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duas to make in Ramadan

For a number of non-Arabic speaking Muslims, Duas are some times perceived as the good Arabic words Imams utter after prayers. They usually resort to simply repeating "Ameen" after everyone else, without understanding what they are asking Allah for.

Other non-Arabic speaking Muslims may try to memorize some of the major Duas in Arabic and can and do understand what's being said. But one thing that's often forgotten about Dua is that it's direct communication with Allah. And Allah is multilingual. He actually created and knows all languages, whether it's the specific dialect of your village back home of the street talk of urban America.

Allah also knows what's hidden in the deep recesses of our hearts. Those feelings of pain, anguish, resentment, love, hatred, bitterness,longing, etc. that we so successfully hide from everyone else, including our closest family members and friends.

So why not let it all out. Why not let Allah be your "therapist". Let your prayer mat be your "couch" while you reveal and ask the One who is in control, Who knows you better than you know yourself, for all that you want in these next ten days and especially, nights, of Ramadan.
There are Duas that are definitely part of the Sunnah which you can and should use during Laylatul Qadr.

For example in this Hadith: It is narrated from Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, that she said: I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the Night of Qadr what should I say?.' He said: 'Say: O Allah you are embodiment of forgiveness and you love to pardon so pardon me.' [Ahmad, Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi]

However, Dua cannot be done in a distracted manner, as the Prophet has said in a Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira: Make Dua and be assured of being answered, and know that Allah does not answer a Dua from a careless heart which is not concentrating (Tirmidhi).

Here are some examples of personal, relevant Duas you can make in these remaining days of Ramadan, Insha Allah (God willing):

1. Oh Allah, please forgive me for all of the bad that I've done, and I continue to do. You are so Merciful and kind, please forgive me, and help me stay away from all that's wrong. It's so hard for me, and I'm so weak but You are the Strong. Please increase me in sincerity.
2. Oh Allah, I beg You, please guide my parents and my sister toward You. Do not let them die without realizing who their Lord is. Let them see the truth and help them resist the pressure of friends who try to turn them away from You.
3. Oh Allah, bless those fine human beings with your bounties whose kind heart reaches out to their Christian neighbors in Pakistan and Muslim neighbors in America.
4. Oh Allah, please guide my neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Curtis, toward You. They are such decent, good people, and they are so good to us. They have never opposed us in our Deen, and You have seen how they have been so open to us. Please guide them to the right path.
5. Oh Allah, make every single aspect of my life be for You and in service of Your Creation. Please remove all false intentions that I have.
6. Oh Allah, save humanity from being its own enemy. Protect Your creation from oppression. Save the people of Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine,Kashmir,and Chechnya from internal and external oppressors and give them justice. Protect us all from violence, fear and danger, You are our Protector.
7. Ya Allah, let me love You as You deserved to be loved, and let me fear You as You deserve to be feared, and let me leave this world serving Your creation for Your sake.
8. Oh Allah, increase me in knowledge, but let this knowledge be with sincerity, not seeking fame, glory, status, material wealth. Let this knowledge serve Your cause in a way that You accept, and let it benefit humanity.
9. Oh Allah, please guide my children and all children. They are surrounded by so much temptation and Haram (forbidden things). Protect them my Lord from all of the evil influences that are around them. Give them friends who will strengthen their faith and help them stay on the Straight Path.
10. Oh Allah, guide me to seek my knowledge of You and this blessed Deen (religion) from those who are sincere, who possess the correct Islamic knowledge, who are moderate and gentle, who are not harsh or impatient with me, and who understand where I'm coming from, my situation as a Muslim in this country, living in this world today.
11. Oh Allah, please help me stay away from Haram in achieving the best of this world.
12. Oh Allah, don't let me ever turn away from You, no matter how many trials and difficulties You test me with. Let these difficulties serve to make me a stronger Muslim and more sincere to You.
13. Oh Allah, bless our scholars and leaders who are striving to establish Islam in this world on the balanced path of Your beloved Prophet.
14. Oh Allah, bless all of those who have taught me about You and Islam, from little Marya at the Islamic school, who taught me the importance of being patient with little kids, to Shaykh Ikram, who, despite his harshness, taught me the importance of speaking the Truth, no matter how much others dislike it.
15. Oh Allah, give me the ability to forgive all those who have hurt me in word and deed, especially my brother ......, who has ignored every attempt I have made to reconcile with him. And please Oh Allah, join our hearts.
16. Oh Allah, please get me out of this horrible debt that is burdening me. Please give me means that are Halal (Islamically permissible) to get out of this as soon as possible, so that I can face You on the Day of Judgment free of all debts.
17. Oh Allah, open a way for my son to marry as soon as possible. Let him marry a sister who is sincere and devoted to You and who is compatible with him.
18. Oh Allah, open a way for my daughter Salma to marry as soon aspossible. Let her marry a brother who is sincere and devoted to You and who is compatible with her.
19. Oh Allah, please grant my friend Ali and his wife Shaheen healthy children. They so badly want children and they Insha Allah would make such great Muslim parents. Please grant them children who will grow up to be a source of Mercy for them.
20. Oh Allah, help orphans and poor wherever they are, but especially right now in Afghanistan. Give me the means and ability to do whatever I can for them.
21. Oh Allah, guide and protect our teenagers who need Your Help and Guidance from all of the temptations of sex, drugs, alcohol and all of the other Harams in our society.
22. Oh Allah, cleanse my heart of the sicknesses of arrogance and pride and let me die as one of the sincere, humble Muslims.
23. Oh Allah, all of my brothers and sisters who are suffering for Your sake through torture, violence, in jails, etc., around the world please forgive their sins and grant them Paradise.
24. Oh Allah, I have been so impatient and angry in my behavior, please give me patience and help me control my anger for Your sake.
25. Oh Allah, open a way for me to make Hajj as soon as possible, so that I can fulfill my obligation to You.
26. Oh Allah, give my sister Lisa patience with her cancer. She is in
so much pain because of her treatments. Please give her patience and let her sickness be a way for her sins to be forgiven.
27. Oh Allah, bless brothers Ali, Mike and Manzoor, who are always at our Masjid working on repairs, cleaning bathrooms or keeping the place clean after everyone else has left a mess.
28. Oh Allah, lift the veils from the eyes of those who have been deceived into seeing Islam as something bad because of ignorance and media stereotypes.
29. Oh Allah, bring all humans closer to You and each other. Please do not make us Muslims a test for them with our misrepresentation of Islam because of our bad behavior.
30. Oh Alah, help me stop my bad habits of eating and talking too much.
31. Oh Allah, please help me give up smoking this year. It's so hard to give up smoking after all of these years, but only You can make it easy.
These duas are being written just as guidelines. No names are real. Please adopt, modify, and write your own Duas. If you like. share those with others in our forums. The point is to get into talking to our Lord directly, in our style, in our language. While talking to Him with our forehead on His earth in Sajdah (prostration), we may reach a point where our words and minds may give way to a reflective heart which may help us talk to our Lord. It is Sajdah (the position
of prostration in prayer)where a servants talks to his Lord.
Please don't say that Allah knows what you need. Yes, He does. But He also loves to hear from you. Consider this Hadith: Abu Huraira related that the Prophet said: Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything (Tirmidhi).

Fasting is Prescribed for You

[2.Surah Al-Baqarah : Ayah 183]


"O you who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil)."

[2.Surah Al-Baqarah : Ayah 184]
"For a certain number of days; but whoever among you is sick or on a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days; and those who are not able to do it may effect a redemption by feeding a poor man; so whoever does good spontaneously it is better for him; and that you fast is better for you if you know."

[2.Surah Al-Baqarah : Ayah 185]


"Whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein, and whoever is sick or upon a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days; Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire for you difficulty, and (He desires) that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of Allah for His having guided you and that you may give thanks."

[2.Surah Al-Baqarah : Ayah 186]


"And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right way."

NON-MUSLIMS NOT ALLOWED IN MAKKAH

It is true that non-Muslims are not allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, by law. The following points will serve to elucidate the possible reasoning behind such a restriction.


1. All citizens are not permitted in the cantonment area
I am a citizen of India. Yet, I am not permitted to enter certain restricted areas like the cantonment. In every country there are certain areas where a common citizen of that country cannot enter. Only a citizen who is enrolled in the military or those who are connected with the defence of the country are allowed in the cantonment area. Similarly Islam is a Universal Religion for the entire world and for all human beings. The cantonment areas of Islam are the two holy cites of Makkah and Madinah. Here only those who believe in Islam and are involved in the defence of Islam i.e. the Muslims are allowed.

It would be illogical for a common citizen to object against the restriction on entering a cantonment area. Similarly it is not appropriate for non-Muslims to object against the restriction on non-Muslims against entering Makkah and Madinah.


2. Visa to enter Makkah and Madinah

1. Whenever a person travels to a foreign country he has to first apply for a visa i.e. the permission to enter that country. Every country has its own rules, regulations and requirements for issuing a visa. Unless their critera are satisfied they will not issue a visa.
2. One of the countries which is very strict in issuing a visa is the United States of America, especially when issuing visas to citizens of the third world. They have several conditions and requirements to be fulfilled before they issue a visa.
3. When I visited Singapore, it was mentioned on their immigration form - death to drug traffickers. If I want to visit Singapore I have to abide by the rules. I cannot say that death penalty is a barbaric punishment. Only if I agree with their requirements and conditions will I be permitted to enter the country.
4. The Visa – The primary condition required for any human being to enter Makkah or Madina is to say with his lips, La ila ha illallah Muhammed ur Rasulullah meaning that ‘there is no God but Allah and Muhammed (pbuh) is His Messenger.’

What The Qur'an Says About Astronomy

1) Big Bang - Creation of the heavens and earth:
"To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth; when He decrees a matter He said to it: "Be"; and it is." (2:117)

2) Stars are fixed to guide the travelers in the land and the sea:
"And it is He who ordained the stars for you that you may be guided thereby in the darkness of the land and the sea." (6:97)

3) Judgment Day:
"One day the Earth will be changed to a different Earth and so will be the Heavens and (men) will be marshalled forth before Allah the One the Irresistible." (14:48)

4) Constellations:
"And verily in the skies We have set constellations and beautified it for beholders." (15:16)

5) Stars and other signs to be used for directions:
"And marks and sign-posts and by the stars, (men) guide themselves." (16:16)

6) Creation of Mankind and Heavens By Allah:
"See they not that Allah Who created the heavens and the earth has power to create the like of them (anew)?...." (17:99)

7) Big Bang:
"Don't the Unbelievers see that the universe was once joined together, then We burst it apart. We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe." (21:30)

8) Sun Moon Stars subjected to His Law:
"If indeed thou ask them who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon (to His Law); they will certainly reply Allah." (29:61)

9) Sun is moving:
"And the suns runs towards its destination (resting place) ...." (36:38)

10) Gaseous state of universe:
"Then He turned to the sky when it had been gas and said to it and the earth, condense willingly or unwillingly. And they said, "We condensed willingly." (41:11)

11) Creation of the heavens and earth, not mere idle play:
"We have not created the heaven and the earth and all that is between them in mere idle play. None of this have We created without an inner truth: but most of them understand it not." (44:38-39)

12) Expansion of the universe:
"And the universe, we constructed with power and skill and verily we are expanding it." (51:47)

13) Sirius (the Mighty Star):
"And He is the Lord of Sirius (the Mighty Star)" (53:49)

14) Space flight:
"O assembly of Jinns and men when you can penetrate regions of the heavens and the earth, then penetrate them! Not without power (or authority) will you be able to pass." (55:33)

15) Other galaxies:
"God is the One Who created seven heavens and of the earth a similar number. The command descends upon them so that you know that God has power over all things and comprehends all things in His knowledge." (65:12)

16) Seven Heavens, Stars, and the skies:
"He Who created the seven heavens, one above another: No want of proportion will you see in the creation of Most Gracious, so turn your face again; Do you see any flaw ....... And We have adorned the lowest heaven with lamps ...." (67:3-5)

17) Seven Heavens:
"See ye not how Allah has created the seven heavens one above another." (71:15)

18) Signs of Qiyamah (Judgment Day):
"When the stars are put out and when the sky is cleft asunder." (77:8-9)

19) Creation of Mankind and Heavens By Allah:
What! are ye the more difficult to create of the heaven (above)? (Allah) has constructed it; On high has He raised its canopy and He has given it order and perfection; Its night dose He endow with darkness and its splendor does He bring out (with light). (79:27-29)

20) Signs of Qiyamah (Judgment Day):
"When the sun is folded up and when the stars loose their lustre." (81:1-2)

21) Planets (Retrograde Motion):
"So verily I call to witness the planets that recede." (81:15)

22) Signs of Qiyamah (Judgment Day):
"When the sky is cleft asunder and the planets are scattered and the oceans are forced to join." (82:1-3)

23) Signs of Qiyamah (Judgment Day):
"When the sky is split asunder and attentive to her lord, and it must do so." (84:1-2)

24) Constellations:
"Consider the sky full of great constellations." (85:1)

25) Moon, Stars, and Planets:
"By the sky and the night-visitant; and what do you know what the night-visitant is? It is the star of piercing brightness." (86:1-3)

26) Sky Raised High:
"And at the Sky how it is raised high?" (88:18)

What The Qur'an Says About Moon

1) Crescent moon as the standard to be used for reckoning of time:
"They ask you about new crescent moons, say they are to mark fixed times for mankind and Hajj." (2:189)

2) Moon is not my Lord:
"When he saw the moon rising in splendor He said: "This is my Lord." but when the moon set he said: Unless my Lord guide me I shall surely be among those who go astray." (6:77)

3) Sun and Moon to be used for reckoning of time:
"And He who made the night for rest and sun and moon for reckoning of time. This is the decree of the Exalted, the All-knowing." (6:96)

4) Sun, moon, and the stars governed by laws:
"Allah is He, who created the sun, the moon, and the stars (all) governed by laws under His commandment." (7:54)

5) Moon is the measure of month:
"The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year) so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred; that is the straight usage.......Verily the transposing (of a prohibited month) is an addition to unbelief: the unbelievers are led to wrong thereby: for they make it lawful one year and forbidden another year in order to adjust the number of months forbidden by Allah and make such forbidden ones lawful. The evil of their course seems pleasing to them. But Allah guideth not those who reject faith." (9:36-37)

6) Sun is source of light and Moon is just light:
"It is He who made sun a lamp, and moon a light and measured stages so you know number of years and count (of time)." (10:5)

7) Joseph's Dream:
"Behold Joseph said to his father: O my father! I did see eleven stars and the sun and the moon: I saw them prostrate themselves to me!"

8) Sun and moon continue in an orbit to their destiny:
"Allah is He who raised heavens without pillars that you can see; Then He established Himself on the throne; And He subjected the sun and the moon (to his law); each one runs its course for a term appointed." (13:2)

9) Allah created Sun and moon, and He made them subject to you:
"It is Allah Who hath created the heavens and the earth and sendeth down rain from the skies......... He has made subject to you, the night and the day; the sun and the moon; and the stars in subjection by His command." (14:32-33)

10) Day and night, sun and moon, and stars made for you:
"He has made subject to you, the night and the day; the sun and the moon; and the stars in subjection by His command." (16:12)

11) Sun bright - Moon dark (no light):
"We made night and day two signs. The sign of night we made dark and sign of day we made bright. That ye may seek bounty from your lord and ye may know number of years and count (of time)." (17:12)

12) Orbits of celestial bodies:
"It is He who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon, all (the celestial bodies) swim along, each in its orbit." (21:33)

13) All things bow down to Allah:
"See you not that to Allah bow down in worship all things in the heavens and on earth, the sun, the moon, the stars." (22:18)

14) Moon is reflected light of the sun:
"Blessed is He who made constellations in the skies, and placed therein a lamp and a moon reflecting light (25:61)

15) Sun and moon continue in an orbit to their destiny:
"See you not Allah merges night into day and day into night; And subjected the sun and the moon (to His Law); each one runs its course for a term appointed." (31:29)

16) Sun and moon continue in an orbit to their destiny:
"He merges night into day and day into night; And subjected the sun and the moon (to His Law); each one runs its course for a term appointed." (35:13)

17) Ordained orbits of celestial bodies:
"And the moon, we have measured for her mansions (to traverse) till she returns like the old, (withered, and curved-up like a sickle) date-palm. It is not permitted for sun to catch-up the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day; each swims along in (its own) orbit." (36:39-40)

18) Sun and moon continue in an orbit to their destiny:
"He created heavens and the earth in true proportions; He makes night overlap day and day overlap night and subjected the sun and the moon (to His Law); each one runs its course for a term appointed." (39:5)

19) Do not Prostrate to the Sun and Moon:
"Among His Signs are the Night and the Day and the sun and moon. Prostrate not to the Sun and the Moon but Prostrate to Allah Who created them if it is Him ye wish to serve." (41:37)

20) Moon is split asunder:
"The hour (of Judgment) is near and the moon is split asunder." (54:1)

21) Celestial bodies tied to orbits:
"The sun and the moon follow courses exactly computed." (55:05)

22) Sun is source of light and Moon is just light:
"And made the moon a light in their midst and made the sun as a (Glorious) lamp." (71:16)

23) Swear by the Moon:
"Nay verily: by the Moon." (74:32)

24) Signs of Qiyamah (Judgment Day):
"And the moon is buried in darkness. And the sun and moon are joined together." (75:8-9)

25) Moon becomes full:
"And the moon when it becomes full." (84:18)

26) Moon follows the sun:
"By the sun and its radiant brightness; By the moon as she follows him." (91:1-2) \\

Qur'anic Ayat's which Help's in Every Way of Life

Some of the lessons learnt from Quran that apply to our general living!

1. Respect and honour all human beings irrespective of their religion, colour, race, sex, language, status, property, birth, profession/job and so on [17/70]

2. Talk straight, to the point, without any ambiguity or deception [33/70]

3. Choose best words to speak and say them in the best possible way [17/53, 2/83]

4. Do not shout. Speak politely keeping your voice low. [31/19]

5. Always speak the truth. Shun words that are deceitful and ostentatious [22/30]

6. Do not confound truth with falsehood [2/42]

7. Say with your mouth what is in your heart [3/167]

8. Speak in a civilised manner in a language that is recognised by the society and is commonly used [4/5]

9. When you voice an opinion, be just, even if it is against a relative [6/152]

10. Do not be a bragging boaster [31/18]

11. Do not talk, listen or do anything vain [23/3, 28/55]

12. Do not participate in any paltry. If you pass near a futile play, then pass by with dignity [25/72]

13. Do not verge upon any immodesty or lewdness whether surreptitious or overt [6/151].

14. If, unintentionally, any misconduct occurs by you, then correct yourself expeditiously [3/134].

15. Do not be contemptuous or arrogant with people [31/18]

16. Do not walk haughtily or with conceit [17/37, 31/18]

17. Be moderate in thy pace [31/19]

18. Walk with humility and sedateness [25/63]

19. Keep your gazes lowered devoid of any lecherous leers and salacious stares [24/30-31, 40/19].

20. If you do not have complete knowledge about anything, better keep your mouth shut. You might think that speaking about something without full knowledge is a trivial matter. But it might have grave consequences [24/15-16]

21. When you hear something malicious about someone, keep a favourable view about him/her until you attain full knowledge about the matter. Consider others innocent until they are proven guilty with solid and truthful evidence [24/12-13]

22. Ascertain the truth of any news, lest you smite someone in ignorance and afterwards repent of what you did [49/6]

23. Do not follow blindly any information of which you have no direct knowledge. (Usi ng your faculties of perception and conception) you must verify it for yourself. In the Court of your Lord, you will be held accountable for your hearing, sight, and the faculty of reasoning [17/36].

24. Never think that you have reached the final stage of knowledge and nobody knows more than yourself. Remember! Above everyone endowed with knowledge is another endowed with more knowledge [12/76]. Even the Prophet [p.b.u.h] was asked to keep praying, "O My sustainer! Advance me in knowledge." [20:114]

25. The believers are but a single Brotherhood. Live like members of one family, brothers and sisters unto one another [49/10].

26. Do not make mockery of others or ridicule others [49/11]

27. Do not defame others [49/11]

28. Do not insult others by nicknames [49/11]

29. Avoid suspicion and guesswork. Suspicion and guesswork might deplete your communal energy [49/12]

30. Spy not upon one another [49/12]

31. Do not backbite one another [49/12]

32. When you meet each other, offer good wishes and blessings for safety. One who conveys to you a message of safety and security and also when a courteous greeting is offered to you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous or (at least) of equal courtesy [4/86]

33. When you enter your own home or the home of somebody else, compliment the inmates [24/61]

34. Do not enter houses other than your own until you have sought permission; and then greet the inmates and wish them a life of blessing, purity and pleasure [24/27]

35. Treat kindly
" Your parents
" Relatives
" The orphans
" And those who have been left alone in the society [4/36]

36. Take care of
" The needy,
" The disabled
" Those whose hard earned income is insufficient to meet their needs
" And those whose businesses have stalled
" And those who have lost their jobs. [4/36]

37. Treat kindly
" Your related neighbours, and unrelated neighbours
" Companions by your side in public gatherings, or public
transportation. [4/36]

38. Be generous to the needy wayfarer, the homeless son of the street, and the one who reaches you in a destitute condition [4/36]

39. Be nice to people who work under your care. [4/36]

40. Do not follow up what you have given to others to afflict them with reminders of your generosity [2/262].

41. Do not expect a return for your good behaviour, not even thanks [76/9]

42. Cooperate with one another in good deeds and do not cooperate with others in evil and bad matters [5/2]

43. Do no try to impress people on account of self-proclaimed virtues [53/32]

44. You should enjoin right conduct on others but mend your own ways first. Actions speak louder than words. You must first practice good deeds yourself, then preach [2/44]

45. Correct yourself and your families first [before trying to correct others] [66/6]

46. Pardon gracefully if anyone among you who commits a bad deed out of ignorance, and then repents and amends [6/54, 3/134]

47. Divert and sublimate your anger and potentially virulent emotions to creative energy, and become a source of tranquillity and comfort to people [3/134]

48. Call people to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful exhortation. Reason with them most decently [16/125]

49. Leave to themselves those who do not give any importance to the Divine code and have adopted and con sider it as mere play and amusement [6/70]

50. Sit not in the company of those who ridicule Divine Law unless they engage in some other conversation [4/140]

51. Do not be jealous of those who are blessed [4/54]

52. In your collective life, make rooms for others [58/11]

53. When invited to dine, Go at the appointed time. Do not arrive too early to wait for the preparation of meal or linger after eating to engage in bootless babble. Such things may cause inconvenience to the host [33/53]

54. Eat and drink [what is lawful] in moderation [7/31].

55. Do not squander your wealth senselessly [17/26]

56. Fulfil your promises and commitments [17/34]

57. Keep yourself clean, pure [9/108, 4/43, 5/6].

58. Dress-up in agreeable attire and adorn yourself with exquisite character from inside out [7/26]

59. Seek your provision only by fair endeavour [29/17, 2/188]

60. Do not devour the wealth and property of others unjustly, nor bribe the officials or the judges to deprive others of their possessions [2/188]

shajra-e-Nabi (SAWW)

Man wake up

A man woke up early in order to pray the Fajr prayer in the masjid. He got dressed, made his ablution and was on his way to the masjid.
On his way to the masjid, the man fell and his clothes got dirty. He got up, brushed himself off, and headed home.

At home, he changed his clothes, made his ablution, and was, again, on his way to the masjid.

On his way to the masjid, he fell again and at the same spot! He, again, got up, brushed himself off and headed home.

At home he, once again, changed his clothes, made his ablution and was on his way to the masjid.

On his way to the masjid, he met a man holding a lamp. He asked the man of his identity and the man replied "I saw you fall twice on your way to the masjid, so I brought a lamp so I can light your way."

The first man thanked him profusively and the two where on their way to the masjid.

Once at the masjid, the first man asked the man with the lamp to come in and pray Fajr with him.

The second man refused. The first man asked him a couple more times and, again, the answer was the same.

The first man asked him why he did not wish to come in and pray. he man replied "I am Satan."

The man was shocked at this reply. Satan went on to explain, "I saw you on your way to the masjid and it was I who made you fall.

When you went home, cleaned yourself and went back on your way to the masjid, Allah forgave all of your sins.

I made you fall a second time, and even that did not encourage you to stay home, but rather, you went back on your way to the masjid.

Because of that, Allah forgave all the sins of the people of your household. I was afraid if i made you fall one more time, then Allah will forgive the sins of the people of your village, so i made sure that you reached the masjid safely."

So do not let Satan benefit from his actions.Do not put off a good that you intended to do as you never know how much reward you might recieve from the hardships you encounter while trying to achieve that good.

MUSLIMS ARE FUNDAMENTALISTS AND TERRORISTS

By Dr Zakir Naik
Question:
Why are most of the Muslims fundamentalists and terrorists?
Answer:
This question is often hurled at Muslims, either directly or indirectly, during any discussion on religion or world affairs. Muslim stereotypes are perpetuated in every form of the media accompanied by gross misinformation about Islam and Muslims.
In fact, such misinformation and false propaganda often leads to discrimination and acts of violence against Muslims. A case in point is the anti-Muslim campaign in the American media following the Oklahoma bomb blast, where the press was quick to declare a ‘Middle Eastern conspiracy’ behind the attack. The culprit was later identified as a soldier from the American Armed Forces.

Let us analyze this allegation of ‘fundamentalism’ and ‘terrorism’:
1. Definition of the word ‘fundamentalist’
A fundamentalist is a person who follows and adheres to the fundamentals of the doctrine or theory he is following. For a person to be a good doctor, he should know, follow, and practise the fundamentals of medicine. In other words, he should be a fundamentalist in the field of medicine. For a person to be a good mathematician, he should know, follow and practise the fundamentals of mathematics. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of mathematics. For a person to be a good scientist, he should know, follow and practise the fundamentals of science. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of science.
2. Not all ‘fundamentalists’ are the same
One cannot paint all fundamentalists with the same brush. One cannot
categorize all fundamentalists as either good or bad. Such a ategorization of any fundamentalist will depend upon the field or activity in which he is a fundamentalist. A fundamentalist robber or thief causes harm to society and is therefore undesirable. A fundamentalist doctor, on the other hand, benefits society and earns much respect.
3. I am proud to be a Muslim funda-mentalist
I am a fundamentalist Muslim who, by the grace of Allah, knows, follows and strives to practise the fundamentals of Islam. A true Muslim does not shy away from being a fundamentalist. I am proud to be a fundamentalist Muslim because, I know that the fundamentals of Islam are beneficial to humanity and the whole world. There is not a single fundamental of Islam that causes harm or is against the interests of the human race as a whole. Many people harbour misconceptions about Islam and consider several teachings of Islam to be unfair or improper. This is due to insufficient and incorrect knowledge of Islam.
If one critically analyzes the teachings of Islam with an open mind, one cannot escape the fact that Islam is full of benefits both at the individual and collective levels.
4. Dictionary meaning of the word ‘fundamentalist’
According to Webster’s dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ was a movement in
American Protestanism that arose in the earlier part of the 20th century. It was a reaction to modernism, and stressed the infallibility of the Bible, not only in matters of faith and morals but also as a literal historical record. It stressed on belief in the Bible as the literal word of God. Thus fundamentalism was a word initially used for a group of Christians who believed that the Bible was the verbatim word of God without any errors and mistakes.
According to the Oxford dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ means ‘strict maintenance of ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion, especially Islam’.
Today the moment a person uses the word fundamentalist he thinks of a Muslim who is a terrorist.
5. Every Muslim should be a terrorist
Every Muslim should be a terrorist. A terrorist is a person who causes terror. The moment a robber sees a policeman he is terrified. A policeman is a terrorist for the robber. Similarly every Muslim should be a terrorist for the antisocial elements of society, such as thieves, dacoits and rapists. Whenever such an anti-social element sees a Muslim, he should be terrified. It is true that the word ‘terrorist’ is generally used for a person who causes terror among the common people. But a true Muslim should only be a terrorist to selective people i.e. antisocial elements, and not to the common innocent people. In fact a Muslim should be a source of peace for innocent people.
6. Different labels given to the same individual for the same action, i.e. ‘terrorist’ and ‘patriot’
Before India achieved independence from British rule, some freedom fighters of India who did not subscribe to non-violence were labeled as terrorists by the British government. The same individuals have been lauded by Indians for the same activities and hailed as ‘patriots’. Thus two different labels have been given to the same people for the same set of actions. One is calling him a terrorist while the other is calling him a patriot. Those who believed that Britain had a right to rule over India called these people terrorists, while those who were of the view that Britain had no right to rule India called them patriots and freedom fighters.
It is therefore important that before a person is judged, he is given a fair hearing. Both sides of the argument should be heard, the situation should be analyzed, and the reason and the intention of the person should be taken into account, and then the person can be judged accordingly.
7. Islam means peace
Islam is derived from the word ‘salaam’ which means peace. It is a religion of peace whose fundamentals teach its followers to maintain and promote peace throughout the world.
Thus every Muslim should be a fundamentalist i.e. he should follow the
fundamentals of the Religion of Peace: Islam. He should be a terrorist only towards the antisocial elements in order to promote peace and justice in the society.

WAS ISLAM SPREAD BY THE SWORD?

Question:
How can Islam be called the religion of peace when it was spread by the sword?
A) It is a common complaint among some non-Muslims that Islam would not have millions of adherents all over the world, if it had not been spread by the use of force. The following points will make it clear, that far from being spread by the sword, it was the inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was responsible for the rapid spread of Islam.
1. Islam means peace.
Islam comes from the root word ‘salaam’, which means peace. It also means submitting one’s will to Allah (swt). Thus Islam is a religion of peace, which is acquired by submitting one’s will to the will of the Supreme Creator, Allah (swt).
2. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace.
Each and every human being in this world is not in favour of maintaining peace and harmony. There are many, who would disrupt it for their own vested interests. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace. It is precisely for this reason that we have the police who use force against criminals and antisocial elements to maintain peace in the country. Islam promotes peace. At the same time, Islam exhorts it followers to fight where there is oppression. The fight against oppression may, at times, require the use of force. In Islam force can only be used to promote peace and justice.
3. Opinion of historian De Lacy O’Leary.
The best reply to the misconception that Islam was spread by the sword is given by the noted historian De Lacy O’Leary in the book “Islam at the cross road” (Page 8):
“History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated.”
4. Muslims ruled Spain for 800 years.
Muslims ruled Spain for about 800 years. The Muslims in Spain never used the sword to force the people to convert. Later the Christian Crusaders came to Spain and wiped out the Muslims. There was not a single Muslim in Spain who could openly give the adhan, that is the call for prayers.
5. 14 million Arabs are Coptic Christians.
Muslims were the lords of Arabia for 1400 years. For a few years the British ruled, and for a few years the French ruled. Overall, the Muslims ruled Arabia for 1400 years. Yet today, there are 14 million Arabs who are Coptic Christians i.e. Christians since generations. If the Muslims had used the sword there would not have been a single Arab who would have remained a Christian.
6. More than 80% non-Muslims in India.
The Muslims ruled India for about a thousand years. If they wanted, they had the power of converting each and every non-Muslim of India to Islam. Today more than 80% of the population of India are non-Muslims. All these non- Muslim Indians are bearing witness today that Islam was not spread by the sword.
7. Indonesia and Malaysia.
Indonesia is a country that has the maximum number of Muslims in the world. The majority of people in Malaysia are Muslims. May one ask, “Which Muslim army went to Indonesia and Malaysia?”
8. East Coast of Africa.
Similarly, Islam has spread rapidly on the East Coast of Africa. One may again ask, if Islam was spread by the sword, “Which Muslim army went to the East Coast of Africa?”
9. Thomas Carlyle.
The famous historian, Thomas Carlyle, in his book “Heroes and Hero worship”, refers to this misconception about the spread of Islam: “The sword indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one man’s head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world believes it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can.”
10. No compulsion in religion.
With which sword was Islam spread? Even if Muslims had it they could not use it to spread Islam because the Qur’an says in the following verse:
“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error”
[Al-Qur’an 2:256]

11. Sword of the Intellect.
It is the sword of intellect. The sword that conquers the hearts and minds of people. The Qur’an says in Surah Nahl, chapter 16 verse 125:
“Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching;
and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.”
[Al-Qur’an 16:125]
12. Increase in the world religions from 1934 to 1984.
An article in Reader’s Digest ‘Almanac’, year book 1986, gave the statistics of the increase of percentage of the major religions of the world in half a century from 1934 to 1984. This article also appeared in ‘The Plain Truth’ magazine. At the top was Islam, which increased by 235%, and Christianity had increased only by 47%. May one ask, which war took place in this century which converted millions of people to Islam?
13. Islam is the fastest growing religion in America and Europe.
Today the fastest growing religion in America is Islam. The fastest growing religion in Europe in Islam. Which sword is forcing people in the West to accept Islam in such large numbers?
14. Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson.
Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson rightly says, “People who worry that nuclear
weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fail to realize that the
Islamic bomb has been dropped already, it fell the day MUHAMMED (pbuh) was born”.

HIJAB FOR WOMEN

Question: Why does Islam degrade women by keeping them behind the veil?
Author : Dr Zakir Naik
A: The status of women in Islam is often the target of attacks in the secular media. The ‘hijab’ or the Islamic dress is cited by many as an example of the ‘subjugation’ of women under Islamic law. Before we analyze the reasoning behind the religiously mandated ‘hijab’, let us first study the status of women in societies before the advent of Islam

1. In the past women were degraded and used as objects of lust

The following examples from history amply illustrate the fact that the status of women in earlier civilizations was very low to the extent that they were denied basic human dignity:

a. Babylonian Civilization:
The women were degraded and were denied all rights under the Babylonian law. If a man murdered a woman, instead of him being punished, his wife was put to death.

b. Greek Civilization:
Greek Civilization is considered the most glorious of all ancient civilizations. Under this very ‘glorious’ system, women were deprived of all rights and were looked down upon. In Greek mythology, an ‘imaginary woman’ called ‘Pandora’ is the root cause of misfortune of human beings. The Greeks considered women to be subhuman and inferior to men. Though chastity of women was precious, and women were held in high esteem, the Greeks were later overwhelmed by ego and sexual perversions. Prostitution became a regular practice amongst all classes of Greek society.

c. Roman Civilization:
When Roman Civilization was at the zenith of its ‘glory’, a man even had the right to take the life of his wife. Prostitution and nudity were common
amongst the Romans.

d. Egyptian Civilization:
The Egyptian considered women evil and as a sign of a devil.
e. Pre-Islamic Arabia:
Before Islam spread in Arabia, the Arabs looked down upon women and
very often when a female child was born, she was buried alive.

2. Islam uplifted women and gave them equality and expects them to maintain their status.
Islam uplifted the status of women and granted them their just rights 1400 years ago. Islam expects women to maintain their status.

Hijab for men
People usually only discuss ‘hijab’ in the context of women. However, in the Glorious Qur’an, Allah (swt) first mentions ‘hijab’ for men before ‘hijab’ for the women. The Qur’an mentions in Surah Noor:
“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.”
[Al-Qur’an 24:30]

The moment a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he should lower his gaze.

Hijab for women.
The next verse of Surah Noor, says:
“ And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons...”
[Al-Qur’an 24:31]

3. Six criteria for Hijab.
According to Qur’an and Sunnah there are basically six criteria for observing hijab:
1. Extent:
The first criterion is the extent of the body that should be covered. This is
different for men and women. The extent of covering obligatory on the male is to cover the body at least from the navel to the knees. For women, the extent of covering obligatory is to cover the complete body except the face and the hands upto the wrist. If they wish to, they can cover even these parts of the body. Some scholars of Islam insist that the face and the hands are part of the obligatory extent of ‘hijab’.
All the remaining five criteria are the same for men and women.

2. The clothes worn should be loose and should not reveal the figure.

3. The clothes worn should not be transparent such that one can see through them.

4. The clothes worn should not be so glamorous as to attract the opposite sex.

5. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the opposite sex.

6. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the unbelievers i.e. they
should not wear clothes that are specifically identities or symbols of the
unbelievers’ religions.

4. Hijab includes conduct and behaviour among other things
Complete ‘hijab’, besides the six criteria of clothing, also includes the moral conduct, behaviour, attitude and intention of the individual. A person only fulfilling the criteria of ‘hijab’ of the clothes is observing ‘hijab’ in a limited sense.
‘Hijab’ of the clothes should be accompanied by ‘hijab’ of the eyes, ‘hijab’ of the heart, ‘hijab’ of thought and ‘hijab’ of intention. It also includes the way a person walks, the way a person talks, the way he behaves, etc.

5. Hijab prevents molestation
The reason why Hijab is prescribed for women is mentioned in the Qur’an in the following verses of Surah Al-Ahzab:
“O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad); that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
[Al-Qur’an 33:59]

The Qur’an says that Hijab has been prescribed for the women so that they are recognized as modest women and this will also prevent them from being molested.

6. Example of twin sisters
Suppose two sisters who are twins, and who are equally beautiful, walk down the street. One of them is attired in the Islamic hijab i.e. the complete body is covered, except for the face and the hands up to the wrists. The other sister is wearing western clothes, a mini skirt or shorts. Just around the corner there is a hooligan or ruffian who is waiting for a catch, to tease a girl. Whom will he tease? The girl wearing the Islamic Hijab or the girl wearing the skirt or the mini?
Naturally he will tease the girl wearing the skirt or the mini. Such dresses are an indirect invitation to the opposite sex for teasing and molestation. The Qur’an rightly says that hijab prevents women from being molested.

7. Capital punishment for the rapists
Under the Islamic shariah, a man convicted of having raped a woman, is given capital punishment. Many are astonished at this ‘harsh’ sentence. Some even say that Islam is a ruthless, barbaric religion! I have asked a simple question to hundreds of non-Muslim men. Suppose, God forbid, someone rapes your wife, your mother or your sister. You are made the judge and the rapist is brought in front of you. What punishment would you give him? All of them said they would put him to death. Some went to the extent of saying they would torture him to death. To them I ask, if someone rapes your wife or your mother you want to put him to death. But if the same crime is committed on somebody else’s wife or daughter you say capital punishment is barbaric. Why should there be double
standards?

8. Western society falsely claims to have uplifted women
Western talk of women’s liberalization is nothing but a disguised form of
exploitation of her body, degradation of her soul, and deprivation of her honour.
Western society claims to have ‘uplifted’ women. On the contrary it has actually degraded them to the status of concubines, mistresses and society butterflies who are mere tools in the hands of pleasure seekers and sex marketeers, hidden behind the colourful screen of ‘art’ and ‘culture’.

9. USA has one of the highest rates of rape
United States of America is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries of the world. It also has one of the highest rates of rape in any country in the world. According to a FBI report, in the year 1990, every day on an average 1756 cases of rape were committed in U.S.A alone. Later another report said that on an average everyday 1900 cases of rapes are committed in USA. The year was not mentioned. May be it was 1992 or 1993. May be the Americans got ‘bolder’ in the following years.
Consider a scenario where the Islamic hijab is followed in America. Whenever a man looks at a woman and any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he lowers his gaze. Every woman wears the Islamic hijab, that is the complete body is covered except the face and the hands upto the wrist. After this if any man commits rape he is given capital punishment. I ask you, in such a scenario, will the rate of rape in America increase, will it remain the same, or will it decrease?

10. Implementation of Islamic Shariah will reduce the rate of rapes
Naturally as soon as Islamic Shariah is implemented positive results will be inevitable. If Islamic Shariah is implemented in any part of the world, whether it is America or Europe, society will breathe easier. Hijab does not degrade a woman but uplifts a woman and protects her modesty and chastity.

POLYANDRY

Question2:
If a man is allowed to have more than one wife, then why does Islam prohibit a woman from having more than one husband?
Authored by: DR.Zakir Naik
Answer: A lot of people, including some Muslims, question the logic of allowing Muslim
men to have more than one spouse while denying the same ‘right’ to women.
Let me first state emphatically, that the foundation of an Islamic society is justice
and equity. Allah has created men and women as equal, but with different
capabilities and different responsibilities. Men and women are different,
physiologically and psychologically. Their roles and responsibilities are different.
Men and women are equal in Islam, but not identical.
Surah Nisa’ Chapter 4 verses 22 to 24 gives the list of women with whom
Muslim men can not marry. It is further mentioned in Surah Nisa’ Chapter 4
verse 24 "Also (prohibited are) women already married"
The following points enumerate the reasons why polyandry is prohibited in
Islam:
1. If a man has more than one wife, the parents of the children born of such
marriages can easily be identified. The father as well as the mother can
easily be identified. In case of a woman marrying more than one husband,
only the mother of the children born of such marriages will be identified and
not the father. Islam gives tremendous importance to the identification of
both parents, mother and father. Psychologists tell us that children who do
not know their parents, especially their father undergo severe mental
trauma and disturbances. Often they have an unhappy childhood. It is for
this reason that the children of prostitutes do not have a healthy childhood.
If a child born of such wedlock is admitted in school, and when the mother
is asked the name of the father, she would have to give two or more names!
I am aware that recent advances in science have made it possible for both
the mother and father to be identified with the help of genetic testing. Thus
this point which was applicable for the past may not be applicable for the
present.
2. Man is more polygamous by nature as compared to a woman.
3. Biologically, it is easier for a man to perform his duties as a husband despite
having several wives. A woman, in a similar position, having several
husbands, will not find it possible to perform her duties as a wife. A woman
undergoes several psychological and behavioral changes due to different
phases of the menstrual cycle.
4. A woman who has more than one husband will have several sexual
partners at the same time and has a high chance of acquiring venereal or
sexually transmitted diseases which can also be transmitted back to her
husband even if all of them have no extra-marital sex. This is not the case
in a man having more than one wife, and none of them having extra-marital
sex.
The above reasons are those that one can easily identify. There are probably
many more reasons why Allah, in His Infinite Wisdom, has prohibited polyandry.

prohibit a woman from having more than one husband

Q) If a man is allowed to have more than one wife, then why does Islam prohibit a woman from having more than one husband?
A) Authored by: DR.Zakir Naik
In order to convey the message of Islam, dialogue and debate become inevitable. The Glorious Qur’an says:
“Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord, with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious!”
[Al-Qur’an 16:125]

In conveying the message of Islam to a non-Muslim, it is usually not sufficient to highlight only the positive nature of Islam. Most non-Muslims are not convinced about the truth of Islam because there are a few questions about Islam at the back of their minds that remain unanswered.
In the past few years of my Da’wah experience, I have realized that there are barely twenty most common questions that a common non-Muslim has regarding Islam. Whenever you ask a non-Muslim, “what do you feel is wrong in Islam?”, he poses five or six questions, and these questions invariably fall among the twenty most common questions.
Logical replies can convince the majority The twenty most common questions about Islam can be answered with reason and logic. A majority of non-Muslims can be convinced with these answers. If a Muslim memorizes or simply remembers these answers, Inshallah he will be successful, if not in convincing non-Muslims about the complete truth of Islam, then at least in removing misconceptions about Islam and neutralizing the negative thinking about Islam and Muslims that the non-Muslims have. A very few non-Muslims may have counter arguments to these replies, for which further information may be required.
Misconceptions due to media The common misconceptions about Islam arise in the minds of a majority of non-Muslims, because they are constantly being bombarded with misinformation about Islam. International media is mainly controlled by the western world, whether it is international satellite channels, radio stations, news papers, magazines or books. Recently the Internet has become a powerful medium of information. Though it is not controlled by anybody, one finds a large amount of virulent propaganda about Islam on the Internet. Of course, Muslims too are utilizing this tool to portray the right image of Islam and Muslims, but they are far behind as compared to the propaganda against Islam. I hope the efforts by the Muslims will increase and continue to be pursued.
Misconceptions change with time The most common questions about Islam are different in different periods and eras. This set of twenty most common questions is based on present times. Decades earlier, the set of questions was different and decades later too, the set of questions may change depending upon how Islam is projected by the media.
Misconceptions are the same throughout the world I have interacted with people in different parts of the world and have found these twenty most common questions about Islam to be the same everywhere. There may be a couple of additional questions depending upon the locale, the surrounding or culture. For instance in America, the additional common question is - “Why does Islam prohibit taking and giving of interest?”I have included among these twenty most common questions, certain questions more common among the Indian non-Muslims. For instance, “why do Muslims have non-vegetarian food?” The reason for including such questions is that people of Indian origin are spread throughout the world and constitute about 20% i.e. 1/5th of the world population. Thus, their questions become common questions asked by non-Muslims throughout the world.
Misconceptions of non-Muslims who have studied Islam There are many non-Muslims who have studied Islam. Most of them have only read books on Islam written by biased critics of Islam. These non-Muslims have an additional set of twenty common misconceptions about Islam. For instance, they claim to have found contradictions in the Qur’an, they contend that the Qur’an is unscientific, etc. There is another set of additional replies clearing these twenty misconceptions among non-Muslims who have studied Islam from distorted sources. I have also given the replies to twenty additional less common questions among the non-Muslims in my public talks and book on “Answers to Common Questions about Islam by Non-Muslims who have some knowledge about Islam”.

Ramzan is time for fasting, charity

Ramzan is the ninth month of the Islamic Higera calendar. Literally, Ramzan means “heat” or “something that burns up”. The name assumes significance as fasting, charity and noble deeds in Ramzan burn away sins, Satanic filth and ego from the hearts and minds of the people, who turn to the Almighty during this holy month. A notable feature of Ramzan is that fasting during this month had been in vogue even before the birth of the Holy Prophet, Hazrat Mohammed (peace be upon him). The righteous and pious among the Arabs used to observe fasting and pay charity during Ramzan. The Holy Prophet has streamlined the system of fasting and charity and made them mandatory for all Muslims.

Of the 12 lunar Islamic months, Ramzan is considered holy primarily because the Almighty God had revealed the Holy Quran on Hazrat Mohammed during this month about 15 centuries ago. The Holy Prophet was deep in meditation in the Cave of Hira on the outskirts of Mecca when he received the divine message through Archangel Gabriel (Hazrat Jibrail).

The message from God continued to be revealed to the Holy Prophet thereafter for the next 23 years. This Divine Code is the Holy Quran, the last of the Scriptures of God sent to prophets and messengers from time to time to all places and to all people.

“Ramzan is also considered holy because God has prescribed fasting and ordained charity. While fasting is obligatory on all Muslims, men and women, without exception, charity is enjoined on only those who are financially sound. The charity given during Ramzan is of two types, Zakat (compulsory charity) and fitra (alms). Zakat like fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, the other being Kalima (assertion that there is only one God and that Mohammed is the Messenger of God), Namaz (five daily prayers) and Haj (pilgrimage to Mecca),”
Referring to the importance of Ramzan, the Holy Quran (2:185) observes, “Ramzan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at home) during that month should spend it in fasting.” The Holy Quran is also specific about the time of revelation during the month of Ramzan. Elsewhere, the Scripture says, “Indeed, We have revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power. And what will explain to thee what the night of power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.” (Quran: 97:1-3).

“The Night of Power or Lailat-ul-Qadr falls on one of the nights in the last 10 days of Ramzan. Muslims spend in prayers all through the night supplicating to the Almighty for peace and blessings.

Ramzan is the occasion for Muslims to mend their ways and establish a direct link with the Creator,” points out Islamic teacher Moulana Abdul Kareem. In commemoration of the revelation of the Holy Quran, special night prayers called the Taraveeh are held in all mosques and at select homes and other places. Hafiz (those who know the Quran by heart) recite the Holy Quran in parts on 30 nights.

In Hyderabad and other Indian cities, special arrangements are also made for women to offer the Taraveeh prayers. Referring to the importance of fasting,

the Holy Prophet observed: “Allah, the Almighty has said: ‘Every act of man is for him except fasting, it is done for My (Allah’s) sake and I will give reward for it. The breath of a person on fast is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk.’” Muslims the world over take to heavy charity work during Ramzan as they believe that Almighty God will reward them 70 fold or even more. According to an Hadith (sayings and traditions of the Prophet),

“When Ramzan starts, the gates of paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the Satan is chained. The Prophet has also said: The affliction of a person in his property, family and neighbours is expiated by his prayers, fasting and giving in charity. Whoever fasts during the month of Ramzan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”

Apart from its religious significance, Ramzan has social importance too. While fasting makes a person understand the pangs of hunger and thirst so that he help the poor and the underprivileged.

On one hand Ramzan makes Muslims understand the sufferings of the poor and on the other it makes it mandatory for every well-to-do Muslim to donate in the cause of the Almighty God. Fasting also makes one physically fit and mentally agile.

“The money collected from Zakat and Fitra, if properly utilised, will solve the problem of poverty in many countries. In Hyderabad alone Zakat and Fitra worth Rs 100 crore is given every Ramzan. The amount runs into at least Rs 2,000 crore in India.

Unfortunately, there is no centralised agency to collect and spend the Zakat money for the common good of all. We should have the concept of Bait-ul-Maal (charitable treasury),” says Moulana Rafeeuddin Qasmi. Muslims end this great month by celebrating the Id-ul-Fitr, or the festival of alms-giving, as gratitude to the Almighty for having blessed them with the opportunity to fast and make amends. Fitra is compulsory before the Id prayers so that the have-nots too join the festivities.

Never take some one for granted,Hold every person Close to your Heart because you might wake up one day and realise that you have lost a diamond while you were too busy collecting stones." Remember this always in life.

ALLAH is Great

Tolerance and Forgiveness: the Keys to Success

Nura's eyes blurred with tears as she heard the Imam proclaim, "The Prophet, [sallallahu alayhe wa sallam (SAWS)] said, "Do not sever relations. Do not indulge in mutual enmity. Do not entertain rancor and jealousy against one another, and not be jealous of others. Be brethren among yourselves and become Allah's slaves. It is not permissible for a man to have severed his relations with any of his brethren for more than 3 days." (Bukhari)

She realized then that almost six months had passed since the last time she spoke to Aisha, and now she could not even remember what their fight had been about.

We all have had disagreements with our brothers and sisters, but why is it so wrong to harbor animosity? Why does Islam emphasize freeing the heart from hatred and enmity?

Even more dangerous is that harboring hatred will eat away at our faith. The Prophet said, "Listen, may I not tell you something more important than salah, fasting and charity?" The companions requested him to do so. He said, "To keep the mutual relationship on the right footing, because the defect in the mutual relationship is the thing which shaves a thing clean. I do not mean that it shaves the hair, but that it shaves (removes) the religion." (Tirmithi)

Hatred consumes the heart, so much that we forget Allah's justice and mercy. Our gratitude to Allah is repelled by resentment of others.

That is why Satan's favorite method for destruction is instilling enmity in the believer's heart. He uses this weapon to weaken the Muslim community and make it vulnerable to both physical and spiritual enemy attacks.

Our physical enemies do not stand a chance against the Muslim Ummah unless disunity has weakened it. Our spiritual enemies, Satan and our lower desires, do not stand chance against our faith unless animosity has weakened it.

Most importantly, however, we should purify our hearts continuously to attain Allah's forgiveness, a blessing we all desperately need. The Prophet (SAWS), assured us that, "Every Monday and Thursday men's acts are placed before Allah. On these days, Allah forgives the sins of everybody, except the polytheists. However, if there is a person who has spite and hatred against his bother, he says about them, 'Leave these two alone in their condition till they reconcile." (Muslim)

Clearly, purity of heart is a quality we must acquire, and so Allah, the Merciful, has given us the means to attain it.

We should begin by keeping our hearts free from jealousy. The Last Messenger (SAWS), warned us, "Keep away from jealousy, for jealousy eats up virtues in the same way as fire eats up wood." (Abu Dawud)

We must realize that all blessings are from Allah, which He gives to whom He wills without measure. Failure to accept this and be grateful is rebellion against the will of Allah. This, in fact, was the crime of Satan when he refused to submit to Allah's ordinance to make Adam Allah's khalifah on Earth!

Maintaining our brotherhood also means to never sever relations. The Prophet (SAWS), admonished us against this serious sin, "There are three persons whose prayer does not rise even a fist above their heads. One is that man who leads the prayers of others who do not like him. Second is that woman who spends her night in such a way that her husband is displeased with her. And third are those two brothers who have severed their relations with each others." (Ibn Majah)

While it may seen that severing relations is just a result of harboring hatred, and not a cause, it actually prolongs and hardens angry feelings by allowing them to go unresolved. Even worse is that severing relations distorts our perception of the incident and causes us to become bitterer.

Instead, we should rush to resolve disagreements. If our brother wronged us, we should give him sincere advice. If we wronged our brother, we must race to seek forgiveness from him and from Allah.

The Prophet (SAWS), has instructed, "He who has harmed his brother's rights or has hurt his honor, then he should please him today, before the day comes when there will be neither Dirham nor Dinar with him. If he would have virtues, then they would be taken in proportion to the aggression that he had committed. If there would be no virtues in his record, then the evil deeds of the oppressed would be thrust into his account." (Bukhari)

We should also soften our hearts and forgive if we were wronged. This requires great inner strength, as was the case for Abu Bakr when his relative spread a rumor against Aisha. Though Abu Bakr was rightfully angry, but when he heard the verse, "Let them forgive and overlook; do you not wish that Allah should forgive you?" [Qur'an 24:22], he responded by pardoning his relative, saying, "I like that Allah may pardon me."

Covering each other's faults is part of forgiveness, and comes with a great reward as the Seal of the Prophets, alayhemus-salam, has promised, "Any one who knows about the defect of his brother and he has concealed it, then Allah will cover his defects on the Day of Judgment." (Tabarani)

Clearly, this means we should never backbite. Because not only does it cause others to share our anger, but it also causes our hatred to flare and multiply. Even more serious is that it will surely make the conflict harder to resolve.

We see the wisdom in the Prophet's words when he said, "None of you should convey to me any hurtful thing about my companions, for I want that as long as I may come to you my bosom should be clean in respect of every one of you." (Abu Dawud)

Let us all then hearken to the call of Allah when he ordered us to "….hold fast, all of you together, to the rope of Allah, and do not separate." [Qur'an 3: 103]

May Allah Subhanahu grant us all the serenity to accept what we cannot change?
Change what we can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

The Power Of Honey

Both the Quran and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet (PBUH)) refer to honey as a healer of disease:

'And thy Lord taught the bee to build its cells in hills, on trees and in (men's) habitations..... there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing for mankind. Verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought' (Quran 16:68-9)

'Honey is a remedy for every illness and the Qur'an is a remedy for all illness of the mind, therefore I recommend to you both remedies, the Qur'an and honey.' (Bukhari)

Honey is a sweet thick fluid prepared by the honeybees from the nectar of flowers.Nutritional ly speaking,honey contains about 75-80% sugar and the rest is a mixture of water and minerals like phosphorous, calcium,magnesiu m,some acids and enzymes.So we see,that together with minerals,honey also gives us energy,about 300 to 320 calories per 100ml of honey.To put it simply,one tsp of honey would give us about 15 to 16 calories.

The enzymes present in honey aid in digestion of food especially raw sugars and starch.The difference between the commonly used sugar and honey is that,the sugars contained in honey are in a very simple predigested form and thus are directly absorbed by our body.Whereas the normal sugar has to be broken down in our body into simpler forms to be digested and absorbed.Apart from giving nutrition,honey can be used as a sweetening agent in sweets and desserts.

In addition to the excellent medicinal properties,honey is supposed to be a good thirst quencher.Arabs take honey and water across deserts.Another aspect of honey is its use in the beauty treatment.One of the most commonly used facepacks for aging skin,is a mixture of honey and cornflour and limejuice.It also acts as a good moisturiser and helps in most dry skin problems.

So we see that honey is a pleasant,attractive, sweet item of food with plenty of other uses too.This does not mean that you can eat as much honey,as you like.We all know that excess of calories over and above what we require would make us fat and honey does have calories.Honey may improve your digestion but it should not be done at the cost of giving you a sweet tooth!
As Medicine:
· One to two tsps full of honey in a glass of hot milk is said to be a good sedative.
· For children the use of honey as a general tonic has been known from time immemorial.The reason being that honey acts as a disinfectant and an antiseptic.So a judicious internal administration of honey would render the digestive system aseptic and disease-causing germs would fail to thrive.
· Honey is good for sore throats,coughs and colds.An age-old cough mixture still used in many homes consists of honey and limejuice in equal parts.
· Honey is also reputed to be a good stimulant for a weak heart.
· As far as constipation is concerned,honey is a very popular laxative.

Miracles Of Allah

Allah's Name Clearly Visible Over Africa
Amazing discovery by Keyhan Mohmand from Almere Stad, Holland. We have verified this image with several other images of Africa from NASA website and all of them (without cloud covers) show the name of Allah clearly. SubhanAllah!

A tree in the posture of Islamic prayer
Place: Near Sidney, Australia

Allah's name appears on the Oceans - picture from Apollo 11 Shuttle

Allah's name written by the clouds

A plant fashions itself to display the name of Allah

oppression, unjust

Allah The Exalted says: And Allah guides not the people who are Zalimun ( ones who are unjust).

Allah The Exalted says: No doubt! the curse of Allah is on the Zalimun (ones who are unjust, oppressors).

Allah The Exalted says: And Allah does not like the Zalimun (ones who are unjust).

Allah The Exalted says: Verily, the Zalimun (ones who are unjust) will be in a lasting torment.

Allah The Exalted says: There will be no friend, nor an intercessor for the Zalimun (ones who are unjust ), who could be given heed to.

Abu Dharr (RA)narrated: Allah's Messenger (saw) as saying that he reported it from His Rabb (sustainer), The Exalted and Glorious: "Verily I have made oppression unlawful for Myself and upon My servants , so do not commit oppression amongst each other."

Abu Hurairah(RA) narrated: Abul Qasim (saw) said, "Whoever points his brother with metal, so indeed the angels curse him until he puts it down even though his brother comes from his father and mother."

Abdullah bin Umar (RA) narrated : Allah's messenger (saw) said, "Injustice will be a darkness on the day of Standing".

Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated : The Prophet (saw) sent Muadh to Yemen and said, "Fear the curse of the oppressed one as there is no screen between his invocation and Allah."

Anas (RA) narrated:Allah's Messenger (saw) said,"Help your brother, whether he is the oppressor or the oppressed one." People asked, "O Allah's Messenger (saw)! We rightfully help the oppressed but how can we help him if is an oppressor?" The Prophet (saw) said, "By preventing his hands from oppressing others."

Ibn Umar (RA) narrated:The Prophet (saw)forbade one from eating two dates together at a time unless he gets the permission from his companion.

Salim narrated from his father: The Prophet (saw) said "Any person who takes anything from land unjustly will be sunk down the seven earths on the day of Standing."

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated: Allah's messenger (saw) said, "Whoever has wronged his brother should ask for pardon as there will be neither dinar nor dirham( in the hereafter), for he should do this before some of his good deeds will be taken and given to his brother, and if he will have no good deeds, then some of the bad deeds of his brother will be loaded on him (in the hereafter).

Abu Musa (RA)narrated some people asked The Prophet (saw) whose Islam is the best? He ö replied, "The person from whose hands and tongue the muslims are safe."

Umm-e-Salma (RA) narrated : The Prophet (saw) said, "I am only a human being, and you people have disputes. May be someone amongst you can present his case in a more eloquent and convincing manner than the other, and I give my Judgment in his favour according to what I hear. Beware! If I ever give (by error) somebody something of his brother's right then he should not take it as I have given him a piece of (Hell) fire."