Model for Muslim women

முன்மாதிரி முஸ்லிம் பெண்கள்

இன்றைய கால கட்டத்தில் பெண்கள், நாகரீகம் என்ற பெயரில் பலவாறு வழிகெட்டுப் போய் உள்ளனர். பெண் என்றால் எப்படி இருக்க வேண்டும் என்று இஸ்லாம் மிக அழகாக கூறியுள்ளது. அதைப் பற்றிக் காண்போம்.

கணவனிடம் நடந்து கொள்ளும் முறை:

1.கணவனுக்கு கட்டுப்படுதல்:

எந்தப் பெண் தன் கணவன் இல்லாத சமயத்தில் எதையெல்லாம் பாதுகாக்க வேண்டுமோ அதையெல்லாம் பாதுகாத்து, கணவனுக்கு கட்டுப்பட்டு இருக்கின்றாளோ அவளே ‘ஸாலிஹான பெண்’ என்று அல்லாஹ் கூறுகிறான். (அல்குர்ஆன் 4:34)

ஒரு நபித்தோழர் நபி (ஸல்) அவர்களிடம் எந்த பெண் சிறந்த பெண்? என்று கேட்டார். அதற்கு நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள், அவன் பார்க்கும் போது அவனை சந்தோஷப்படுத்துகிறாளோ அவளே சிறந்தவள் என்றார்கள். (அறிவிப்பவர்: அபூஹுரைரா (ரலி), நூல்: நஸயீ)

2.கஷ்டத்திலும் கணவனுக்கு உதவி செய்தல்:

நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள் ஹிரா குகையில் ஜிப்ரீல் (அலை) அவர்களை 600 இறக்கைகளை கொண்டவர்களாக வானத்தையும் பூமியையும் நிரப்பியவர்களாக கண்ட பொழுது மிகவும் பயந்தவராய் தன் மனைவி கதீஜா (ரலி) அவர்களிடம் ஓடி வந்து ‘என்னை போர்த்துங்கள், என்னை போர்த்துங்கள்’ என்று கூறினார்கள். உடனே கதீஜா (ரலி) அவர்கள் நபி (ஸல்) அவர்களை போர்த்தி ஆசுவாசப்படுத்திய பின் நடந்ததை விபரமாக கேட்டு பின்னர் நபி (ஸல்) அவர்களிடம் கூறினார்கள்.

‘அல்லாஹ்வின் மீது சத்தியமாக! அல்லாஹ் உங்களை ஒரு போதும் கேவலப்படுத்த மாட்டான். ஏனென்றால் நீங்கள் சொந்தங்களை அனுசரித்து, மக்களின் கஷ்டங்களை சுமந்து, ஏழை எளியோருக்கு உதவி செய்து விருந்தாளிகளை கண்ணியப்படுத்துகிறீர்கள்’ என்று ஆறுதல் கூறினார்கள். (நூல்: புகாரி)

3.கணவனுக்கு பணிவிடை செய்தல்:

நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள் சத்தியத்தை தேடி ஹிரா குகை சென்ற பொழுது கதீஜா (ரலி) அவர்களுக்கு வயது 55. அந்த வயதிலும் அவர்கள் பல மைல் தூரம் கரடு முரடான பாதையில் உணவுப் பொருளை சுமந்து நடந்து சென்று தன் கணவனுக்கு பணிவிடை செய்தார்கள். (நூல்: புஹாரி)

4.இல்லறத்தில் கணவனை திருப்திபடுத்துதல்:

நீங்கள் சமையல் அறையில் சமைத்துக் கொண்டிருந்தாலும் அல்லது போருக்கு செல்வதற்காக குதிரையின் மீது இருந்தாலும் கணவன் இல்லறத்திற்காக அழைத்தால் அவனை சந்தோஷப்படுத்துங்கள் என்று நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள் கூறினார்கள்.

5.ரகசியம் காத்தல்:

கணவன் ரகசிய உள்பட எல்லாவிதமான ரகசியங்களையும் பாதுகாக்க வேண்டும். ஏனென்றால் ரகசியம்; என்பது அமானிதம். அமானிதத்தைப் பேணுவது உண்மை முஸ்லிமின் பண்பு. அமானித மோசடி செய்வது முனாஃபிக்கின் அடையாளம்.

விருந்தோம்பல்:

யார் அல்லாஹ்வையும் மறுமை நாளையும் நம்புகிறார்களோ அவர்கள் விருந்தாளியை கண்ணியப்படுத்தட்டும் என்று நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள் கூறினார்கள் (புஹாரி)

ஒருமுறை நபி (ஸல்) அவர்களிடம் ஒரு விருந்தாளி வர நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள் இவருக்கு யார் விருந்தளிப்பது என்று கேட்டார்கள். அப்போது அபூதல்ஹா (ரலி) அவர்கள் தான் அளிப்பதாக கூறி அந்த விருந்தாளியை தன் வீட்டிற்கு அழைத்துச் சென்று தன் மனைவியிடம் ‘நபி (ஸல்) அவர்களின் விருந்தாளியை கண்ணியப்படுத்து’ என்று கூறினார்கள். உடனே மனைவி உம்மு ஸுலைம் (ரலி) அவர்கள், ‘குழந்தைகள் உண்ணும் உணவைத் தவிர வேறு எதுவும் நம்மிடம் இல்லையே’ என்று சொல்ல, அதற்கு கணவர் அபூதல்ஹா (ரலி) அவர்கள், குழந்தைகளை பசியோடு தூங்க வைத்து விட்டு உணவை எங்களுக்கு வைத்து விட்டு விளக்கை ஏற்றுவது போல் அணைத்து விடு. விருந்தாளி நானும் உண்பதாக நினைத்துக் கொண்டு வயிறார உண்ணுவார், நான் உண்ணுவது போல் நடித்துக் கொள்வேன் என்று சொல்ல, அதற்கு கட்டுப்பட்டு உம்மு ஸுலைம் (ரலி) அவர்கள் அவ்வாறே செய்தார்கள். மறுநாள் காலை ஸுப்ஹு தொழுகைக்கு சென்ற அபூதல்ஹா (ரலி) அவர்களிடம் நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள் கூறினார்கள். உங்கள் இருவரின் விருந்தோம்பலை பார்த்து அல்லாஹ் ஆச்சரியப்பட்டான், மேலும் சந்தோஷத்தில் சிரித்தான் என்றார்கள்.

அப்போது அல்லாஹ் ‘அவர்கள் தங்களுக்கு தேவையிருந்தும் பிறருக்கு முன்னுரிமை கொடுப்பார்கள்’ (அல்குர்ஆன் 59:9) என்ற வசனத்தை இறக்கியருளினான்.

இஸ்லாத்திற்காக தியாகம் செய்தல்:

ஒருமுறை உக்பா பின் ஆமிர் (ரலி) அவர்கள் தன் மனைவியுடன் மக்காவில் நடந்து சென்று கொண்டிருந்தார்கள். அப்போது ஒரு வயதான பெண்மணி உக்பா பின் ஆமிர் (ரலி) அவர்களிடம் நான் உனக்கு பால் கொடுத்த தாய் என்று அறிமுகப்படுத்திக் கொண்டு அவருடைய மனைவியைப் பார்த்து இவர் யார்? என்று கேட்டார்கள். அதற்கு அவர் தன் மனைவி என்று கூறவும் இவருக்கும் நான் பால் கொடுத்துள்ளேன். இருவரும் சகோதர சகோதரி முறையல்லவா? நீங்கள் எப்படி கணவன் மனைவியாக வாழலாம்? என்றார்கள். உடனே உக்பா பின் ஆமிர் (ரலி) அவர்கள் மதீனா சென்று நபி (ஸல்) அவர்களிடம் விஷயத்தை கூறி மார்க்க தீர்ப்பு கேட்க, நபி (ஸல்) அவர்களும் இந்த திருமணம் செல்லாது, எனவே உறவை முறித்துக் கொள்ளுங்கள் என்று கூற, அவர் தன் மனைவியிடம் விஷயத்தை எடுத்துச் சொல்லி அல்லாஹ்வுக்காக பிரிந்து விடுவோம் என்றார். அன்பாக, ஒற்றுமையாக அவர்கள் அல்லாஹ்வுக்காக தன் திருமண உறவை முறித்துக் கொண்டார்கள். (புஹாரி)

குர்ஆன், ஹதீஸிற்கு முழுமையாக கட்டுப்படுதல்:

எல்லா விஷயங்களிலும் அல்லாஹ்வுக்கும், அவனுடைய தூதருக்கும் முழுமையாக கட்டுப்பட வேண்டும்.

யார் அல்லாஹ்விற்கும் அவனுடைய தூதருக்கும் கட்டுப்பட்டாரோ அவர் நாளை மறுமையில் நபிமார்கள், உண்மையாளர்கள், ஷஹீதுகள், நல்லோர்களோடு சொர்க்கத்தில் தங்குவார்கள் என்று

அல்லாஹ் கூறுகிறான். (அல்குர்ஆன் 4:69)

தர்மம் செய்தல்:

‘யார் ஏழ்மையிலும் வசதியிலும் தர்மம் செய்கிறாரோ அவர் சொர்க்கவாசி ஆவார்’ என்று அல்லாஹ் கூறுகிறான் (அல்குர்ஆன் 3:134)

நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள் பெருநாள் உரையின் போது பெண்களே உங்களை நான் நரகத்தில் அதிகமாக

கண்டேன். எனவே அதிகமாக தர்மம் செய்யுங்கள். தர்மத்தின் மூலமாக உங்களை நரகத்தை விட்டும் பாதுகாத்துக் கொள்ளுங்கள். அது நீங்கள் அணிந்திருக்கும் அணிகலன்களாக இருந்தாலும் சரியே என்று கூறினார்கள்.

அதைக் கேட்ட சஹாபிய பெண்கள் தங்களின் காதுகளிலிருந்தும் கைகளிலிருந்தும் அணிகலன்களை கழற்றி தர்மம் செய்தார்கள். (புஹாரி)

உண்மை பேசுதல்:

உம்மு ஸலமா (ரலி) அவர்களை நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள் பெண் கேட்டார்கள். அதற்கு அவர்கள் தன்னிடம் ஒரு பெண் குழந்தை இருப்பதாகவும் தான் ஒரு முன்கோபக்காரி என்று உண்மையை எடுத்துக் கூறினார்கள். உடனே நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள் உன்னுடைய முன்கோபம் போக நான் அல்லாஹ்விடம் துஆ செய்கிறேன் என்று கூறி அவர்கள் திருமணம் செய்து கொண்டார்கள்.

இதிலிருந்து எந்த சூழ்நிலையிலும் உண்மை பேச வேண்டும் என்பதும், ஆயிரம் பொய் சொல்லியாவது ஒரு திருமணத்தை நடத்த வேண்டும் என்பது தவறு என்பதும் புலனாகிறது.

மார்க்கத்தை அதிகமாக கற்றுக் கொள்ளுதல்:

சஹாபிய பெண்கள் அதிகமாக மார்க்கத்தை கற்றுக் கொள்வார்கள். ஒருமுறை சஹாபிய பெண்கள் நபி (ஸல்) அவர்களிடம் ‘யா ரஸுலுல்லாஹ் சஹாபாக்கள் எப்போதும் உங்களுடன் இருந்து மார்க்கத்தை கற்றுக் கொள்கிறார்கள். எனவே எங்களுக்காக ஒரு நாளை ஒதுக்கி கற்றுத் தாருங்கள் என்றார்கள். அதற்கு நபி (ஸல்) வியாழக்கிழமையை உங்களுக்கு ஆக்கிக் கொள்ளுங்கள் என்றார்கள்.

பணம் வந்தாலும் தன்னடக்கத்தோடு வாழுதல்:

கதீஜா (ரலி), அஸ்மா பின்த் அபுபக்கர் (ரலி) போன்ற சஹாபிய பெண்மணிகள் பணம் இருந்தும் தன்னடக்கமாக, எளிமையாக வாழ்ந்தார்கள். அவர்கள் பணத்தைக் கொண்டு பெருமையடிக்கவில்லை. ஆணவம் கொள்ளவில்லை. ஏனெனில் ‘யாருடைய இதயத்தில் கடுகளவும் பெருமை இருக்கிறதோ அவர்கள் சொர்க்கம் செல்ல மாட்டார்’ என்று நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள் கூறினார்கள்.

குழந்தை வளர்ப்பு:

குழந்தைகளை ஒழுக்கத்தோடும், இஸ்லாமிய பண்பாட்டோடும் வளர்ப்பது பெற்றோர்களது கட்டாய

கடமை. குழந்தைகள் தந்தையை விட தாயிடம் நெருக்கமாக இருப்பதால் தாய் மீது இந்த பொறுப்பு அதிகமாக இருக்கிறது என்பதை ஒவ்வொரு பெண்களும் கவனத்தில் கொள்ள வேண்டும்.

இவ்வாறெல்லாம் எந்தப் பெண் நடந்து கொள்கிறாளோ அவளே உண்மையான முன்மாதிரி முஸ்லிம் பெண் ஆவாள்.

ஒவ்வொரு முஸ்லிம் பெண்ணும் மேற்கண்ட முன்மாதிரி முஸ்லிம் பெண்ணாக வாழ அல்லாஹ் அருள் புரிவானாக. ஆமீன்.

ஜகாத் வருமானத்துக்கா? எஞ்சியதற்கா?

ALLAHU

வருமானத்தில் 2.5 % ஜகாத் கொடுக்க வேண்டுமா? அல்லது செலவு போக மீதமுள்ளதில் 2.5 % கொடுக்க வேண்டுமா ?

திருக்குர்ஆன் 9:103, 51:19, 70:24 ஆகிய வசனங்களில் சொத்துக்களுக்கு ஜகாத் வழங்க வேண்டும் என்று கூறப்பட்டுள்ளது. தேவைக்கு மேல் மீதமுள்ளதற்குத் தான் ஜகாத் என்று குர்ஆனிலும் ஹதீஸிலும் கூறப்படவில்லை.

செலவு போக மீதமுள்ளதற்குத் தான் ஜகாத் என்ற கருத்தைச் சில அறிஞர்கள் கூறினாலும் அது ஏற்கத்தக்கதல்ல.

தேவைக்கு மேல் மீதமானவை என்பது குழப்பமான கருத்துடையதாகும். தேவைக்கு மேல் என்றால் ஒரு நாள் தேவையா? ஒரு மாதத் தேவையா? ஒரு வருடத் தேவையா? என்பது பற்றி அவரவர் விளக்கம் கூறிக் கொண்டு ஜகாத் கொடுக்காமல் இருக்கும் தந்திரத்தை இதன் மூலம் கையாள்வார்கள்.

• ஒருவன் ஒரு கோடி ரூபாய்க்கு ஒரு வீட்டை வாங்கிக் கொண்டு இது என் தேவைக்கு உரியது என்று கூறலாம். இன்னும் தனக்குத் தேவையான தோட்டம், துரவு, கார், பங்களா ஆகிய அனைத்துமே தேவைக்கு உரியது என்று வாதிட இந்தக் கருத்து வழி வகுக்கும்.
• கிலோ கணக்கில் தங்க ஆபரணத்தை அணிந்து கொண்டு கணவனை மகிழ்விக்கும் தேவைக்காக இதை வைத்துள்ளேன் என்று பெண்கள் கூறலாம். மொத்தத்தில் ஜகாத் என்பதே நடைமுறையில் இல்லாமல் போய் விடும்.
• ஒருவருக்குச் சொந்தமான குதிரை, சொந்தமான அடிமை ஆகியவற்றுக்காக ஜகாத் இல்லை என்று நபிகள் நாயகம் (ஸல்) கூறியுள்ளனர். புகாரி 1463, 1464,
• மார்ககத்தில் இது போல் விதிவிலக்கு இருந்தால் இது போல் நபிகள் நாயகம் (ஸல்) அவர்கள் தெளிவுபடுத்தி இருப்பார்கள்.
• ஒருவருக்கு வரும் வருவாய், அவரது சொத்துக்கள், இருப்புக்கள் ஆகிய அனைத்துக்கும் ஜகாத் உண்டு.
• இதில் ஏழைகள் அடங்கிவிடக் கூடாது என்பதற்காக ஒரு எல்லைக் கோட்டை இஸ்லாம் வகுத்துள்ளது. சுமார் 11 பவுன் தங்கம் அல்லது அதன் மதிப்புடைய ரொக்கம் ஒருவரிடம் எப்போதும் மிச்சமிருந்தால் அவர் செல்வந்தர் ஆவார். ஒருவரிடம் 40 ஆடுகள் அல்லது ஐந்து ஒட்டகங்கள் இருந்தால் அவர் செல்வந்தராவார் என்று இஸ்லாம் வரையரை செய்துள்ளது. இந்த வரையறை மூலம் ஏழைகள் ஜகாத் கொடுக்கும் நிலை ஏற்படாது.
• ஒருவர் மாதம் பத்தாயிரம் ரூபாய் சம்பாதிக்கிறார். அவரிடம் வேறு எந்த இருப்பும் இல்லை. அவர் ஜகாத் கொடுக்க மாட்டார். சிறிது சிறிதாக மிச்சம் பிடித்து 11 பவுன் நகை அளவுக்கு அவரிடம் இருப்பு வந்து விட்டது என்றால் அந்த 11 பவுனுக்கும் அதன் பின் அவருக்கு வரும் ஒவ்வொரு ரூபாய்க்கும் ஜகாத் கொடுக்க வேண்டும்.
• எப்போது 11 பவுனுக்கும் கீழ் குறைந்து விடுகிறதோ அப்போது ஜகாத் கடமை இல்லை.
• ஒருவர் மாதம் மூவாயிரம் சம்பளம் வங்குகிறார். ஆனால் அவரிடம் ஏற்கனவே 20 பவுன் நகை உள்ளது என்றால் இவர் அந்த 20 பவுனுக்கும் ஜகாத் கொடுக்க வேண்டும். அந்த மூன்றாயிரம் ரூபாய்க்கும் ஜகாத் கொடுக்க வேண்டும்.

எபோதெல்லாம் அவருக்கு செல்வம் கிடைக்கிறதோ அப்போதெல்லாம் ஜகாத் கடமையாகி விடும்.

JIHAD

Abstract

The website addresses the issue of bridging conceptual differences between the Jihad and the holy war (or) A word Jihad is related to islam and other religious. I (Mohamed Asik) propose an application logic that works as a framework in assisting the evaluation of Jihad. I created this site to who unknown about the jihad and its activity.

Bad muslims saying a word Jihad for there attacks. On hearing Jihad non-muslims and as well as some unknown muslims saying, Jihad means Holy war. On seeing this guys, i cannot control my laugh. One proverb in Tamil (Indian Language)

”    One who is having eyes but blind on seeing   ”

 

CASE STUDY OF JIHAD

Introduction

Jihad ( Arabic: جهاد‎ ), is an Arabic word derived from ‘Jahada’, which means to strive(effort) or to struggle. For example. if a student strives to pass in the examination he is doing jihad. Jihad appears frequently in the Qur’an and common usage as the idiomatic expression “striving in the way of Allah (al-jihad fi sabil Allah)”. In the Islamic context, ‘Jihad’ means to strive against one’s own evil inclination. It also means to strive to make the society better. It also includes the right to fight in self-defence or to fight in the battlefield against oppression and against aggression.

In western societies the term jihad is often translated as “holy war”. One of the greatest misconceptions about Islam, not only amongst the non-Muslims but even amongst the Muslims, is that concerning the concept of Jihad. Non-Muslims as well as Muslims think that any war fought by any Muslim for whatever purpose, be it good or bad, is Jihad.

Usage of the term

In Modern Standard Arabic, jihad is one of the correct terms for a struggle for any cause, violent or not, religious or secular. For instance, Mahatma Gandhi’s satyagraha struggle for Indian independence is called a “jihad” in Modern is also applied to the fight for women’s liberation.

• “A commitment to hard work” and “achieving one’s goals in life”
• “Struggling to achieve a noble cause”
• “Promoting peace, harmony or cooperation, and assisting others”
• Jihad against his or her wrong soul.

Jihad is not holy war

Not only non-Muslim scholars, but even some Muslim scholars mistranslate the word ‘Jihad’ as holy war. The Arabic word for ‘holy war’ is ‘harabum muqaddasah’ and this word is not to be found anywhere in the Qur’an nor in any hadith. The word ‘holy war’ was first used to describe the crusades of the Christians who killed thousands of people in the name of Christianity. Today, this term ‘holy war’ is used to falsely describe Jihad, which merely means ‘to strive’. In an Islamic context, Jihad means ‘to strive in the way of Allah for a righteous cause’. i.e. Jihad fi Sabilillah.

Jihad in Christianity

Christianity a word jihad ( striving) is tied to the faith 100%. There is no mention in the   New Testament of this “striving” (jihad) being tied to anything except the spiritual life, for the term jihad in Christianity means striving against sin.

Jesus taught about jihad.

• He told his disciples “Strive to enter in at the narrow gate…”
• In Luke 13:24. He wanted them to put their sight towards the faith in him and in his life as an example.
• The Christian gate is narrow because it requires faith in Jesus and what he did to save us.

Jesus’ actions speak as well.

• When the Roman soldiers arrested Jesus and led him to the Roman governor, he asked Jesus, “Am I a Jew? It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” Jesus said “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place” John 18:35-36.
• Never did Jesus ask his followers to fight for him or for their beliefs; instead he commanded them to love their enemies. Jihad in Jesus teaching is a spiritual jihad only.

Jesus’ disciples taught about jihad as well.

• Paul in 1 Timothy 6:12 said, “Fight the good fight of the faith”; and in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Paul never raised a sword against anyone!
• 2 Peter 3:14—“ So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”
• 2 Peter 1:5-7—“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”

Jihad in Hinduism ( Bhagavad Gita)

All the major religions encourage their followers to strive in good works. It is mentioned in Bhagavad Gita.

Fighting prescribed in the Bhagavad Gita too

	All the major religions of the world have prescribed fighting, at sometime or the other, especially in self-defence or for fighting against oppression.Mahabharata is an epic and sacred Scripture of the Hindus, which mainly deals with a fight between the cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. In the battlefield Arjun prefers not to fight and be killed rather than having his conscience burdened with the killing of his relatives. At this moment, Krishna advises Arjun in the battlefield and this advice is contained in the Bhagvad Gita. There are several verses in the Bhagvad Gita where Krishna advises Arjun to fight and kill the enemies even though they are his relatives.
	It is mentioned in The Bhagvad Gita Chapter 1 verse 43-46(43) O Krishna, maintainer of the people, I have heard by disciplic succession that those who destroy family traditions dwell always in hell”(44) “Alas, how strange it is that we are preparing ourselves to commit great sinful acts, driven by the desire to enjoy royal happiness.” (45) I would consider better for the sons of Dhritarashtra to kill me unarmed and unresisting rather than fight with them. (46) “Arjuna, having thus spoken, cast aside his bow and arrow, and sat down on the chariot, his mind, overwhelmed with grief”.
	Krishna further replies in Bhagvad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 2, 3“My dear Arjuna, how have these impurities come upon you? They are not at all befitting a man who knows the progressive values of life. They lead not to higher planets but to infamy.“O son of Partha, do not yield to this degrading impotence. It does not become you. Give up such petty weakness of heart and arise, O chastiser of the enemy!” When Arjuna prefers to be killed unarmed and unresisting rather than fight and kill his cousins Kauravas, Krishna replies to Arjun by saying how this impure thought has come to you which prevents you from entering heaven. Give up this degrading Impotence and weakness of heart   and arise, O defeater of enemy.
	Krishna further says in Bhagvad Gita Chapter 2 verse 31-3331. “Considering your specific duty as a Kshatriya, you should know that there is no better engagement for you than fighting on religious principles, so there is no need for hesitation.”32. “O Partha, happy are the Kshatriya to whom such fighting opportunities come unsought, opening for them the door of the heavenly planets”. 33. “If however, you do not fight this religious war, then you will certainly incur sin, for neglecting your duties, and thus loose your reputation as a fighter”.
	There are hundreds of verses in the Bhagvad Gita alone, which encourages fighting and killing, many times more as compared to such verses in the Qur’an.Imagine if someone were to say that the Bhagvad Gita encourages the killing of the family members to attain paradise,   without quoting the context – such a deliberate attempt will be devilish. But within the context if I say that for truth and justice fighting against the evil is compulsory, even if it be against your relatives, it makes sense.I wonder how come the critics of Islam, especially critics amongst the Hindus, point a finger at the Qur’an when it speaks about fighting and killing unjust enemies. The only possibility I can think of is that they themselves have not read their sacred scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata and the Vedas.
	Critics of Islam including Hindu critics speak against the Qur’an and the Prophet when they say that if you are killed while doing Jihad i.e. fighting for the truth, you are promised paradise.Besides quoting Qur’anic verses they quote Sahih Bukhari Vol. 4, Book of Jihad Chapter no. 2 Hadith No. 46“Allah guarantees that He will admit the Mujaahid in His cause to Paradise if he is killed, otherwise he will return him to his home safely with rewards and war booty”. (Sahih Bukhari Vol. 4, Book of Jihad Chapter no. 2 Hadith No. 46) There are various similar verses in Bhagavad Gita guaranteeing a person paradise if he is killed while fighting. Take the example of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 verse 37: “O son of Kunti, either you will be killed in the battlefield and attain the heavenly planets (paradise), or you will conquer and enjoy the earthly kingdom, therefore get up and fight with determination”. (Bhagavad Gita 2:37)
	Similarly Rigved Book No. 1 Hymn 132 Verse 2-6 as well as many other verses of Hindu Scriptures speak about fighting and killing.

Examples – 1,  Lincoln jihad for Republic

Lincoln – a selfless leader, honest to a fault, the president who saved the union, the man who freed the slaves. The victory of Lincoln and the Republicans in 1860, against a divided pro-slavery opposition, did open the way for the struggle (jihad) to come.

Examples – 2,  Mahatma Gandhiji jihad for Independence

One of the greatest men in the history of India is unarguably Mahatma Gandhi. The way he gave shape and character to India’s freedom struggle is worthy of a standing ovation. He sacrificed his own life for the sake of his country. After long period of freedom struggle(jihad) got even more intense and passionate. Entire India was united together in the movement for freedom. Everyone contributed what they could in the freedom struggle. The cry of Purna Swaraj or complete independence was raised. After much sacrifices and efforts, India gained its independence on the 15th August, 1947.

Author Points

Jihad(Arabic) means struggle(English)

: to make strenuous or violent efforts in the face of difficulties or opposition.

: to proceed with difficulty or with great effort.

Examples of JIHAD

• They done jihad for the right to vote.
• She does jihad for up the hill through the snow.
• She done jihad to lift the package by herself, but it was too heavy.
• He done jihad to get free of the wreckage.
• He done jihad in math class for most of the year.
• The team has continued to jihad in recent weeks.
• He was living as a jihad artist in the city.

Author’s Quote

Jihad is a will power of human being without jihad (struggle), you cannot achieve your goal.” – Mohamed asik.

References

·             http://www.islam andhinduism.com/

·             http://www.fwbo-files.com/satires/jihad.htm

·             http://www.arabicnoor.com/en/common6.html

Prophet Muhammed Points about JIHAD

The internal Jihad

Learning the Qur’an by heart is considered engaging in Greater Jihad

The phrase internal Jihad orgreater Jihad refers to the efforts of a believer to live their Muslim faith as well as possible.

All religious people want to live their lives in the way that will please their God.

So Muslims make a great effort to live as Allah has instructed them; following the rules of the faith, being devoted to Allah, doing everything they can to help other people.

For most people, living God’s way is quite a struggle. God sets high standards, and believers have to fight with their own selfish desires to live up to them, no matter how much they love God.

The five Pillars of Islam as Jihad

The five Pillars of Islam form an exercise of Jihad in this sense, since a Muslim gets closer to Allah by performing them.

Other ways in which a Muslim engages in the ‘greater Jihad’ could include:

• Learning the Qur’an by heart, or engage in other religious study.
• Overcoming things such as anger, greed, hatred, pride, or malice.
• Giving up smoking.
• Cleaning the floor of the mosque.
• Taking part in Muslim community activities.
• Working for social justice.
• Forgiving someone who has hurt them.

The Greater Jihad controversy

The Prophet is said to have called the internal Jihad the “greater Jihad”.

On his return from a battle, the Prophet said: “We are finished with the lesser jihad; now we are starting the greater jihad.” He explained to his followers that fighting against an outer enemy is the lesser jihad and fighting against one’s self is the greater jihad (holy war).

This quotation is regarded as unreliable by some scholars. They regard the use of jihad as meaning ‘holy war’ as the more important.

However the quotation has been very influential among some Muslims, particularly Sufis.

Holy war

Holy war

When Muslims, or their faith or territory are under attack, Islam permits (some say directs) the believer to wage military war to protect them.

However Islamic (shariah) law sets very strict rules for the conduct of such a war.

In recent years the most common meaning of Jihad has been Holy War.

And there is a long tradition of Jihad being used to mean a military struggle to benefit Islam.

What can justify Jihad?

There are a number of reasons, but the Qur’an is clear that self-defence is always the underlying cause.

Permissable reasons for military Jihad:

• Self-defence
• Strengthening Islam
• Protecting the freedom of Muslims to practise their faith
• Protecting Muslims against oppression, which could include overthrowing a tyrannical ruler
• Punishing an enemy who breaks an oath
• Putting right a wrong

What a Jihad is not

A war is not a Jihad if the intention is to:

• Force people to convert to Islam
• Conquer other nations to colonise them
• Take territory for economic gain
• Settle disputes
• Demonstrate a leader’s power

Although the Prophet engaged in military action on a number of occasions, these were battles to survive, rather than conquest, and took place at a time when fighting between tribes was common.

Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors.

Qur’an 2:190

To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged;- and verily, Allah is most powerful for their aid.

Qur’an 22:39

Therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (Guarantees of) peace, then Allah Hath opened no way for you (to war against them).

Qur’an 4:90

But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and trust in Allah: for He is One that heareth and knoweth (all things).

Qur’an 8:61

THE MEANING OF JIHAD IN BUDDHISM

by Dharmacari Devamitra

This topical and timely book looks at the concept of ‘holy war’ from a Buddhist perspective. JIHAD is an ancient Indian word that denotes war, not against ‘unbelievers’, but against all those forces in a society that hold people back from the spiritual path. In the Buddhist tradition, it came to mean the sustained offensive against the miccha-ditthis, or ‘wrong views’ that tend to pervade samsara, or the wider society, and that preclude people from spiritual progress. Buddhism, of course, is a non-violent tradition, and has always promoted a vigorous attack not on people, but on the views they hold. This is the meaning of Jihad in Buddhism.

In this wide-ranging and critical survey of many current wrong views, Dharmacari Devamitra casts an acute and subtle eye over many of the unthinking and herd-like attitudes that people hold today, showing exactly why these attitudes are wrong and what, in each case, the correct, Enlightened viewpoint is. He reveals, for example, the underlying power agenda of feminism, and shows with crystal clarity why the traditional Buddhist view that women have been laden with less spiritual aptitude than men is the correct one.

Other targets of his coruscating insight include Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, most non-FWBO Buddhist groups, Tantric practitioners, New Ageists, modern artists, academics, moral relativists, pseudo-liberals, psycotherapists, alternative medical practitioners, married people, the family, and those who use religious authority to justify thuggish behaviour. With such a plethora of samsaric targets – resonant of the Buddha’s wide-ranging attack on the wrong views of his own time -Devamitra’s book is indeed a call to Jihad in the true sense of the word.

Dharmacari Devamitra is a very senior member of the Western Buddhist Order. An uncompromising teacher and adept, he has never hesitated to correct, and where necessary ridicule, the wrong views of his juniors. He wields considerable authority within the WBO, and is an expert on manhood.

[ This is satirical, and was released in November 2001. Windhorse Publications received a number of cheques from people within the FWBO who wanted to order a copy of the book! As for Devamitra, in Shabda he declared his indifference to such ‘tomfoolery’, but then revealed his real response when he declared the anonymity of the author to be ‘pusillanimous’, and for this he had nothing but ‘contempt’. Which, of course, proves the point of the satire! Devamitra isn’t very bright, but this is disguised by his seniority within the FWBO. He fancies himself to be well-read, and in using the word ‘pusillanimous’ wants us all to think that he is well-educated and has read the play ‘Look Back in Anger’ ].

Muslim College Life: Dating, Drinking and Deen???

Freedom

Young people live for the day when they can move out of the house and go to college and finally be free. Freedom from their parents, from restrictions on their lifestyle, from everyone telling them what to do.
This is why in college you find a whole generation that does what they want. Life’s short they say, let’s enjoy ourselves while we can.

So it goes for Muslims. In college you find the most amazing things, Muslims who don’t pray, Muslims who date , go out to parties and drink.

Why is this happening?

For one, when students go off to university they finally realize that what they believed in was blind. Religion becomes like a fairytale, when they got old enough, they knew better than to believe in it.

Most have little knowledge about Islam and have maybe memorized the right rituals to get by. Why believe something on faith, they ask. After all we cannot see heaven or hell.

How do we know Islam is right anyway?Islamic culture to them means marrying someone they never knew. It means arranged marriages and never hanging out or having fun.

For girls Islamic culture has even less to offer. It would mean double standards or having to serve a husband the rest of her life.

The western alternative to this looks alot more attractive.

In western culture “love and romance” are supposedly everywhere. Everyone is out looking for love freely. Meeting someone, going out, seeking pleasure sounds alot better.But what about the downside? For love at first sight, you need to have the right image, the right hair, the right clothes.

Girls have to aspire to be like the latest supermodels, they have to hold back age. Who’s going out with who, what are my friends thinking, what will happen if I don’t get the right girl or guy, what is my girlfriend or boyfriend thinking, all become important.

Frustration, desperation, and unhappiness become the norm.

Imagine all the heartache youth would save if they followed the Islamic alternative.In true Islam, unlike culture, there is no game playing. If two people wish to be involved they are both straight with one another.

Unlike what goes on today amongst some Muslims, they both meet each other and make a contract to marry. Women are treated with respect, there is no sexual bombardment like there is in western society. Sex in western culture is also often seen as a vice or a sin of the flesh. But even in religious Islam, sex is seen as natural. As long as it is in the right circumstances, when the two are committed to one another in marriage.

Drinking in college is also the norm unfortunately. If you don’t drink or party you’re seen as weird. Drinking is cool and a way for people to socialize, meet and have fun. The one who doesn’t is less of a person and ‘misses out’. Drinking and all the harms that come with it is cut off at the root in Islam. So many problems are avoided, accidents, pregnancy, violence and even rape for example.

In college and in the world, success in life is not seen in terms of religion. It is seen as what other people think, one’s careers, how much money they make. If you are religious you must have failed at life. But why do we have this seperation? and this blindness in religion?

The Quran tells us again and again not to have blind faith, not to follow the religion of our forefathers.Yet, we as Muslims have stopped thinking. We may think about what our friends or other people will say, but we avoid thinking about the real issues.

We spend so much time on the opposite sex, thinking about careers, money etc, but we forget to think about death and how much of this we will really be able to take with us?

“Every soul shall have a taste of death and only on the Day of Judgement shall you be paid your full recompense…for the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception”
(Quran 3:185)

Shouldn’t we take the time to contemplate what will happen to us after we hit the grave? After all, what is the point of life if we are not accountable for our actions? If there is no creator, what is the point of being honest or good.

If we really look at our life we see that everything is indefinate, getting a job, even living until tomorrow. In fact we could die anytime, this is a definate, the _only_ dead certain thing in our life.

Most of us believe we can make up for our actions later or we can be religious later.

We are gambling.

The chances of our dying today are little, but the stakes are high. Allah reminds us of the importance of this,

“O you who believe, obey Allah as he should be obeyed, and die not except in a state of Islam” (Qu’ran 3:102)

Each of us needs to decide.

On the Day of Judgment it will be us alone who will be asked about our actions.

“Verily We have revealed the Book to thee in truth, for (instructing) mankind. He, then that receives guidance benefits his own soul: but he that strays injurs his own soul…”
(Quran 39:41)

This is the true definition of freedom. To learn about Islam and the world openly. To contemplate about life and death. And after learning the truth, obeying the word of God.

“Those on whom knowledge has been bestowed may learn that the (Quran) is the truth from your Lord, and that they believe therein, and their hearts may be made humbly (open)to it…”
(Quran 22:54)

Once students have this rock-solid intellectual belief in Islam, the corruptness and falseness of the people around them is clear. The beauty and wisdom of the islamic way, the best alternative is clear. What others do is of less importance. If others think they were weird to pray or weird to be honest, they would still pray and still be honest because they know their deen.

Our Quran’s are left on the top shelves, gathering dust. Sometimes the most it is read is when someone dies. How is this to help, when the guidance comes too late.  The Quran is for the living. The path to understanding and following Islam comes from learning first.
How many of us are Muslim, yet have never read the Quran in our native language?

How many of us are Muslim, yet have yet to open a book on hadith or sunnah?

How many of us defend Islam to non-Muslims, but do not follow it ourselves?

May Allah forgive and lead us and all those lost to the straight path.

InshaAllah.

Ameen.

By Huma Ahmad
based on a talk by Abdul Wajid “Born to be Brown”, UK

 

Repentance: The only Way out of Hardships

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah and hold fast unto Islaam. That is the most trustworthy handhold. It is the fear of Allaah that sets the matters of one’s life and Hereafter right. Know also that Allaah’s Sunnah ( His rules on His creatures) in this universe never changes. Allaah says,

{No change will you find in Allaah’s Sunnah (way of dealing) and no turning off will you find in Allaah’s Sunnah.} (Faatir 35:43)

It is in the Sunnah of Allaah and His rules that whoever sows good will harvest good and that whoever sows evil will harvest evil. He says,

{Whoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom shall see it.} (Az-Zalzalah 99:7-8)

It is a rule of Allaah over His creatures that whoever takes the way that leads to the success of his life of this world and its pleasure shall attain whatever Allaah has destined for him of this world and whoever takes the way that leads to the success of his hereafter and the Paradise, Allaah will make him reach his goal. Also, whoever takes the way that leads to the success of both this world and the Hereafter, obeys Allaah and abstain from sins, he will attain the success of this both world and the Hereafter. Allaah says,

{Whoever desires the quick-passing (transitory enjoyment of this world), We readily grant him what We will for whom We like. Then afterwards, We have appointed for him Hell; he will burn therein disgraced and rejected (far away from Allaah’s Mercy). And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it, with the necessary effort due for it, then such are the ones whose striving shall be appreciated. On each –these as well as those- We bestow from the Bounties of your Lord. And the Bounties of your Lord can never be forbidden.}(Al-Israa’ 17:18-20)

It is also of the rule of Allaah to test His slaves with the good and evil. He says,

{We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good. And to Us you will be returned.} (Al-Anbiyaa’ 21:35)

As for the Muslim, whenever any good affects him he knows that it is a favour from his Lord, for he knows that he deserves nothing from Allaah by right and this belief will make him thank his Lord and praise Him. Also, if any evil afflicts him he perseveres and seeks the reward of his Lord, for he knows that, that is the result of a sin he has committed or that Allaah wants to elevate his rank in the Hereafter. Allaah says,

[And whatever of misfortune that befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.} (Ash-Shoora 42:30)

The Muslim examines himself, review his deeds and repents for every sin he commits. As for the disbeliever, if any favour comes his way, he becomes insolent and arrogant and starts transgressing. And when any calamity afflicts him he despairs and becomes impatient. This world is his Paradise and his lord is his desires.

Brethren in faith! Muslims, these days, are afflicted with many calamities. Many causes have however been given for these tribulations. Some say that they are a result of the evil plan of the enemies, some say they are the result of our economic recession and some say they are the result of the Muslim’s industrial and technological backwardness etc. All this are just symptoms of the ailment. The real cause of this sorry situation is the Muslim’s negligence of their religion individually and collectively. Allaah says,

{(What is the matter with you?) When a single disaster smites you, although you smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, you say, ‘From where does this come to us?’ Say (to them): ‘It is from yourselves (because of your evil deeds).’And Allaah has power over all things.} (Aal ‘Imraan 3:165)

 

He also says,

{Allaah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves.} (Ar-Ra‘d 13:11)

Muslims in their history have passed through some periods which were more severe than the present one in afflictions and in which their enemies subjected them to persecutions. But then they made a sincere return to their religion with knowledge and Faith. They therefore, attained security and regained their honour, unity and wellbeing under the shade of Islaamic law.

This injury was healed and their condition became better. In this age, the calamity is actually great for the Muslim nation, but it remains and indisputable fact that the affairs of the latter generation of the Muslim nation will never be set aright except by that which set right the affairs of their predecessors. So, blaming the enemies of Islaam for these calamities does not in any way absolve the Muslims from being responsible for their own woes, for how will the Muslims expect the unbelievers to solve their problems for them if they themselves fail to do so through the Book of Allaah, the Sunnah of his Prophet and in the light of their interests and those of their coming generations?

The solution to Muslims’ problems therefore lies with Allaah and then with their rulers and scholars by letting the people know all that is good, encouraging them to do that and warning them against all that is evil as far as matters of their religion and life is concerned. This is a great responsibility that requires strong will and sincerity.

Fellow Muslims! Whenever a calamity afflicts a community, the first step to take is to have a sincere repentance. Allaah says,

{And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you, O believers, that you may be successful.} (An-Noor 24:31)

Every Muslim needs to have a sincere repentance. If anyone however says, ‘What is the relevance of my personal repentance to the rectification of the Muslims’ condition?’ He should be told that the cause of all good in this world and the Hereafter is the obedience to Allaah and the cause of evil retribution is to disobey Him. He should also be told that, the repentance of every individual brings greater good and reduces calamities on the Muslims.

Muslims should also unite in the face of this changing world that aspires to change the creed of Islaam and eliminate its values and laws.

Further, past nations were destroyed because of the existence of many sinners and fewness of righteous people. The sin of a single individual may destroy a whole nation. Allaah caused the people of Thamood to perish because one of them killed the camel. He caused epidemics to spread among the children of Israel –even in the presence of Musa and Haaroon because some of them committed adultery. Allaah says about some of the destroyed nations,

{So We punished each (of them) for his sins; of them were those on whom We sent a violent wind with shower of stones, of them there were those who were overtaken by awful cry, of them were those whom We caused the earth to swallow and of them were those whom We drowned. It was not Allaah who wronged them, but they wronged themselves.} (Al-‘Ankaboot 29:40).

Zainab bint Jahsh narrated that the Messenger of Allaah said,

“Woe unto the Arabs because of an impending calamity. Today the debris of the Gog and Magog has been opened to this extent. And he demonstrated that extent by making a circle with his index finger and the thumb.’ Zainab said: ‘I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Are we going to be destroyed while there are righteous people among us?’ The Messenger of Allaah said, ‘Yes, when immorality and alcoholic drinking have become widespread.”

Do not therefore treat the matter of repentance lightly for it is the way out of all hardships. Hold fast unto the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger for they are the light and guidance that save from darkness and error.

Brethren in faith! The religion of Islaam commands the Muslims to be united and forbade them from disunity. Allaah says,

{And hold fast unto the Rope of Allaah (the Qur’aan) and do not be divided among yourselves.} (Aal-‘Imraan 3:103)

He also says,

{And do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength departs, and be patient.} (Al-Anfaal 8:46)

The religion of Islaam while enjoining unity among Muslims, does not however mean that the non-Muslims can be attacked or denied their rights which they enjoy under the Islaamic law. If many non-Muslims understand the justice of Islaam and its beauties, they would embrace Islaam and would not have blamed it for wrongful acts of some Muslims. Allaah says,

{Say (O Muhammad to the people): ‘Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him, be good and dutiful to your parents, kill not your children because of poverty –We provide sustenance for you and for them, come not near the shameful sins, whether committed openly or secretly and kill not any one whom Allaah has forbidden except for a just cause (according to Islaamic Law). This He has commanded you that you may understand.} (Al-An‘aam 6:151)

Brethren in Faith! Fear Allaah as He should be feared, seek nearness to Him through righteous deeds and abstain from sins. Send forward good deeds before you meet Him and make good use of your life. Allaah says,

 

{O you who believe! Fear Allaah and keep your duty to Him. Let every soul look for what he has sent forth for the morrow and fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is All-Aware of what you do.}(Al-Hashr 59:18)

Provide for yourselves answers that will save you from the hardship of the Day of Resurrection. The Messenger of Allaah said,

“The foot of man will not slip on the Day of Resurrection until he is asked of his life as to how he has lived it, of his youth as to how he has used it, of his wealth as to how he got it and in what he spent it and about his knowledge as to what he did with it.”

 

Fatwa Against Terrorism

Why Don’t We Hear Imams Condemn Terrorism?

Many Times i faced this situation or few people ask “few days back someone did killed there and there and there” do you condemn this…why muslims leaders don;t speak againt those acts! we are always asked :

Why have we not heard a single word from Muslim leaders condemning violence, destructure and terrorism? Why? We Don’t Hear Anything From Imams – Why?

Why? Good question. Fact is – Imams everywhere have spoken out against terrorism since the very beginning of all of the problems – but the real question should be:

Why the Media Doesn’t Tell You the Truth?

Yusuf Estes tells us he has heard many Muslim leaders condemn all acts of terror and violence. He says…

“I personally have heard thousands of imams speaking against this including myself – but it seems western news media DOES NOT PUBLISH IT!So, maybe we should start by asking the media – the TV news people, the newspaper reporters, media folks in general –

“Why are you guys NOT PUBLISHING THE FACTS?” – Because we have over 340 imams on many websites, documents and live speeches – all publicly declaring over and again, ISLAM CONDEMS TERRORISM!

By the way, after you read this document, we ask you the question: “Are you going to just sit there – or are you going to start emailing this link to everyone you know, so they can read the truth?” – Or are you going to sit back and do nothing, just like all of the media?

Here is one of many documents published in the past years where Muslim leaders, Imams, Sheiks and teachers of Islam have all spoken out and even signed these documents – in public – hoping the people will know the truth of Islam:

U.S. MUSLIM RELIGIOUS COUNCIL ISSUES FATWA AGAINST TERRORISM

The Fiqh Council of North America wishes to reaffirm Islam’s absolute condemnation of terrorism and religious extremism.

Islam strictly condemns religious extremism and the use of violence against innocent lives.

There is no justification in Islam for extremism or terrorism. Targeting civilians’ life and property through suicide bombings or any other method of attack is Haram – or forbidden – and those who commit these barbaric acts are criminals, not “martyrs.”

The Quran, Islam’s revealed text, states: “Whoever kills a person [unjustly]…it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind.”

[Noble Quran 5:32]

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said there is no excuse for committing unjust acts:

“Do not be people without minds of your own, saying that if others treat you well you will treat them well, and that if they do wrong you will do wrong to them. Instead, accustom yourselves to do good if people do good and not to do wrong (even) if they do evil.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

God mandates moderation in faith and in all aspects of life when He states in the Quran:

“We made you to be a community of the middle way, so that (with the example of your lives) you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind.” [Noble Quran 2:143]

In another verse, God explains our duties as human beings when he says “Let there arise from among you a band of people who invite to righteousness, and enjoin good and forbid evil.” [Noble Quran 3:104]

Islam teaches us to act in a caring manner to all of God’s creation. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who is described in the Quran as “a mercy to the worlds” said: “All creation is the family of God, and the person most beloved by God (is the one) who is kind and caring toward His family.”

In the light of the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah we clearly and strongly state:

1. All acts of terrorism targeting civilians are Haram (forbidden) in Islam.

2. It is Haram for a Muslim to cooperate with any individual or group that is involved in any act of terrorism or violence.

3. It is the civic and religious duty of Muslims to cooperate with law enforcement authorities to protect the lives of all civilians.

We issue this fatwa following the guidance of our scripture, the Quran, and the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). We urge all people to resolve all conflicts in just and peaceful manners.

We pray for the defeat of extremism and terrorism. We pray for the safety and security of our country, the United States, and its people. We pray for the safety and security of all inhabitants of our planet. We pray that interfaith harmony and cooperation prevail both in the United States and all around the globe.

Ameen,Summa Ameen

JazakAllah Khair for reading,

Pls spread the link and share with everyone you know.
Also i request all muslim bloggers and website owners to publish this Article in your blog/website and dont forget to Add source back link pls…!

King
slave of Allah swt

FIQH COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA July 28, 2005

MEMBERS OF THE FIQH COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA

Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, Chairman

Dr. Deina Abdulkadir

Shaikh Muhammad Nur Abdallah

Dr. Taha Jabir Alalwani

Shaikh Muhammad Al-Hanooti

Shaikhah Zainab Alwani

Dr. Jamal Badawi

Dr. Ihsan Bagby

Dr. Nazih Hammad

Shaikh Yahya Hindi

Dr. Abdul Hakim Jackson

Dr. Mukhtar Maghraoui

Dr. Akbar Muhammad

Shaikh Hassan Qazwini

Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah

Dr. Muhammad Adam Sheikh

Dr. Ahmad Shleibak

Dr. Salah Soltan

344 Muslim organizations, mosques and imams have endorsed the preceding fatwa as of July 28, 2005 (see below). More signatory organizations are to be added in the following days.

ENDORSED BY THE FOLLOWING NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

Muslim American Society (MAS)

Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)

Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)

Mosque Cares, Imam W D Muhammad

Muslim Student Association of the US & Canada (MSA)

Association of Muslim Social Scientists

American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin

American Muslim Alliance

Association of Muslim Scientists and Engineers

Bridge To Faith Foundation, Washington, D.C.

Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations

Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America

Islamic Networks Group & Affiliates

Islamic Resource Group

Islamic Schools League of America

Islamic Sharia Advisory Institute of North America

Kashmiri American Council

Latino American Dawah Organization

Minaret of Freedom Institute

Muslim Ummah of North America

Project Islamic HOPE

United Muslims of America

USA Halal Chamber of Commerce, Inc & The Islamic Center for Halal Certification

ENDORSED BY THE FOLLOWING MOSQUES AND ISLAMIC CENTERS:

Afghan Cultural Center

Al Nur Islamic Center

Al Nur Islamic Center, Rashid Ahmed, Director

Albanian Islamic Center, Shuaib Gerguri, Imam

Al-Fatiha Islamic Center

Al-Huda Islamic Center, Hisham Ahmed, Imam

All Dulles Area Muslim Society, Mohamed Magid, Imam

Al-Mu’minun Islamic Center, Samuel Ansari

Alvin Masjid

American Islamic Academy, Shaykh Al-Tayyab

American Islamic Organization, Afzal Ahmad, Chairman

American Moslem Mission,

American Moslem Society, Mahdi Ali, Imam

American Muslim Society of the Tristate Area

American Muslim Voice

As Salaam Islamic Center of Raleigh, Oliver S. Mohammed, Imam

Assadiq Foundation

Assadiq Islamic Educational Foundation, Sayed Mohammad Jawad Qazwini, Imam

Auburn Islamic Center, Mark Hamza Dougherty, President

Azzahrah Islamic Ctr.

Bay County Islamic Society Inc, Hashem Mubrak,

Baytown Masjid

Bear Creek Masjid

Bell Islamic & Cultural Center

Belleville Mosque and Islamic Education Center, Dr. Abdul W. Kazi,

Bilal Islamic Center

Blossom Valley Muslim Community Center, Allaedin Ezzedin, Imam

Bob ul Ilm Islamic Center

Bosnian-American Islamic Center, Mirsad Hassecic, Imam

Boston Dialogue Foundation New Mosque, Salih Yucel, Imam

Campus Mosque of Scranton, Imam

Canton Masjid, Ali S. Ali

Cham American Muslim Com.

Champions Masjid

Cincinnati Islamic Center, Ilyas Nashid, Imam

Concerned Muslims of Annapolis

Concerned Muslims of Greater Cleveland (CMGC)

Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, Abdul Malik Mujahid, Imam

Council of Masajid, Cleveland

Daar-ul-Islam Masjid, Muhammad Nur Abdallah

Dalton Islamic Center, Hammad El-Ameen, President

Dar Almanar, Fouad Reda, President

Dar Al-Uloom Al-Islamia

Dar Al-Uloom Flahidarin

Darassalam, Mohammed M. Safa

Darul Uloom of Los Angeles

Des Plaines Islamic Center

Des Plaines Islamic Center

Discover Islam Foundation, Muhammad Quadir,

Downtown Islamic Center

Downtown Islamic Center

Elmhurst Islamic Center, Riaz Ahmad, Mufti

Ershad Institute

First Cleveland Mosque, Abbas Ahmad, Imam

Five Pillars Center

Foundation for Islamic Education, Sheikh Mustafa Ahmad

Fox Valley Islamic Society, Delwar Mian, Secretary

Fullerton Mosque

Greenway Islamic Center, Didmar Faja

Heartland Muslim Women’s Network, Maisha Liwaru, President

Hemet Masjid

Hidaya Foundation

High Desert Islamic Center

Howard County Muslim Council, Anwer Hasan, President

Huseini Mousque

I.A.I. Sheik Yusuf Estes, Washington, DC & Falls Church, Virginia

I.M.A.N

Imperial Valley Islamic Center

Indian Muslim Relief & Charities

Indo Chinese Muslim Relief Association

IntraCity Muslim Action Network (IMAN), Ohio

Islam Tomorrow Project of Falls Church, Virginia

Islamic Association of Carrollton, Azhar Azeez, Secretary General

Islamic Association of Cary, Shakil Ahmed

Islamic Association of Central Florida, Dr. Zafer Sabawi, Imam

Islamic Association of Greater Shreveport, Sayed Jumaa Salam

Islamic Association of Kokomo

Islamic Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Riaz Hussain, Treasurer

Islamic Association of West Virginia, Mohamad Jamal Daoudi, Imam

Islamic Center Inland Valley

Islamic Center of America, Sayed Hassan Al-Qazwini, Imam

Islamic Center of Blacksburg

Islamic Center of Boca Raton, Jalal Khan, Imam

Islamic Center of Calremont

Islamic Center of Canejo Valley

Islamic Center of Cape Girardeau, Shafiq Malik, Imam

Islamic Center of Carbondale, Muhammad Kamran, President

Islamic Center of Cleveland, Fawaz Damra, Imam

Islamic Center of Contra Costa, Abdul Quddus Saleh, Imam

Islamic Center of Cypress

Islamic Center of Des Moines, Ibrahim Dremali, Imam

Islamic Center of El Paso, Yaser Birjas Issa, Imam

Islamic Center of Fremont, Mubashir Ahmed, President

Islamic Center of Granada Hills

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, Saleem Foad, Director of Education

Islamic Center of Greater Toledo, Farooq S. Aboelzahab, Imam

Islamic Center of Hawthorne

Islamic Center of Inland Empire

Islamic Center of Little Rock, Islam Mossaad, Imam

Islamic Center of Marietta, Amjad Taufique, President

Islamic Center of Maryland, Amin Ezzeddine, Imam

Islamic Center of Moreno Valley

Islamic Center of Morgantown, Diaa Eldin M. Nassar, General Secretary

Islamic Center of New England, Talal Eid, Imam

Islamic Center of New Mexico, Isam Rajab, Imam

Islamic Center of North County

Islamic Center of North Ridge

Islamic Center of Northeast Florida, Zaid Malik, Imam

Islamic Center of Oakland

Islamic Center of Old Bridge, Alvi Fakhruddin, Imam

Islamic Center of Omaha, Dr. Ahmad Az-Zaare, Imam

Islamic Center of Passaic County, Mohammad Qatanani, Imam

Islamic Center of Pleasanton/Dublin

Islamic Center of Pomona

Islamic Center of Pomona

Islamic Center of Portland, Samir Horani, Board Member

Islamic Center of the Quad Cities, Julie Abdel-Fattah, Dir. Public Relations

Islamic Center of Raleigh, Mohammed Bainonie, Imam

Islamic Center Of Reseda, Ali Shakoor, Imam

Islamic Center of Rialto

Islamic Center of Riverside, Mohammad Ashrif, Chairman of the Board

Islamic Center of San Deigo

Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley

Islamic Center of Santa Claria Valley

Islamic Center of Somerset, Husein Turki

Islamic Center of South Florida, Hassan Sabri, Imam

Islamic Center of Southern California, Jamil Momand, Chairman

Islamic Center of Stockton

Islamic Center of Tampa, Ziad Taha, Director

Islamic Center Of Temecula

Islamic Center of Temecula Valley, Imam Mahmoud Harmoush

Islamic Center of Topeka, Imam Omar Hazim

Islamic Center of Virginia, Shaheed Coovadia, Imam

Islamic Center South Bay

Islamic Center. of Mid City

Islamic Council of Ohio, Sohail Khan, Secretary

Islamic Cultural Center of Eugene (Oregon), Dr. Tammam Adi, Director

Islamic Cultural Center of Illinois

Islamic Education & Services Institute, Abdoulrahman Kattih, Director

Islamic Education Center, Ahmad Bahriny, Imam

Islamic Education Center, Dr. Ahmad Sakr, Director

Islamic Educational Center of North Hudson, Mohamed Alhayek, Imam

Islamic Educational Center of Orange County

Islamic Education Foundation, Animar M Daghestani, Teacher

Islamic Foundation of America, Mohammad M. Billah, President

Islamic Foundation of Central Ohio, Siraj Haji

Islamic Foundation of Chicago

Islamic Foundation of Chicago, IL

Islamic Foundation of Peoria, Muhammad F. Malik, Secretary

Islamic Foundation of South Florida, Rashid Ahmad, Imam

Islamic House of Wisdom, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi

Islamic Jaffaria Association, Mohamed Banglori, Imam

Islamic Learning and Practicing, Dr. Misbah Eldereiny

Islamic Mosque of Cleveland (Masjid al-Islam)

Islamic Movement of Florida, Moneer Khan, Imam

Islamic of Northern Valley

Islamic School of Greater Kansas City, Fadi Banyalmarjeh, Chairman

Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, Shakeel Syed, Executive Director

Islamic Society of Norco/Corona

Islamic Society of Akron and Kent

Islamic Society of Annapolis, Mohammad Arrafa, Imam

Islamic Society of Baltimore, Abid Husain, General Secretary

Islamic Society of Boston, Shaykh Besyouni Nehela

Islamic Society of California

Islamic Society of Central Florida, Mohammed al Masri, Imam

Islamic Society of East Bay, Dr. Mohamed Rajabally

Islamic Society of Essex County, Ismail Elshikh, Imam

Islamic Society of Greater Columbus, Dr. M. N. Tarazi, President

Islamic Society of Greater Houston, Rodwan M. Saleh, President

Islamic Society of Greater Kansas City, Shahir Safi, President

Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City, Imad Enchassi, Imam

Islamic Society of Greater Portland, Zafar Hassan, Board Member

Islamic Society of Greater Valley Forge

Islamic Society of Michiana, Mohammed Sirajuddin, Imam

Islamic Society of Milwaukee, Ahmed Quereshi, Secretary

Islamic Society of Orange County, Ismail Majoo, President

Islamic Society of Palm Springs

Islamic Society of Pinellas County, Haitham Barazangi, Imam

Islamic Society of Salt Lake City, Ali Mohammed, Imam

Islamic Society of San Fransisco, Souleiman Ghali, President

Islamic Society of San Luis Obispo County, Hisham Assal, President

Islamic Society of Santa Barbra

Islamic Society of Schuylkill County, Shiraz Mansoor, Imam

Islamic Society of Tampa Bay Area, Muhammad Sultan, Imam

Islamic Society of the Coachella Valley, T. Themam Wassil, Imam

Islamic Society of Washington Area, Faizul Khan, Imam

Islamic Society of Wichita Falls, Abdullah Shamsid-Deen, Director

Jafaria Islamic Center

Jamat Masjid Ul-Islam Inc

Jumaa’atu Masjidul-Muminiin Inc., L.M. Martin, Imam

Kalamazoo Islamic Center, Tariq Jameel, President

Karbala Islamic Educational Center, Hisham Al-Hussany

King Fahad Mosque

Long Beach Islamic Center, Tarek Mohamed

Makki Masjid, Amaan Bhim, President

Masjid AbuBakr AlSiddique, Abdur Rahman Bashir, Imam

Masjid Al Heyder, Hafiz Inayadullah

Masjid Al- Madina Al-Munawar

Masjid Al Muminun, Furqan Muhammad, Imam

Masjid Al-Ansar

Masjid Al-Ansar, Nasir Ahmad, Imam

Masjid Al-Faizal, Roshan Ali, Imam

Masjid Alfalah

Masjid Al-Falah, Abdul Latif Azom, Imam

Masjid Al-Haqq, Luqman Al-Amin, Imam

Masjid Al-Hijrah, Kamruz Hosein

Masjid Al-Ihsan, Tarik Chebbi, Imam

Masjid Al-Ikhlas, Tauheed Rashad, Imam

Masjid Al-Ittihaad

Masjid Al-Kauthar, Rudolph Ali, Imam

Masjid Al-Momin

Masjid Al-Nahl , Rashad Mujahid, Imam

Masjid Al-Noor

Masjid Al-Noor, Danish Siddiqui, President

Masjid Al-Qudoos

Masjid Al-Rashid

Masjid Al-Rasul, Mujahid Abdul-Karim, Imam

Masjid Al-Salaam

Masjid Al-Sharif

Masjid Al-Taqwa

Masjid Al-Taqwa, Abdul Karim Salih, Imam

Masjid An-noor

Masjid An-Noor, Mohamed Zakaria Badat, Imam

Masjid Annour Islamic Community, Mohammad Afzaluddin, Imam

Masjid Ar-Ribat Al-Islami

Masjid Bilal Ibn- Rabah

Masjid Centralia, Dr. Zahir Ansari

Masjid Dalal

Masjid Dalal, Clyde Rahman, Imam

Masjid Darul Huda, Abdul Hameed, Director

Masjid Dar-ul-Argum

Masjid Gibreal

Masjid Hamza

Masjid Ibadullah

Masjid Iman Bukhari

Masjid Jama Al Mumineen, Khalil Hussain, Imam

Masjid Jihad, Imam Maajid Faheem Ali

Masjid Mohammed, Said Mohammed

Masjid Mumineen

Masjid Muttaqeen, Usman Rahman

Masjid of Anteloap Valley

Masjid of Irvine

Masjid of Long Beach

Masjid Omar

Masjid Omar Al Farouk

Masjid Omar Ibn-Alkhetab

Masjid Qurtubah

Masjid Saad Foundation, Ziad Abu Hummos, President

Masjid Sahmsuddin, Foad Farahi, Imam

Masjid Taqwa, Imam Abdul-Malik Ali

Masjid Tawheed-Afghan Cultural Center

Masjid Usman

Masjid Wali Muhammad, Gary Al-Kasib, Imam

Masjidullah, Imam Abdul-Wali Muhammad

Mecca Learning Center

Mecca Masjid

Medical Center Musallah

Miami Gardens Masjid, Abdul Hamid Samra, Imam

Mission Bend Masjid

Momin Lodge

Mosque Foundation, Sheikh Kifah Mustapha

Mosque of Sheikh M.R. Bawa Muhaiyaddeen, Muhammad Abdul Lateef Hayden

Mosque of Riverside

Muslim Association of Huntington, Jamil M. Chaudri, Spokesperson

Muslim Association of Lehigh Valley, Mohammad Sadiq Bajwa, President

Muslim Association of Virginia, Rafi Uddin Ahmed, President

Muslim Center of Middlesex County, Abubakr Nadwi

Muslim Children Education & Civic Center, Abdul Wahid

Muslim Community Association of the Peninsula

Muslim Community Association of the San Francisco Bay Area

Muslim Community Center, Azad Ejaz, President

Muslim Community Center of Greater Pittsburg

Muslim Community Center of Greater Pittsburg, Sayed Jafri, President

Muslim Community Center of San Francisco

Muslim Community of the Western Suburbs of Detroit, Sajid Siddiqui, President

Muslim Community of Greater San Diego, Imam Abdur Rahim Khan

Muslim Community of Knoxville, Dr. Mohammad Islam, President

Muslim Community of North East Tennessee, Taneem Aziz, President

Muslim Community of Palm Beach County, Murtaza Kakli, President

Muslim Community Service

Muslim Community Service

Muslim Community Services, Inc., M. Rezar Rahman

Muslim Federation of New Jersey, Saif Ul-Nabi, Qari

Muslim Home Education Alliance, Cherrie J Karima Webb, Director

Muslim Majlis of Staten Island (Masjid Al-Noor), Abdul Rehman, Director

Muslim Youth of Minnesota, Kashif Saroya, President

Muslims Association of Cleveland East (MACE)

Mustafa Center, M. Zia, Imam

New Territory Masjid

North Hollywood Islamic Center

Northshore Masjid

Nur Ul Islam, Roshan Ali, Imam

Omar Mosque, Nimer Judeh

Orange County Islamic Foundation

Palm Beach Mosque, Osman Chowdhury, President

Pearland Musallah

Qur’an Memorization Center

Rhode Island Council for Muslim Advancement, Mamoun Najjar, Outreach Director

S. Jamaludeen Afghan Islamic Center

Salaam Cleveland (Greater Cleveland Muslim Women’s Association)

Salaam in the Ummah (Peace in the Hood), Ohio

San Ramon Valley Islamic Center

Shi’a Islam Student Association, George Mason University, Seyede Katayon Kasmai, Founder

Siddiquia Jamia Masjid, Tariq Khawaja

South Bay Islamic Association, Tahir Anwar, Imam

South Valley Islamic Center, Ilyas Anwar, Imam

South Zone Masjid

Southeast Zone Masjid

Spring Branch Center

Synott Road Masjid

The Islamic Center of Tucson, Mohammed Elfarooqui, Imam

The Muslim Center, Abdullah El-Amin, Imam

The Muslim Community Center, Sheikh Elkheir Elkheir

The Muslim Unity Center, Muhammad Muhammad Musa

United Muslim Association of Toledo, M.Y. Ahmed, President

United Sisterhood, Ohio

Uqbah Mosque Foundation, Ramez Islambouli, President

Vallejo Islamic Center, Mohamed Yunus

Virginia Muslim Political Action Committee

Wilcrest Masjid

Woodlands Masjid

Yaseen Foundation and the Muslim Community Center

Zaytuna Institute, Hamza Yusuf Hanson

 

29 Tips for Teens on How To Handle Pornography

By Abdul Malik Mujahid

It’s hard being a teenager and trying to resist the images you’re bombarded with daily: the hot-looking guy or gal in the magazine; the sexual jokes in movies (even Shrek!) or the pervasive pornography and ad banners that pop up while you may simply be checking your e-mail or researching something for school. How do we protect ourselves from all of this?

Below is a list of tips that can help. You can add in comments what works for you:

Tip #1: Know what’s Halal and what’s not

Remember this rule of thumb: whatever is Haram (forbidden) to do, is Haram to watch.

All scholars of Islam agree that pornography is absolutely Haram and a clear sin.

Some may think, however, that only hard-core pornography is Islamically unacceptable. This is not true. Watching improperly dressed men and women in sexual situations, as well as engaged in various types of foreplay and dirty jokes are also not acceptable.

If you need a more detailed argument against it, read our article based on the Quran and Hadith.

Tip #2: Surf the Web or Watch T.V. When Others are Around

The living room or study room are better places to keep the computer since others are nearby and can see what you’re looking at. The temptation to sneak a look at dirty pictures or that bikini-clad babe is heightened when you’re alone in your room watching television or surfing the internet. Try to avoid late night TV and surfing. Instead, check out the tube or the web when others are around so you can resist the urge to sneak a peek, thinking no one’s watching.

It is a good idea not to have a TV or computer in the bedroom anyway.

Tip #3: Remember Allah is Watching You

If no one is watching, Allah is watching you. He is always there. He is Al Baseer, All Knowing and All Aware. He is the One Who has given us life. He is the One Who has told us right from wrong and given us a choice. He loves to see us successful in our test to bless us with the Everlasting life. He does not rest or sleep. He loves to see us do good and has promised rewards for it.

Tip #4: If It Happens, Seek Forgiveness & Don’t Insist on doing it

“É[Good people are those who] when they have committed a shameful deed (fuhsha) or have harmed themselves, remember God and pray that their sins be forgiven-for who but God could forgive sins?-and do not knowingly persist in doing whatever wrong they may have done.” (Quran 3:135).

Allah loves to see us asking for His forgiveness.

Tip #5: Just get up and leave

If you feel unable to control looking at the screen or the magazine, leave the situation. Get out of the living room, your bedroom where the internet is or where you’ve been reading the magazine. Take a walk. Just do something to physically get out of the situation.

Tip #6: Remember the Day of Judgment

You cannot assume looking at this stuff is no big deal. Your eyes will testify about what you looked at on the Day of Judgment. God is Most Just and Merciful, and He rewards us for the good and holds us responsible for the bad we do. His angels are around you who love to note down each good dead and hate to watch you do shameful things which they still must report. Every tiny act we do is noted down. May Allah make our accounting on the Day of Judgment easy.

Tip #7: Connect With Your Salat

If you are not praying, start now. Salat actively discourages pornography and fornication (fuhsha). Here is what Allah says about it: “É and be constant in prayer: for, behold, prayer restrains man from loathsome deeds and from all that runs counter to decency; and remembrance of God is indeed the greatest [good]. And God knows all that you do.” (Quran 29:45)

Tip #8: Learn About Haya in Islam

Haya is a beautiful concept in Islam. Sometimes translated as modesty or shame, there is no one word in English that fully describes what it means. It is a quality in character that makes a believer shine. Satan does not want you to have it. Pornography destroys Haya.

Tip #9: Avoid those involved in pornography

If one of your friends is into pornographic magazines, websites, dirty jokes etc. either help him/her change through gentle and sincere advice (see etiquettes of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil) or abandon frequent contact with them. Their addiction might affect you, so it’s best to stay as far away as possible, by remembering the danger to yourself and your relationship with God.

Tip #10: Avoid things that lead to sin

Too often, it’s easy to dismiss that billboard with the spandex-and-bikini-top-clad blonde girl advertising gum, or the guy in tight leather pants and no shirt advertising perfume. When you see it, remember the omnipresent God, and lower your gaze. Do the same for television and the internet. If you keep doing this, it’ll become a habit to avoid looking at these things.

Remember God is kind. An unintentional look is not Haram if you turn away as soon as you realize it.

Tip #11: Develop a More Productive Schedule

Learn to manage your time more productively. Develop a personal plan for yourself. If you don’t occupy your mind with good works, Satan will think of something bad for you. Think of wal Asr, Innal insane lafi khusr.. (Quran 103)

Tip #12: Are You Involved?

Surround yourself with spiritual influences. Join a study circle, volunteer for a good cause, become active in a Muslim youth group like MYNA or your Muslim Students’ Association. Good company is likely to have good influence on you. The involvement will also make good use of your time, sparing little for Satan.

Tip #13: Feeling overwhelmed? Remember Allah

In situations where you feel overwhelmed and can’t get yourself to switch the channel, close the browser window or turn your eyes away from the billboard, ask Allah’s help. You don’t necessarily need any heavy duty, long prayers. Just say La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (there is neither power nor strength except with God). It is short, simple and reminds you of Who is really in control and can help you out of this. Or if you cannot remember this, just move away saying Allah, Allah. Or bring any popular song about Allah to your lips.

Tip #14: Less TV is better

Although actors in a TV program may be “dressed,” if the show is about playing sexual games in public, is it worth watching? Less TV is always better. One of my American friends calls it the 19-inch Satan in our living rooms. She would rather not have it at all. A few broadcast channels are better than cable or satellite. Watching together as family is better than watching alone. Choosing through a TV guide what to watch is better than  channel surfing.

Tip #15: Satan is the Enemy: Seek refuge in God

Satan lured you into this mess. He is the big part of our tests in this life. Seeking refuge in Allah (saying Aoutho billahi minash Shaytan ir Rajeem), will help you resist him and his whisperings to continue looking at the material.

Tip #16: Remember others will Follow You

If you have younger brothers and sisters, think of the bad example you’re setting for them. What message are you sending them if they barge into your room and catch you watching Temptation Island or flipping through Playboy magazine?

Tip #17: Look for alternative entertainment

Playing sports is better for your health than watching. We have become way too dependent on electronic entertainment. It is unhealthy and leading our nation to obesity and health problems. Let’s stop being couch potatoes. Let’s build our bodies through sports and outdoor activities.

Tip #18: Surround yourself with the Quran

Make the Quran a part of your bedroom decor. Put paintings of your personal selection of these beautiful verses from God. Maybe commission a calligrapher to scribe your favorite verses in Arabic and English. I had one drawn with pencil and it sits in front of my desk. One of my daughters asked me to write one for her and she hung it up in front of her laptop.

How many copies and translations of the Quran do you own? Buy more. Become a collector.

If you are into listening the Quran on audio, keep changing your reciter of the Quran. It breaks the monotony and brings focus back to the words of God.

Tip #19: Remember your Mom and sister

Disgusting right? Exactly. No one in his right mind would look at his mom or sister the way pornographic magazines and websites depict women. Remember your mom and your sister, and that may help you stop.

Tip #20: Have someone watch over you

If you really feel you’re becoming addicted to this kind of material, try to watch TV, surf the internet with someone else. You don’t have to tell them why you’re doing this, but this method can perhaps keep you in check and help you avoid looking at pornography or other similar material. After all, Satan tempts us most easily when we’re alone. Sitting in the company of a family member or trusted friend will help.

Tip #21: Fasting helps

The Prophet Muhammad advised us to fast to cool passions. This should be a method we use to handle the desire aroused by pornography and similar material. Peace and blessings of Allah be upon the Prophet.

Tip #22: Life is full of tests

We human beings are weak people. We sometimes make mistakes. We are not perfect. When you fail, don’t despair. You can get away from sin by defeating a Satanic suggestion the next time around. Sometimes we don’t mean to watch but end up doing it anyway. But as soon as a thought comes to your mind that you are doing wrong, stop right there. If you persist, that will be become a sin which you have chosen intentionally.

Don’t feel guilty if you did not plan to watch it. Sometimes the web and email technology force this filth on you. Just move away as fast as you can.

Tip #23: Get Married

Yes. You heard me right. Get married. The real thing is better than the fakeness of pornography which destroys you mentally, physically, and spiritually. In Muslim families, we see many younger people getting married while they are still in school. Texas law allows persons as young as 13 to get married with parental consent and a judge’s order. Other states require at least 16 years of age for a marriage license. Talk to your parents. I am personally against very young people marrying, but it is certainly better than them having sinful relationships with each other or with the fictional characters brought to them through the web, magazines and films. There is no shame in talking to your parents and Imams about it. Make a decision with Shura if you want to get married early.

Marriage helps you overcome the destructive directions of a blessing of God called sex.

Tip #24: Use technology to help

There are many filters and spam stopping technologies which are available through different internet providers as well as for your email client. Use technology to close doors for pornography, a heinous crime against humanity.

Tip #25: It is not a Sin if you did not mean it

Sometimes we are just surfing the internet and something else pops up. It may show up in emails despite all the filters. As long as you did not mean to watch and move away immediately it is not a sin. Thank God, Alhamdu lillah. He does not hold us accountable for unintentional things.

Tip #26: Do Tauba, Repent and Return to Allah

He loves to see us come back. If you do end up watching the bad stuff, repent to Allah. Seek His forgiveness, reaffirm your faith in Him, and do good deeds to compensate for what you’ve done. He is All-Forgiving as long as you are sincere.

Tip #27: Repent Again and Fine Yourself

If you lapse, repent again. God is All-Forgiving as long as we mean it. But then you need to discipline yourself by promising that if you do it again, you will pay this much in charity or fast for a day.

The message is: don’t give up on yourself. Keep trying. Struggle is life. Satan can get you down, but you can and will beat him with God’s help if you are serious about changing.

Tip #28: Pray, Pray and Pray

Never underestimate the power of prayer. Dua is the essence of worship. You connect to God through prayers. Talk to Him. He listens. While there, pray for this author and Sound Vision as well.

Tip #29: Fight Against Pornography

You will be blessed in your struggle if you speak and fight against pornography. It is not one person’s problem. It is a problem that is hurting many people.

 

Staying Up Late, A Disease of Modern Times

They roam the streets when everyone is asleep. Or they may hang out with friends all night at the local ‘hookah place’. Or if they have nothing to do, some of them may even ‘egg’ some poor unsuspecting person’s house….’just because’. And if they are not ‘out there’, they are indoors, up until the wee hours of the morning, watching movies, listening to music, playing video games or chatting on the Internet, just because it’s ‘summer vacation’.
Yes, that’s right, brothers and sisters, that’s our youth during the summer.

And even when it is not summer, they stay up late even then. They think it is ‘cool’ to do so.
And, unfortunately, this ‘disease of late nights’ has become so widespread that we, as parents, don’t think much of it either. In fact, many of us adults are afflicted with this same disease ourselves. We come back from parties and dinners late at night and we let our kids do the same.

However what we don’t realize is….. that’s not how Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala intended the order of things. In fact, it is quite contrary to the natural rhythm which Allaah has created in the universe and in mankind. Allaah says:

“It is He who has appointed the night a covering for you and sleep for a rest. The day He has appointed for rising.” (Surah Furqaan: 47)

Thus, the night is created for rest and the day for work and for seeking provision. Yet we do the exact opposite. We are up at night and sleep late into the day, sometimes, up to or even beyond Dhuhr time, and waste much precious time. ‘Umar Radhi Allaahu Anhu used to punish people the people who did this and say: ‘You stay up for the first part of the night, then sleep for the last part of it?’”.

If we look at how the righteous before us spent their nights, we realize that they used their nights as a means to earning Jannah; praying, reciting the Qur’aan, crying and supplicating to Allaah. However, some of us Muslims, today take their nights as a means of entertainment and fun and even, aaoodhu billaah, a means of haraam and sin.

Actually, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) himself, did not like to stay up or even speak after Ishaa.

“The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to like to delay the ‘Ishaa’ prayer and he hated to sleep before it or talk after it”. (Bukhaari).

He also disapproved of staying up late and warned against it.

He (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Beware of staying up after people’s movements settle.”

Why did he do that? Because staying up late might cause many harms. Some of them are:

 

1. It may cause one to totally miss the Fajr prayer

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Between a man and kufr and shirk, there stands his giving up prayer.” (Muslim)

2. Even if you do wake up for Fajr, it is extremely hard to concentrate in the prayer or even know what one is saying.

3. Staying up late causes health problems, exhaustion, weakness, and loss of enthusiasm. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Staying up late is tiring and burdensome.” (Daarimi, Tabaraani, others)

4. It also leads to lack of responsibility and laziness, as it is extremely difficult to wake up early for school, job, etc. if you are up half the night. The person ends up sleeping late into the day, missing his work, and slacking in responsibility. Al-Fudayl ibn ‘Iyaad said: There are two qualities that harden the heart: sleeping too much and eating too much.

5. We also miss out on the most blessed part of the day is the early morning. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa sallam) said:
“The early morning has been blessed for my Ummah.”(Saheeh al-Jaami’). That’s why whenever the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa sallam) sent out troops or an army, he would send them at the beginning of the day. But by sleeping late, we lose the blessings of this time and the profits we could have gained.

6. If we don’t sleep early, we can’t wake up in time for qiyaam ul-lail, a time for prayer, making dua and seeking forgiveness from Allaah, as the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Our Lord descends every night to the heavens when there is only one third of the night remaining and says: Who is supplicating to me so that I can respond to him? Who is asking Me for something so that I can grant him that which he is asking for? Who is seeking My forgiveness so that I can forgive him”(Bukhaari, Muslim)

Is it befitting that we, as Muslims, miss this honorable and virtuous time and waste it either sleeping or following our desires?

7. Staying up late is also a major reason behind many of the moral crimes, community problems, car accidents, etc.

Exceptions to the rule:

The Ulama say that staying up late unnecessarily is nothing but a bad habit, unless it serves a purpose, such as praying and worshipping Allaah, seeking knowledge of Islaam, a person’s job, traveling, students preparing for exams, or other beneficial or permissible matters.
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“Staying up late is for one of three categories of people; those traveling, those praying the night prayers, or those on their wedding night.” (Abu Ya’laa).

What Islaam encourages us to do is to sleep early, preferably right after Ishaa, then wake up early in time for
our prayers (Fajr and Tahajjud, if possible) and then take advantage of the blessings of early morning for our work and provision. We are also encouraged to take a nap during the day, either before Dhuhr or after, if we are able to.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Take a nap, for the shayaateen do not take naps.” (al-Tabaraani–Saheeh). Ishaaq ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said: “Taking a nap is one of the deeds of good people. It revitalizes the heart and helps one to pray qiyaam al-layl.”

Brothers and sisters, realize that staying up late is a diseased lifestyle that takes one away from the religion of Allaah and encourages the following of ones lusts and desires. One should avoid it unless there is a legitimate reason for it. Not only should we keep our kids away from it, we ourselves need to break this bad habit and develop healthy lifestyles and wholesome ways.
May Allaah enable us to realize the harms and evils of staying up late. May He enable us to utilize our time in the most productive manner, that is most pleasing to Him. Ameen.

 

The virtue of fasting ‘Ashoora’

Firstly:

Fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ does expiate for the past year, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Fasting the day of ‘Arafah I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it, and fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” Narrated by Muslim, 1162.

This is by the bounty that Allaah bestows upon us, whereby fasting one day expiates for the sins of a whole year. And Allaah is the Owner of great bounty.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to be very keen to make sure he fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ because of its great status. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I never saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) so keen to make sure he fasted any day and preferring it over another except this day, the day of ‘Ashoora’, and this month – meaning Ramadaan. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867.

What is meant by being keen to make sure he fasted it is so as to earn its reward.

Secondly:

With regard to the reason why the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ and urged the people to do likewise is mentioned in the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari (1865) from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said:

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to Madeenah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashoora’. He said, “What is this?” They said, “This is a good day, this is the day when Allaah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy and Moosa fasted on this day.” He said, “We have closer to Moosa than you.” So he fasted on this day and told the people to fast.

The words “this is a good day” – according to a version narrated by Muslim, “This is a great day when Allaah saved Moosa and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people.”

The words “so Moosa fasted on this day” – Muslim added in his report: “In gratitude to Allaah, so that is we fast on this day.”

According to another version narrated by al-Bukhaari, “So we fast it out of respect for it.”

The words “and told the people to fast” – according to another version narrated by al-Bukhaari, “He said to his companions, ‘You are closer to Moosa than them, so fast this day.”

Thirdly:

The expiation of sins that is achieved by fasting ‘Ashoora’ refers to minor sins; with regard to major sins, they need separate repentance.

Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

Fasting the day of ‘Arafaah expiates for all minor sins, in othr words this brings forgiveness for all sins except for major sins.

Then he said:

Fasting the day of ‘Arafaah is an expiation for two years, and the day of ‘Ashoora is an expiation for one year, and if a person’s Ameen coincides with the Ameen of the angels, his previous sins will be forgiven… Each of the things mentioned may bring expiation. If he does something that expiates for minor sins he will be expiated, and if there are no minor or major sins, it will be recorded for him as good deeds and he will rise in status thereby… If there is one or more major sins and no minor sins, we hope that it will reduce his major sins.  Al-Majmoo’ Sharh al-Muhadhdhab, part6.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The expiation of purification, prayer, and fasting Ramadaan, ‘Arafah and ‘Ashoora’ applies to minor sins only.  Al-Fataawa al-Kubra, part 5.

How to Behave when someone insults Islam

Let’s first remind ourselves, that our Prophet (peace be upon him), the single most perfect man in history, had the following done to him

People physically assaulted him.

People threw stones at him.

People threw dirty intestines on him whilst he was praying.

People threw their dirty garbage on him

People abused him

People killed his loved ones

People tried to give him poison in his food

They laughed at him, Mocked at him

They made fun of Him

He lost His two teeth in the Battle of Uhd

Has someone ever thrown stones at you? Have you ever had dirty garbage thrown over your head? Yet somehow our aggressive reactions would lead someone to believe as if someone has actually done this?

So the question is, whom should we follow when something like this happens?

Let me give some examples. For people who are reading this and are into IT and Sports. If you wanted a successful IT business then you will follow the careers of Bill Gates or Steve Jobs, as they have done incredibly well in the IT field. If perhaps you wanted to become a professional footballer, you might follow how Cesc Fabregas or Messi play, as again they are among the best footballers in the world.

So what is our end goal? It’s obviously to reach Jannah and the way to do this is to try to follow the life of our Prophet (peace be upon him) If we try to study him, act like him, perform the Sunnah then we have a good chance of achieving our goal.

When someone insults Islam or our Prophet (peace be upon him), or Allah, of course we all hurt, but what I witnessed a few days ago, was perhaps worse. A barrage of abuse from Muslims to the offenders swearing and insulting back. Did our Prophet act like this? Of course not, so by acting in this way are we really defending our faith or weakening it? I feel we are weakening it, we are showing just how weak we can be.

Did our Prophet lose such control? Engage in such filthy language? We all know certain people hate unconditionally, and in this case, it was a group of young teenagers who were spouting such hate, but we also know, or should know that many non Muslims respect Islam, respect Muslims, but when they see us defending our faith in such a violent aggressive manner, what must they think?

Once when the Prophet was being physically abused in Taif, he was bleeding from having stones thrown at him, Angel Jibraeel came to him and said the Angels of the Mountains can crush these ignorant people between the mountains, should you wish O Muhammad.

Bleeding from head to toe and battered and exhausted, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was faced with a choice; should he or should he not seek to destroy the people who had just humiliated him by having their children chase him out of town while throwing stones at him? And for what crime? All he had wanted to do was convey the message of the One God to His creation and seek benefit his own people.

However, although they hurt him, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) looked beyond his own wounds and forgave them, replying to the angel of the mountains he said,

‘No, do not destroy them, for I hope that Allah will bring out of their offspring people who worship Him alone without associating any partner with Him in worship.

What a beautiful excellent response. Look at the humility. The control.

The way you respond to insults has an impact on the actual image of Islam. So lose this anger, lose the bad language and become an advert for Islam. Ignore the ignorant who hate unconditionally, if someone criticises Islam and you feel you can have an intelligent conversation with them, then do so politely, they will think so differently of you, even if they don’t agree, they will respect the way you have conducted yourself.

You will promote Islam much more effectively this way if you control yourself.

That’s real faith.

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says what means in the Quran, “Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; but turn away from the ignorant”. He subhanahu wa ta’ala also says what means, “And when they hear vain talk, they turn away therefrom and say: ‘To us our deeds, and to you yours; peace be to you: we seek not the ignorant.’

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said

“The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.”(Bukhari :: Book 8 :: Volume 73 :: Hadith 135)