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AllahsServantçš„ä¸»é http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:59 EST Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:59 EST Zorpia.com Islam religion frequently asked questions http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1914819 01. What is Islam? Islam Religion: Frequently Asked Questions Islam is not a new religion, but the same truth that God revealed through all His prophets (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and more) to every people. For a fifth of the world's population, Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness, and the majorities have nothing to do with the extremely grave events, which have come to be associated with their faith. Islam religion also signifies peace, fraternity and the correct understanding of the entire universe. Islam is a religion, which can be followed easily by everyone, everywhere, in the day-to-day life. 02. Who are the Muslims? Islam Religion: Frequently Asked Questions The followers of Islam religion are known as Muslims. One billion people from a vast range of races, nationalities and cultures across the globe - from the southern Philippines to Nigeria - are united by their common Islamic faith. About 18% live in the Arab world; the world's largest Muslim community is in Indonesia; substantial parts of Asia and most of Africa are Muslim, while significant minorities are to be found in the Soviet Union, China, North and South America, and Europe. Islam has two major schools of thought - the Shia and the Sunni. The Sunni's believe that the community selected its own leader after Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) death whereas the Shia believes that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had, by divine will, appointed Imam Ali (pbuh) to be his successor. For them, leadership is to be divinely designated. It is to be noted that both the Sunni's and the Shia's are united in their major beliefs i.e., they believe in the same one God (Allah), the same book (Holy Qur'an), the same Prophets and pray in the same direction (Qibla), towards Holy Kaaba. The differences are mainly theological and jurisprudential. 03. Who are the Shia Muslims? Islam Religion: Frequently Asked Questions The word 'Shia' means the followers, friends, supporters and members of the group belonging to a person. This word is commonly used for the person expressing his devotion and attachment to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his family (Ahlul Bayt). The family means Imam Ali (son in law of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)), Fatima (daughter of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)) and their descendants, the Imams. In addition to the above mentioned three principal beliefs common to all sects of the Muslims, the Shia Muslims believe also in the 'Justice of God' and the 'Imamat' i.e., the Twelve Imams after the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), as the fundamental principles of religion. The position of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is much higher than that of Imam Ali (pbuh) or any other Imam, and all the Imams rank equal. Imam Ali (pbuh) and all the Imams are the followers of the religion of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). After God, there is no one equal to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). 04. What do Muslims believe? Islam Religion: Frequently Asked Questions Muslims believe in One, Unique, Incomparable God; in the Angels created by Him; in the prophets through whom His revelations were brought to mankind; in the Day of Judgment and individual accountability for actions; in God's complete authority over human destiny and in life after death. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets starting with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus, peace be upon them. But God's final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal message and a summing-up of all that has gone before was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through Angel Gabriel. 05. How does someone become a Muslim? Islam Religion: Frequently Asked Questions Simply by saying Shahada (Confession of a Muslim) 'There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.' By this declaration the believer announces his or her faith in all God's messengers, and the scriptures they brought. To this, as an article of faith of the Shia Muslims, which is 'Imamat', is joined: Ali is the Wali (Vicar) of God; explaining that Imam Ali (pbuh) is Wasi or next to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Imam Ali is Muhammad's Khalifa without any other person or Khalifa intervening between Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and Imam Ali (pbuh). 06. What does Islam mean? Islam Religion: Frequently Asked Questions The Arabic word 'Islam' simply means 'submission', and derives from a word meaning 'peace'. In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of Allah; to follow the path as ordained by Allah. 'Mohammedanism' is thus a misnomer because it suggests that Muslims worship Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) rather than God. 'Allah' is the Arabic name for God, which is used by Arab Muslims and Christians alike. 07. Why does Islam often seem strange? Islam Religion: Frequently Asked Questions Islam may seem exotic or even extreme in the modern world. Perhaps this is because religion does not dominate everyday life in the West today, whereas Muslims have religion always uppermost in their minds, and make no division between secular and sacred. They believe that the Divine Law, the Shariah (Islamic Law), should be taken very seriously, which is why issues related to religion are still so important. 08. Do Islam and Christianity have different origins? Islam Religion: Frequently Asked Questions No. Together with Judaism, they go back to the prophet and patriarch Abraham, and their three prophets are directly descended from his sons, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) from the elder son Ishmael, and Prophet Moses (pbuh) and Prophet Jesus (pbuh) from the younger son Isaac. Prophet Abraham (pbuh) established the settlement, which today is the city of Makkah, and built the Holy Kaaba towards which all Muslims turn when they pray. 09. What is the Holy Kaaba? Islam Religion: Frequently Asked Questions The Holy Kaaba is the place of worship, which God commanded Abraham and Ishmael to build over four thousand years ago. The building was constructed of stone on what many believe was the original site of a sanctuary established by Adam. God commanded Abraham to summon all mankind to visit this place, and when pilgrims (Hajj pilgrimage) go there today they say 'At Thy service, O Lord', in response to Abraham's summons. 10. Who is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)? Islam Religion: Frequently Asked Questions Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), was born in Makkah in the year 570, at a time when Christianity was not yet fully established in Europe. Since his father Abdullah died before his birth, and his mother Amina shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle Abu Talib father of Imam Ali (pbuh) from the respected tribe of Quraish. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as calm and meditative. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the 'Mountain of Light' near Makkah. 11. How did Muhammad (pbuh) become a prophet and a messenger of God? Islam Religion: Frequently Asked Questions At the age of Forty (40), while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad (pbuh) received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for next twenty-three (23) years of his life, is known as the Holy Qur'an. So, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) announced his prophet hood at the age of 40 years, but he was a prophet by birth. As soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Angel Gabriel, and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution, which grew so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command to emigrate. This event, the Hijrah (flight / migration), in which they left Makkah for the city of Madinah some 260 miles to the north, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. After several years, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his followers were able to return to Makkah, where they forgave their enemies and established Islam religion definitively. Before the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) died at the age of 63, the greater part of Arabia was Muslim, and within a century of his death Islam had spread to Spain in the West and as Far East as China. 12. How did the spread of Islam affect the world? Islam Religion: Frequently Asked Questions Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the simplicity of its doctrine - Islam calls for faith in only One God worthy of worship. It also repeatedly instructs man to use his powers of intelligence and observation. Within a few years, great civilizations and universities were flourishing, for according to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), 'seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim man and woman'. The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas and of new thought with old, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics, physics, astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature, and history. Many crucial systems such as algebra, the Arabic numerals, and also the concept of the zero (vital to the advancement of mathematics), were transmitted to medieval Europe from Islam. Sophisticated instruments which were to make possible the European voyages of discovery were developed by Muslims, including the Astrolabe, the quadrant and good navigational maps. 13. What is the Holy Qur'an? Islam Religion: Frequently Asked Questions The Holy Qur'an is a record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It was memorized by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and then dictated to his Companions, and written down by scribes, who crosschecked it during his lifetime. Not one word of its 114 chapters (Suras), has been changed over the centuries, so that the Holy Qur'an is in every detail the unique and miraculous text that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) fourteen centuries ago. This opening chapter of The Holy Qur'an, the Fatiha, is central in Islamic prayer. It contains the essence of the Holy Qur'an and is recited during every prayer. 14. What is the Holy Qur'an about? Islam Religion: Frequently Asked Questions The Holy Qur'an, the last revealed Word of God, is the prime source of every Muslim's faith and practice. It deals with all the subjects, which concern us as human beings: wisdom, doctrine, worship, and law, but its basic theme is the relationship between God and His creatures. At the same time it provides guidelines for a just society, proper human conduct and an equitable economic system. The orders of the Holy Qur'an are all times and no change is possible in these orders. The Holy Qur'an testifies all the previous Holy Books i.e., Torah (Torait) revealed to Prophet Moses (Musa), Psalm (Zaboor) revealed to Prophet David (Dawood) and the new testament of the Bible (Injeel) revealed to Prophet Jesus (Isa). Since these books, except the Holy Qur'an, are not in their original form now, they are not followed by Muslims where they contradict the Holy Qur'an. The Book of Allah, Holy Qur'an is like an ocean. The less learned, like children; collect pebbles and shells from its shores. The scholars and thinkers, like pearl divers, bring out from it the highest philosophy, wisdom and code of a perfect way of living. 15. Are there any other sacred sources? Islam Religion: Frequently Asked Questions Yes, the Sunnah, the practice and example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his family (The family means Ali, Fatima and their descendants, the Imams), is the second authority for Muslims. A hadith is a reliably transmitted report of what the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, did, or approved. Belief in the Sunnah is part of the Islamic faith. Some of the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) are not faithfully reported and sometimes the sayings are mis-quoted and such mis-reported versions are not correct. Wherever a Hadith is found to be contradictory to the Holy Qur'an, it must be taken to be an incorrect version, because there can be no contradiction of a correct Hadith with the Holy Qur'an. Examples of the Prophet Muhammad's sayings. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: God has no mercy on one who has no mercy for others. None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself. He who eats his fill while his neighbor goes without food is not a believer. Powerful is not he who knocks the other down, indeed powerful is he who controls himself in a fit of anger. God does not judge according to your bodies and appearances but He scans your hearts and looks into your deeds. A man walking along a path felt very thirsty. Reaching a well he descended into it, drank his fill and came up. Then he saw a dog with its tongue hanging out, trying to lick up mud to quench its thirst. The man saw that the dog was feeling the same thirst as he had felt so he went down into the well again and filled his shoe with water and gave the dog a drink. God forgave his sins for this action. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was asked: Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals? He said, there is a reward for kindness to every living thing. Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1914819 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:48 EST The Blessings of Reciting Just One Salah On Prop.. http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1910103 In the Qurâ€™an, Allah, Subhanahu Wa-Ta3ala, said in Suratul-Ahzab, Ayah (56), what means: â€œAllah is continuously raising the rank of Prophet Muhammad, and is bestowing His blessings and mercy upon him. The Angels are continuously asking Allah to raise the rank of Prophet Muhammad and to bestow His blessings and Mercy upon him. You, Muslims who truly believe in Allah and His Prophet, Recite Salawat on the Prophet by continuously asking Allah to raise his rank and to bestow His blessings and mercy upon him, and Make Salaam to the Prophet, the proper and correct way of making Salaamâ€. We thank You Allah for this great blessing, this great wide open door for continuous gain of good deeds, repentance and earning of thawab that You bestowed upon the us, the Muslim believers. When You, my dear brother and my dear sister, say â€˜Salawatâ€™ on the Prophet, with sincere intention and out of the true love that You have towards Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu 3alayhi Wa Sallam, You gain unimaginable amount of â€˜Thawabâ€™ (Positive credit) that is promised by Allah and promised by our beloved Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu 3alayhi Wa Sallam, in so many different Hadith. When You, dear brother and dear sister, recite one Salat on the Prophet, An angle takes this Salat and immediately informs Prophet Muhammad, Sallallaahu 3alayhi Wa Sallam, in Medina, that You, (mentioning Your first name and the name of your father) have recited this salat on him. Can You imagine that Your specific name is being mentioned at this day and time and blessed moment to the best among all creations, the most beloved human to Allah, the leader of the Prophets and Messengers, our master Muhammad, the son of Abdullah, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam? The Prophet immediately smiles at You. Yes, You, specifically smiles at You. He knows about Your love to him, and simultaneously the Prophet sends You His lovely smile, affection and love, which is worth more than everything you have in this world and worth much more than this whole Duniya and beyond. He sends this great positive love and energy to You, dear brother and dear sister. And you know what? It doesn't stop there. Yes, it does not stop here. The blessing does not stop here. The powerful personal connection between You and your beloved Prophet Muhammad does not stop here. At this blessed moment, the moment you recited this one Salat on your beloved Prophet Muhammad, at this blessed moment of receiving the Prophet's lovely smile at You, the moment the Prophet is informed about You by name, at this blessed moment which is worth all that You've got, it doesn't stop here, but more than that, Prophet Muhammad, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, replies back at You. Ya Allah, what a great blessing. Who am I that the Prophet of Allah, our beloved Master Muhammad, the best creation, Sallallaahu 3alayhi Wa Sallam, mentions my name specifically while smiling at me...Yes, The Prophet, Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, at this blessed moment, not only mentions Your name, but Ask Allah Ta3ala to bless You and to answer Your Du3a, and to raise Your rank...And the Prophet replies back the salam on You...this is not a general salam that goes to the general Muslims, No. This is a specific Salam that comes from Prophet Muhammad to You, personally, with Your name spelled out by the most honorable mouth of Prophet Muhammad, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam. Subhanallah...what else do you need? What else are you looking for? What else do you wish or hope for? Ya Allah...I'm speechless at this moment...My words can't describe this great blessing that Allah Ta3ala has given us...the blessing of reciting Salawat on the Prophet..And You know what dear brother and dear sister? It doesn't stop here.. Yes, it does not stop here..The moment Prophet Muhammad, Sallallaahu 3alayhi Wa Sallam, mentions Your name and makes Du3a to You, Great doors of mercy, forgiveness and blessings, both in this life and in the hereafter, are opened to You my dear Muslim brother and sister, day and night as long as You are saying those â€˜Salawatâ€™. At this blessed moment of connection between You and Prophet Muhammad, Allah Ta3ala, our Creator and Lord, The One and Only God, Allah Ta3ala, who doesn't resemble anything and nothing resembles Him, Allah Ta3ala, the creator of time, place and directions who exists eternally without time, place or directions, Allah Ta3ala bestows His blessings and divine love and protection upon You dear brother and dear sister...Not only once or twice, but 10 times just for your one time of reciting this one single blessed Salah...Subhanallah...All I can say is I truly thank You Allah for this great gift You have bestowed upon us...The gift of knowing, following, loving and reciting the salawat upon Your beloved Prophet Muhammad, the true mercy to mankind...Yes, You are a true Mercy to mankind, my love, my leader, my master, my way to righteousness, my only way to Allah's love and blessings. Making the recitation of those honorable â€˜Salawatâ€™ a good habit of a your everyday life, leads eventually to seeing Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu 3alayhi Wa Sallam, in your dream. At the same time, your rank is raised as long as you are continuously reciting those honorable â€˜Salawatâ€™. Difficulties that face You, dear brother and dear sister, become comforts by the blessing of those â€˜Salawatâ€™. Hardships become easiness by the beauty and â€˜Thawabâ€™ gained by reciting those â€˜Salawatâ€™. Your receiving of the Thawab, mercy, eternal perfect love, and the blessing of Allah increases as You increasingly recite more of the â€˜Salawatâ€™ on the Prophet, Sallallahu 3alayhi Wa Sallam. Let's all say together now: "Allahumma Salli Wa Sallam Wa Barek 3ala Sayedena Wa Mawlana Wa Habeebina Muhammadin, Wa 3ala Aalihi Wa Sahbihi Ajma3een" ...(Send it to all your Friends) Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1910103 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:09 EST Tips for a Better Muslim Home http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1897294 <h1 id="message_view_subject">Tips for a Better Muslim Home</h1>                                                In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate   "May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon You"  Praise be to Allah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.      Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu TIPS FOR THE MUSLIM WOMAN & HER HOME What does the home represent to each one of us ? Isnt it not the place where one eats, rests, and enjoys the company of his family members? If we think about those who are homeless, or living in shelters, or as refuges scattered in temporary places, then we will realize the blessings of our home.   There are many motives for the believer to put their homes in order:   1. Protecting oneself and the family from the fire of Hell, and keeping them safe from the Allahs punishment.   2. The great responsibility borne by the head of the household on the day of judgment.   3. The home is a safe haven to protect us from evils and keep ones own evils from people, it is a refuge prescribed by Islam at times of fitnah (tribulation) .   4. The home shares a big part of the human life, and therefore maintaining a healthy home provides a good environment to spend the time in the worship of Allah, and refraining from wrongdoing.   5. The home is an essential part of building the strong blocks for the Muslim society.   Following are tips to help you revive and strengthen your Muslim home: * Make Your Home a Place For the Remembrance of Allah Revive your homes with all kinds of Dhikr. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The likeness of a house in which Allah is remembered and the house in which Allah is not remembered is that of the living and the dead, respectively. "   We must make our homes places where Allah is remembered in all kinds of ways, whether in our hearts, verbally, during prayer, by reading Quran, by discussing Islamic issues, or by reading different kinds of Islamic books. * Help Your Family Increase Their Faith Encourage your house members to pray, fast, give charity as means of increasing faith.   The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "May Allah have mercy on a man who gets up at night and prays, then he wakes up his wife to pray, and if she refuses he throws water on her face." (Ahmad and Abu Dawud)   Have a box at home for donations to the poor and needy: whatever is put in the box belongs to them, because it is their vessel in the Muslim home. If the family members see an example among them fasting on al-Ayyam al-Bid (the 13th, 14th and 15th of each Hijri month), Mondays and Thursdays, Tasuaa and Ashura (the 9th and 10th of Muharram), Arafah, and frequently in Muharram and Shaaban, this will be a motive for them to do likewise. * Learn Supplications Related to Home The messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "When any one of you enters his home and mentions the Name of Allah when he enters and when he eats, the Shaytan says: 'You have no place to stay and nothing to eat here.' If he enters and does not mention the name of Allah when he enters, [the Shaytan] says, 'You have a place to stay.' If he does not mention the name of Allah when he eats, [the Shaytan says], 'You have a place to stay and something to eat.'". (Ahmad)   Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said: "If a man goes out of his house and says, 'Bismillah, Tawakkaltu Ala Allah, La Hawla Wa La Quwwata Illa Billah (In the name of Allah, I put my trust in Allah, there is no help and no strength except in Allah),' it will be said to him, 'This will take care of you, you are guided, you have what you need and you are protected.' The Shaytan will stay away from him, and another Shaytan will say to him, 'What can you do with a man who is guided, provided for and protected?'" (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi)   Aishah said: "When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) entered his house, the first thing he would do was use Siwak." (Muslim) * Continuously Recite Surah Al-Baqarah to Ward Off Shaytan Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Do not make your houses into graves. The Shaytan flees from a house in which Surat al- Baqarah is recited." (Muslim)   Concerning the virtues of the last two Ayat of this Surah, and the effect of reciting them in ones house, he (peace be upon him) said: "Allah wrote a document two thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth, which is kept near the Throne, and He revealed two Ayat of it with which He concluded Surat al-Baqarah. If they are recited in a house for three consecutive nights, the Shaytan will not approach it." (Ahmad) * Teach Your Family Allah says: "O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones..." Allocate some time for the family, and even for others such as relatives, to hold a study-circle at home and encourage them to come regularly, so that it will be an ongoing commitment for you and them. * Build Your Islamic Library It does not have to be extensive; what matters is choosing good books, putting them in a place where they are readily accessible, and encouraging family members to read them. Include books of varying levels, so that old and young, men and women can all use them.   Also have books for giving to guests, childrens friends and family visitors, but try to get books that are attractively presented, edited properly and with the sources and classification of the Hadiths properly given.   One way in which you can help family members find a book when they want it is to organize the books according to subject, Tafsir, Hadith, Fiqh ..etc. * Have a Home Audio Library Having a cassette player in every home may be used for good or for evil. How can we use it in a manner that is pleasing to Allah? Having a home audio library containing good Islamic tapes by scholars who are striving to raise the awareness of the Ummah, establish proof and denounce evil is very important for establishing individual personalities in the Muslim home. Listening to Quran recitation will have a great impact on family members, whether by reflecting on the meaning, or help memorizing it. * Invite Righteous People and Seekers of Knowledge to Visit Your Home "My Lord! Forgive me, and my parents, and him who enters my home as a believer, and all the believing men and women...". [Nuh 71:28]   If people of faith enter your home, it will increase in light (Nur), and will bring many benefits because of your conversations and discussion with them.   The bearer of musk will either give you some, or you will buy from him, or you will find that he has a pleasant scent.   When children, brothers and parents sit with such visitors, and women listen from behind a curtain or screen to what is said, this offers an educational experience to all. If you bring good people into your home, by doing so you keep bad people from coming in a wreaking havoc. * Avoid Showing Family Conflicts In Front of Others It is rare for people to live together under one roof without any arguments, but reconciliation is better and correcting oneself is a virtue.   What shakes the unity of the family and harms its infrastructure is when conflicts are brought out into the open before the members of the family, who then split into two or more opposing camps, not to mention the psychological harm that is done to children, especially little ones.   Think about a home where the father says to the child, "Do not speak to your mother," and the mother says to him, "Do not speak to your father."   The child is confused and filled with turmoil, and the entire family lives in an atmosphere of hostility. We should try to avoid conflict, but if it happens, we should try to hide it. We ask Allah to create love between our hearts. * Have a Schedule for Meals And Bedtime There is nothing nicer than a family gathering together at the table and making the most of this opportunity to ask how everyone is and to discuss useful topics. * Spread Kindness in the Home Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'When Allah - may He be glorified - wills some good towards the people of a household, He introduces kindness among them.' ".   This is one of the means of attaining happiness in the home, for kindness is very beneficial between the family members, and brings results that cannot be achieved through harshness, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves kindness and rewards it in such a way that He does not reward for harshness or for anything else." (Muslim) * Be Affectionate Showing affection towards family members is one of the things that lead to creating an atmosphere of happiness and friendliness in the home.   The prophet (peace be upon him) used to show his affection towards his wives, children and everyone around.   Abu Hurairah said: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) kissed al-Hasan ibn Ali, and al-Aqra ibn Habis At-Tamimi was sitting with him. Al-Aqra said: 'I have ten children and I have never kissed any one of them.' The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) looked at him and said: 'The one who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.'" * Resist Bad Manners in The Home Every member of the household is bound to have some bad characteristics, such as lying, backbiting, gossiping and so on. These bad characteristics have to be resisted and opposed.   Aishah said: "If the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came to know that one of his household had told a lie, he would try to ignore him until he repented." (Ahmad) * Shield Your Home Against Common or Hidden Evils Beware of non-Mahram relatives entering upon women when their husbands are absent. Men and women should sit separately during family visits. Beware of the dangers of having male drivers and female servants in the house. Beware of the dangers of TV. Beware of the evils of the telephone. Remove everything that contains symbols of the false religions of the Kuffar or their gods and objects of worship. Remove pictures of animate beings. Do not allow smoking in your homes. Do not keep dogs in your homes. Avoid too much decoration in your homes (keep it simple). * Pay Attention to Familys Health and Safety When any member of his family got sick, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) would blow on them and recite al-Muwidhatayn (last two Surahs of the Quran). (Muslim) Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1897294 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 04:51 EST The Concept of Hijab in Islam http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1865876     <h1 id="message_view_subject">The Concept of Hijab in Islam</h1><div>Salamun Alykum.</div> <div> </div> <div>God Almighty reminds in the Quran that He has placed no hardship on us, men and women both, in practicing Islam - "You shall strive for the cause of God as you should strive for His cause.  He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion - the religion of your father Abraham..." (Quran 22:78)</div> <div> </div> <div align="center"><img height="180" border="0" width="300" alt="Afghani women" src="http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1915000/images/_1917465_afghan300.jpg" /></div> <div> </div> <div>The Quran gives us a clue that women, during the Prophet's time, were not placed in hardship and were not veiled (hijab) - "Beyond the categories described to you, you are enjoined from marrying any other women, nor can you substitute a new wife (from the prohibited categories), no matter how much you admire their beauty.  You must be content with those already made lawful to you. God is watchful over all things." (Quran 33:52).  Clearly, you cannot admire their beauty if they were veiled.  Is it not a historical fact that the prophet's wife Ayesha took command of the army against Caliph Ali !? How could she perform that job if she was in veil !?</div> <div> </div> <div>According to the Quran, the best garment is the "garment of righteousness" and not the "veil" (hijab) as  understood from this - "O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury.  But the best garment is the garment of righteousness.  These are some of God's signs, that they may take heed" (Quran 7:26).  Obviously, our Islamic scholars do not take heed from the Quran.  They consider "hijab" as the best garment even though we will find, God willing,  later in this article that the word "hijab" has nothing to do with the dress code for women. Mr. Yusuf Ali translated the above  verse (Quran 7:26) this way - "...but the raiment of righteousness- that is the best..." !  A question to our Islamic scholar - why God doesn't say "...but the veil (hijab)-that is the best..." in verse 7:26 above!?</div> <div> </div> <div>Women shall cover their chest (bosom) and head including the  hair as understood from this verse - "And tell the believing women to subdue their eyes, and maintain their chastity.  They shall not reveal any parts of their bodies, except that which is necessary.  They shall cover  (Khimar) their chests, and shall not relax this code in the presence of other than their husbands, their fathers, the fathers of their husbands, their sons, the sons of their husbands, their brothers, the sons of their brothers, the sons of their sisters, other women, the male servants or employees whose sexual drive has been nullified, or the children who have not reached puberty.  They shall not strike their feet when they walk in order to shake and reveal details of their bodies.  All of you shall repent to God, O you believers, that you may succeed." (Quran 24:31)</div> <div> </div> <div>The Arabic word "Khimar" (not Hijab) in the above verse 24:31 means any cover.  Most of the traditional translations are obviously influenced by so called hadith attributed to the prophet and take the word "Khimar" as "Hijab" (veil)!  Mr. Yusuf Ali translated the above verse of 24:31 this way -"...they should draw their "veils" over their bosoms...". The distortion is obvious, the Arabic word for "veil" is 'hijab" and not "khimar"!</div> <div> </div> <div>According to Quran, women shall lengthen their garments - "O prophet, tell your wives, your daughters, and the wives of the believers that they shall lengthen their garments.  Thus, they will be recognized and avoid being insulted.  God is Forgiver, Most Merciful." (Quran 33:59)</div> <div> </div> <div>A woman may relax her dress code in the following situations - "The women may relax (their dress code) around their fathers, their sons, their brothers, the sons of their brothers, the sons of their sisters, the other women, and their servants.  They shall reverence God.  God witnesses all things." (Quran 33:55).  Please note that in case of a male servant we need to refer to the Quran 24:31 mentioned earlier. Elderly women may also relax their dress code under certain conditions (Quran 24:60).</div> <div> </div> <div>It is clear from the above verses that the dress code for the Muslim women according to the Quran is righteousness and modesty and not the veil (hijab)!</div> <div> </div> <div>The Arabic word "hijab" appeared in the following seven verses of the Quran which tell us something other than the dress code for women! :</div> <div> </div> <div>" A barrier separates them (Wa bayna-humaa hijaab), while the Purgatory is occupied by people who recognize each side by their looks.  They will call dwellers of paradise:"Peace be upon you."  They did not enter (paradise) through wishful thinking." (Quran 7:46)</div> <div> </div> <div>"When you read the Quran, we place between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter an invisible barrier (hijaabam-mastuu- raa)." (Quran 17:45)</div> <div> </div> <div>" While a barrier separated her from them (Fattakhazat min duunihim hijaabaa), we sent to her our Spirit.  He went to her in the form of a human being." (Quran 19:17)</div> <div> </div> <div>" O you who believe, do not enter the prophet's homes unless you are given permission to eat, nor shall you force such an invitation in any manner.  If you are invited, you may enter.  When you finish eating, you shall leave; do not engage him in lengthy conversations.  This used to hurt the prophet, and he was too shy to tell you.  But God does not shy away from the truth.  If you have to ask his wives for something, ask them from behind a barrier (Wa izaa saaltumuu-hunna mataa-an fasaluuhunna minw-waraaa- i hijaab).  This is purer for your hearts and their hearts.  You are not to hurt the messenger of God.  You shall not marry his wives after him, for this would be a gross offense in the sight of God." (Quran 33:53)</div> <div> </div> <div>" He then said, "I enjoyed the material things more than I enjoyed worshiping my Lord, until the sun was gone (hatta tawaarat bilhijaab)." (Quran 38:32)</div> <div> </div> <div>" They said, "Our minds are made up, our ears are deaf to your message, and a barrier separates us from you (wa baynika hijaabun-fa- mal innanaa aamiluun).  Do what you want, and so will we" (Quran 41:5)</div> <div> </div> <div>" No human being can communicate with God except through inspiration, or from behind a barrier (aw minw-waraaai hijaabin), or by sending a messenger through whom He reveals what He wills.  He is the Most High, Most Wise." (Quran 42:51)</div> <div> </div> <div>The Quran imposes the responsibility on both men and women to subdue their eyes, and definitely, not to veil the woman (hijab) as understood from this - "Tell the believing men that they shall subdue their eyes, and to maintain their chastity.  This is purer for them.  God is fully Cognizant of everything they do. And tell the believing women to subdue their eyes, and maintain their chastity...." (Quran 24:30-31)</div> <div> </div> <div>Thank you  and may God guide us,</div> <div> </div><div style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif;"> </div>   <div style="text-align: center;">The Concept of Hijab in Islam</div> <div>This essay attempt to briefly enumerate the basic requirements regarding Muslim women's dress (hijab) as stipulated by the Shariah. The term hijab, includes not only the covering of body, but methods of behavior before members of the same or opposite sex, promoting privacy for females and prohibiting intermingling sexes, to ensure modesty, decency, chastity and above all, respect and worship of Allah.</div> <div>Minor differences exist among the scholars regarding the actual number of the requirements because of varying methods used in codifying them. The ones mentioned here represent the ones agreed upon by the overwhelming majority of scholars and are all solidly backed by firm evidence taken from the Qur'an, the Sunnah and the practice of the Sahabah (the Companions).</div> <div>First Requirement: </div> <div>The Extent of Covering</div> <div> </div> <div>The dress worn in public must cover the entire body except what has been specifically excluded, based upon the following proofs: Allah says:</div> <div>" And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts from sin and not show of their adornment except only that which is apparent, and draw their headcovers over their necks and bosoms and not reveal their adornment except to And that they should not I strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And 0 you Believers! Turn you all together towards Allah in repentence that you may be successful." (24:31)</div> <div>The word zeenah in the Ayah above, literally means adornment and includes both the woman's natural or physical beauty, and that with which they adorn themselves, such as, jewelry, eye shadow, attractive clothing, hand dye, etc.</div> <div>Surah An-Nur spells out specifically the commands concerning the fact that a woman's natural beauty and her adornments are to be concealed from strangers except by what may show due to accidental or uncontrollable factors such as the blowing of the wind, etc., and what has been exempted (see explanation at end of this section).</div> <div> </div> <div>Allah says: "0 Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their outer garments above themselves ( when they go out). That is better so that they may be recognized and not molested. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful." (33:59)</div> <div>Abu Dawood narrates that Aishah (raa) said: " Asma the daughter of Abu Bakr (raa) came to see the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) wearing a thin dress; so Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) turned away from her and said: "0 Asma'a, once a woman reaches the age of puberty, no part of her body should be seen but this -and he pointed to his face and hands." </div> <div>The word khumur (pI. of khimar) refers to a cloth which covers the head, ears, hair, neck and bosom. The esteemed mufaasir (Quranic interpreter) Al-Qurtubi explains: Women in the past used to cover their heads with the khimar, throwing its ends over their backs. This left the neck and the upper part of the chest bare, in the manner of the Christians. Then Allah commanded them to cover those parts with the khimar.</div> <div>Allah states further in this Ayah: "... And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornments " The women in the time of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) wore anklets which could be employed to attract attention by stamping their feet, thereby, making the anklets tinkle. This practice is not only forbidden by Allah, but shows that the legs and ankles are to be covered as well. Some of the modern day Hanafi scholars are of the mistaken view that a woman can display her feet, a portion of her forearms and the! ears; yet there is no authentic proof from the practice of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) or his Sahabah to uphold such a view.</div> <div>Amongst the authentic Ahadith which clarify this point is the following: Ibn Umar (raa) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: â€œ On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will not look at the man who trails his garments along out of prideâ€. Umm Salamah then asked:â€ What should women do with (the hems of) their garments?â€ He replied: â€œLet them lower them a bandspanâ€. She replied: â€œ Their feet would be exposed!â€ He then said: â€œLet them lower them a forearmâ€™s length but no more.â€ (Reported by At-Tabarani- Sahih)</div> <div>The major point of difference among the scholars concerns the hadith of Asma'a (raa) i.e., that the face and hands need not be covered; a number of the scholars have maintained that the face hands must also be covered, because it was the practice of the of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and the wives of the Sahabah to themselves completely according to authentic Ahadith. The above point has been a topic of debate amongst the scholars both past and present and will be dealt with, Inshallah at the end of essay.</div> <div>Second Requirement: </div> <div>Thickness </div> <div> </div> <div>The garment should be thick and opaque so as not to display skin color and form of the body beneath it. Delicate or transparent clothing does not constitute a proper covering. The Sahabah were very stern on this and regarded scanty clothing in public as an indicator of a woman's lack of belief. AI-Qurtubi reports a narration from Ayesha (raa) that some women from Banu Tamim came to see her wearing transparent clothing, Ayesha said to them: â€œIf you are believing women, these are not the clothes of believing women.â€ He also reports that a bride came to see wearing a sheer, transparent khimaar, whereupon Ayesha (raa) said: â€œ A woman who wears such clothing does not believe in Surah An-Nur.â€</div> <div> </div> <div>Moreover, the following hadith makes this point graphically Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: â€œThere will be in the last of my Ummah (nation of believers), scantily dressed women, the hair on the top of their heads like a camels hump. Curse them, for verily they are cursed.â€ In another version he said:â€ â€¦ scantily dressed women, who go astray and others go astray; will not enter Paradise nor smell its fragrance, although it can be smelled from afar.â€ (At-Tabarani and Sahih Muslim)</div> <div> </div> <div>Scantily dressed women : â€œare those who wear clothing which reveals more than it conceals, thereby, increasing her attractiveness while opening the path to a host of evils.â€</div> <div>Third Requirement: </div> <div>Looseness :</div> <div> </div> <div>The clothing must hang loosely enough and not be tight-fitting show the shape and size of the woman's body, The reason for wearing a garment which is wide and loose fitting is that the on of Muslim women's clothing is to eliminate lure and beauty of her body from the eye of the beholder. Skin-tight body etc. may conceal the skin color, yet they display the size and of the limbs and body. </div> <div> </div> <div>The following hadith proves this clearly: Usamah ibn Zaid said: â€œ Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) gave me a gift of thick Coptic cloth he had received as a gift from Dahiah Al-Kalbi, and so I gave it to my wife. Thereafter, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) asked thy didn't you wear the Coptic cloth? I replied: I gave it to my wife. Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) then said: Tell her to wear a thick gown under it ( the Coptic garment) for I fear that it may describe the size of her limbs. â€œ narrated by Ahmad, AI-Bayhaqi, and AI-Haakim)</div> <div>Fourth Requirement: </div> <div>Color- Appearance -Demeanor</div> <div> </div> <div>Allah says: 0 wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women; if you fear ( Allah) , then do not be too pleasant of speech, lest one in whose heart is a disease should feel desire (for you) ." (33:32) </div> <div> </div> <div>The reason for the revelation of this verse is not the fear of distrust nor misbehavior on the part of the women, but rather to prevent them from speaking invitingly, walking seductively, or dressing revealingly so as to arouse sexual desire in the heart of lecherous and evil men.</div> <div>Seductive dressing and enticing speech arc the characteristics of ill-intentioned women, not Muslims. AI-Qurtubi mentions that Mujahid (raa) said: "Women (before the advent of Islam) used to walk about (alluringly) among men." Qatadah (raa) said: "They used to walk in a sensuous and seductive manner." Maqatil (raa) said: "The women used to wear an untied cloth on their heads, while provocatively toying with their necklaces, earrings and other ornamental jewelry." </div> <div>A garment which is intended to conceal a woman and her beauty from public view cannot be a thing which enhances her beauty. Therefore, the garment should not contain bright colors, bold designs or reflective material that draw menâ€™s attention to the wearer. Imam Adh-Dhahabi says in his book Kitab AI-Kabalir (The Book of Major Sins): " Amongst the deeds which a woman is cursed for are displaying the adornments she wears, wearing perfume when she goes out, and wearing colorful clothes " Hence, the Muslim woman is encouraged to wear muted, somber colors and to avoid bright designs, patterns and colors.</div> <div>The Fifth Requirement: </div> <div>Difference from Men's Clothing</div> <div> </div> <div>The clothing of a Muslim woman must not resemble the clothing of men. The following hadith helps to explain this. </div> <div> </div> <div>Abu Hurayrah (raa) said: Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) cursed the man who wears womenâ€™s clothes and the woman who wears menâ€™s clothes. (Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah-Saheeh)</div> <div> </div> <div>The Sixth Requirement: </div> <div>Difference from the Clothing of Unbelievers</div> <div> </div> <div>Her clothing must not resemble the clothing of unbelievers. Indeed, dissimilarity with unbelievers is a precedent that was established by the first generation of Islam. </div> <div> </div> <div>The following hadith will help to clarify this position:</div> <div>Abdullah ibn Umar (raa) said: Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) stated: "Whoever resembles a people is one of them." (Abu Dawood)</div> <div>The Seventh Requirement: </div> <div>No Vain or Ostentatious Dressing</div> <div> </div> <div>The woman's dress must not be an expression of ostentation, vanity or as a status symbol by being excessively showy or expensive, nor must it be excessively tattered so as to gain admiration and fame for being humble. </div> <div> </div> <div>Ibn Umar (raa) reported that Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: Whoever dresses for ostentation in this world, Allah will dress that person in a dress of humiliation on the Day of Resurrection, and then set it on fire. (Abu Dawood)</div> <div>It has been authentically related in Sahih AI-Bukhari, the Muwatta of Imam Malik and the Sunan of Abu Dawood that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) forbade women from covering their faces and hands during their performance of Salah, or while in a state of Ihram. This indicates clearly that wearing the face veil was a common practice during the time of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam), and not as some people claim, a cultural practice that appeared years later.</div> Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1865876 Sat, 20 Dec 2008 23:04 EST Quotes from The Holy Quran http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1864499 <h1 align="center">Quotes from the Holy Quran</h1> <hr /> 2.39. But those who reject Faith and belie Our Signs, they shall be companions of the Fire; they shall abide therein. <a name="transgressors"></a> 2.190. Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors. 2.191. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith. 2.192. But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. 2.193. And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah. But if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression. 2.216. Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not. 2.257. Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith the patrons are the evil ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein (For ever). 3:118. O ye who believe! Take not into your intimacy those outside your ranks: They will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin: Rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths: What their hearts conceal is far worse. We have made plain to you the Signs, if ye have wisdom. 3.141. Allah's object also is to purge those that are true in Faith and to deprive of blessing Those that resist Faith. 3.151 Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers, for that they joined companions with Allah, for which He had sent no authority: their abode will be the Fire: And evil is the home of the wrong-doers! 3.157. And if ye are slain, or die, in the way of Allah, forgiveness and mercy from Allah are far better than all they could amass. 3.158. And if ye die, or are slain, Lo! it is unto Allah that ye are brought together. 3.169. Think not of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord; 4.3. If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice. 4.14. But those who disobey Allah and His Messenger and transgress His limits will be admitted to a Fire, to abide therein: And they shall have a humiliating punishment. 4.15. If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, Take the evidence of four (Reliable) witnesses from amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine them to houses until death do claim them, or Allah ordain for them some (other) way. 4.16. If two men among you are guilty of lewdness, punish them both. If they repent and amend, Leave them alone; for Allah is Oft-returning, Most Merciful. 4.29. O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: But let there be amongst you Traffic and trade by mutual good-will: Nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful! 4.34. Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all). 4.36. Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious; 4.74. Let those fight in the cause of Allah Who sell the life of this world for the hereafter. To him who fighteth in the cause of Allah,- whether he is slain or gets victory - Soon shall We give him a reward of great (value). 4.76. Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject Faith Fight in the cause of Evil: So fight ye against the friends of Satan: feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan. 4.101. When ye travel through the earth, there is no blame on you if ye shorten your prayers, for fear the Unbelievers May attack you: For the Unbelievers are unto you open enemies. 4.157. That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah.;- but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not:- 4.160. For the iniquity of the Jews We made unlawful for them certain (foods) good and wholesome which had been lawful for them;- in that they hindered many from Allah.s Way; 4.161. That they took usury, though they were forbidden; and that they devoured men's substance wrongfully;- we have prepared for those among them who reject faith a grievous punishment. 5.14. From those, too, who call themselves Christians, We did take a covenant, but they forgot a good part of the message that was sent them: so we estranged them, with enmity and hatred between the one and the other, to the day of judgment. And soon will Allah show them what it is they have done. 5.33. The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter; 5.38. As to the thief, Male or female, cut off his or her hands: a punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in power. 5.39. But if the thief repents after his crime, and amends his conduct, Allah turneth to him in forgiveness; for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. 5.51. O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust. 5.57. O ye who believe! take not for friends and protectors those who take your religion for a mockery or sport,- whether among those who received the Scripture before you, or among those who reject Faith; but fear ye Allah, if ye have faith (indeed). 5.64. The Jews say: "(Allah)'s hand is tied up." Be their hands tied up and be they accursed for the (blasphemy) they utter. Nay, both His hands are widely outstretched: He giveth and spendeth (of His bounty) as He pleaseth. But the revelation that cometh to thee from Allah increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. Amongst them we have placed enmity and hatred till the Day of Judgment. Every time they kindle the fire of war, Allah doth extinguish it; but they (ever) strive to do mischief on earth. And Allah loveth not those who do mischief. 5.69. Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness,- on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. 5.72. They do blaspheme who say: "(Allah) is Christ the son of Mary." But said Christ: "O Children of Israel! worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord." Whoever joins other gods with Allah,- Allah will forbid him the garden, and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrong-doers be no one to help. 5.73. They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One Allah. If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them. 5.82. Strongest among men in enmity to the believers wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers wilt thou find those who say, "We are Christians": because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant. 6.115. The word of thy Lord doth find its fulfilment in truth and in justice: None can change His words: for He is the one who heareth and knoweth all. 7.96. If the people of the towns had but believed and feared Allah, We should indeed have opened out to them (All kinds of) blessings from heaven and earth; but they rejected (the truth), and We brought them to book for their misdeeds. 7.97. Did the people of the towns feel secure against the coming of Our wrath by night while they were asleep? 7.98. Or else did they feel secure against its coming in broad daylight while they played about (care-free)? 8.12. Remember thy Lord inspired the angels (with the message): "I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instil terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them." 8.13. This because they contended against Allah and His Messenger. If any contend against Allah and His Messenger, Allah is strict in punishment. 8.14. Thus (will it be said): "Taste ye then of the (punishment): for those who resist Allah, is the penalty of the Fire." 8.15. O ye who believe! when ye meet the Unbelievers in hostile array, never turn your backs to them. 8.16. If any do turn his back to them on such a day - unless it be in a stratagem of war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own)- he draws on himself the wrath of Allah, and his abode is Hell,- an evil refuge (indeed)! 8.17. It is not ye who slew them; it was Allah. when thou threwest (a handful of dust), it was not thy act, but Allah's: in order that He might test the Believers by a gracious trial from Himself: for Allah is He Who heareth and knoweth (all things). 8.18. That, and also because Allah is He Who makes feeble the plans and stratagem of the Unbelievers. 8.30. Remember how the Unbelievers plotted against thee, to keep thee in bonds, or slay thee, or get thee out (of thy home). They plot and plan, and Allah too plans; but the best of planners is Allah. 8.36. The Unbelievers spend their wealth to hinder (man) from the path of Allah, and so will they continue to spend; but in the end they will have (only) regrets and sighs; at length they will be overcome: and the Unbelievers will be gathered together to Hell; 8.38. Say to the Unbelievers, if (now) they desist (from Unbelief), their past would be forgiven them; but if they persist, the punishment of those before them is already (a matter of warning for them). 8.39. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere; but if they cease, verily Allah doth see all that they do. 8.41. And know that out of all the booty that ye may acquire (in war), a fifth share is assigned to Allah,- and to the Messenger, and to near relatives, orphans, the needy, and the wayfarer,- if ye do believe in Allah and in the revelation We sent down to Our servant on the Day of Testing,- the Day of the meeting of the two forces. For Allah hath power over all things. 8.55. For the worst of beasts in the sight of Allah are those who reject Him: They will not believe. 8.65. O Messenger. rouse the Believers to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: if a hundred, they will vanquish a thousand of the Unbelievers: for these are a people without understanding. 8.67. It is not fitting for an apostle that he should have prisoners of war until he hath thoroughly subdued the land. Ye look for the temporal goods of this world; but Allah looketh to the Hereafter: And Allah is Exalted in might, Wise. 9.5. But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. 9.6. If one amongst the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah. And then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge. 9.23. O ye who believe! take not for protectors your fathers and your brothers if they love infidelity above Faith: if any of you do so, they do wrong. 9.28. O ye who believe! Truly the Pagans are unclean; 9.38. O ye who believe! what is the matter with you, that, when ye are asked to go forth in the cause of Allah, ye cling heavily to the earth? Do ye prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? But little is the comfort of this life, as compared with the Hereafter. 9.39. Unless ye go forth, He will punish you with a grievous penalty, and put others in your place; but Him ye would not harm in the least. For Allah hath power over all things. 9.51. Say: "Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us: He is our protector": and on Allah let the Believers put their trust. 9.60. Truly, if the Hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, and those who stir up sedition in the City, desist not, We shall certainly stir thee up against them: Then will they not be able to stay in it as thy neighbours for any length of time: 9.61. They shall have a curse on them: whenever they are found, they shall be seized and slain (without mercy). 9.62. (Such was) the practice (approved) of Allah among those who lived aforetime: No change wilt thou find in the practice (approved) of Allah. 9.64. Verily Allah has cursed the Unbelievers and prepared for them a Blazing Fire,- 9.65. To dwell therein for ever: no protector will they find, nor helper. 9.73. (With the result) that Allah has to punish the Hypocrites, men and women, and the Unbelievers, men and women, and Allah turns in Mercy to the Believers, men and women: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 9.111. Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah. then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: that is the achievement supreme. 9.123. O ye who believe! fight the unbelievers who gird you about, and let them find firmness in you: and know that Allah is with those who fear Him. 10.4. To Him will be your return- of all of you. The promise of Allah is true and sure. It is He Who beginneth the process of creation, and repeateth it, that He may reward with justice those who believe and work righteousness; but those who reject Him will have draughts of boiling fluids, and a penalty grievous, because they did reject Him. 25.52. Therefore listen not to the Unbelievers, but strive against them with the utmost strenuousness, with the (Qur'an). 33.5. But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. 33.28. O ye who believe! Truly the Pagans are unclean; so let them not, after this year of theirs, approach the Sacred Mosque. 33.29. Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued. 33.30. The Jews call 'Uzair a son of Allah, and the Christians call Christ the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. Allah's curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the Truth! 33.119. O ye who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are true (in word and deed). 33.123. O ye who believe! fight the unbelievers who gird you about, and let them find firmness in you: and know that Allah is with those who fear Him. 47.4. Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye commanded): but if it had been Allah.s Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the Way of Allah,- He will never let their deeds be lost. 48.29. Muhammad is the apostle of Allah. and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. 54.39. "So taste ye My Wrath and My Warning." 54.40. And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition? 60.4. ... there has arisen, between us and you, enmity and hatred for ever,- unless ye believe in Allah and Him alone. 66.9. O Prophet! Strive hard against the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and be firm against them. Their abode is Hell,- an evil refuge (indeed). 72.23. "Unless I proclaim what I receive from Allah and His Messages: for any that disobey Allah and His Messenger,- for them is Hell: they shall dwell therein for ever." 98.6. Those who reject (Truth), among the People of the Book and among the Polytheists, will be in Hell-Fire, to dwell therein (for aye). They are the worst of creatures. FOR ANY OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION OF ISLAM GO TO  <h1 align="center"><a href="http://www.islamicity.com/mosque/SURAI.HTM">Islamicity.com</a></h1> Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1864499 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:43 EST The Religion of Islam http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1857530   <o:p>                                                                         The Religion of Islam</o:p> The first thing that one should know and clearly understand about Islam is what the word "Islam" itself means. The religion of Islam is not named after a person as in the case of Christianity which was named after Jesus Christ, Buddhism after Gotama Buddha, Confucianism after Confucius, and Marxism after Karl Marx. Nor was it named after a tribe like Judaism after the tribe of Judah and Hinduism after the Hindus. Islam is the true religion of "Allah" and as such, its name represents the central principle of Allah's "God's" religion; the total submission to the will of Allah "God".<o:p /> The Arabic word "Islam" means the submission or surrender of one's will to the only true god worthy of worship "Allah" and anyone who does so is termed a "Muslim", The word also implies "peace" which is the natural consequence of total submission to the will of Allah. Hence, it was not a new religion brought by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) I in Arabia in the seventh century, but only the true religion of Allah re-expressed in its final form. <o:p /> Islam is the religion which was given to Adam, the first man and the first prophet of Allah, and it was the religion of all the prophets sent by Allah to mankind. The name of God's religion Islam was not decided upon by later generations of man. It was chosen by Allah Himself and clearly mentioned in His final revelation to man. In the final book of divine revelation, the Qurâ€™an, Allah states the following:<o:p /> "This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion". <a href="http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/005.qmt.html#005.003">(Qurâ€™an 5:3)</a><o:p /> "If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah (God) never will It be accepted of Him" <a href="http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/003.qmt.html#003.085">(Qurâ€™an 3:85)</a><o:p /> "Abraham was not a Jew nor Christian; but an upright Muslim." (<a href="http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/003.qmt.html#003.067">Qurâ€™an 3:67)</a><o:p /> THE MESSAGE OF ISLAM<o:p /> Since the total submission of one's will to Allah represents the essence of worship, the basic message of Allah's divine religion, Islam is the worship of Allah alone and the avoidance of worship directed to any person, place or thing other than Allah. Since everything other than Allah, the Creator of all things is Allah's creation; it may be said that Islam, in essence calls man away from the worship of creation and invites him to worship only its Creator. He is the only one deserving man's worship as it is only by His will that prayers are answered.<o:p /> "You alone do we worship and from you alone do we seek help". (Qurâ€™an 1:5)<o:p /> Elsewhere, in the final book of revelation, the Qurâ€™an, Allah also said:<o:p /> "And your Lord says:"Call on Me and I will answer your (prayer)." <a href="http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/040.qmt.html#040.060">(Qurâ€™an 40:60)</a><o:p /> It is worth noting that the basic message of Islam is that Allah and His creation are distinctly different entities. Neither is Allah His creation or a part of it, nor is His creation Him or a part of Him.<o:p /> This might seem obvious, but, man's worship of creation instead of the Creator is to a large degree based on ignorance of this concept. It is the belief that the essence of Allah is everywhere in His creation or that His divine being is or was present in some aspects of His creation, which has provided justification for the worship of creation though such worship maybe called the worship of Allah through his creation. However, the message of Islam as brought by the prophets of Allah is to worship only Allah and to avoid the worship of his creation either directly or indirectly. In the Qur'an Allah clearly states:<o:p /> "For We assuredly sent amongst every people a prophet,(with the command) worship me and avoid false gods " <a href="http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/016.qmt.html#016.036">(Qurâ€™an 16:36)</a><o:p /> THE UNIVERSALITY OF ISLAM<o:p /> Within the central principle of Islam and in its definition, (the surrender of one's will to God) lies the roots of Islam's universality. Whenever man comes to the realization that Allah is one and distinct from His creation, and submits himself to Allah, he becomes a Muslim in body and spirit and is eligible for paradise. Thus, anyone at anytime in the most remote region of the world can become a Muslim, a follower of God's religion, Islam, by merely rejecting the worship of creation and by turning to Allah (God) alone. It should be noted however, that the recognition of and submission to Allah requires that one chooses between right and wrong and such a choice implies accountability. Man will be held responsible for his choices, and, as such, he should try his utmost to do good and avoid evil. The ultimate good being the worship of Allah alone and the ultimate evil being the worship of His creation along with or instead of Allah. This fact is expressed in the final revelation as follows:<o:p /> "Verily those who believe, those who follow the Jewish (Scriptures), the Christians and the Sabians any who believe In Allah and the last day, and work righteousness *hall have their reward with their Lord; They will not be overcome by fear nor grief <a href="http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/002.qmt.html#002.062">(Qurâ€™an 2:62).</a><o:p /> If only they had stood by the law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. There Is from among them a party on the right course; but many of them follow a course that is evil". <a href="http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/005.qmt.html#005.066">(Qurâ€™an 5:66)</a><o:p /> <o:p> </o:p> RECOGNITION OF ALLAH<o:p /> The question which arises here is, "How can all people be expected to believe in Allah given their varying- backgrounds, societies and cultures? For people to be responsible for worshipping Allah they all have to have access to knowledge of Allah. The final revelation teaches that all mankind have the recognition of Allah imprinted on their souls, a part of their very nature with which they are created.<o:p /> In the <a href="http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/007.qmt.html#007.172">Qurâ€™an 172-173;</a> Allah explained that when He created Adam, He caused all of Adam's descendants to come into existence and took a pledge from them saying, Am I not your Lord? To which they all replied, " Yes, we testify to It:'<o:p /> Allah then explained why He had all of mankind bear witness that He is their creator and only true God worthy of worship. He said, "That was In case you (mankind) should say on the day of Resurrection, "Verily we were unaware of all this." That is to say, we had no idea that You Allah, were our God. No one told us that we were only supposed to worship You alone. Allah went on to explain that it was also In case you should say, "Certainly It was our ancestors who made partners (With Allah) and we are only their descendants; will You then destroy us for what those liars did?" Thus, every child is born with a natural belief in Allah and an inborn inclination to worship Him alone called in Arabic the "Fitrah".<o:p /> Prophets were sent, as was earlier mentioned, to every nation and tribe to support man's natural belief in Allah and man's inborn inclination to worship Him as well as to reinforce the divine truth in the daily signs revealed by Allah. Although, in most cases, much of the prophets' teachings became distorted, portions remained which point out right and wrong. Consequently, every soul will be held to account for its belief in Allah and its acceptance of the religion of Islam; the total submission to the will of Allah.<o:p /> We pray to Allah, the exalted, to keep us on the right path to which He has guided us, and to bestow on us a blessing from Him, He is indeed the Most Merciful. Praise and gratitude be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be on prophet Muhammad, his Family, his companions, and those who rightly follow them.  <div align="center"> Our Tests We have been told numerous times That the journey to Jannah is not a free ride. Trials and tests we must all face To distinguish between the true and weak-faith. Many give up while on the true path We can see that the weak-hearten never last. True love for Allah always sees us through If you keep making duÃ¢'aa, He'll respond to you. Nay! He is not named Al-Mujeeb for nothing Verily, Allah truly is The Responsive. The plea of His slave, He loves to Hear Surely, can you believe that Allah's not there? Patience is a virtue that must be attained By the Will of Allah, Janna will be gained. With every hardship definitely comes ease Allah's our Witness, Al-Shaheed. Along with patience comes gratitude Allah's The Loving, Al-Wadood. Truly He loves us when we obey If we stick to Islam, we'll never go astray. Tribulations befall those whom Allah loves Passing His tests makes you free like as a dove. To know that you stuck through it with Him Truly Allah Knows all, He's Al-'Aleem!</div> Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1857530 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:43 EST How Does One Become a Muslim http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1853254 How Does One Become a Muslim <h2>Salamun Alykum.</h2> <div>Someone can become a Submitter (Muslim) by declaring "I bear witness that there is no god but God and Muhammad is the messenger of  God" ?!  But, what the Quran says:</div> <div> </div> <div>[12:40] "You do not worship beside Him except innovations that you have made up, you and your parents. GOD has never authorized such idols. All ruling belongs to GOD, and He has ruled that you shall not worship except Him. This is the perfect religion, but most people do not know.</div> <div> </div> <div>[2:131] When his Lord said to him, "Submit," he said, "I submit to the Lord of the universe." <div>[2:132] Moreover, Abraham exhorted his children to do the same, and so did Jacob: "O my children, GOD has pointed out the religion for you; do not die except as submitters." </div></div> <div> </div> <div>For example, Satan believes the existence of God.  Yet, he is not Submitter (Muslim).  He did not submit to the Will of God.  He disobeyed God and refused to serve Adam. </div> <div> </div> <div>[2:34] When we said to the angels, "Fall prostrate before Adam," they fell prostrate, except Satan; he refused, was too arrogant, and a disbeliever.</div> <div> </div> <div>What is the meaning of Submission (Islam) in the context of the Quran?  Isn't it the submission to the Will of God?!  </div> <div> </div> <div>[2:131] When his Lord said to him, "Submit," he said, "I submit to the Lord of the universe."</div> <div> </div> <div>[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.</div> <div> </div> <div>[2:208] O you who believe, you shall embrace total submission; do not follow the steps of Satan, for he is your most ardent enemy.</div> <div> [3:19] The only religion approved by GOD is "Submission." Ironically, those who have received the scripture are the ones who dispute this fact, despite the knowledge they have received, due to jealousy. For such rejectors of GOD's revelations, GOD is most strict in reckoning.</div> <div> [3:85] Anyone who accepts other than Submission as his religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter, he will be with the losers.</div> <div> [4:65] Never indeed, by your Lord; they are not believers unless they come to you to judge in their disputes, then find no hesitation in their hearts whatsoever in accepting your judgment. They must submit a total submission. [6:125] Whomever GOD wills to guide, He renders his chest wide open to Submission. And whomever He wills to send astray, He renders his chest intolerant and straitened, like one who climbs towards the sky. GOD thus places a curse upon those who refuse to believe. [16:120] Abraham was indeed an exemplary vanguard in his submission to GOD, a monotheist who never worshiped idols.</div> <div> [39:22] If GOD renders one's heart content with Submission, he will be following a light from his Lord. Therefore, woe to those whose hearts are hardened against GOD's message; they have gone far astray.</div> <div> [49:17] They act as if they are doing you a favor by embracing Submission! Say, "You are not doing me any favors by embracing Submission. GOD is the One who is doing you a great favor by guiding you to the faith, if you are sincere."</div> <div> [61:7] Who is more evil than one who fabricates lies about GOD, and he is being invited to Submission? GOD does not guide the evil people. </div> <div> </div> <div>How can some one bear witness that there is no god but God without submitting to God?!  The Quran teaches us this concept very clearly:  "I submit to the Lord of the universe."  [aslamtu lirabbi alAAalameena] </div> <div> </div> <div> <div>[2:112] Indeed, those who submit themselves absolutely to GOD alone, while leading a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.</div></div> <h2> </h2><h2>[2:131] When his Lord said to him, "Submit," he said, "I submit to the Lord of the universe." <div>[2:132] Moreover, Abraham exhorted his children to do the same, and so did Jacob: "O my children, GOD has pointed out the religion for you; do not die except as submitters." </div></h2> <div>[40:66] Say, "I have been enjoined from worshiping the idols you worship beside GOD, when the clear revelations came to me from my Lord. I was commanded to submit to the Lord of the universe."</div> <div> </div> <div>The Quran also gives us numerous examples how to be a Submitter (Muslim).</div> <div> </div> <div>[3:20] If they argue with you, then say, "I have simply submitted myself to GOD; I and those who follow me." You shall proclaim to those who received the scripture, as well as those who did not, "Would you submit?" If they submit, then they have been guided, but if they turn away, your sole mission is to deliver this message. GOD is Seer of all people.</div> <h2>[3:43] "O Mary, you shall submit to your Lord, and prostrate and bow down with those who bow down."</h2> <div> <h2>[4:65] Never indeed, by your Lord; they are not believers unless they come to you to judge in their disputes, then find no hesitation in their hearts whatsoever in accepting your judgment. They must submit a total submission.</h2></div> <div> <h2>[4:125] Who is better guided in his religion than one who submits totally to GOD, leads a righteous life, according to the creed of Abraham: monotheism? GOD has chosen Abraham as a beloved friend.</h2></div> <div> <h2>[4:172] The Messiah would never disdain from being a servant of GOD, nor would the closest angels. Those who disdain from worshiping Him, and are too arrogant to submit, He will summon them all before Him.</h2></div> <div> <h2>[6:71] Say, "Shall we implore, beside GOD, what possesses no power to benefit us or hurt us, and turn back on our heels after GOD has guided us? In that case, we would join those possessed by the devils, and rendered utterly confused, while their friends try to save them: `Stay with us on the right path.' " Say, "GOD's guidance is the right guidance. We are commanded to submit to the Lord of the universe.</h2></div> <div> <h2>[6:163] "He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit."</h2></div> <div> <h2>[11:14] If they fail to meet your challenge, then know that this is revealed with GOD's knowledge, and that there is no god except He. Will you then submit?</h2></div> <div> <h2>[11:88] He said, "O my people, what if I have solid proof from my Lord; what if He has provided me with a great blessing? It is not my wish to commit what I enjoin you from. I only wish to correct as many wrongs as I can. My guidance depends totally on GOD; I have put my trust in Him. To Him I have totally submitted.</h2> <h2>[16:28] The angels put them to death in a state of wronging their souls. That is when they finally submit, and say, "We did not do anything wrong!" Yes indeed. GOD is fully aware of everything you have done.</h2></div> <div> <h2>[16:81] And GOD provided for you shade through things which He created, and provided for you shelters in the mountains, and provided for you garments that protect you from heat, and garments that protect when you fight in wars. He thus perfects His blessings upon you, that you may submit.</h2></div> <div> <h2>[16:87] They will totally submit to GOD on that day, and the idols they had invented will disown them.</h2> <h2>[21:108] Proclaim, "I have been given divine inspiration that your god is one god. Will you then submit?"</h2> <div> <h2>[22:34] For each congregation we have decreed rites whereby they commemorate the name of GOD for providing them with the livestock. Your god is one and the same god; you shall all submit to Him. Give good news to the obedient.</h2></div> <div> <h2>[27:44] She was told, "Go inside the palace." When she saw its interior, she thought it was a pool of water, and she (pulled up her dress,) exposing her legs. He said, "This interior is now paved with crystal." She said, "My Lord, I have wronged my soul. I now submit with Solomon to GOD, Lord of the universe."</h2> <h2>[30:31] You shall submit to Him, reverence Him, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and - whatever you do - do not ever fall into idol worship.</h2></div></div> <div> <h2>[31:15] If they try to force you to set up any idols beside Me, do not obey them. But continue to treat them amicably in this world. You shall follow only the path of those who have submitted to Me. Ultimately, you all return to Me, then I will inform you of everything you have done.</h2> <h2>[31:22] Those who submit completely to GOD, while leading a righteous life, have gotten hold of the strongest bond. For GOD is in full control of all things.</h2> <h2>[34:10] We endowed David with blessings from us: "O mountains, submit with him, and you too, O birds." We softened the iron for him.</h2> <h2>[37:103] They both submitted, and he put his forehead down (to sacrifice him).</h2> <div>[42:10] If you dispute any part of this message, the judgment for doing this rests with GOD. Such is GOD my Lord. In Him I trust, and to Him I submit.</div> <div> </div> <div>[42:13] He decreed for you the same religion decreed for Noah, and what we inspired to you, and what we decreed for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: "You shall uphold this one religion, and do not divide it." The idol worshipers will greatly resent what you invite them to do. GOD redeems to Himself whomever He wills; He guides to Himself only those who totally submit.</div> <div> </div> <div>[48:16] Say to the sedentary Arabs who stay behind, "You will be invited to face powerful people and to fight them, unless they submit. If you obey, GOD will reward you with a generous recompense. But if you turn away again, as you did in the past, He will requite you with a painful retribution. "</div> <div> </div> <div>The logic is very simple.  We need to submit to the Lord of the Universe before we bear witness that we are Submitters (Muslim).  </div> <div> </div> </div>[3:52] When Jesus sensed their disbelief, he said, "Who are my supporters towards GOD?" The disciples said, "We are GOD's supporters; we believe in GOD, and bear witness that we are submitters." <h2>[3:64] Say, "O followers of the scripture, let us come to a logical agreement between us and you: that we shall not worship except GOD; that we never set up any idols besides Him, nor set up any human beings as lords beside GOD." If they turn away, say, "Bear witness that we are submitters."</h2> <h2>[5:111] "Recall that I inspired the disciples: `You shall believe in Me and My messenger.' They said, `We have believed, and bear witness that we are submitters.' "</h2> <div>And, we need to submit to the Lord of the Universe before we bear witness that there is no god but God.</div> <div> </div> <div>[2:163] Your god is one god; there is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.</div> <div> [3:2] GOD: there is no god except He; the Living, the Eternal.</div> <div> [3:18] GOD bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge. Truthfully and equitably, He is the absolute god; there is no god but He, the Almighty, Most Wise.</div> <div> [3:62] Absolutely, this is the narration of the truth. Absolutely, there is no god except GOD. Absolutely, GOD is the Almighty, Most Wise.</div> <div> [4:87] GOD: there is no god except He. He will surely summon you on the Day of Resurrection - the inevitable day. Whose narration is more truthful than GOD's?</div> <div> [5:73] Pagans indeed are those who say that GOD is a third of a trinity. There is no god except the one god. Unless they refrain from saying this, those who disbelieve among them will incur a painful retribution.</div> <div> [6:102] Such is GOD your Lord, there is no god except He, the Creator of all things. You shall worship Him alone. He is in control of all things.</div> <div> [6:106] Follow what is revealed to you from your Lord, there is no god except He, and disregard the idol worshipers.</div> <div> [7:158] Say, "O people, I am GOD's messenger to all of you. To Him belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. There is no god except He. He controls life and death." Therefore, you shall believe in GOD and His messenger, the gentile prophet, who believes in GOD and His words. Follow him, that you may be guided.</div> <div> [9:31] They have set up their religious leaders and scholars as lords, instead of GOD. Others deified the Messiah, son of Mary. They were all commanded to worship only one god. There is no god except He. Be He glorified, high above having any partners.</div> <div> [10:90] We delivered the Children of Israel across the sea. Pharaoh and his troops pursued them, aggressively and sinfully. When drowning became a reality for him, he said, "I believe that there is no god except the One in whom the Children of Israel have believed; I am a submitter."</div> <div> [11:14] If they fail to meet your challenge, then know that this is revealed with GOD's knowledge, and that there is no god except He. Will you then submit?</div> <div> [13:30] We have sent you to this community, just as we did for other communities in the past. You shall recite to them what we reveal to you, for they have disbelieved in the Most Gracious. Say, "He is my Lord. There is no god except He. I put my trust in Him alone; to Him is my ultimate destiny."</div> <div> [21:25] We did not send any messenger before you except with the inspiration: "There is no god except Me; you shall worship Me alone."</div> <div> [21:87] And Zan-Noon (Jonah, "the one with an `N' in his name"), abandoned his mission in protest, thinking that we could not control him. He ended up imploring from the darkness (of the big fish's belly): "There is no god other than You. Be You glorified. I have committed a gross sin."</div> <div> [40:62] Such is GOD your Lord, the Creator of all things. There is no god except He. How could you deviate?</div> <div> [40:65] He is the Living; there is no god except He. You shall worship Him alone, devoting your religion absolutely to Him alone. Praise be to GOD, Lord of the universe. </div> <div> </div> <div>Please note that none of the above verses requires us to bear witness the messenger-ship of Muhammad.  </div> <div> </div> <div>[63:1] When the hypocrites come to you they say, "We bear witness that you are the messenger of GOD." GOD knows that you are His messenger, and GOD bears witness that the hypocrites are liars.</div> <div> </div> <div>As Submitters (Muslims) , we are required to believe in all the messengers of God including Muhammad, without making distinction among them.  And, that is the Will of God.</div> <div> </div> <div>[2:136] Say, "We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and all the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters."</div> <div> [2:285] The messenger has believed in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and so did the believers. They believe in GOD, His angels, His scripture, and His messengers: "We make no distinction among any of His messengers." They say, "We hear, and we obey. Forgive us, our Lord. To You is the ultimate destiny."</div> <div> [3:84] Say, "We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters."</div> <div> [4:152] As for those who believe in GOD and His messengers, and make no distinction among them, He will grant them their recompense. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.</div> <div> </div> <div>How can some one become a Submitter (Muslim) by  going against the Will of God, uttering a corrupt  Shahadah which is "I bear witness that there is no deity (none truly to be worshiped) but, Allah, and I bear witness that Mohammad is the messenger of Allah"?!  Is this mandated in the Quran?!  </div> <div> </div> <div>[4:43] O you who believe, do not observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) while intoxicated, so that you know what you are saying. Nor after sexual orgasm without bathing, unless you are on the road, traveling; if you are ill or traveling, or you had urinary or fecal-related excretion (such as gas), or contacted the women (sexually), and you cannot find water, you shall observe Tayammum (dry ablution) by touching clean dry soil, then wiping your faces and hands therewith. GOD is Pardoner, Forgiver.</div> <div> [5:6] O you who believe, when you observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), you shall: (1) wash your faces, (2) wash your arms to the elbows, (3) wipe your heads, and (4) wash your feet to the ankles. If you were unclean due to sexual orgasm, you shall bathe. If you are ill, or traveling, or had any digestive excretion (urinary, fecal, or gas), or had (sexual) contact with the women, and you cannot find water, you shall observe the dry ablution (Tayammum) by touching clean dry soil, then rubbing your faces and hands. GOD does not wish to make the religion difficult for you; He wishes to cleanse you and to perfect His blessing upon you, that you may be appreciative.</div> <div> </div> <div>And, how about adopting an Arabic name before becoming a Submitter (Muslim)?!  What are we learning from the following verse?! </div> <div> </div> <div>[33:5] You shall give your adopted children names that preserve their relationship to their genetic parents. This is more equitable in the sight of GOD. If you do not know their parents, then, as your brethren in religion, you shall treat them as members of your family. You do not commit a sin if you make a mistake in this respect; you are responsible for your purposeful intentions. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.</div> <div> </div> <div>Thank you and may God guide us,Abdullah Abd-Al-Malik </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div align="center"><a name="62" rel="nofollow"> [33:62] </a>God's Sunnah is unchangeable </div> <div align="center">[39:23] The Quran is the best Hadith</div> <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.masjidtu cson.org/ quran/</a></div> Personal http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1853254 Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:02 EST WHY ARE MUSLIMS DIVIDED INTO SECTS / DIFFERENT S.. http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1851199 WHY ARE MUSLIMS DIVIDED INTO SECTS / DIFFERENT SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT?             Question: When all the Muslim follow one and the same Qurâ€™an then why are there so many sects and different schools of thoughts among Muslims? Answer: 1.   Muslims Should be United             It is a fact that Muslims today, are divided amongst themselves. The tragedy is that such divisions are not endorsed by Islam at all. Islam believes in fostering unity amongst its followers. The Glorious Qurâ€™an says: "And hold fast, All together, by the rope Which Allah (stretches out for you),  and be not divided among yourselves;" [Al-Qurâ€™an 3:103] Which is the rope of Allah that is being referred to in this verse? It is the Glorious Qurâ€™an. The Glorious Qurâ€™an is the rope of Allah which all Muslims should hold fast together. There is double emphasis in this verse. Besides saying â€˜hold fast all togetherâ€™ it also says, â€˜be not dividedâ€™. Qurâ€™an further says, "Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger" [Al-Qurâ€™an 4:59] All the Muslim should follow the Qurâ€™an and authentic Ahadith and be not divided among themselves. 2.   It is Prohibited to make sects and divisions in Islam The Glorious Qurâ€™an says: "As for those who divide Their religion and break up Into sects, thou hast No part in them in the least Their affair is with Allah: He will in the end Tell them the truth Of all that they did."  [Al-Qurâ€™an 6:159] In this verse Allah (swt) says that one should disassociate oneself from those who divide their religion and break it up into sects. But when one asks a Muslim, "who are you?", the common answer is either   â€˜I am a Sunni, or â€˜I am a Shiaâ€™. Some call themselves Hanafi, or Shafi or Maliki or Humbali. Some say â€˜I am a Deobandiâ€™, while some others say â€˜I am a Barelviâ€™. 3.   Our Prophet was a Muslim One may ask such Muslims, "Who was our beloved prophet (pbuh)? Was he a Hanafi or a Shafi, or a Humbali or a Maliki?" No! He was a Muslim, like all the other prophets and messengers of Allah before him. It is mentioned in chapter 3 verse 52 of Al-Qurâ€™an that Jesus (pbuh) was a Muslim. Further, in chapter 3 verse 67, Al-Qurâ€™an says that Ibrahim (pbuh) was not a Jew or a Christian but was a Muslim. 4.   Qurâ€™an says call yourselves Muslim a.      If anyone poses a Muslim the question who are you, he should say "I am a MUSLIM, not a Hanafi or a Shafi". Surah Fussilat chapter 41 verse 33 says "Who is better in speech Than one who calls (men) To Allah, works righteousness,  And says, â€˜I am of those Who bow in Islam (Muslim)?â€™ [Al-Qurâ€™an 41:33] The Qurâ€™an says "Say I am of those who bow in Islam". In other words, say, "I am a Muslim". b.      The Prophet (pbuh) dictated letters to non-Muslim kings and rulers inviting them to accept Islam. In these letters he mentioned the verse of the Qurâ€™an from Surah Ali Imran chapter 3 verse 64: Say ye: "Bear witness That we (at least) Are Muslims (bowing To Allahâ€™s Will)."  [Al-Qurâ€™an 3:64] 5.   Respect all the Great Scholars of Islam We must respect all the great scholars of Islam, including the four Imaams, Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafi, Imam Humbal and Imam Malik (may Allah be pleased with them all). They were great scholars and may Allah reward them for their research and hardwork. One can have no objection if someone agrees with the views and research of Imam Abu Hanifa or Imam Shafi, etc. But when posed a question, â€˜who are you?â€™, the reply should only be â€˜I am a Muslimâ€™. 6.   Some may argue by quoting the hadith of our beloved Prophet from Sunan Abu Dawood Hadith No. 4579. In this hadith the prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said, "My community will be split up into seventy-three sects." This hadith reports that the prophet predicted the emergence of seventy-three sects. He did not say that Muslims should be active in dividing themselves into sects. The Glorious Qurâ€™an commands us not to create sects. Those who follow the teachings of the Qurâ€™an and Sahih Hadith, and do not create sects are the people who are on the true path. According to Tirmidhi Hadith No. 171, the prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said, "My Ummah will be fragmented into seventy-three sects, and all of them will be in Hell fire except one sect." The companions asked Allahâ€™s messenger which group that would be. Where upon he replied, "It is the one to which I and my companions belong." The Glorious Qurâ€™an mentions in several verses, "Obey Allah and obey His Messenger". A true Muslim should only follow the Glorious Qurâ€™an and the Sahih Hadith. He can agree with the views of any scholar as long as they conform to the teachings of the Qurâ€™an and Sahih Hadith. If such views go against the Word of Allah, or the Sunnah of His Prophet, then they carry no weight, regardless of how learned the scholar might be. If only all Muslims read the Qurâ€™an with understanding and adhere to Sahih Hadith, Inshallah most of these differences would be solved and we could be one united Muslim Ummah Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1851199 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:14 EST THE SEED WITHIN .... http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1851072 <pre><pre><pre><pre><pre><pre><pre> The Seed Within . . . An infantile seed, carried by the wind, whirls around until reaching its final goal. Its roots extend and then take firm hold, embedded deeply within the nourishing soil. Hence springs forth, for all eyes to behold, the glorious vision of a grand sycamore. Indeed is the Plan, the best of Designs, Decreed by the Wisdom of our Mighty Lord. Each creation carries its own seed within, following along a similar course. A miniscule entity may be our start, ahead of us, great things may be in store. The outcome of our seed is yet to be seen. That which we reap proceeds from what we sow. Indeed is the Plan, the best of Designs, Decreed by the Wisdom of our Great Creator. </pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre> Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1851072 Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:57 EST The Virtues of the Hijab http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1846654 <div align="center" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif;"><img src="http://www.albalagh.net/_images/bismillah.gif" /> <center style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif;">In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate</center> <center style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif;"> </center> <center style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif;"><img height="43" width="253" src="http://tiere.freepage.de/mpatria/assalam.gif" style="height: 43px;" /></center> <div align="center" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif;">"May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon You"</div> <div style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif;"> </div> <div align="center" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif;">Praise be to Allah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.</div> <div style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif;">  <hr /> </div> <div style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif;">Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah</div> <div style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif;">As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu</div> The Virtues of Hijab</div> <div align="left" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif;"> </div> 1. An act of obedience. <div align="left" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif;">The hijab is an act of obedience to Allah and to his prophet (pbuh), Allah says in the Qur'an: `It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His messenger have decreed a matter that they should have an option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, has indeed strayed in a plain error.' (S33:36). Allah also said: 'And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc) and not to show off their adornment except what must (ordinarily) appear thereof, that they should draw their veils over their Juyubihinna. '(S24:31). 2.The Hijab is IFFAH (Modesty). Allah (subhana wa'atala) made the adherence to the hijab a manifestation for chastity and modesty. Allah says: 'O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested.' (S33:59). In the above Ayaah there is an evidence that the recognition of the apparent beauty of the woman is harmful to her. When the cause of attraction ends, the restriction is removed. This is illustrated in the case of elderly women who may have lost every aspect of attraction. Allah (swt) made it permissible for them to lay aside their outer garments and expose their faces and hands reminding, however, that is still better for them to keep their modesty. 3. The hijab is Tahara (Purity) Allah (swt) had shown us the hikma (wisdom) behind the legislation of the hijab: `And when you ask them (the Prophet's wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and their hearts.' (S33:53). The hijab makes for greater purity for the hearts of believing men and women because it screens against the desire of the heart. Without the hijab, the heart may or may not desire. That is why the heart is more pure when the sight is blocked (by hijab) and thus the prevention of fitna (evil actions is very much manifested. The hijab cuts off the ill thoughts and the greed of the sick hearts: `Be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner.' (S33:32) 4. The hijab is a Shield The prophet (pbuh) said: "Allah, Most High, is Heaven, is Ha'yeii (Bashful), Sit'teer (Shielder). He loves Haya' (Bashfulness) and Sitr (Shielding; Covering)." The Prophet (pbuh) also said: "Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's house (to show off for unlawful purposes), has broken Allah's shield upon her. " The hadith demonstrates that depending upon the kind of action committed there will be either reward (if good) or punishment (if bad). 5. The hijab is Taqwah (Righteousness) Allah (swt) says in the Qur'an: O children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better.'(S7:26). The widespread forms of dresses in the world today are mostly for show off and hardly taken as a cover and shield of the woman's body. To the believing women, however the purpose is to safeguard their bodies and cover their private parts as a manifestation of the order of Allah. It is an act of Taqwah (righteousness) . 6. The hijab is Eemaan (Belief or Faith) Allah (swt) did not address His words about the hijab except to the believing women, Al-Mo'minat. In many cases in the Qur'an Allah refers to the "the believing women". Aisha (RA), the wife of the prophet (pbuh), addressed some women from the tribe of Banu Tameem who came to visit her and had light clothes on them, they were improperly dressed: "If indeed you are believing women, then truly this is not the dress of the believing women, and if you are not believing women, then enjoy it." 7. The hijab is Haya' (Bashfulness) There are two authentic hadith which state: "Each religion has a morality and the morality of Islam is haya'" AND "Bashfulness is from belief, and belief is in Al-Jannah (paradise)". </div> The hijab fits the natural bashfulness which is a part of the nature of women. 8. The hijab is Gheerah The hijab fits the natural feeling of Gheerah, which is intrinsic in the straight man who does not like people to look at his wife or daughters. Gheerah is a driving emotion that drives the straight man to safeguard women who are related to him from strangers. The straight MUSLIM man has Gheerah for ALL MUSLIM women In response to lust and desire, men look (with desire) at other women while they do not mind that other men do the same to their wives or daughters. The mixing of sexes and absence of hijab destroys the Gheera in men. Islam considers Gheerah an integral part of faith. The dignity of the wife or daughter or any other Muslim woman must be highly respected and defended. Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1846654 Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:03 EST THE HOLY QUARAN http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1841122 <pre><pre><pre><pre><pre> THE HOLY QUARAN <pre>A Book that is full of answers, A Book that makes you cry. A Book that makes you notice, How much harder you can try. A Book that makes you realize, What true love really is... A Book that gives you direction, for all of lifeâ€™s tough biz. A Book that gives you hope, that Someone somewhere is watching over you. A Book that helps you out, Through all the times your blue. A Book that was revealed to our beloved Prophet(SAWS), over a period of 23 years Once you put faith into this Book, You can handle worldly fears. A gift sent down from Heaven, A treasure from above, Written proof that shows us How blessed we are with Allah(SWTâ€™s) love! </pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre> Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1841122 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:15 EST Liberation by the Veil http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1841027  Liberation by the VeilModesty and chastity , very important ideologies with Islam, are achieved by prescribing standards on behavior and the dress of a Muslim. A woman who adheres to the tenets of Islam is required to follow the dress code called Hijab, other synonyms are Veil, Purdah, or just Covering. It is an act of faith and establishes a Muslim's life with honor, respect and dignity. The Hijab is viewed as a liberation for women, in that the covering brings about "an aura of respect" (Takim, 22) and women are recognized as individuals who are admired for their mind and personality, "not for their beauty or lack of it" ( Mustafa ) and not as sex objects. Contrary to popular belief, the covering of the Muslim woman is not oppression but a liberation from the shackles of male scrutiny and the standards of attractiveness. In Islam, a woman is free to be who she is inside, and immune from being portrayed as sex symbol and lusted after. Islam exalts the status of a woman by commanding that she "enjoys equal rights to those of man in everything, she stands on an equal footing with man " (Nadvi, 11) and both share mutual rights and obligations in all aspects of life. Men and women though equal are not identical, and each compliments the other in the different roles and functions that they are responsible to. " From an Islamic perspective, to view a woman as a sex symbol is to denigrate her. Islam believes that a woman is to be judged by her [virtuous] character and actions rather than by her looks or physical features" (Takim, 22). In the article, "My Body Is My Own Business", Ms. Naheed Mustafa , a young Canadian born and raised, university-educated Muslim woman writes, "The Quran [ which is the Holy Book for Muslims] teaches us that men and women are equal, that individuals should not be judged according to gender, beauty, wealth or privilege. The only thing that makes one person better than another is his or her character." She goes on to say, "In the Western world, the hijab has come to symbolize either forced silence or radical, unconscionable militancy. Actually, its neither. It is simply a woman's assertion that judgment of her physical person is to play no role whatsoever in social interaction." Muslims believe that God gave beauty to all women, but that her beauty is not be seen by the world, as if the women are meat on the shelf to be picked and looked over. When she covers herself she puts herself on a higher level and men will look at her with respect and she is noticed for her intellect , faith ,and personality, not for her beauty. In many societies, especially in the West, women are taught from early childhood that their worth is proportional to their attractiveness and are compelled to follow the male standards of beauty and abstract notions of what is attractive, half realizing that such pursuit is futile and often humiliating (Mustafa). Chastity , modesty, and piety are promoted by the institution of veiling. The hijab in no way prevents a woman from playing her role as an important individual in a society nor does it make her inferior." (Takim,22) A Muslim woman may wear whatever she pleases in the presence of her husband and family or among women friends. But when she goes out or when men other than her husband or close family are present she is expected to wear a dress which will cover [her hair and] all parts of her body , and not reveal her figure. What a contrast with Western fashions which every year concentrate quite intentionally on exposing yet another erogenous zone to the public gaze! The intention of Western dress is to reveal the figure, while the intention of Muslim dress is to conceal [and cover] it, at least in public (Lemu,25). The Muslim woman does not feel the pressures to be beautiful or attractive, which is so apparent in the Western and Eastern cultures. She does not have to live up to expectations of what is desirable and what is not. Superficial beauty is not the Muslim woman's concern, her main goal is inner spiritual beauty. She does not have to use her body and charms to get recognition or acceptance in society. It is very different from the cruel methods that other societies subject women, in that their worth is always judged by their physical appearance. The are numerous examples of discrimination at the workplace where women are either accepted or rejected, because of their attractiveness and sex appeal. Another benefit of adorning the veil is that it is a protection for women. Muslims believe that when women display their beauty to everybody, they degrade themselves by becoming objects of sexual desire and become vulnerable to men, who look at them as " gratification for the sexual urge"(Nadvi,8). The Hijab makes them out as women belonging to the class of modest chaste women, so that transgressors and sensual men may recognize them as such and dare not tease them out of mischief" (Nadvi, 20). Hijab solves the problem of sexual harassment and unwanted sexual advances, which is so demeaning for women, when men get mixed signals and believe that women want their advances by the way they reveal their bodies. The western ideology of, 'if you have it, you should flash it!' is quite opposite to the Islamic principle, where the purpose is not to bring attention to ones self, but to be modest. Women in so many societies are just treated as s ex symbols and nothing more than just a body who "display themselves to get attention" (Mustafa). A good example is in advertising, where a woman's body is used to sell products. Women are constantly degraded, and subjected to reveal more and more of themselves. . The Covering sanctifies her and forces society to hold her in high esteem. Far from humiliating the woman, Hijab actually grants the woman an aura of respect, and bestows upon her a separate and unique identity (Takim, 2). According to the Qu'ran, the same high standards of moral conduct are for men as it is for women. Modesty is essential in a man's life, as well, whether it be in action, morals or speech. Islam also commands proper behavior and dress of men, in that they are not allowed to make a wanton show of their bodies to attract attention onto themselves, and they too must dress modestly. They have a speci al commandment to lower their eyes, and not to brazenly stare at women. In Sura Nur of the Holy Qu'ran it says, " Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them, and God is well acquainted with what they do". Many of the misconceptions of the Muslim woman in the west, particularly her veil stems from Arab and Muslim countries that have deviated from the true doctrines of Islam, and have " mixed up Islamic principles with pre-Islamic pagan traditions" (Bahnassawi, 67) In this present period of decline from Islam, many Muslim women are alienated , isolated from social life, and are oppressed by Muslim men and rulers who use the name of religion for their injustices. (Bahnassawi, 65) In this instance, the Hijab is used as a means of keeping many Muslim women away from society, with the misconception that it signifies isolation and weakness. But as many Muslim women come back into the fold of the untainted and true Islam, they are able to recognize the injustice of men who have for so long stripped them of their rights to be an integral part of society and "deserving the same dignity, honor, progress and prosperity as the men" (Nadvi,26). Women regaining their true identity and role in society, are now wearing Hijab and embracing its concept of liberation for women, and are taking their rightful places that Islam had endowed upon them fourteen hundred years ago. Please feel free to copy this and distribute  to whoever can benefit from this subject. Thank you, peace and blessings of Allah to all my brothers and sisters in Islam, Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1841027 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 05:53 EST ISLAM http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1831313 <center>ISLAM</center> <center>Islam is a way of life, try it. </center> <center>Islam is a gift, accept it.</center> <center>Islam is a journey, complete it.</center> <center>Islam is a struggle, fight for it.</center> <center>Islam is a goal, achieve it.</center> <center>Islam is an opportunity, take it.</center> <center>Islam is not for sinners, overcome it.</center> <center>Islam is not a game, don't play with it.</center> <center>Islam is not a mystery, behold it.</center> <center>Islam is not for cowards, face it.</center> <center>Islam is not for the dead, live it.</center> <center>Islam is a promise, fulfill it.</center> <center>Islam is a duty, perform it.</center> <center>Islam is a treasure (the Prayer), pray it.</center> <center>Islam is a beautiful way of life, see it.</center> <center>Islam has a message for you, hear it.</center> <center>Islam is love , love it.</center> Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1831313 Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:47 EST YA ALLAH http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1831310 <center> YA ALLAH</center>  <center>All praises are for you Allah, how I hope that you are there.</center> <center>For sinful though I know I am, your displeasure I can not bear.</center> <center> Never, till this moment, did I realize how much I've strayed.</center> <center> Never, till now, was I more conscious of all those times when I should have prayed.</center> <center> For sins are like heavy baggage, that one carries through Life, the airport.</center> <center> Why didn't I realize sooner, that Earth is but a place of sport? </center><center> Ya Allah ! Forgive me. Save me from the fire of Hell.<center> Forgive me as you did my parents, from Jan'ah though they fell.</center> <center>Ya Allah ! Protect me. From myself for my soul is weak.</center> <center> Let me not falter ever, for Jan'ah is the abode I seek.</center> <center>Ya, Allah! Please help me. For I don't understand and thus, I fear.</center> <center> What happened to all those moments when I never doubted that you were near ?</center> <center> My actions once were guided, by my faith which, once, was strong.</center> <center> Ya Allah! please guide me . What happened, what went wrong ?</center> <center> Each footstep that I used to take, I took with you ever near my side.</center> <center> The Quran was my faithful companion, Rasoolallah my beloved guide.</center> <center>How I yearn for those bygone days Allah, for I know that the day comes near</center> <center>When we'll each receive our just rewards, and Truth will stand sparkling clear.</center> <center> Life is like a spider's web Allah. We get caught in its tricky snare</center> <center>So thoroughly are we disillusioned, time for salat we can not spare.</center> <center> I sit here and I wonder, Ya Allah! Why did I fall so low ?</center> <center> What happened to my faith Allah? Where did my Iman go?</center> <center> In this earthly life of ours, so often does sin seem right.</center> <center>Falsehood seems to be the truth, as if days are confused with night.</center> <center>Man is an imperfect creature. And thus, Man shall always wrong.</center> <center>For the road to Jan'ah is rocky, and the journey seems awfully long.</center> <center>Ya Allah ! Our creator, we are all just pieces of clay.</center> <center>Please help us with our steps in life, and let us not lose our way.</center><center> All praises are for you Allah, I know that you are near.</center> <center> I know that you have read my heart, and my words I know you hear.</center></center>  Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1831310 Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:41 EST I am a Muslim http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1830109   I am a Muslim I am a Muslim And God I praise For all his blessings My voice I raise In one God I believe No equal has He Lord of the universe Compassionate to me Muhammad the Prophet Taught me the way To be honest and truthful Throughout everyday The Holy Qur'an To life is my guide Its teachings I follow By it I abide Islam is my religion Preaches good deeds Mercy and Kindness To the right path it leads Upon all humanity God showers his grace Regardless of colour Nationality or race Through working together Our hopes increase To live in a world Full of love and peace Full of love and peace I am a Muslim And God I praise For all His blessings My voice I raise WOMEN OF THE VEIL  Her long, thick, shiny black hair Fell against her back. Her rich, copper skin Gleamed in the sunlight. Her slender figure outlined, With her soft voluptuous curves. But when she stepped outside, She became a ghostly figure of the night. Nothing more to the people Than a dark, shadowy figure of oppression. But she showed them. As she walked down the street, People made way, Men lowered their gazes in utmost respect. And others whispered, As she held her head up high, With pride in her belief And showed them how oppressed she really was! While they whistled at their women, Looking them up and down as they were pieces of meat to be inspected? She pitied their savage ways. As she walked into the arms of her partner, Her only love, Her husband. Where she was transformed, Into her beautiful self, For only his eyes to see.  SINCERITY Learn to call on Allah, In the dark, While Riding on a bus, Or sitting in a park Learn to do it when, Alone in a room, Or staying up late, Staring at the moon And if someone boasts about, What he did for Allah, And asks you to tell him, What you did for Allah Just Say, "Why should I tell you" If I did it for Allah?"  Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/AllahsServant/journal/1830109 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:43 EST