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'Terror' convicts temed as 'servants': Is section of media soft on right-wing groups!

DNA newspaper news

I don’t consider myself an extra-intelligent person. I try to understand things and when I fail, I have no hesitation in discussing or asking others.

Recently, court held two Sanatan Sanstha members guilty of bomb blasts. While many cases involving Hindu and Muslim radicals are currently being tried in different courts, in this case the court gave a verdict and convicted them.

Still, newspapers didn’t give much importance to the news. What I found even more strange was that some newspapers reported the matter in a bizarre fashion. Particularly, Mumbai-based English newspaper DNA’s reports surprised me the most.

I am simply writing my observations here:

1. When police claim arresting a person for terror links, he is often pronounced terrorist even before trial. But on Monday, two Sanatan Sanstha members who were arrested by Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) were convicted by a court. Most newspapers didn’t term them terrorist even after conviction. I agree that for the arrest or conviction of some members, an entire organisation shouldn’t be branded but this is the first time journalistic propriety have reached such dizzy heights that those convicted of blasts have not been called terrorists.

2. When I read English daily DNA I was even more surprised. Its reports doesn’t call them militant, radical or extremist. The report terms them as ‘sevaks’, yes sevaks [that means servants] of Sanatan Sanstha. Whose servants! They were not even volunteers as in that case paper could have labelled them ‘swayamsevaks’ or even activist. But the daily seems to be so soft on the group.

Or to avoid showing affinity to RSS [that has swayamsevaks], it terms them as simply ‘servants’. I don’t say that you defame the Sanata Sanstha, an organisation which is quite candid and accepted that they were its members and said that the group had nothing to do with the handiwork of the duo. But paper, instead of writing activist, member or volunteer, uses the term ‘servant’. Can there be such a mistake or use of the word erroneously at the desk or it was done after thinking over it.

3. A day after conviction, the journalists would have tried to do story about these persons, their backgrounds or why some members of an organisation would go astray. But instead of that, DNA printed a long story that threw light on the group for its wonderful social work.
Hmm. Why should someone be negative all the time and hound everybody! This article was published when the conviction was made but  the next day the court had to deliver the quantum of judgment. One may appreciate that paper has no prejudices against any group.

It is a different matter though that the state government intended to ban Sanatan Sanstha for its alleged role in Goa and Thane-Panvel-Vashi blasts. Hope the paper will continue similar non-biased approach and also write positively about other groups after their members are convicted or jailed (and highlight the social concern of other organisations).

4. Now that the persons convicted of bomb blasts and sentenced to ten years of jail terms have not been called as terrorists,will the paper maintain the same standards of journalism in future. Or will it still call any Muslim or Hindu youth who is simply rounded up, not even jailed or convicted, terrorist!

5. This is the same multi-edition English newspaper that had published Subramanian Swamy’s article that put all Indian Muslims under suspicion and labelled the community as prone to extremism and terrorism and what not. The article had put onus on Indian Muslims to prove a whole lot of things. The particular piece has been widely discussed, criticised and even National Commission for Minorities took cognizance of complaints against it.

Just like the newspaper had liberty to publish it, which I support in principle, I too think I can take a little liberty and write about what’s going in my mind after reading these reports. I don’t know what is going through the minds of those who run this paper or decide the editorial policy.

The little an average reader and Indian citizen like me expects is that the paper should show decent standards of journalism. Either you should don’t turn suspects into terrorists or don’t term terrorists as ‘SERVANTS’. Will servants object to the usage? Perhaps, it’s a new style, which they will adhere to in future [for both Hindutva inspired groups as well as Islamist extremists]!

Sorry to say but even RSS mouthpieces Panchjanya and Organiser are [at least] consistent in their policy. On the otherhand DNA sells copies in lakhs [tens of thousands] and I wonder how many readers are mediocre and what percentage of readers are intelligent enough to figure out the unique journalism practices adopted by this great media institution. Pray for me so that my mind could become capable of understanding these issues.

Frankly, I always liked the paper and as a reader felt happy when the DNA made a space for itself in the crowded English market. In Mumbai, the paper has a large circulation now. However, such selective and biased reporting is really upsetting for a reader like me.

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.

Terrorism is a religion of satan: Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan along with tennis sensation Sania Mirza and shooting star Abhinav Bindra expressed their anger towards terrorism, branding it as a religion of devils.

SRK said,While all civilised religions celebrate and respect life this new barbaric terror religion loves only death and unfortunately all human faiths now face a challenge.Indian civilisation does not distinguish in terms of religion. We are an impossible achievement in the world and I’m very proud to be an Indian.”

SRK further says, “No one can have two viewpoints about terrorism. There is no religion of terrorism. I am often asked my viewpoint on this, maybe because I am a Muslim and I am veryproud to be a Muslim.”

“But I have read the Quran, listened to the Gita, acted in Ram Leela… and learnt Christianity besides being a Muslim… My friends and I have worked on a film on Buddha (Asoka) and my wife is a Punjabi.”

The message of the evening was “Terror has no religion. Our solidarity, courage and resoluteness are the answer to the threat of terror” and the event was hosted by Nandita Das.

ஜகாத் வருமானத்துக்கா? எஞ்சியதற்கா?

A green version of http://commons.wikimedia.or...

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.

WikiLeaks: India's Muslims largely unattracted to extremism

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, current p...

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London: India’s over 150 million Muslim population is largely unattracted to extremism, US diplomatic cables have said, endorsing India’s vibrant democracy, inclusive culture and nationalistic nature of the minority community.

“Separatism and religious extremism have little appeal to Indian Muslims, and the overwhelming majority espouse moderate doctrines,” Former US envoy to India, David Mulford said in a cable released by whistle blower website WikiLeaks.

“India’s growing economy, vibrant democracy, and inclusive culture, encourage Muslims to seek success and social mobility in the mainstream and reduces alienation.

With Indian Muslim youth increasingly comfortable in the mainstream, the pool of potential recruits is shrinking, while Muslim families and communities provide little sanction or support to extremist appeals,” the cable said.

India is home to a wide variety of extremist groups, including religious extremists (Hindu, Muslim and Sikh). 

The vast majority (of Muslims) remain committed to the Indian state and seek to participate in mainstream political and economic life, it said.

“India’s vibrant democracy, inclusive culture and growing economy have made it easier for Muslim youth to find a place in the mainstream, reduced the pool of potential recruits, and the space in which Islamic extremist organisations can operate,” the leaked WikiLeaks cable said, according to Guardian.

Although there are a wide variety of Islamic religious, political and social organisations, most Muslims join or support secular groups without a specific Islamic identity.

No exclusively Muslim organisation has succeeded in mobilising more than a small portion of the Muslim faithful.

India’s vibrant democracy has ensured that the large Muslim community has a voice in politics and recent elections have demonstrated that Muslim voters are courted actively by political parties, the leaked cable said.

“With a Muslim President (APJ Abdul Kalam) occupying the highest political position in the country, Muslims have been encouraged to seek political power in electoral and parliamentary politics, all but eliminating the appeal of violent extremism,” the cable added.

India’s secular education system increasing integrates Muslim students into the mainstream and has spawned a growing and prosperous Muslim middle class.

The cable said that “Young and dynamic Muslims are popular culture heroes in sports (Sania Mirza) and Bollywood (Sharrukh Khan and many others).

The message for young Muslims is that they are Indians first and Muslims second, and that they can fully participate in Indian society and culture and win the adulation and respect of other Indians, regardless of religion.”

 

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

 

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.

 

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)