The legacy of prophet Ibrahim

Bringing up children in the west and even in the east for that matter is a great challenge. Brother Nouman Ali Khan illustrates with examples the various solutions to problems that many parents have.

please watch

Islam - An American Faith

Watch this!

Decoding the Dress Myth

A great article here

The first ten days of Dhul Haj are here

You are probably familiar with the last ten nights of Ramadan, and how virtuous good deeds are in those nights? Yes.

Well, let me introduce you to 10 days that are MORE virtuous, yet many people are not aware of it. It's the first ten days of the Islamic calendar month of Dhul-Hijjah (which starts on Nov.18)

According to the Prophet, sal Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam, who said, "There is no day more honorable in Allah's sight and no acts more beloved therein to Allah than those in these ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah)"

deeds.In these first 10 days of the Month of DhulHijjah we find:
...the 9th day is the day of Arafah,
...and the 10th day is Eid.

Even if you are not traveling for Hajj, you can still put in extra effort to do more good Deeds


What sort of extra good deeds can you do?
*****************************************
1. Fasting these 10 days
2. Giving more charity during these 10 days
3. Say the "Eid" Takbeers loudly wherever you go. (Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Laa ilaaha illa Allah. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Walillaahil hamd.)
4. Try to pray more prayers in the Masjid
5. Increase ties of kinship (visit family, say kind words to them, etc.)
6. Perform more voluntary prayers at home
7. Read more Quran, contemplating the meanings
8. Do more Dhikr
9. Ask for forgiveness more frequently

And Your Dua For Us Also...

With best wishes to see you succeed at the highest level!

Capturing "The Divine Speech"

Assalaamu Alaikum,

The last two days have been a wonderful experience immersing into the beauty and intricacies of the Holy Qur'an. This is a wonderful seminar conducted by an energetic, enthusiastic, and learned teacher called Nouman Ali Khan. Unlike other Arabic programs, this program has given significant importance to the methodology of presentation. The presenter used examples, metaphors, and humorous anecdotes, to ensure that the audience maintained their attention throughout, alhamdulillah!

The first day was on the analysis of the first Sura, Sura Fathiha. We started at 7.10PM, and ended a bit after 10PM. We spent about one hour, just talking about 'alhamdulillah'. Maasha Allah, little did we realize the meaning of Surathul Fathiha was so deep. Hereafter our recitation of Sura Fathiha will never be the same.

What we learnt yesterday (second day) is that there are three types of Arabic :

1. Spoken

2. Standard / Formal

3. Classical / Ancient

And if you are going to analyse the Qur'an, we need to use Classical Arabic. If you use the first two, then you will surely find issues in analyzing and understanding the true message that Allah has sent down upon us through our Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Another important item we learnt is that some of the translations do not capture the nuances in the arabic. One example is the arabic terms (note the plural) for mercy. There are two terms, one of a minor degree, and the other of a major degree. If this was translated into english, the translator would only use the word 'mercy' for either term, thereby losing the nuance of the two different arabic terms.

We also learnt on the second day that the analysis of the Quran can be done in two levels :

1. Micro : Analyse intricacies within ayahs.

2. Macro : Analyse the Qur'an at a higher level, and see the organization of the Qur'an.

We continued the micro level with the start of the analysis of Classical Arabic in the Qur'an. Then we discussed about some of the features of classical Arabic. Will share our notes in detail via a conference, insha allah.

Today is going to be the third day, where we will be doing a macro level analysis of the Qur'an, insha allah.

Here are some links for you to review :

http://www.bayyinah.com/dream/ : Nouman Ali Khan is doing a detailed study of each surah, ayah by ayah, and once he has completed, he provides the thafsir's online for public consumption.

What Aashika and I were discussing was the amazing way of Allah to guide us. Here we are, in the United States of America, and we are learning about the nuances of Classical Arabic in the Qur'an. Alhamdulillah! We would have never been able to be part of such a seminar if we were in SL, or for that matter, even if we were in Wisconsin.

One note, is as to whether we will be able to host this speaker in SL. It would be like a vacation for him, and we can use him for about 2 weekends, insha allah! He is busy through next year as well, but if we start organizing early, we may be able to finalize.

http://www.facebook.com/bayyinahinstitute?ref=ts

Nouman Ali Khan

From Aethism to Islam. Watch his story

thZZZZZZ anyone?

An edutaining free and quick lesson on how to pronounce the arabic alphabets here

Dua - all you need to know!

The core of worship is in Dua - Supplication!

Etiquette of Dua (or How To Supplicate to Allah)

The best times to make dua

Always ask Allah to give you what is best for you! Ask for guidance and the heighest place in paradise with the Prophets. Refer to the above links for more on how you can make Dua effectively.

A brother and his family in need!

Please visit this website: http://www.smfahmy.com/introduction2.html

Ask the Scholar

Ask Now!

You said it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f9RIBukMXs

100 Most Influential People in the world

Who is at the top of that list?

Check this out!

The Concept of God

There are numerous explanations about what God really is and how he can exist if such evil is occurring around the world. The atheist believe that everything is merely chance while religions say otherwise. Brilliant minds have not been able to come up with a satisfactory explanation to life that is acceptable by all. What major world religions say is that there is one GOD.

CONCEPT OF GOD IN HINDUISM

Concept of God in Budhism

CONCEPT OF GOD IN JUDAISM

more>http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-AAbout_Islam/AskAboutIslamE/AskAboutIslamE&cid=1148292923603

...to be continued

The Great Race

So there is this race

The participators are a motorcyclist, a pedestrian, a sports car and a land cruiser.

The common layman sees this race as unfair competition. The person with the best vehicle laughs at the others but little does he know that the track has been set for a pedestrian and a cyclist.

Although we don't see the good in children born without limbs or in the destruction we see around us we put our faith in Allah and say that He knows best. May be these tests will make an easier and faster path to heaven for them. May be it will give parents who have differently abled children an extra opportunity to earn reward. Allah KNOWS best!

The Quran says that there is medicine in honey!

Sura Nahl: 69

Then to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought.

The Fiqh of Salah during travel

Read point 3 and 4 on combining the prayer

Also: http://www.islamawareness.net/Salah/Qasr/shortening.html

"Why I turned to Islam?"

The stories of some brothers and sisters

Towards the end of time the Muslims will be large in number but low in quality. Towards the end of time the entire world will turn to Islam and then the entire world will turn away from Islam. That is when the world will end. The end of the world would not come as long as there is a single soul that is sincerely worshiping Allah.

http://www.islamicbulletin.com/services/new_muslims.htm

A few benefits of Salah - Prayer!

1. It enriches the soul and fulfills its yearning to connect with its Lord. This gives the soul peace and contentment.

2. It purifies the heart from the effects of indolence and sin by providing a continuous opportunity for communication with Allah and for repentance.

Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) indicated this when he said to his Companions: “Consider if one of you had a river by his door in which he bathed five times a day. Would any filth remain on him?” They responded in the negative. He said: “Likewise, Allah wipes away sins with the five daily prayers.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (528) and Sahîh Muslim (667)]

This stresses the meaning of Allah’s words: “Establish prayer, for verily prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds. And the remembrance of Allah is the greatest thing.” [Sûrah al-`Ankabût: 45]

3. It emphasizes the proximity between religion and daily life. Life, from an Islamic standpoint, is to be directed to Allah. Life is an opportunity for worship and the remembrance of Allah. Praying repeatedly throughout the day, interrupting the daily activities, brings about the realization of this concept. The believer, through prayer, acquires a spiritual awareness that he takes with him throughout all of life’s endeavors.

4. Prayer teaches punctuality. Allah Has determined specific times for the daily prayers which may not be violated. Allah says: “For such prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times.” [Sûrah al-Nisâ’: 103]

This shows us the importance of time.

5. Prayer teaches the Muslim the virtues of constancy and perseverance while opening the door to greater effort. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “The beloved deeds to Allah are the ones performed most regularly, even if they are small.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (6464) and Sahîh Muslim (783)]

6. Prayer cultivates brotherhood, equality, and humility between the Muslims. Everyone stands together before Allah in their ranks with no distinction between them.

There are also many more physical and mental benefits which I leave to the interest and research of the reader

Read more

To God We Belong and To Him We Return

The Islamic Bulletin
P.O. Box 410186, San Francisco, CA 94141-0186
info@islamicbulletin.org

Another question that is difficult for me to understand

I asked some christian schollars these questions but am not happy with the answer I got so again I ask:

Why is the word trinity not in the bible?
Why is the word bible not in the bible?
Why is the word Christianity not in the bible?

These are the fundamentals and yet they have not been included. Why?

Islam cracks the code or so says this website: http://islamcode.com/

The prohibition of Alcohol in the Quran

Please read here for complete references:

http://quran.com/search/alcohol

Purnajam

Growing up with lots of budhist and hindu children around I found the concept of rebirth very interesting. Basically the idea of having another chance at life seems tempting... Even people who want to go to heaven dont want to die to get there. But here's the thing - death is what makes life valuable and here is my question... if a child is born blind you say he sinned in his previous life but he is not aware of what sin he committed. It is almost like he is being punished without a reason.

Please read : this article

Are you Preparing Youself to Join the Most Exclusive Club?

Hadith ~ Allah will give shade to seven people

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated by Abu-Huraira (May Allah be satisfied with him): ‘The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “Allah will give shade to seven people on the Day when there will be no shade but His. (These seven persons are)

1. A just ruler.

2. A youth who has been brought up in the worship of Allah (i.e. worships Allah alone sincerely from his childhood).

3. A man whose heart is attached to the mosque (i.e. who offers the five compulsory congregational prayers (in the mosque)).

4. Two persons who love each other only for Allah’s sake and they meet and part in Allah’s cause only.

5. A man who refuses the seduction of a charming woman of noble birth and says: “I am afraid of Allah”.

6. A man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given.

7. A person who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes become flooded with tears.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)


By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (1)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapter 77, Page 519, Number 30

Allah's names

A good site with the 99 names of Allah = here

Some good Thoughts!

These are few of the words I picked up from the Yassir Fazaga audio lecture. He is our favourite speaker indeed. May Allah bless him!

Watch your Thoughts, they become Words! Watch your Words, they become Actions! Watch your Actions, they become Habits! Watch your Habits, they become Character! Watch your CHARACTER!, It becomes your DESTINY!!!

"We buy things we dont need, with money we dont have to impress people we dont like" - loved that one!

"If what you believe in does not impact how you behave then what you believe in is not important!"

Another good one by brother Yassir Fazaga!

Seeking knowledge

The old topic on Christianity and Islam

ATONEMENT


You say that prophet Jesus – may peace be upon him was special because he was born without a father, then what about prophet Adam – may peace be upon him – who was born without a father or a mother?

You say that Jesus died on the cross for our sins but did he ever claim that he has come to die for us? It is we who should be accountable for our sins and nobody else. If God is punishing someone else for our sins then he cannot be a just God.

You say that God has a son.... How can God be God if he has such humane qualities such as begetting, birth and death?

If God punished someone else for the sins that I committed then that God cannot be a just a God! The God that I beleive in is both just and merciful. He will punish me and only me if I sin and at the same time he is most forgiving and the most merciful so if I sincerely repent chances that he will forgive me Insha Allah!

Think again! Think smarter!


The concept of God

Jesus did not die for our sins!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISRYnlHe488

Adopt a child

My heart breaks to find that there are so many children out their in need of loving families. These children are pure and sinless waiting to be tucked into a cosy bed, to be kissed and stroked with tender loving care. So many mums and dads out there – we have enough love to go around dont we? Allah will provide for you and your families so fear not... take that next step and give a home to a child who will honour and respect you one day because you do it out of love and not out of duty or obligation...

Allah has left some children without parents and some parents without children for a reason. You can make use of this opportunity!

Be kind to the orphan child! Here is a short clip.

A Conversation over dinner

Firstly I was happy to find out that my blog is being widely read. Thank you all for your time and attention. It encourages me to write better and more so Alhamdulillah for that blessing!

The Masjid is a great place for prayer. It also has many other uses like a place of rest for travelers, a community centre or a place of education. Everyone must feel welcome there! The Masjid is a place of brotherhood. We make many long lasting friendships there. One such acquaintance was a friend of my husband who honoured us with his company for dinner on the night of eidul fitr. Along with the spicy biriyani, the slow cooked quail curry and a dozen sweets came the conversation of his journey and reversion to Islam. I was happy to learn that he read all the scriptures and was knowledgeable in many areas. He said he liked that we called him “brother”.

It was a lovely ending to a fun, busy and tiring day. We enjoyed every moment of it and he was pleasantly surprised by our tradition of giving gifts to all the guests who come home on the day of Eid.

Our Eid

So the husband made the traditional watalapan which was a blast. We had fish on toast, rasa malai, carrot halwa, kaju kati, string hoppers, egg curry and fruits and nuts. The prayers were held at the convention centre where more than 5000 muslims met up. Some others chose to pray at masjids nearby so I'm guessing there is a very large muslim population in Arizona.

An important ritual of eid is sharing food and sweet meats with our immediate neighbours who are not yet muslims. Not only does it encourage friendship and brotherhood but it also open the doors to da'wah. It shows our genorosity and shares our joy! May be they never knew us before but now we start saying hello to eachother more often and the walls seem to have broken down a little.

Among the savoury items were fish on toast and biriyani that complimented the sweets. Visitors were eager to experiment with our traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.

The only missing part of the eid was not having family around but thanks to skype and phone cards we were blessed enough to feel their presence through all our celebrations.

Ayat Al Kursi - The verse of the throne!

"Allah! There is no god but He - the Living, The Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him Nor Sleep. His are all things In the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede In His presence except As he permitteth? He knoweth What (appeareth to His creatures As) Before or After or Behind them. Nor shall they compass Aught of his knowledge Except as He willeth. His throne doth extend Over the heavens And on earth, and He feeleth No fatigue in guarding And preserving them, For He is the Most High. The Supreme (in glory)."
(This Verse 2:255 is called Ayat al-Kursi)

what is islam?

whatsislam.com

Why should I pick Christianity?

So he came home with some brochures to promote Christianity. He may have guessed we are muslims. I wanted to ask and tell him many things....

1. Do you believe in the bible?
2. Where in the bible has Jesus himself claimed divivinity?
3. Where is the word "trinity" mentioned in the bible?
4. How can God have a son and then not be able to save him?

We are muslims and to those of us who understand what we believe our faith is unshakeable.
Jesus did not die on the cross - Allah never let that happen to him. He is one of our beloved prophets.

Say: He is Allah, the One and Only!
Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;
He begetteth not nor is He begotten.
And there is none like unto Him.

Bring your description of God, that matches the above criteria and we will accept him!

Why Islam?

Another intellectual's story.

Dr. Jeffrey Lang is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Kansas

If you're thinking why Islam - Think Again!

Do you think Islam is not for intellectuals?
"
Dr. Dirks is a former minister (deacon) of the United Methodist Church. He holds a Master's degree in Divinity from Harvard University and a Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Denver. Author of "The Cross and the Crescent: An Interfaith Dialogue between Christianity and Islam" (2001), and "Abraham: The Friend of God" (2002). He has published over 60 articles in the field of clinical psychology, and over 150 articles on Arabian horses."

Make Eid fun for children

Weddings and Eid are supposed to be occasions of joy and laughter. We need to make them special and fun for our families and kids. If you dont make our eid fun for our kids they will start thinking that christmas and halloween are much more fun than Islamic festivals. Who says our days of festivals are not fun?

Here are some suggestions to help you:

1. Parents: make it a priority to take leave if it is a day of working. Show your families that you respect that day enough to take leave. who knows it may soon become an official holiday

2. Mothers - make the sweets and dishes thatyour kids love most. Decorate and colour it in a special way to make it look different from any other day

3. Children: Help with the eid shopping. pick out gifts for your cousins and friends. decorate the home if you like to but dont be too wasteful

4. Relatives: Give gifts. It is a sunnah! Buy the children toys, books, clothes and fun actvities.

5. Youth: organize competitions and games for the kids and yourselves. Have prizes.

6. Children: Make a performance of your favourite nasheed or hadith

7. All: Dress up and look good! Be cheerful and smile all day long!

9. Give sadaqa - Make children love the act of giving!

Edutainment!

All laughs

"Dont be Sad"

If you are check out this digital one!

You Decide!

Watch it twice!

Ramadan - you are going away too fast!

A beautiful Nasheed!

Why are more women turning to Islam

A good read!

Why did the bus driver ask her to take off her Niqab?

Read the full article here

Masjids and Children

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam and everyone who visits the masjid for prayer or entertainment...

Please dont mind children at the masjid. The prophet took them along with him. It is the only way they will learn to go there and also like the masjid. Next time anyone gets annoyed by a child being a little naughty or crying please remember the prophet prolonged his sujud because his grandson was riding on his back! Be patient! They are children!

Who are the heroes and heroines in your children's lives?

Inspiration for the topic given by M B Ahamat!

If you ask your son who he looks up to would they name a famous super hero or a super sports star?

If you ask your daughter the same question would she say sleeping beauty or cinderella? Will she be fascinated if she could dress like a princess and hold the hand of mickey mouse or prince charming?

Blue eyes and blond hair of Rapunzel, elaborate clothes of cinderella, golden locks of goldilocks... Do we teach them that these superficial things are what matter in life or do we teach them to look at more than what they see in the mirror?

Do you want them to grow up shallow? do you want them to think that hair and skin is all that matters or do you want them to know that there is more to them than what they look like? Teach your sons the lessons of the noble people of the past the youth that gave so much to humanity. Tell your daughters that Lady Fathima and Lady Kadhija were excellent role models and are among the women of heaven. Make them look up to the prophet and his companions for leadership and lesson. Create a bond between them and our true Islamic heroes. This is what will give weight to their chracter... Superman and spiderman are nothing but fiction - something fake that our children are made to believe... Let's stop dreaming these unrealistic dreams. Stop buying them stickers and stationery that have donald duck and batman. Teach them to be simple and humble. Teach them that these so called fairies and fiction character have been created with the sole intention of making money out of parents. Teach them to love and care and buy them stories of the prophets and books of little duas so they will remember and love Allah. My parents did this for me when I was young. I was lucky not to think too much of cartoon charachters and video games but to grow up reading inspiring srories from the prophet's life that made me connect with him and wanting more than ever to be by his side in Jannah Insha Allah!

May Allah protect and guide us all!

Facts and Figures Say it All

We make just about 1 billion people of the world
We are a community with the largest number of teetotallers.
Lowest number of smokers (need to verify that)
The fastest growing religion in USA, Europe and many other nations
Muslims everywhere - Antarctica, Greenlands, Uganda, Sri Lanka
Forty houses above and below and a 40 house radius makes up our neighbours and we are good to every one of them
If there is one last product left on the shelf and both you and I wanted to have it, I will let you have it.
We have the most number of relgion 'practising' folks
We give the most amount of charity each year
2/3rd of those accepting Islam are women
All arabs are not muslim and all muslim are not arab
We differ in opinion but respect all
We are the best of people because we enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil
We are proud to be muslims and to be identified as Muslims. (Well, Most of us are!)
We are ashamed of what a few muslims do. May Allah guide us all
We hate that some people are killing our innocent muslim brothers, sister and children
We have many American friends
We are happy and cheerful not angry and sad

Come Join us today!

On wasteful Iftars

Aura A'raf:31 "Oh Children of Adam! Wear your beauitiful apparal at every time and place of prayer; eat and drink, but waste not by excess for Allah loveth not the wasters!"

Islam – Submission to the Will of Allah

There was this teacher in school who made everything in Islam feel like a threat or warning. No one realy enjoyed sitting in her class because she always made us feel like sinners and kept telling us how painful a torment we would have to face when we die. So the fear instead of bringing us closer to Islam actually took some of us away.
May Allah shower his merciful love on her for I assume she did it out of good intention. On the other hand there was this other teacher who always had a smile on her face and taught us the fiqh of Islam in a happy manner that made us feel wonderful about being Muslim. She inspired us to Ace our exams and race our Thaqwa.

You can either be born into it and really not think too much about it or you can chose to submit your will to Allah because you love him. Isn't that what worship means? Are we in it just because we fear punishment or seek reward or are we in it because we actually want to be and do anything we can to love and please Allah?

I know today that it is love and only love that brings you closer to Allah and his rasool. Rahma – He is compassionate and mercifully loving. I love Allah and his rasool and nothing else more than that. It is because we love him that we pray and that we do many acts of worship to show our love to him just like we would to other people we love. We must teach our children from an early age to do good in the sole intention of pleasing Allah and Allah alone because he loves us so much and we love Him too!

Ramadan in America

Qur'an 2:183-185 Surah Al-Baqarah (The Heifer)
O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may (learn) self-restraint.
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill or on a journey the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship) is a ransom the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more of his own free will it is better for him and it is better for you that ye fast if ye only knew.
Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting but if anyone is ill or on a journey the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

watch this!

Dua and Qadr - destiny

please read

Random thoughts from the top of my head

When people are dying to live... not trying hard enough to give... Excuses, little lies, paying attention to shallow details and planning a fake display of what really is... then it is time to knock on that door of your soul and bring you back to earth and to the reality that it may be your last day or week and it may be just wasted with no real purpose at all. Reflecting the mirror of life before it is way too late

The Importance of Jamaat

Importance of Salaat-e- Jamaat (Congregational Prayer)

Please catch the full article here

Games and fun for the little ones!

Our children are our greatest gifts. Shouldn't we give them the greatest gifts? This EidulFitr enlighten your children by giving them gifts that will increase their knowledge in Islam. If you do an online search you will find a variety of Islamic nursery rhyme cds, puzzles, books and games. there are also some online sites such as http://www.islamicplayground.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=29


Insha Allah let us substitute the evils of this world with good things rather than just saying 'no' to them. They will enjoy it very much and you can relax and not worry about what they are upto!

Marriage Advice

"Marriage is when two people get together not to be happy but to make each other happy!"
Yassir Fazaga


0.Plan for your marriage and not for your wedding

1.Remember to say at least one nice thing to her/him everyday

2.Be a friend to your partner and not just an adviser

3.Never ever lie!

4.Share all your deepest thoughts, secrets fears

5.Respect him/her

6.Do not neglect or ignore eachother

7.Help your partner achieve their dreams

8.Eat together whenever possible and have the tv put off

9.Talk!

10.Hold hands!

11.Pray together

12.Have a nice holiday at least twive a year

13.Do something special every now and then to make the other so happy it brings them tears.

14.Love them like it would be their last day on earth

15.have or adopt children – they bring a kind of joy that nothing else can!

On Romance

A Mission in Life

I have always had this strong belief that each and every one of us is blessed with a gift. A gift that we can use well, misuse, abuse or just ignore. We need to search for the gifts in us. And we need to use these gifts in the right ways.

Often we do not do anything wrong which is out of the ordinary but we also do not do anything right which is out of the ordinary either. If each one us question ourselves to find out when is the last time we had a converstaion with another human being about a topic which is spiritual and good, which did not involve any idol talk – such as movie stars, music, fooling around, what answer would we get? Do we know that everyday we are getting older and time is running out? Are our lives going to be shallow and worthless or are we going to make a difference by our presence on earth?

We need a worthwhile mission in life and we need several goals. We need to adjust our lives and work towards our goals because sitting there and just wanting to change things will not do any good. Opportunity will not coming knocking at your door. It will be waiting there seated for anyone passing by to pick it up. Many times in our lives we pass by these many opportunities not even noticing them. We worry about the money it may take or the effort it will be worth and by the time we reach a decision the moment has already passed. Dreams will always just be dreams unless you get up and do something about it. Whether your mission in life is about passing the message of truth to one other person or earning enough money to donate medical equipment to a hospital or fund a school building we need to start working here and now. If you are in your youth (15years to 40years) then you are in excellent position to start working with your life and blessings.

Social networking sites - fun or fitnah?

A knife can be used to cut your vegetables or kill somebody
Fire can be used to keep you warm or to burn your house down

It depends a lot on how you use it. When I first signed up for FB I was very afraid to even have a profile picture. This lecture may be useful to our youth that may be using such networking sites in more wrong than right ways!

Watch here!

10 Things We Waste as Muslims

Cool Talk

Let's change the world

here

Some opinions on Hijab

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maEvoVH15FU&NR=1

My experience at the Library

Although this may be a little off topic I want to make a note of an experience I had at the local public library that I visit almost every week with my family.

The first day we went their to get our memberships, my husband and I were so wonderfully surprised by the friendly attitude and gesture demonstrated by a very sweet lady. She took the trouble to come all the way around the table to explain a system to us which was pretty much self explanatory. She spoke to the point but she was so kind and it felt like we had known her all our lives. In fact we had just moved into the city and she gave us a very warm welcome. The beauty was that we were not customers but just using a free facility so it must have been really genuine how caring she seemed. So my husband and I walked out of the library that day smiling and saying to ourselves that she was the first friendliest person we met in Arizona.

Today at the library I went to the desk to make it known to them that two dvds I borrowed did not work. Although the due date approached and I had already returned them I was hoping they could check my records and correct the situation if necessary. However to my surprise I found this lady quite rude and very abrupt. She interrupted my sentences and spoke to me as if I had done something wrong. May be she just had a bad day. but I was thinking and thanking God that it was the other lady that I met first and not this one.

So why am i writing about this in my religious blog. This experience reminded me that when i go out I am dressed as a a muslim and reveal my identity as a Muslim. When you look at a man its hard to tell if he is a muslim or not but a woman on the other hand is walking with the label "Muslim" on. Everything we do affects not only hoe we are being perceived as a person but how indeed our religion is looked at. I told myself no matter how bad my day was or whether i just fell off a roof, I would always be nice to people. I would always try to make them happy just like that lady did on the first day I went to the library. I hope that you will too!

Why Islam?

http://way-to-rightpath.blogspot.com/2007/12/ex-christian-convert-to-islamhamza.html

Win-Win

Do not defeat your enemy - rather, Win them over!

In preparation of Ramadan 2009

http://www.hoor-al-ayn.com/lectures/waleed-basyouni/

The Quran and Hadith on "Mothers"

The Quran

1. "We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth" (46:15).

2. "Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: ‘My Lord! bestow on them Thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood' "(17:23-24).

3. "We have enjoined on man and woman kindness to parents; but if they (either of them) strive (to force) thee to join with Me anything of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not'" (29:8).

4. "We have enjoined on man and woman (to be good) to his/her parents; show gratitude to Me and to thy parents; to Me is (thy final) Goal. If they (parents) strive to make thee join in worship with Me things of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not; yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration) and follow the way of those who turn to Me (in love)" (31:14-15).

The Hadith

1. The Prophet Muhammad said, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him: Your Heaven lies under the feet of your mother (Ahmad, Nasai).

2. A man came to the Prophet and said, ‘O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship? The Prophet said: Your mother. The man said, ‘Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man further asked, ‘Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man asked again, ‘Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your father. (Bukhari, Muslim).

3. Abu Usaid Saidi said: We were once sitting with Rasulullah when a man from the tribe of Salmah came and said to him: O Messenger of Allah! do my parents have rights over me even after they have died? And Rasulullah said: Yes. You must pray to Allah to bless them with His Forgiveness and Mercy, fulfill the promises they made to anyone, and respect their relations and their friends (Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah).

4. Abdullah ibn Amr related that the Messenger of Allah said: The major sins are to believe that Allah has partners, to disobey one's parents, to commit murder, and to bear false witness (Bukhari, Muslim).

5. It is narrated by Asma bint Abu Bakr that during the treaty of Hudaibiyah, her mother, who was then pagan, came to see her from Makkah. Asma informed the Messenger of Allah of her arrival and also that she needed help. He said: Be good to your mother (Bukhari, Muslim).

From the Hadith of the prophet

"If you are three then two of you should not be in conversation excluding the 3rd for this will make him sad"

Why I'm boycotting Israeli produce

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2009/jan/23/israel-food-boycott-palestinians-gaza

Joanna Blythman 

The Deen Show

http://thedeenshow.com/show.php?action=detail&id=1124

On Polygamy

...for the curious!

The above link is informative enough to understand the reasonings behind allowing a man to have upto four wives if he can treat them all equally.

Here's a viewpoint form a personal perspective:

Long before I married I used to tell my mother that I was not going to ever stand in the way of my husband having a second wife. She assured me that when I get married my feelings will change.

Although I frequently remind my husband that I'm ok with it as long as I have my own home and seperate life I have asked myself whether I am indeed truly ok with it. Right now I feel that I am but it may be because the subject is more like a joke around the household. 

After hearing a rather inspiring talk once I was not only more motivated but completely agreeable to the fact that I am prepared to share my husband because there are some very good sisters out there who are finding it very difficult to find partners. Indeed it is our duty to take care of them. We DO NOT want them to become public property. I had many friends who felt it was very difficult to understand this ruling in Islam but every rule has true purpose and meaning.  For example: if every human being gives 2.5% of his/her savings to the poor every year, poverty can be eradicated. Then the rule about cutting of the thief's hand makes sense. The fear of punishment by itself should prevent theft. 

Be open to the reasonings rather than making judgements on the surface!

For now this is all from my end of the world...

Zakat

On Charity...

What is religion?

http://aashika.blogspot.com/2005/05/what-is-religion.html

A message to humanity from the voiceless!

I have been subtly trying to avoid seeing, hearing and reading about the Gaza attacks. Its not that I’m not facing the reality but my heart goes out to them too much. And it’s not because they are Muslims. I would feel this way about anyone. No human being deserves to go through so much pain. I would do what I can in my little way to help them. Maybe I can start with boycotting some of their products. That’s something difficult but Alhamdulillah Allah has given us so much choice. It’s not vengeance, rather its trying not to enable them to worsen their attacks. 

If you feel for your fellow brothers, sisters and innocent children who are either dead or fighting for their lives please try to help them in whatever small way you can. It doesn’t matter what our beliefs are… we all have a heart!

Islamic Youth Awakening (Sahwah) Campaign

http://www.usislam.org/IslamicYouth/islamic_youth.htm

1. Glorious Quran on Good Manners: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. Words of Wisdom from Prophet Mohammad (PBUH):"Acquire knowledge, it enables its professor to distinguish right from wrong; it lights the way to heaven. It is our friend in the desert, our company in solitude and companion when friendless. It guides us to happiness, it sustains us in misery, it is an ornament amongst friends and an armour against enemies." (widely attributed to the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh))

3. Muhammad (PBUH), The Best Man Ever Lived:A Brief Biography Of Muhammad, Islam Online

4. Videos Of Prophet Muhammad:Documentary: Muhammad Legacy of a Prophet, by Non-Muslims about Islam & Prophet Muhammad (S)... A good start for every Non-Muslim that wants to know more about Islam.

5. Great Muslims who Changed History, Most of the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) were Youth:Ali Ibn Abi Taleb (10 years old), Talhah ibn Ubaydullah (14 years old), Said ibn Zayd ( 15 years Old), Sad ibn Abi Waqqas (17 years old), Umar Ibn Al Khattab (26 years old) Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf (30 years), Othman Ibn Affan (34 years old), Abu Bakr (37 years old)Abd ar-Rahman I, Arabic: (عبد الرحمن الداخل), (known as the "Falcon of Andalus" or "The Falcon of the Quraish

6. Yes, Say it LOUD: YES ISLAM IS THE ANSWER:Are you a Muslim? Yes I am, Dr. Adel Elsaie

7. Islamic Inspirational SongsNative Deen - Not Afraid to stand Alone <<<<<<<<< Great SongOr : Native Deen - Not Afraid to stand Alone <<<<<<<<< Great Song, Lyrics: Stand AlonePlease compare this song (Not afraid to stand alone) with many of the disgusting songs from westernized "Muslim" singers in "Muslim" countries.

Yes you can be strong Muslim, please sign the petition : Muslim Youth Code of HonorRequired a million signature each year Until that last Muslim Youth sign in.

Please circulate this posting to your brothers and sisters, Jazakum Allah Khairan.Please note that this posting is for adults too.

Dr. Adel Elsaie
http://www.usislam.org/

From a friend

Dr Jeffery lang mathematician accepts Islam

 

http://www.thedeenshow.com/show.php?action=detail&id=477

Circumcision

A question for Dr Zakir Naik

Here!

While it is a highly recomended Sunnah for males as far as I know there is no basis for female circumsision in Islam.  If any one has any evidence to state otherwise, please go ahead and state references.

Of Halal and Haram

for those of us who think we know!

Prohibited and Permitted

(you may need to scroll down the education blog for the topic)

Who is the angel of death?

Leave your answer and email address too!

The Last Sermon

Give it a listen!

I remember when I was a teenager among my sci fi, Charles Dickens, Robin Cook and Steven King I also read the life story of Prophet Muhammed (MPBUH). I cried when I reached the very end and his life did touch me for the first time spiritually!

Prophet Muhammad's (SAL) Last Sermon 

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I don't know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (Interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived...

Beware of Satan, for your safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have right over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and comitted helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to commit adultery.

O People, listen to me in earnest, whorship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action.

Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me direcly. Be my witness oh Allah that I have conveyed your message to your people."

Women's Rights

A question answered by Zakir Naik

Dear Ladies...

Even though men are the sole bread winners, it is always good to be in a position to be independent enough to be ok if the man ever leaves or God forbid dies.

Only Allah!

In this world there are some people who are lucky and others who are unlucky - the successful and the unsuccessful - the winners and the losers. The first two are judgments based on materialism. The third is like the outcome of a sporting fiesta. Where do these come in Islam. Most of us are lucky to have been born Muslims. Some of them are successful in living in this world in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah. The winners are a very few who whether having born a Muslim or not, accepted the truth and lived there lives in accordance with the Quran and the Sunnah and most importantly die with the Iman in tact. These are the winners. The rest are all losers.

We need to strive to be winners here in this world and in the hereafter by doing a few simple things like being truthful to your own self and to the rest of the world at all times, giving of what you have, dropping one's pride, etc.

The rest will fall into place Insha Allah, when you blend above with the faith in Allah.

My personal experience in teaching myself to depend solely on Allah for anything and everything blended with my undying physical efforts has brought me peace and success.

Our 2nd Umrah

 

I was blessed with the opportunity of visiting the Ka’ba AGAIN last year with my parents and husband. I was 61/2 months pregnant and this added to the challenge undoubtedly. Many people including my husband advised me against it. “The crowd is too much; It’s dangerous for the baby; you wont be able to take the stress… etc etc. but something deep inside me wanted me to go. May be it was because I wanted to perform Umrah again with my husband this time. So if you know me I’m not someone who can easily be convinced not do something I want to do… so we went.

 

We joined my parents for the last 15 blessed days of the Holy month of Ramadhan… Fasting in the heat of the desert was miraculously easy. We did our Umrah after breaking fast so it wont be too hard on the unborn baby. Mum, Dad and Bru had to be my armour as I walked slowly seven times around the Ka’ba and 7 times between the two mountains – sa’fa and marwa in memory of Hajara – (May peace be upon her) and her thirsty child Ismail (May peace be with him).

 

When I saw the Ka’ba for the second time my eyes filled with tears. Half in happiness and half because I never thought I’d be able to make it there in such a short span of time and against all odds. Alhamdulillah it was like a dream come true.

 

We spent as much time as possible in the mosque asking for dua and forgiveness. And when the sun set masses would sit together for breaking the fast. In a desert land that produces no vegetation or fruit it is amazing to find foods of all kinds everywhere. People distribute everything from Pizza hut to shawarmas, samusas and biriyani to apples, bananas and oranges. And when it was time to pray everyone quickly rises up, dusts their mats and stand in straight lines to pray. The wonder of it is the miraculous feeling that runs through your mind and heart when the prayers are being recited.

 

People everywhere as far as the eyes can see.. all dressed alike… all - there for one and the same cause! Now my thirst for Haj increases every single time I hear of people going there. I’m hoping and praying that Insha Allah, Allah will invite me soon… It’s not easy… you need the good health, the money, the piety and a baby sitter. So Insha Allah let us pray that we are all go there on day cos no pictures, nor words can explain that feeling that runs in your heart when you first see the Ka’ba and any dua that you ask at that moment will be answered!

Aameen

My first Umrah!

Here it is!

Quran and Science???

???

Youth

It would be worth the read!

Here, go for it!

The Hijab

A very much discussed topic... Sometimes I wonder why all the fuss. Here goes!

Is the Quran really a divine word?

Click here for the answer!

Please give this video a watch. One youth shares some ideas we would not have thought of before...

Please watch or listen!

HUMBLE REQUEST TO ALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS - PLEASE READ IN FULL THOUGH THE MATERIAL BELOW IS A LITTLE TOO LONG

Assalaamu Alaikum

Friday the 5th of December dawned as any other day, but Allah made it slightly different for me as He made me cross the path of a young man who will one day probably be the first Astrophysicist that Sri Lanka will produce Insha Allah. I use the word "will" rather than "may" because of the determination of this young man.


Being a son of a paralyzed father and mother who is probably a psychiatric patient his guts and determination is amazing

He worked as a Security Guard in a Private Hospital in Colombo doing the 12 hour night shift daily to complete his G.C.E. Advanced Level. 

Hailing from Puttalam, he  studied in the bio stream amongst poverty and was selected to the Agriculture and Plantation degree at the Wayamba University in 2007. 

He rejected it because he wanted to be an Astrophysicist. 

Then he became a salesman in a private telecom company during which period he completed his IELTS and TOEFL as well as obtained Diplomas in English, Information Technology, Programming, Web Designing and Hardware Engineering. He has won several awards for various activities in the school in which he studied.

As an eight year old child the stars fascinated him. For his G.C.E. Ordinary Level he made an excellent project study on Mars. He has contacts with NASA and several other space agencies. In the far away capriconous constellation, a star has been named after him by NASA in recognition of his interest. He has won several quiz competitions the highlight being an award from Sir, Arthur C Clarke.

His poverty did not stop him, he continued in the pursuit of his childhood dreams of wanting to reach the stars. He obtained a place with a 75% scholarship at the Girne American University in Cyprus for a degree in Nano Technological Engineering. He could not proceed to Cyprus because he could not find the balance money. Then recently Allah gave him another opportunity.

 A visit to an Educational Exhibition in Colombo and a chance meeting with a lady in an American University got him fast admission to the North Dakota State University in U.S.A. She had offered him 50% scholarship waver of admission fee for a degree programme in Physics. He feels that he is on the verge of realising his dream. He has  already obtained his visa for U.S.A.

His limitation now is only money. He has to be in U.S.A. in about 2 weeks time as the Course begins on the 6th of January 2009. His needs are for the balance Course fee, board and lodging and air travel. The generous lady has offered him immediate part time employment too.

Can we too be generous in this season of sacrifice to help this young man to make his dream come true and enable him to make history. 

He needs Rupees 1.1 million.

Who will come forward to make a dream come true, Insha Allah?
Together we can.

PS. This is his story as told to me and substantiated by documents. Those who are interested in this cause please contact me by mail  and I will send more details and bank account number, etc. personally

Silent Sunlight

A silent break from the everyday demands of life!

Some Lecture Recaps

We were fortunate alhamdulillah to attend an islamic lecture organised by the Islamic Society of Milwaukee. Two learned academics Dr Safiya, and the well-known Dr Jamal Badawi.

 

The first session was about building character as a muslim. Dr. Safiya gave some examples which I would like to share with my closest.

 

1. There was an example from Hadith where a man who had given a loan to the prophet PBUH, and came two days before the due date and grabbed the shirt prophet PBUH such that the collar caused pressure on the prohpet's PBUH neck. Umar RAH, then scolded this man for doing this to the prophet. The prophet then said to Umar (and this may not be the exact words but what I am writing based on what I heard) " Why are you scolding this man, Umar, when you should instead tell me to pay the loan on time...". The humbleness of this great prophet, who did not sit on a throne and expect everyone to respect to him. But who showed how to live by example. Alhamdulillah!

 

2. There was a case where a total stranger had was being owed to by Abu-Huraira (I am assuming it was Abu Huraira. What was told during the session was that this person was a leader amongst the Khuraish and the prophet had tried many times to change him, and also the prophet faced a lot of trouble from this man) and where Abu-Huraira was avoiding. This man then went to the council of elders to ask for justice. The council, thinking that this was a good opportunity to mock the prophet PBUH, told this man to get help from "that man who is sitting near the Ka'ba"... So this man, no knowing who the prophet was, went to the prophet and asked for help. The prophet then, went with this total stranger to Abu-Huraira's house and asked Abu-Huraira to pay this man. Abu-Huraira, then went into his house and brought the money to pay this man. What this shows is how the prophet even helped a total stranger, knowing that he would face problems in attempting to help this man. Also what was discussed was as to why Abu-Huraria paid, without refusing. The speaker said that Abu-Huraira had narrated to the elders' council that he had seen a big camel next to the prophet and he was scared that this camel would help him. The speaker said that this maybe a miracle, or it could be a lie by Abu-huraira to save face. Allahu alam.

 

3. There was a case where a bedouin tribe member had come to the masjid and then had gone to a corner of the masjid to relieve himself. The Sahabi were angry and went over to show their anger, when the prophet stopped them. The prophet then called the bedouin tribe member and had explained to him that what he did was not something that you should do in a Masjid. This shows how you should approach people when they do something unknowingly, but which annoys or angers you. In modern times we call it emotional intelligence.

 

A few things which Dr. Jamal Badawi spoke about which is worth mentioning: His focus was on how to live as an american muslim, and how to deal with questions from the non-muslims.

 

About war and to counter arguments that islam promotes war. There is a verse in Surah Bakara where it mentions about war and how there should not be "excesses" in war. This controls what can be done under the "rules" of engagement. Also, it is celebrated in the quran when victories were made without wars. Example the battle of the trenches, and the first haj, and how the muslims were able to go for pilgrimage. All of these were celebrated. These points can be used to rebut anyone who claims that the quran promotes war.

 

Dr. Badawi also mentioned that some muslims believe that loving a non muslim is not permissible. Dr. badawi said that this is not the case. He gave examples of the prophets uncle Abu-thalib, If it is not permissible to "love" non-muslims there would have been a revelation in the holy quran for the prophet not to do so. There were other numerous examples. This is not only for "people of the book" but also for others, since the most of the arabs who were non muslims worshipped idols.

 

Also the word Kufar has many meanings. Kufar is also used for the "farmer". The reason to bring this up is because the people who question islam often asks questions as to why islam wants muslims to kill non muslims. Dr. Badawi says that this is not true...

 

Wassalaam...

 

Bru

Why the call?

It's three days before Eidhul Azha and this is just an ordinary person sitting here just pondering, on a cold winter afternoon after Jummah...! 

Today in the Masjid, two guys converted to Islam. One of them a medical doctor. Not that it matters. While it was inspiring and heartwarming to hear the conversion, it made me wonder why. Why Islam?

Like every born Muslim, at some point of life you go through a crisis of religion and the purpose of life. At that point you have three choices to makes.... Either take Islam to be your way of life by choice.... because you come to love Allah and the Prophet or to deviate from the path of Islam or to be muslim just by chance rather than choice.... may be even just for convenience.

So I am a muslim by choice... I try to practice as much as I can. there are times when its hard to that but striving to get to the highest level of heaven by submitting your will to God is every good muslim's mission or at least it should be.

Some Highlights of this blog

• the  word Islam is derived from the route word 'Salam' - which means 'peace'
  
• the greeting Assalamu Alaikum means "May Peace be Upon You!"
  
• why is Islam the fastest growing religion in the world?
  
• Hijab and the Happy Woman!
• Muslims in America
• Is the Quran God's word?
• Why do some people hate muslims?

Be tuned in for more.  Check out the links. Leave Comments and Questions. For when God asks me what I did in my own little capaity to spread the true message I'd have something to say...