 24 عاماً تقريباً.

* ماذا حدث بعدها ؟

- علمت أن الهندوسية ديانة باطلة، تقوم على استغلال الفقراء لدفع أموال ضخمة للأسر المقدسة، كما تقوم على الخداع الشيطاني والسحر لإقناع هؤلاء الناس بأننا نستحق التقديس وتقديم الأموال.

* هل تحولت عن الهندوسية؟ وماذا اعتنقت؟

- تركت الهندوسية، رغم مكانة عائلتي الدينية والاجتماعية في قريتنا، واعتنقت البوذية.

* ماالذي دعاك لاعتناق البوذية؟

- اعجبني في البوذية كون الإله واحداً، ولأن كثيراً من تعاليم بوذا كانت تحث على العدل والخير والسلام.

* كم سنة بقيت فيها بوذياً، ولماذا تركتها؟

- كنت بوذياً مدة تقارب الأربع سنين، ولكني تركتها لأن البوذيين في معابدهم لايختلفون كثيراً عن الهندوس في عقائدهم المنحرفة، خصوصاً عبادة صنم بوذا.

* ماذا حدث بعد ذلك؟

- كانت أمي قد تحولت إلى النصرانية في ذلك الوقت وقد حولت العائلة بأكملها إلى النصرانية بعدها.

* ماالذي جذبكم إلى النصرانية؟

- أعجبتنا مسألة عبادة غير الأصنام، وأحببنا عيسى عليه السلام لأنه قُدِّم إلينا على أنه ابن لله.

* إلى أي الطوائف النصرانية كنتم تنتمون؟

- كنا ننتمي إلى طائفة «المؤمنين» أو Believers وهي طائفة دعا إليها في بلادنا منصرون أمريكيون.

* ماذا حدث بعد ذلك؟

- أتيحت لي فرصة للعمل في السعودية بعدها، وكانت فرصة للدعوة إلى النصرانية في بلد مغلق أمام البعثات التنصيرية.

* كيف كان تحولك للإسلام؟

- بعد قدومي للسعودية كنت أتحدث مع بعض زملائي في العمل بغرض دعوتهم للنصرانية وقد كان أحدهم وهو مسلم من الهند مناقشاً متمكناً فكنت إذا قلت له عشر كلمات عن عيسى عليه السلام كان يرد على بمائتي كلمة عنه، فاستغربت معرفته الدقيقة بتفاصيل حياة المسيح عليه السلام رغم أنه مسلم، وزاد استغرابي عندما بين لي أنه يؤمن بعيسى نبياً من أنبياء الله تعالى.

إضافة إلى ذلك، فقد وجدت المسلمين متعاونين فيما بينهم، وكنت أراهم يتعاملون مع بعضهم بعضاً بدون أية فوارق طبقية كما كنا نرى بين الهندوس، وأذكر مرة أن أحد زملائي المسلمين دعاني مع آخرين للإفطار في رمضان، وقد كان أحد المدعوين من كبار الأثرياء جالساً دون أية حواجز بينه وبين الآخرين، وكان يتناول الطعام على المائدة نفسها التي كنا نجلس عليها، فقلت في نفسي: كنا نعيش طبقية شديدة مع من هم أقل منه في سريلانكا، وهذا الرجل يستطيع أن يشتري سريلانكا بأكملها يجلس معنا بهذه البساطة!

* هل كنت تعرف شيئاً عن الإسلام في ذلك الوقت؟

- معلومات قليلة، ولكني بعدها أصبحت مهتماً بقراءة القرآن، ولكني لم أجد أحداً يوافق علـى إعطائي القرآن، كنت أتسأل: من هو الرب الحقيقي؟ ذهبت إلى البطحاء (مكان في الرياض) ورأيت رجلاً يمشي في الشارع وبيده ثلاث نسخ من القرآن، طلبت منه إعطائي إحداها فوافق، وأخذت تلك النسخة إلى غرفتي وبدأت القراءة فيها كنت أظن المسلمين كاذبين فيما يقولون عن عيسى ومريم عليهما السلام، ولكني بعد قراءة القرآن تيقنت أن هذا ليس كلام بشر.

* هل أعلنت إسلامك بعدها؟

- في الحقيقة كنت غير قادر على اتخاذ قرار حتى تلك اللحظة، لذلك كنت أضع القرآن بجانب الإنجيل وأدعو أن يتبين لي الطريق الحق، وهل الإله هو الله أم عيسى! أتاني صديقي الهندي المسلم ودعاني إلى محاضرة في البطحاء يلقيها داعية أتى من أمريكا فرافقته.

وبدأ المحاضر حديثه عن عيسى عليه السلام كان بدني يرتعد عندما تحدث عن عيسى ومريم والروح القدس، ومع نهاية المحاضرة آمنت أن الله تعالى هو الإله الحقيقي، رجعت إلى غرفتي وأحسست بشيء يخرج من جسمي. كان لدي شعور بأن مشكلة ما سوف تحدث لي، سألت صديقي الهندي أن يأخذني لإعلان الشهادتين، فأجابني بأنه سوف يفعل ذلك يوم الجمعة، علم أحد المسلمين الذين يعملون معي بذلك، فظن أني أريد خداع المسلمين فضربني ضرباً عنيفاً، لم أرد عليه وأخذت القرآن أمامي وسألت العون من الله.

وعندما جاء يوم الجمعة قال صاحبي بأننا سوف نذهب للبطحاء بعد العشاء، وقبيل ذلك اجتمع 25 رجلاً من المسلمين وضربوني ضرباً عنيفاً كسرت بسببه رجلي، وبقيت أربعة أشهر في المستشفى، وكانت فرصة لقراءة مزيد من الكتب عن الإسلام، نطقت بالشهادتين وأعلنت إسلامي في المستشفى، وبعد خروجي من المستشفى كانت الشرطة قد ألقت القبض على المتسببين في الاعتداء علي، وكانت هناك جلسات محاكمة استمرت شهرين، يوم النطق بالحكم، أخذت القرآن ودعوت الله أن يرشدني للحق. وقعت عيناي على قوله تعالى: {وإن عاقبتم فعاقبوا بمثل ماعوقبتم به ولئن صبرتم لهو خير للصابرين..}

فقررت أن أعفو عنهم لأنهم مسلمون وإخوان لي في الدين سألني القاضي عن السبب، فقلت: أريد الأجر من الله وحده، سألني القاضي بإلحاح: هل أنت تحت أية ضغوط أو تهديدات للتنازل، فأجبت بالنفي.

* ماذا كان موقف أسرتك بعد إعلان دخولك الإسلام؟

- كانت أسرتي في سريلانكا، وعندما علمت زوجتي بإسلامي أثناء زيارتي لهم اعتقدت بأني أسلمت لأتزوج بامرأة غيرها، لم يكن معي سوى 800 ريال آنذاك، دعوت الله أن يعينني لمواجهة وضعي الجديد، فأسرتي والناس من حولي بمن فيهم بعض المسلمين ضدي. قالت زوجتي: لماذا لاتدعو ربك الجديد أن يرزقنا منزلاً؟ دعوت الله بتضرع أن يوفقني لامتلاك منزل، وتيسرت السبل حتى تمكنت من شراء منزل متواضع، ولكنه كان يكفي لإيوائنا وطفلينا.

* ماذا عن أبنائك؟

- أخذت ابني يوماً إلى المسجد في سريلانكا وأبقيته في الخارج لأنه غير مسلم، ودعوت ربي أن يشرح صدره للإسلام، ثم أسلم وكذلك زوجتي وابنتي.

* ماذا عن الناس حولكم في سريلانكا؟

- كان ابني في يوم من الأيام عائداً من المسجد بعد صلاة العشاء، أتى أحد أصدقائه ومعه سكين طويلة وقال: سأقتلك إن لم ترجع عن دينك، أبلغني ابني بما حدث فقلت له: دع الأمر لله وسترى مايحدث، بعد صلاة العشاء في الليلة التالية رأيت وأنا راجع من المسجد هذا الشخص الذي هدد ابني مجروحاً وقد خرجت أمعاؤه بعد مشاجرة اشترك فيها.

قلت لابني: انظر إلى عقاب الله لهذا المعتدي في 24 ساعة فقط، إزداد إيمان ابني وأفراد أسرتي بعد هذه الحادثة والحمد لله.

* كيف ترى الفرق في تعامل الديانات مع المرأة؟

- عندما تتبع تعاليم الإسلام بشكل صحيح فإن المرأة تنال درجة عالية من التكريم والتقدير، والمسلمون في سريلانكا يعانون من تقصير في هذا الجانب، أما في الهندوسية فإن المرأة تعامل وكأنها أمة مملوكة يتمتع بها الرجل ويسخرها لخدمته، وفي الحقيقة ليس لها حقوق بل إن الأرامل منهن - خصوصاً في الماضي- كن يحرقن بالنار عندما يموت زوجها، وفي البوذية الأمر أهون من الهندوسية ولكن الأرملة يفرض عليها لبس الثياب البيض وتمنع من الخروج من المنزل، وفي النصرانية تلبس النساء الملابس المحتشمة عند الذهاب للكنيسة يوم الأحد فقط، وهذه الحشمة مظهرية وليست سلوكاً مستمرا.

* كيف تشعر زوجتك بعد اعتناقها الإسلام؟

- تتمتع زوجتي الآن بكرامة أكبر من السابق، وتحس أنها أكثر صحة ورزقاً بعد دخولها الإسلام، شرحت لها أهمية ارتداء الحجاب حتى اقتنعت به وأصبحت ترتديه بشكل دائم، رغم أن بعض المسلمات في سريلانكا للأسف لايرتدين الحجاب، وتزداد قناعتها بالإسلام مع الوقت، حتى أنها الآن تقوم بالدعوة في الحي الذي نسكن فيه، وتعطي درساً أسبوعياً في منزلها ولقد قل اهتمامها بالدنيا، وأصبحت لا تخشى الموت مثل ماكانت قبل إسلامها، وعندما نتصل بها هاتفياً تسألنا: هل صلينا؟ وعندما تكتب رسائل فإنها كثيراً ماتشكر الله على نعمه فتقول: الله أعطانا والله رزقنا.. والله وفقنا.. إلخ.

* وماذا عن ابنتك؟

- هي الحمد لله مقتنعة بالإسلام، وترتدي الحجاب عن قناعة لأنه أمر رباني وليس رغبة أبيها، وأنا أتمنى أن يرزقها الله زوجاً صالحاً،

Male Hijab (covering)

According to Quran and Sunnah

Cover in Righteousness

The Noble Qur'an Al-A'raaf 7:26

O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment* upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc.) and as an adornment, and the raiment of righteousness, that is better. Such are among the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, that they may remember (i.e. leave falsehood and follow truth).

*clothing/covering

What Must Be Covered During Prayer

The male 'Aura for prayer is that he must cover himself with clothes from umbilicus of his abdomen to his knees, and it is better that his both shoulders should be covered.

The Noble Qur'an 7:32

O Children of Adam! Take your adornment (by wearing your clean clothes), while praying and going round (the Tawâf of) the Ka'bah, and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allâh) likes not Al-Musrifûn (those who waste by extravagance).

Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Who has forbidden the adoration with clothes given by Allâh, which He has produced for his slaves, and At-Taiyibât [all kinds of Halâl (lawful) things] of food?" Say: "They are, in the life of this world, for those who believe, (and) exclusively for them (believers) on the Day of Resurrection (the disbelievers will not share them)." Thus We explain the Ayât (Islâmic laws) in detail for people who have knowledge.

The Thighs

The thighs are part of the aura and it should be a man's intentions to keep it covered. The following is from Fiqh 1.111b

Says 'Aishah, "The Prophet was sitting with his thigh exposed when Abu Bakr asked, and received, permission to enter. The same thing happened with 'Umar. However, when 'Uthman sought permission to enter, the Prophet covered himself with his clothes. When they left, I said, 'O Messenger of Allah, you permitted Abu Bakr and 'Umar to enter while your thigh was exposed. When 'Uthman asked permission to enter, you covered yourself with your clothes.' He said, 'O 'Aishah, should I not be shy of a man who, by Allah, even the angels are shy of'?" (Related by Ahmad and al-Bukhari in mu'allaq form. )

Says Anas, "During the battle of Khaibar, the Prophet's gown was withdrawn from his thigh until I could see its whiteness." (Related by Ahmad and al-Bukhari.)

Says Ibn Hazm, "It is correct to say that the thigh is not part of the 'aurah. If it were so, why would Allah allow His Prophet, who is protected (from sin), to uncover his so that Anas and others could see it? Allah would have kept him from doing this. According to Jabir as recorded in the two Sahihs, when the Prophet was young (before his prophethood), he was one time carrying the stones of the Ka'bah, wearing only a loincloth. His uncle al-'Abbas said to him, 'O nephew, why don't you untie your waistcloth and put it on your shoulder for padding?' The Prophet did so and fell unconscious. He was never seen naked again after that."'

Muslim records from Abu al-'Aliya that 'Abdullah ibn as-Samit struck his thigh and said, "I asked Abu Dharr, and he struck my thigh as I struck yours, and he said, 'I asked the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, and he struck my thigh as I have struck yours and said, 'Perform the prayer in its time..." Ibn Hazm said, "If the thigh was 'aurah, why would the Messenger of Allah touch it?" If the thigh was 'aurah according to Abu Dharr, why would he have struck it with his hand? The same can be asked for 'Abdullah ibn as-Samit and Abu al-'Aliya. It is not allowed for a Muslim to strike with his hand another man's pubic area, or the clothes over the pubic area. Nor can a man touch the clothing over a woman's 'a urah .

Ibn Hazm mentions that Hubair ibn al-Huwairith looked at Abu Bakr's thigh when it was uncovered, and that Anas ibn Malik came to Qas ibn Shamas when his thigh was uncovered.

However, the following hadith are used to show that the thighs and so on are part of the 'aurah:

Reported Muhammad Jahsh, "The Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, passed by Ma'mar while his thighs were uncovered. He said, to him, 'O Ma'mar, cover your thighs, for they are (part of the) 'aurah." This is related by Ahmad, al-Hakim and al-Bukhari in Tareekh and in mu'allaq form in his Sahih.

Reported Jurhad, "The Messenger of Allah passed by me when the cloak I was wearing did not cover my thigh. He said, 'Cover your thigh, for it (is part of the) 'aurah." This is related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi, who called it hassan, and by al-Bukhari in mu'allaq form in the Sahih.

Envelope (completely cover) oneself in Clothing

and Keep It Clean

The Noble Qur'an 74:1-4

1. O you (Muhammad SAW) enveloped (in garments)!

2. Arise and warn!

3. And your Lord (Allâh) magnify!

4. And your garments purify!

Fiqh 1.109b

Concerning bodily purity, Anas related that the Prophet upon whom be peace, said, "Stay clean of urine, as the majority of punishment in the grave is due to it." This is related by ad-Daraqutni, who said it is hassan.

Reported 'Ali, I used to have a great deal of prostatic fluid flowing, so I asked a man to ask the Prophet about it (as I was shy to ask him, due to my relationship with him through his daughter). He asked him and the Prophet, upon whom be peace, said, "Make ablution and wash your penis." (Related by al-Bukhari and others.)

'Aishah also related that the Messenger of Allah said to women with a prolonged flow of blood, "Wash the blood from yourself and pray . "

Concerning purity of clothing, we have the following: Says Allah, "And purify your raiment" (al-Muddathir 4). Jabir ibn Sumrah reported that he heard a man ask the Prophet, "May I pray in the same clothes that I had on during intercourse with my wife?" He said, "Yes, but if you see some stains on it, you must wash it." This hadith is related by Ahmad and Ibn Majah. Its narrators are trustworthy. Reported Mu'awiyyah, "I asked Umm Habibah, 'Did the Prophet pray in the same clothes that he wore when he had intercourse?' She said, 'Yes, if there were no stains on it."'(Related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah.) Abu Sa'eed reported that the Prophet removed his shoes and the people behind him did likewise. When he finished the prayer, he asked, "Why did you remove your shoes?" They said, "We saw you remove yours." He said, "Gabriel came to me and informed me that there was some filth on them. Therefore, when one of you comes to the mosque, he should turn his shoes over and examine them. If one finds any dirt on them, he should rub them against the ground and pray with them on." The hadith is related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, al-Hakim, Ibn Hibban and Ibn Khuzaimah. The latter grades it as sahih.

This hadith shows that if one enters the mosque (with his shoes on) and is unaware of some impurity or has forgotten it, and he suddenly remembers it during the prayer, he must try to remove it and proceed with the prayer. He does not have to repeat it later on.

Hadith - Abu Dawood 3150, Narrated Ubadah ibn as-Samit

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The best shroud is a lower garment and one which covers the whole body, and the best sacrifice is a horned ram.

Clothing must not be Tight.

Covering entire body is preferred over covering just lower half.

Hadith - Sahih Bukhari 1.357, Narrated Said bin Al Harith

I asked Jabir bin 'Abdullah about praying in a single garment. He said, "I traveled with the Prophet during some of his journeys, and I came to him at night for some purpose and I found him praying. At that time, I was wearing a single garment with which I covered my shoulders and prayed by his side. When he finished the prayer, he asked, 'O Jabir! What has brought you here?' I told him what I wanted. When I finished, he asked, 'O Jabir! What is this garment which I have seen and with which you covered your shoulders?' I replied, 'It is a (tight) garment.' He said, 'If the garment is large enough, wrap it round the body (covering the shoulders) and if it is tight (too short) then use it as an Izar (tie it around your waist only.)' "

Silk Garments

Hadith - Sahih Al-Bukhari 7.693, Narrated Uqba bin Amir

A silken Farruj was presented to Allah's Apostle and he put it on and offered the prayer in it. When he finished the prayer, he took it off violently as if he disliked it and said, "This (garment) does not befit those who fear Allah!"

Saffron (Yellow, Red/Yellow) Colored Garments

Bowl of Harvested Saffron

Among Crocus Blossoms

Harvesters pick the three red-orange stigma from each saffron crocus blossom to be sold as the saffron spice.

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A Saffron

Shoulder Bag

History records that the Phoenecians and Carthegenians used Saffron’s golden hues to dye the veils of their brides. Even now, Buddhist monks use it for coloring their robes. Indian brides use it for the ceremonial painting of their skins. The Irish use it for tinting wool. The Japanese use it for hand painting kimonos. It has also been used in the arts and paintings.

Before the Renaissance, saffron had several religious uses. Even today, Indian hindu women, when offering prayers, receive a paste of saffron on their foreheads (Tikka) as a symbol of blessings, good luck and benevolance. Also in India, saffron is offered as a sacrifice in many hindu temples. Certain Hindu texts have been known to be written with saffron ink.

Hadith - Sunan of Abu Dawood #4037, Narrated Imran ibn Husayn

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: I do not ride on purple, or wear a garment dyed with saffron*, or wear shirt hemmed with silk.

Hadith - Sunan of Abu Dawood #4210, Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud

The Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) disliked ten things: 1. Yellow colouring...

Hadith - Sunan of Abu Dawood #4055, Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'As

We came down with the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) from a turning of a valley. He turned his attention to me and I was wearing a garment dyed with a reddish yellow dye. He asked: What is this garment over you? I recognised what he disliked. I then came to my family who were burning their oven. I threw it (the garment) in it and came to him the next day. He asked: Abdullah, what have you done with the garment? I informed him about it. He said: Why did you not give it to one of your family to wear, for there is no harm in it for women.

*a moderate orange to orange yellow color

Patterns/Marks In the Clothing: Simple Clothing Preferred

Hadith - Sunan of Abu Dawood, #4041, Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin, r.a.

The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) once prayed wearing a garment having marks. He looked at its marks. When he saluted, he said: Take this garment of mine to AbuJahm, for it turned my attention just now in my prayer, and bring a simple garment without marks.

Hadith - Muwatta 3.72 - Looking in the Prayer at What Distracts You From It

Yahya related to me from Malik from AIqama ibn Abi AIqama from his mother that A'isha, the wife of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Abu Jahm ibn Hudhayfa gave the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, a fine striped garment from Syria and he did the prayer in it. When he had finished he said, 'Give this garment back to Abu Jahm. I lookedat its stripes in the prayer and they almost distracted me.' "

Sadaqa Not Accepted with Unlawful Clothing

Hadith - Muslim

Then [the Messenger saaws] mentioned a man who had traveled for a long time. Unkempt and covered in dust, he raised his hands to the heavens (and cried): 'O my Lord! O my Lord!' His food was unlawful, his drink was unlawful, his clothing was unlawful, and what he had provided to sustain himself with was also unlawful. How could his invocation be accepted?"

Gratitude to Allah for the Protection of Clothing

The Noble Qur'an An-Nahl 16:81

And Allâh has made for you out of that which He has created shades, and has made for you places of refuge in the mountains, and has made for you garments to protect you from the heat (and cold), and coats of mail to protect you from your (mutual) violence. Thus does He perfect His Grace unto you, that you may submit yourselves to His Will (in Islâm).

Wearing White

Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi 4623, Narrated 'Aisha, r.a.

Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) was questioned about Waraqah and Khadijah said to him, "He believed in you, but died before you appeared as a prophet." Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) then said, "I was shown him in a dream, wearing white clothes, and if he had been one of the inhabitants of Hell he would have been wearing different clothing." [Ahmad and Tirmidhi transmitted it]

Hadith - Sahih Al-Bukhari 7.717, Narrated Abu Dharr, r.a.

I came to the Prophet while he was wearing white clothes and sleeping....

Wearing Green

Hadith - Sahih Al-Bukhari 7.705, Narrated 'Aisha, r.a.

When Allah's Apostle died, he was covered with a Hibra Burd (green square decorated garment).

Hadith - Sunan of Abu Dawood, Narrated Abu Rimthah, r.a.

I went with my father to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and saw two green garments over him.

Wearing Red

It is permissible to wear red clothes if the red is combined with another colour; it is not permissible to wear plain red, because the Prophet (saaws) forbade doing so.

The hadith which forbid wearing plain red

From al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib (may Allah be pleased with him): “The Prophet (saaws) forbade us to use soft red mattresses and qasiy – garments with woven stripes of silk.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5390)

From Ibn ‘Abbaas, who said: “I was forbidden (to wear) red garments and gold rings, and to recite Qur’aan in rukoo’.” (Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, no. 5171. Imam Albaani said: its isnaad is sahih. Saheeh Sunan al-Nasaa’i, 1068).

From ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-Aas (may Allaah be pleased with them both), who said: “A man passed by the Prophet SAWS wearing two red garments and greeted him with salaam, but he SAWS did not return the greeting.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, no. 2731; Abu Dawood, no. 3574. Al-Tirmidhi said: this hadeeth is hasan ghareeb with this isnaad). According to the scholars, the meaning of this hadith is that the Prophet SAWS disliked the wearing of garments dyed with safflower (the red dyestuff obtained from safflowers), but he had no objection to garments dyed with clay or other substances, so long as it was not dyed with safflower. This hadeeth was classed as da’eef by al-Albaani (Da’eef Sunan Abi Dawood, 403; Da’eef Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 334. He said: its isnaad is da’eef).

Hadith which may be understood to mean that it is permissible to wear red if it is mixed with another colour

From Hilaal ibn ‘Aamir from his father, who said: “I saw the Messenger of Allaah SAWS in Mina, giving a khutbah sitting on his mule, wearing a red cloak, and ‘Ali was in front of him, repeating what he said (in a loud voice, so that the people could hear).” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, no. 3551; classed as sahih by al-Albaani – Sahih Sunan Abi Dawood, 767).

The hadeeth of al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: “The Messenger of Allah SAWS was of average build. I saw him in a red hullah, and I never saw anyone more handsome than him.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 5400; Muslim, 4308).

From al-Baraa’, who said: “I never saw anyone who has hair wearing a red hullah and looking more handsome than the Messenger of Allah SAWS (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). He had hair down to his shoulders, he was broad-shouldered and was neither short nor tall.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, no. 1646. He said: in this chapter there is a report from Jaabir ibn Samurah and Abu Rimthah and Abu Juhayfah. This hadeeth is hasan saheeh…)

From al-Baraa’ who said: “The Messenger of Allaah SAWS had hair down to his earlobes. I saw him wearing a red hullah, and I have never seen anyone more handsome than him.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, no. 4072; Ibn Maajah, no. 3599. Classed as sahih by Albaani – Saheeh Sunan Abi dawood, 768).

Al-Bayhaqi narrated in al-Sunan: “[The Prophet] SAWS used to wear a red cloak on Eid.”

What is meant by a red hullah is a suit of two Yemeni garments which are woven with red and black stripes, or red and green stripes. It is described as red because of the red stripes in it.

This is the view of a number of scholars, such as al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar (Fath al-Baari Sharh ‘ala Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 5400) and Ibn al-Qayyim (Zaad al-Ma’aad, 1-137). And Allah knows best

Wear an 'Izar

An 'Izar (loing wrap) is a

rectangular piece of cloth

worn wrapped around the

waist for modesty.

Hadith - Bukhari 7.695 (Also 7.744) Narrated Ibn Abbas, r.a.

The Prophet (saaws) said, "Whoever cannot get an Izar, can wear trousers, and whoever cannot wear sandals can wear Khuffs."

Related Link: Purchase Khuffs from the "Misc." Section of Muttaqun Bookstore & More

Garment Should Not Hang Past Ankles

Hadith - Al-Muwatta 48.12, Similar narration in Abu Dawood #4082

Yahya related to me from Malik from al Ala ibn Abd ar-Rahman that his father said, "I asked Abu Said al-Khudri about the lower garment. He said that he would inform me with knowledge and that he had heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, 'The lower garment of the mumin should reach to the middle of his calves. There is no harm in what is between that and the ankles. What is lower than that is in the Fire. What is lower than that is in the Fire. On the Day of Rising, Allah will not look at a person who trails his lower garment in arrogance.' "

Hadith - Sahih Al-Bukhari 7.678, Narrated Abu Huraira, r.a.

The Prophet (saaws) said, "The part of an Izar which hangs below the ankles is in the Fire."

Hadith - Sunan of Abu Dawood, Narrated AbuJurayy Jabir ibn Salim al-Hujaymi

The Prophet saaws said, "Have your lower garment halfway down your shin; if you cannot do it, have it up to the ankles. Beware of trailing the lower garment, for it is conceit and Allah does not like conceit."

Folding up the hem because your garment is too long, is forbidden. Pull the trousers upwards, instead. (hint: hard to do if your pants are too tight to start with!)

Hadith - Sahih Muslim #5200, Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar, r.a.

I happened to pass before Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) with my lower garment trailing (upon the ground). He said: Abdullah, tug up your lower garment. I tugged it up, and he again said: Tug it still further, and I tugged it still further and I went on tugging it afterward, whereupon some of the people said: To what extent? Thereupon he said: To the middle of the shanks*.

*The part of the leg between the knee and ankle.

Said Ibn 'Abbas, "The Prophet ordered us to prostrate on seven bodily parts and not to fold back the hair or clothing: the forehead, the hands, the knees and the feet." In another wording, the Prophet said, "I have been ordered to prostrate on seven bodily parts: the forehead, and he pointed to his nose, the hands, the knees and the ends of the feet." (Related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.) In another narration, he said, "I have been ordered to prostrate on seven bodily parts and not to fold back the hair or clothing: the forehead, the nose, the hands, the knees and the feet." (Related by Muslim and an-Nasa'i.)

Be Known as a Muslim

The Noble Qur'an 7:3

[say (O Muhammad SAW) to these idolaters (pagan Arabs) of your folk:] Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord (the Qur'ân and Prophet Muhammad's Sunnah), and follow not any Auliyâ' (protectors and helpers, etc. who order you to associate partners in worship with Allâh), besides Him (Allâh). Little do you remember!

Narration - al-Hakim and Tirmidhi (hasan)

"Allah likes to see the mark of His benevolence on His servant."

Wearing the izar (loin-wrap), thawb (long cloth), `imama (turban), jubba (coat or mantle), sirwal (baggy pants), etc. is of the Prophet's (SAAWS) Sunnah of dress. There is no such thing as an unimportant or unnecessary Sunnah.

Hadith - Tirmidhi (hasan), Book of knowledge; al-Baghawi, Sharh al-sunna 1:233.

Whoever gives life to one of my Sunnahs which was eliminated after my time will receive the reward of all those who practice it without their reward being diminished...

Hadith - Tirmidhi (hasan gharib), Book of knowledge.

Whoever gives life to one of my Sunnahs, he loves me: and whoever loves me is with me.

And Abu Hurayra (r.a.) narrates the following hadith in Muslim, Nasa'i, Malik, and Ahmad:

The Prophet came to the graveyard and said: "Peace be upon you, O abode of a people of believers! We shall certainly join you, if Allah will. How I long to see my brothers!" They said: "O Messenger of Allah, are we not your brothers?" He replied: "You are my Companions! As for my brothers, they are those who have not yet appeared." They said: "How will you recognize those of your Community who had not yet appeared (in your time), O Messenger of Allah?" He replied: "Suppose a man had horses with shiny white marks on their foreheads and legs: would he not recognize them among other horses which are all black?" They said: "Yes, O Messenger of Allah!" He continued: "Verily, they (my brothers) shall be coming with shiny bright foreheads and limbs due to their ablutions, and I shall precede them to my Pond."

Dressing according to the sunnah is an act of ibadah that brings with it a reward, insha'Allah.

The Companions were quick to imitate every aspect of the Prophet's example of dress:

Hadith - Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 92, Number 401. Narrated Ibn 'Umar

The Prophet saaws wore a gold ring and then the people followed him and wore gold rings too. Then the Prophet said, "I had this golden ring made for myself." He then threw it away and said, "I shall never put it on." Thereupon the people also threw their rings away.

The very least that has been said by the scholars of the Shari`a in the matter is that following the Prophet in matters of dress or everyday matters such as eating, walking, and sleeping is a matter of excellence (ihsan) and perfection (kamal) and is desirable (mustahabb) and part of one's good manners (adab) in the religion. Every desirable practice performed on the basis of such intention means a higher degree in paradise which the person who neglects it may not attain to, and Allah knows best.

Wearing a Turban

The Prophet said: "Pray as you see me pray" . As Bukhari showed in the hadith he cited in the chapter entitled "Wearing turbans," the Prophet wore it and sometimes he wiped on top of it during ablution in order not to have to remove it. [bukhari, Book of Ablution, hadith of Ja`far ibn `Amr's father.]

He wore it in war and in the khutba, and he would receive it as a gift as established by the following three hadiths:

Jabir said: "The Prophet entered Mecca on the Day of victory wearing a black turban and he loosened its two ends between his shoulders." [Muslim and Abu Dawud. The first part is also in Tirmidhi (hasan), Ibn Majah, and Nasa'i.]

Ja`far ibn `Amr narrates from his father: "I saw the Prophet on the pulpit wearing a black turban with the extremity loosened between his shoulder-blades." [Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Nasa'i, and Ibn Majah.]

Abu Sa`id al-Khudri reported that when the Prophet got a new piece of garment, he would mention it, whether a turban or a shirt or a cloak, and then would say: "O Allah, all praise and thanks be to You. You have given me this garment. I seek from You its good and the good that is made of it and I seek Your refuge against its evil and the evil that it is made of." {Allahumma, laka al-hamd, anta kasawtanih, as'aluka khayrahu wa khayra ma suni`a lahu, wa a`udhu bika min sharrihi wa sharri ma ma suni`a lah.} [Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi]

Ibn Abi al-Ahwas said: I came in shabby clothes to see the Prophet and he said: "Do you have money?" I said yes. He said: "From where does your money come?" I said: "Allah has given me camels and sheep and horses and slaves." He said: "Then if Allah gave you money and possessions, he likes for you to show it." [Narrated with a sound chain by Abu Dawud in the Book of Garments and al-Nasa'i in the Book of Ornaments. Ahmad narrates something similar in his Musnad.]

Abu al-Darda' said that the Prophet said: "You are coming to your brethren, therefore mend your mounts and mend your garments until you stand out among the people (due to your excellence) like a mole on the face. Verily, Allah does not like obscene speech nor obscene behavior." [Narrated with a sound chain by Abu Dawud in the Book of Garments and Ahmad in his Musnad.]

al-Khatib al-Baghdadi narrates in his Tarikh Baghdad that one time Abu Hanifa asked a man who was shabbily dressed to stay behind after the others had left from his circle of study. Then he told him: "Lift up the prayer-rug and take the money that is there and buy yourself some nice clothes." The man told him he was wealthy and had no need of the money. Abu Hanifa said: "Has it not reached you that the Prophet said: Allah likes to see the mark of His benevolence on His servant?" [al-Khatib, Tarikh Baghdad 13:263]

Bukhari also narrates in the book of Salat that Hasan al-Basri said that in the time of the Prophet, because of scorching heat, "People used to prostrate on their turban-cloth (`imama) and turban-cap (qalansuwa) with their hands in their sleeves," and that Anas Ibn Malik said:

We used to pray with the Prophet and some of us used to place the ends of their clothes at the place of prostration because of scorching heat.

They were wearing head-covers and long sleeves in scorching heat.

The following is a saying of `Umar ibn al-Khattab narrated by Malik in the Book of Friday Prayer in his Muwatta:

"I love to see the reciter of the Qur'an [i.e. the leader of the Friday prayer] wearing white."

The Prophet said on the authority of Ibn `Umar: "Whoso resembles a people in appearance, he is one of them." [Narrated by Abu Dawud (Libas) and Ahmad (2:50, 2:92) with a chain which has some weakness according to Sakhawi in al- Maqasid al-hasana, however he states that its authenticity is verified by other narrations. Also narrated by Ibn Abi Shayba in his Musannaf (5:313), Ibn Hajar in Fath al-Bari 10:274 [Dar al-Fikr ed.], and Ibn Kathir in his Tafsir (8:53). `Iraqi said its chain is sound (sahih). al-Bazzar also relates it through Hudhayfa and Abu Hurayra, Abu Nu`aym through Anas, and al-Quda`i relates it through Tawus, a chain which Ibn Hibban declared sahih. Ibn Taymiyya in his Iqtida' al-siratal- mustaqim (p. 82) calls Abu Dawud's and Ahmad's chain "a good chain."]

Note that shaving the beard is considered effeminacy and is forbidden (haram) and recognized to be haram by the Four Imams.

Ibn Hibban's version of `Umar's saying is mentioned by Ibn Taymiyya who interprets it as an explicit prohibition for Muslims in non-Muslim countries against wearing unislamic clothing:

This is a prohibition on the part of `Umar directed at Muslims against all that belongs to the manner of dress of non-Muslims (mushrikun). [ibn Taymiyya, Iqtida' as-sirat al-mustaqim (1907 ed.) p. 60]

Imam Nawawi in his Fatawa was asked: "Is there harm for one's religion and his salat if he dresses other than in the fashion of Muslims?" He answered: "It is forbidden to resemble the disbelievers in appearance, whether in clothing or otherwise, because of the sound and well-known hadiths concerning this; and wearing such clothing makes one's prayer incomplete tanqusu bihi al-salat."

Bayhaqi also cited the hadith of al-`Abbas al-Duri from Sa`id ibn `Amir al-Dub`i from Sa`id ibn Abi `Azuba from Ayyub from Nafi` who said:

Ibn `Umar saw me pray in a single garment and he said: "Did I not give you clothes?" I said yes. He continued: "And if I sent you on an errand would you go out like this?" I said no. He said: "Then Allah is worthier of your self-adornment."

It is narrated by Tahawi in Sharh ma`ani al-athar (1:221), Tabarani, Bayhaqi in his Sunan al-kubra (2:236), and Haythami said in Majma` al-zawa'id (2:51): "Its chain is fair (hasan)." Albani included it in al-Silsila al-sahiha (#1369).

Bayhaqi also cited the hadith of Yusuf ibn Ya`qub al-Qadi from Sulayman ibn Harb from Hammad ibn Zayd from Ayyub from Nafi`:

`Umar entered upon me one day as I was praying in a single garment and he said: "Don't you have two garments in your possession?" I said yes. He said: "In your opinion, if I sent you to one of the people of Madina on an errand, would you go in a single garment?" I said no. He said: "Then is Allah worthier of our self-beautification or people?"

How to tie a turban

A ghaffiya or plain cap of heavy cloth can be worn to prevent hair from showing.

You start with one end of the turban about six inches below the base of the neck; this is going to be the tail which one sees on some period turbans.

From there, the turban passes over the head to just above the forehead and then you start winding it. A single wind is a clockwise circle tilted somewhat from the horizontal.

As you wind the turban, the circle grows; the low point moves around the head by about 90 degrees each wind. So if the first time around the low point is under the right ear then the next time it is at the back of the head, then left ear.

As you go, you can let the tilt increase, since the bottom of the circle will anchor itself below the bulge of cloth already there.

When you are down to a small peice or so, make a horizontal circle around the whole thing and tuck the end in. The result is the horizontal band.

We seek refuge in Allah from misguidance and innovation.

Related links:

Lowering the Gaze

Beard

Men's Dress: Clothing for the Prayer

Action Items for the uttaqun:

Wear your best available clothes for prayer.

Do not resemble the disbelievers attire.

Always cover your awra (for men, this is the distance between the knees and bellybutton, including both the knees and bellybutton being covered). Cover more when able, such as the arms for modesty.

Keep your clothes clean.

Do not wear bright, flashy colors. Wear white when able to for prayer.

Do not wear images of people, animals, or insects on your clothes.

Hem your pants short so that they do not hang past the ankle.

Do not tuck your shirt in your pants, but instead have a thawb that covers the knees, or wear an izar, etc.

Always cover your hair for prayer when able.

Remember... Allah, subhana watala, sees everything we do!

i'm just curious.

do you love him? or do you feel you're not worthy enough to love him?

peace o/

05 June 2003

ACTION ALERT

Contact: Mahdi Bray

(202) 421-3623

Statement Issued at Press Conference at National Press Club June 5, 2003

MAS FREEDOM SUPPORTS LAWSUIT AGAINST CBS 60 MINUTES' "TERRORIST HUNTER"

MAS Freedom Foundation supports the Muslim charitable institutions and

individual plaintiffs who are filing an $80 million defamation lawsuit

against CBS correspondent Bob Simon and the SITE Institute, a so-called

counter-terrorist group.

The suit is resultant of a May 4th, 2001 CBS 60 Minutes aired segment titled

"Terrorist Hunter". In the May 4th segment, a disguised "terrorist hunter"

called Sarah (later identified in documents as SITE Institute Director Rita

Katz) claimed that an office building in Herndon, Virginia, which houses

several Muslim organizations was the heart of a terrorist funding ring and

allegedly tied to Osama Bin Laden. The Muslim office building identified in

the CBS program was later raided in March, 2002 in a special U.S. Treasury

anti-terrorist funding program called Operation Green Quest. Many have

alleged that the raid (which to date has produced no criminal charges and

sent shockwaves through the Muslim community and its many highly respected

Muslim institutions) was motivated by misinformation provided by Ms. Katz

and the 60 Minutes program. The plaintiffs are suing for compensatory and

punitive damage.

According to Mahdi Bray, executive director of MAS Freedom, "I hope this

serves as another serious message to those who, since 9/11 have turned

Muslim-bashing, reckless reporting, and defamation into an opportunistic

cottage industry. The message is simple: harmful discrimination or

mischaracterization of our community will not be tolerated, be it by

self-proclaimed 'terrorism experts' the media academia, financial or

government institutions, and those who insist upon participating in such

activities will pay-legally and financially. It's the American way."

MAS Freedom Foundation is America's largest Muslim grassroots organization.

Its mission is to build an integrated empowerment process for the American

Muslim community through civic education, participation, community outreach,

and coalition building, and to forge positive relationships with other

institutions outside of the Muslim community, ensuring and facilitating the

protection of civil rights and liberties for American Muslims and all

Americans.

We need your support to continue this important work. Please send donations

to: MAS Freedom, 1050 17th St, NW Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036.

For more information about MAS Freedom, see www.masnet.org/freedom or call

202-496-1288.

Salaam,

It's hard living has a muslim in the u.s. I've been here all my life and was born in Ny. I didnt care much about religion until a year ago. Throughout my life, their's nights I couldn't get any sleep because I feared Allah and the painful torment he was goin to give me. I have a good heart inside but I don't do enough to succeed Paradise. I need to move out of here. I've always longed and dreamed about moving to Saudia Arabia..Living in peace and harmony. Hearing the athan 5 times a day is the beauty of living in a Islamic world, but how will I know? Has anyone ever been there? I feel like I'm becoming more religious than ever, and sometimes I feel like I'm losing my religion by living in a Non-muslim state. I don't pray very much has I used to before. I feel like I'm living in the middle of the american lifestyle and the Islamic lifestyle. It's hard to live like a true muslim, since I came up from drinking alcohol, go to the clubs, mingling with women. So now I try to stay home and lock myself in my house because of all the sinning I'll committ once I get outside the door. I think the Shaitan is got a good hold of me. Finding out new stuff in Islam, for example..When I read that eating at restaurants when ordering Beef or chicken is a sin. It is prohibited because the animal was not killed in the name of Allah. What am I supposed to do? I mean, everytime I eat Taco bell or Mc'ds...I feel so bad that I'm sinning, and then that makes me not want to pray..Because I think, I know I just committed a sin and then I prayed after, Will that be right? Its hard for me, understand I've just gotten into religion a year ago and I feel like it's been killling me. Everything I do, is a sin. Well I just felt like writting and wanted to know if anyone else felt like me out there....

Allah! In the name of most Affectionate the Merciful

For above objective these measures should be necessarily taken.

Honesty and frequently pray for forgiveness of Allah.

Keep recalling the disastrous consequences of jealousy so that the real fear of Allah’s unhappiness, ruin of faith (Eeman), good deeds and fear of punishment of hell is arouse in the heart. Unless this happens it would be difficult to avoid sin.

When a person believes that he is near to death, naturally he turn indifferent to the worldly things and he is more concerned of after death (Akhrat). Therefore the jealous should also recall his death frequently.Imam Ahmed reports that Hazrat Abu Darda (May Allah is please with him) said:“There will be a reduction in jealousy and happiness of the person who recalls his death frequently.” (Masnad-e-Imam Ahmed)

One of the causes of jealous getting into jealousy is his feeling of self inferiority when he sees favours of Allah conferred upon other person. This feeling of self inferiority is born because the jealous noticed a person better (in favours of Allah) than him. But this would have not happened if he had acted on the following injunction of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), the meaning of which is “Notice the people of lower level (status) rather than upper and you will not consider any of favours of Allah inferior or immaterial.” Therefore jealous should see those people upon whom Allah has not conferred favours and not provided them capabilities, although as a hidden purpose of Allah’s unmatched justice.

The heart of jealous is filled with hatred of the person of whom he is jealous. This hatred keeps on provoking his feeling of revenge. Therefore to eliminate jealousy, it is necessary to adopt acts which change this hatred into love. The jealous will then like the other person and will never desire his deprivation of bestowments of Allah from that other person. To achieve this these acts are useful:

i. Be first to greet and salute (Salam), shake hands and give gifts too.Hazrat Aata Khrasani (May Allah is please with him) reports that the Holy Prophet Muhammad ( Peace be upon Him) said the meaning of which is: “Shake hands with each other, this will eliminate male valence and give gifts to each others, love will flourish and animosity eliminated.” (Mishkat Al-Mashabeh)

ii. If not forbidden by Shariah (Islamic rules of religion) pray for increase and betterment in the thing which is the reason of jealousy, for example one is jealous of other due to his beauty then he should pray Allah to make him more beautiful. If jealous due to respect and fame than he should pray to Allah to give him more respect and increase in his love in the hearts of people.

iii. Preventing one from exposing the shortcomings and deficiencies of the person of whom he is jealous. If some one other is doing this than he should leave the gathering or instead defend from the side of person of whom he is jealous.

iv. If the person of whom one is jealous is sad, then he should share his grief, if he is ill than visit him and if he is happy than congratulate him and participate in his happiness.

v. If the person of whom one is jealous needs help, then should help him. If can not help himself than try to get help for him from other sources, Further he should try give as much benefits as he can to that other person.

vi. One should recognize the capabilities and qualities of the person of whom he is jealous and praise him publicly. If someone else is praising him then be happy.

Source:Raafi@yahoogroups.com