There is a Bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400

There is a Bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400.

Taken from everymuslim.net
By K a r i m a

There is a Bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400.
It carries over no balance from day to day.
Every evening deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day.

What would you do? Draw out ALL of it, of course!!!!
Each of us has such a Bank. It's name is TIME.

Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds.

Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose.

It carries over no balance.

It allows no overdraft.
Each day it opens a new account for you.
Each night it burns the remains of the day.

If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours.
There is no going back.

There is no drawing against the "tomorrow."

You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it carefully with wisdom and knowledge. Use your Time to do good and Charity; To faithfully practice the Five Pillars and your Deen. To faithfully give thanks to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala; To adhere to the teachings of the Sunnah of His Beloved Messenger Sall-Allahu alaihi wa sallam. In order that you may benefit the utmost in blessings and guidance in your life and live in peace, happiness, good health and success! The clock is running. Make the most of everyday. Start working on your 'Time'

Surah Al 'Asr
(By the Token of TIME)
By (the Token of)Time (through the Ages),
Verily Man Is in loss,
Except such as have Faith And do righteous deeds,
In the mutual teaching Of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.
(Qur'an 103: 1-3 )

Food: What is Halal and Haram?

Food: What is Halal and Haram?
Taken from halal.50megs.com

What Is Halal?
"Halal" is a Quranic Term, which means 'Lawful' or 'Permitted'. Sometimes it is translated as 'Acceptable' or 'Not forbidden'. Halal foods and drinks are permitted for consumption by Allah- the supreme lawgiver. In the Holy Quran, Allah commands Muslims and all of mankind to eat of the Halal things. Eating Halal is obligatory.

What Is Haram?
The opposite of 'Halal' is "Haram", which means 'Unlawful' or 'Prohibited". The other words used for Haram is 'Unacceptable' or 'Forbidden'. Haram foods and drinks are absolutely prohibited for consumption by Allah. Eating Haram is forbidden for every Muslim. If a Muslim consumes Haraam foods, he would be sinful.

What Is Mushbooh?
"Mushbooh" is an Arabic term which means 'doubtful' or 'suspected'. If one does not know the Halal or Haram status of a particular food or drink, such a food or drink is doubtful. A practicing Muslims prevents himself from consuming doubtful things.

The terms Halal and Haram will be used strictly to describe food products, meat products, cosmetics, personal care products, food ingredients, beverages and food contact materials.

Which foods are Halal or which foods are Haram, is decided according to the Holy Quran and the Glorious Shari’ah (Islamic Law).

Most diets and foods are considered to be Halaal unless Islamic Law specifically prohibits them.

The following products are definitely Halal:

• Milk (from cows, sheeps, camels or goats).
• Honey.
• Fish - We are allowed to eat any fish as long as it has scales. All other sea creatures such as whales, sharks, turtles, lobsters and crabs are Haraam. The only exception is for prawns and shrimps, which can be eaten. In order for the fish to be Halaal, it must be removed alive from the water. It does not matter who has done the fishing or what method has been used to catch the fish. Here's a small list
• Plants which are not intoxicant.
• Fresh or naturally frozen vegetables.
• Fresh or dried fruits.
• Legumes like peanuts, cashew nuts, hazel nuts, walnuts, etc.
• Grains such as wheat, rice, rye, barley, oat, etc.

Animals such as cows, sheep, goats, deer, moose, chickens, ducks, game birds, etc., are also Halal, but they must be Zabihah (slaughtered according to Islamic Rites) in order to be suitable for consumption.

The procedure is as follows: the animal must be slaughtered by a Muslim by putting the animal down on the ground (or holding it if it is small) and slitting it's throat with a very sharp knife to make sure that the main blood vessels are cut. While cutting the throat of the animal without severing it, the person has to recite "Bismillah Allah-u-Akbar".

The following items have been categorically spelled out as being Haram:

• Pig/Swine/Pork and its by-products.
• Blood and and blood by-products.
• Carnivorous animals.
• Reptiles and insects.
• Sea creatures such as whales, sharks, turtles, lobsters and crabs are Haraam.
• Halal animals which are not slaughtered according to the Islamic Law.
• Animals killed in the name of anyone other than God.
• The bodies of dead animals or dead before slaughtering.
• Alcohol and intoxicants such as Wine, Ethyl Alcohol, and Spirits etc.

Foods containing ingredients in the following are example of Mushbooh:

• Gelatin.
• Enzymes.
• Emulsifiers.
• Lard.
• Glycerol/glycerin etc.

Muslim should avoid such foods containing Mushbooh or questionable ingredients. Before consuming such items, we have to confirm the source of these ingredients.

Question: What happens if you eat haraam food?
I found this question submitted by someone on the web but have lost the source. It was answered by (Mufti) Abdullah Patel.

There are numerous Qur'anic verses and Ahaadith of our beloved Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) expounding the importance of consuming Halaal food and warning against Haraam.

Almighty Allah (SWT) says, "O people of Imaan! Eat of the pure things (Halaal) that We have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah" (Surah Baqarah 2:172)

Our Beloved Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) has said, "There will come a time upon my Ummat when people will not be concerned over what they take. It will not matter for them whether it is Haraam or Halaal" (Bukhari: Nasai).

It is further reported that, "When this time comes, then none of their Duas will be accepted" (Razeen).

It is narrated in another Hadith, "It is better for you to consume sand rather than eating anything Haraam" (Ahmed).

It is narrated in another Hadith, "That flesh which has grown out of Haraam food will not enter Jannah. Hell has more right to it" (Ahmad: Tirmidhi).

Haraam food has a detrimental effect on one's spiritual development. It has a direct effect on one's actions. One who consumes Haraam will not feel any enthusiasm to perform good deeds and it will lead him/her towards sinful deeds. Haraam also acts as a barrier such that duaas are not accpeted.

On the authority of Abu Huraira (R.A) who said, The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said,

"Allah, the Almighty is pure and accepts only that which is pure. Allah has commanded the faithful to do that which he commanded the messengers, and the Almighty has said, 'O Messengers! Eat of the pure things, and do righteous actions'. And Allah the Almighty has said: "O` you who believe! Eat of the pure things wherewith we have provided you." Then he mentioned (the case of) a man who, having journeyed far, is disheveled and dusty and who spreads out his hands to the sky (saying): O' Lord! -- While his food is unlawful, his drink unlawful, and he is nourished unlawfully, so how can his supplication be answered!" (Muslim)

Allah (SWT) Knows Best.

-------------------------------------------------

Further reading recommended:
(1) Halal & Haram of food & drinks from islam-laws.com
(2) BAHISHTI ZEWAR-HALAAL/HARAAM from halal.50megs.com
(3) Halal shoppers guide PDF - CLICK HERE!
(4) Medical and scientific facts about halal slaughter from hmacanada.org

Useful Organisations:
(1) Foodguide.org.uk - for UK (VERY USEFUL SITE)
(2) halalmc.org UK Halal Monitoring Committee
(2) eat-halal.com - USA site
(3) ifanca.org Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America
(4) hmacanada.org - Halal Monitoring Authority Canada

Ramadan Superfoods - Dates

Ramadan Superfoods - Dates
By: Shamimuz Zaman – OC Health

A Muslim eats dates to break their fast along with a glass of water. How much do we know about this great super food? We will consider facts, nutritional food values, benefits of dates and explore this fascinating food.



Brief History

Dates (Arabic: tamr) have been a staple diet of the Middle East for thousands of years. They are believed to have originated from the Persian Gulf, and have been cultivated since ancient times from Mesopotamia to prehistoric Egypt, possibly as early as 6000 BC.

There’s archaeological evidence of date cultivation in eastern Arabia in 4000 BC. Later, Arabs spread the dates into northern Africa and into Spain – Spaniards introduced dates to California.

Great Nutrition

Dates are loaded with the energy you need everyday, with only 24 calories per date (248 per 100 gram serving). Dates are high in dietary fibre, low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Very few other fruits offer this healthful combination.

A handful of dates will help meet the 5 a day goal. Five to six dates or a cup of chopped dates equals one serving. Dates are a good source of dietary fibre. A serving of dates can provide 3 grams of fibre. That’s 14% of your recommended intake!

Dates contain 31 grams of carbohydrates (a powerhouse of energy!). Carbohydrates include 3 grams of fibre and 29 grams of naturally occurring sugars such as fructose, glucose and sucrose making the perfect energy boosting snack.

Eating dates and drinking water is an ideal way to replenish potassium. A serving of dates contain 240 milligrams of potassium or 7% of the recommended daily value. Bite for bite, they have three times the amount of potassium as bananas!

Dates contain a variety of B-complex vitamins; these vitamins have a variety of functions that help maintain a healthy body. Magnesium is essential for healthy bone development and for energy metabolism. One serving of dates provides 4% of the suggested daily intake of magnesium. Iron is essential to red blood cell production. Red blood cells carry all the nutrients to cells throughout the body. One serving of dates contain nearly a third of the recommended dietary allowance of iron.

Today’s healthy diets recommend eating foods that are low in sodium, fat, cholesterol and high in fibre. Dates fit perfectly into a healthy lifestyle.

Benefits of Dates

• Dates contain certain stimulants which strengthen the muscle of the uterus in the last few months of pregnancy. This would then assist in the dilation of the uterus at the time of delivery.
• Dates have high tannin content and have cleansing power and astringent in intestinal troubles.
• Modern science has shown that they are very effective in preventing abdominal cancer.
• When the body absorbs the nutritional essence of a few dates, the feeling of hunger becomes appeased.
• It would seem that breaking the fast with dates helps one avoid excessive eating.
• Dieticians consider dates are the best foods for women in confinement and those who are breastfeeding.
• Dates can be used to overcome giddiness, fall in sugar level in the blood and low blood pressure are among causes of giddiness.
• Dates are effective in keeping healthy eyes, uits quite effective in guarding against night blindness.
• Placing bits of chewed date inside the mouth of a new born baby dramatically reduces pain sensation and heart rate (British Medical Journal)
• Dates provides great source of energy boost. Hence Muslims often break their fast with.

----------------------------------------------------------

Here's some information that is worth reading:

Healing Foods & Herbs - from crescentlife.com [topics include: Barley, Dates, Garlic,Ginger, Green Tea, Henna, Honey, Kalonji, Kasni, Khambi Mann Mushroom, Methi (Fenugreek),Neem, Olives (Zaitoon) & Thyme]

Miracle Foods From Allah - from Islamonline.net [topics include: Spirulina (Blue Green Algae), Kelp, Honey, Bee-Pollen, Royal Jelly, Wheat Grass, Alfalfa]

Poem: A Follower By Name

A Follower By Name

Source: nylusmilk.wordpress.com (The Literary Pursuit)
Mufti Saif al Islam - Islamic Poems

I am a Muslim but only by name.

When it comes to practising, what a Shame!

I go to friends and relatives in suit and tie,

It’s alright, if occasionally I lie.

Yes I practice, but when it suits me,

Or more to the point, when it pleases the society.

If I show my ankles, they’ll point and laugh,

They’ll think it’s too short and reckon I’m daft.

If I trim my moustache and grow a beard,

They’ll reckon I’m a fanatic or something weird.

If I wear the Sunnah, I’ll get great reward,

But the Kuffar will look down on me that I can’t afford.

Yes I’m a Muslim, but only by name.

I make excuses, which I admit are lame.

Yes, I’m a sane man and I’m on the right track,

Who am I kidding, I feel like a jack.

To hide my inferiority complex, I protest it’s unimportant,

Though my heart screams to tell me, I’m a blatant fraudulent.

The best thing is no-one can hear, what’s going on inside,

People think I’ve got it made, and with my life satisfied.

But I’m afraid, this is a fable and it’s pure deception.

I have no peace of mind, but this I dare not even mention.

If I remain ignoring it’s okay ‘cos then, I don’t have to practice.

Yes I’m convincing (shameless), and these are baseless evil tactics.

But I read the Kalimah , and I think I have Imaan,

I can’t help my attitude, I was placed in Kufrastaan.

Yes I’m a Muslim, but only by name,

And with my precious life, I’m playing a foolish and disastrous game!

The Etiquettes of Eating

The Etiquettes of Eating
Source: islamicnetwork.com , Original article taken from ahya.org

It may appear a little ironic to be discussing the subject of FOOD in a month, which is characterized by the command to abstain from it! Nevertheless, it is true to say that in this month the subject of food tends to receive special attention from us, for after a whole day of keeping our desires and hunger pangs at bay, the chance to eat ones till in the evening is much appreciated. An appropriate time therefore to highlight some of the Islamic etiquettes of eating we think.

For every act that a Muslim does, there is a chance for him to earn some reward for it from Allaah. From praying to per­forming ghusl, in everything Allaah has placed His Blessings and these blessings are multiplied in the month of Ramadhan.

These rewards and blessings can be attained only by those keen to imbibe the Guidance and Example (Sunnah) of the Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) into every mode of their lives, seeking thereby none but the Face of Allaah. For such people, their whole lives become ‘Ebadah (worship). Even the act of eating and drinking upon which all living things depend can become acts of ‘Ebadah. Thus, by acquainting ourselves with the Sunnah of eating and drinking we too can turn this mundane exercise into an act of worship and a source of blessing, Insha’Allaah!!

The Etiquettes of Eating

1] How to Begin [1]
When a Muslim begins to eat, he should begin with the name of Allaah. As the Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) said: ‘When one of you eats, he should mention Allah’s name (i.e. say ‘Bismillah); if he forgets to mention Allah’s name at the beginning, he should say (when he remembers): I begin in the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end of it ( Bismillah awwalahu wa Akhirahoo).” [2]

The Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) explained that shaitan partakes in the food if the name of Allaah is not recited at the start of eating. However if one forgets in the beginning and then remembers and says the aforementioned du’aa shaitan is made to vomit out what he has eaten. [3]

2] The Manners of Eating
The best manner in which to eat food is with the fingers. The Companion, lbn Ka’ab ibn Maalik reported that he saw the Messenger (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) eating with three fingers and when he finished, he would lick them. [4] Sadly nowadays, the Muslims are choosing to imitate the disbelievers rather than the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) and are choosing to eat with knives and forks rather than the finger’s. Although it is not at all forbidden (haraam) to eat with a Knife and fork, to con­sider this a better and more cultured or civilized way to eat is definitely wrong, since this is to consider someone else’s way to be superior to that of the Prophet’s. It should also be men­tioned that if one does choose to eat with a knife and fork, then they should make sure that the fork is in the right and not in the left hand as is the convention with the disbelievers. This is because to eat with the left hand is forbidden. The Prophet, (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) said: “Do not eat with your left hand for shaitaan eats with his left hand,” [5]

Another thing which the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) taught us about the man­ners of eating is that we should always eat from what is near­est to us and not from the middle of the plate. The reason for this is that the blessings come down upon the food in its mid­dle, therefore it should be left to last. [6]

3] The Manners of Sitting whilst Eating.
It would probably come as no surprise to us to learn that unlike the arrogant manner traditionally associated with the Greeks and Romans, the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) would never eat from a reclining position.[7]

His whole life was a model of modesty and humility and this was no less in his manner of eating. The Companion Anas, radhi Allahu Anhu‘ each reported that he saw Allaah’s Messenger squatting and eating dates.[8] Other times, the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) would sit on his knees, as reported by ‘Abdullaah ibn Busr who said that the Prophet was sitting on his knees upon which a bedouin said: ‘What is this sitting?’ The Prophet (sallallahu alahi wa-sallam) replied, “Allaah has made me a respectable servant and He did not make me an obstinate tyrant. [9]

4] Don’t Criticize Food:
Aboo Hurairah, radhiAllahu ‘anhu reported that the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) never found fault with food. If he liked it, he would eat it, but if he disliked it, he just left it.

This is how our Prophet was. Yet if we look to ourselves today, we find that we are ever ready to criticize whatever we find on our plate. This is extreme ingratitude to Allaah on our part and next time we think of complaining about food or maybe moaning that ‘there’s nothing to eat’ even though our fridges are full, we should spare a thought for all those people both Muslim and non-Muslims who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. So we should instead be grateful as instructed by Allaah:

“0 You who believe! Eat of the good things that we have provided for you and be grateful to Allaah, if it is He you worship.” [al-Baqarah(2): 17)

5] DON’T LEAVE FOOD FOR SHAITAAN
As Muslms we must be aware that shaitaan is around us wher­ever we are and whatever we are doing. Even when we are eating shaitaan is in our presence, waiting to grasp any oppor­tunity he can to fill his belly. This is why the Prophet, (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) commanded us never to waste food, because food that we waste is eaten by shaitaan. He (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) said: “The shaitaan is present with everyone of you in everything he does; he is even present when he eats food, so if any on of you drops a mouthful, he should remove away anything filthy on it and eat it and not leave it for the devil; and when he finishe, he should lick his fingers for he does not know in what portion of his food the blessing ties.” [11]

So here, the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) enumerated another reason why we should not waste food i.e. we may deprive ourselves of the blessings which are contained n the food. this should be sufficient encouragement fares to appreciate the value of food and not waste it.

6] DON’T EAT TOO MUCH
One of the worst habits we nave adopted as a result of our relatively luxurious lifestyle is the habit of overeating and not showing any restraint in that. How many times can we think of where we have eaten so much that we can barely breathe, or where we can feel the food coming up to our throats?! This eating pattern does not befit the Muslim, who should do all things in moderation, including his eating. The Prophet, (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) said: “A Believer eats in one intestine, whereas a non-believer eats in seven intestines”[12]

Therefore it is not for us to eat till we are completely satiated; rather we should eat such that the hunger goes but there is still room for more.

7] AFTER EATING
When we have finished eating, we should always remember Allaah and be grateful to Him, for He is ar-Razzaaq, the Provider and our Sustainer We should express this gratitude in the manner in which the Prophet taught us. He said: “One who has eaten some food and then says: ‘AlI praise is for Allaah, who has given me this (food to eat] and provided me without any effort or power on my part’, he will have his sins forgiven. (Alhamdulillaahil-lazee at’amanaa haadha warazaqeenee min ghairi hawlin minnee wala quwwah).” [13]

SubhaanAllaah! The reward for just saying this short du’aa is so great, too great to neglect. Can we afford to miss out on such opportunities of Allaah’s Mercy and Forgiveness?

8] A MEANS OF DRAWING CLOSER TO ALLAAH
The ahaadeeth mentioned here only cover some of the Islamic etiquettes of eating which the Messenger Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wa-sallam) taught us. Many more hadeeth on this subject are to be found in the books of hadeeth such as Saheeh al-Bukharee, Saheeh Muslim and others. But just a few narra­tions cited here give us some indication of the attention that the Companions paid to even the smallest details of the prophet’s Sunnah (example). Many of us today may consider such matters to be ‘trivial’ or ‘insignificant,’ but we find the Companions did not take these matters lightly. They consid­ered such details important enough to preserve through careful transmission which their successors meticulously recorded in the books of hadeeth so that they could be read by genera­tions to come. It is up to us whether we want to benefit from the knowledge they carried for us or not.

So during this blessed month of Ramadhan, when we take the suhoor (the predawn meal) and break our fasts, we have an excellent opportunity to transform an everyday practice of eating and drinking into an act of worship and a source of blessing for us. Every mouthful of food we take will serve as a reminder of Alaah’s great favour upon us and His Mercy and this in turn will cause us to earn favour with Allah, for the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Indeed Allah is pleased with His servant who, when he eats a morsel, praises Him for it, or drinks a sip and then praises Him for it.” [14]

May Allaah grant us the ability to become of His thankful servants. Aameen.

FOOTNOTES
[1] There is a common misconception that to wash ones hands before eating is from Sunnah. This is based on the hadeeth which alleges that the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: The blessing of the food is in washing the hands before it and after it. [Ahmed, Aboo Dawood and others] It should be known however that this hadeeth is daef (week) according to Aboo Dawood. Imaam Ahmad, at-Tirmidhee and others. Infect some scholar went as far As to say that this practice was disliked since it was a practice of the Jews and only if there was a reason to wash them was it not disliked. The point is that washing the hands before the meal contains no added reward since it is not from the Sunnah, although there is no harm in doing as if one needs to.
[2] Saheeh - Narrated by Aaisha and collected by Aboo Dawood (eng. Trans. Vol.3, p.1064, no.3758). Authenticated by at-Tirmidhee and al-Albanee inhis Saheeh. Sunan Aboo Dawood. Note that the Sunnah is to say ‘Bismillah’ only and not ‘Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem’
[3] Saheeh Muslim (eng. Trans. Vol.3, p. 1114, no. 5004).
[4] Saheeh Muslim (eng. Trans. Vol.3, p. 1119, no. 5040)
[5] Narrated by Jabir and collected I Saheeh Muslim (eng. Trans. Vol.3, p. 1115, no. 5007). The ruling also applies to drinking as well as taking or giving something (i.e. it should all be done with the right hand) (Saheeh Muslim vol.3)
[6] Aboo Dawood (eng. Trans. Vol. 3, p. 1064, no. 3763). This is not superstition or an old wives tale, rather the saying of one inspired by Allah, who is the knower of all things hidden.
[7] Narrated by Aboo Juhaifah and collected in Saheeh of Imaam Bukhari (eng. Trans. Vol.7, p. 234 and 311). NB. Ibn al-Qayyim mention in his Zaadal Maad that any posture in which the posterior is on the floor is regarding as reclining.
[8] Saheeh Muslim (eng, trans vol.3. p. 1127, no. 5073).
[9] Saheeh - Reported by Aboo Dawood (eng. Trans. Vol. 3, p.1064, no. 3764). Authentic in his Saheeh Sunan Aboo Dawood.
[10] Saheeh Muslim (eng. Trans. Vol. 3, p.113, no.5121).
[11] Narrated by Jaabir and collected in Saheeh Muslim (eng. Vol. 3, p. 1121. no. 5046)
[12] Narrated by Ibn Umar and collected in Saheeh Muslim (eng. Trans vol. 3, p.1137, no. 5046)
[13] Hasan - Narrated by Mu’aadh Ibn Anas ans collected by at-Tirmidhee and others. Authentic by at-Tirmidhee and others. Authenticated by at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Hajr and others. (Note: that the other du’aa from Aboo Dawood tht is often mentioned in books to be recited at the end of eating: “all Praises are form Allah who fed us grave us drink and made us Muslims’ is not authentic as mentioned by Ibn Hajr and others.)
[14] Narrated by Anas and collected in Saheeh Muslim (eng. Trans. Vol. 4, p.1492, no. 6592).

Guidelines on how to make dua

Guidelines on how to make dua
Taken from everymuslim.net, original article was published on IslamicInspirations

Once, a ten-year-old boy was praying feverishly in prostration, “O Allah [swt], the Most Merciful, the Magnificent, Make Faisalabad [a small city of Pakistan] the capital of Pakistan, make Faisalabad the capital of Pakistan…” Her mother overheard him and inquired, “Why would you pray so, my child?” The boy answered, “Well, Mother. We had a question on our final exam which asked, “What is the capital of Pakistan?” and I mistakenly put “Faisalabad” as my answer.Although, we cannot help but laugh at the naiveté of the innocent child, his trust in his supplication to Allah (swt) and his belief that his prayer will be heard is quite admirable; as a matter of fact, quite “ideal”.

Allah (swt) states in the Quran:
And when My servants question thee concerning Me, then surely I am nigh. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calleth on Me. So let them hear My call and let them trust in Me, in order that they may be led aright. (Sura al-Baqara, 186)

The art of making dua:
Making dua in the court of Allah (swt) is an art and has an etiquette which if considered, can result in the opening of many doors of Allah (swt)’s Bliss and Bounties. Some of the factors that help are listed below:

Praise Allah (swt) and call Him by His beautiful names and attributes before setting out to ask Him for favors. Indeed He is praiseworthy who never tires of hearing and fulfilling duas of all of His creatures.
Allah (swt) states in the Quran: “Call on Allah or call the All-Merciful, whichever you call upon, the Most beautiful names of His.” (Sura al-Isra, 110).

Be Humble:
When you are praying, do not act as if you are enjoined the right to deserve whatever you are asking for. Make sure that you know that your Lord is the Most Gracious and you the Most Humble. Acknowledge your status before the Magnificent and do not be proud.
“Call your Lord humbly and secretly. He does not love those who transgress the boundaries.” (Sura al-Araf: 55)

Let Him decide:
If you are asking for something which you really like, always remember that whatever you are asking for may not be always in the best interest. Allah (swt) states in the Quran:
“It may be that you hate something when it is good for you and it may be that you love something when it is bad for you. Allah (swt) knows and you know not.”[Sura al-Baqara, 216] Always let Allah (swt) decide what is right for you and what is wrong for you instead of implying or imposing that you know better.

Be articulate:
Make sure to spell out in clear words what you want exactly. It is true that Allah (swt) knows the secrets of the heart but He still wants you to pray and pray in an articulate manner. For example, all the sisters who want good husbands should not just suffice praying as such, “O Allah (swt), give us a good husband.” Though it may sound out-of-the-world, but it is true that there are brothers who are good looking, rich and possess an excellent character. A sister may ask for all three with all her heart, and she will inshallah get her wish, but it will be better if she knows the order of the features that she wants in her husband, i.e., a good character must come first and foremost.

Believe in your dua:
The most critical factor in a dua being accepted or not, is the belief of the seeker in his or her supplication’s being accepted. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported, “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH), ‘The supplication of every one of His slaves will be granted as long as he does not get impatient and say, “I supplicated to my Rubb again and again but I do not think my prayer will be answered.”‘”[Al-Bukhari, Muslim].
Also, Allah (swt) Himself states, “Do not despair of solace from Allah (swt). No one despairs of solace from Allah except for people who disbelieve.” [Sura Yusuf, 87] Therefore, it is imperative that we do not grow hopeless of Allah (swt)’s Mercy but keep on praying consistently and with patience.

Pray when happy and sad:
Allah (swt) states at numerous places that a human being only remembers Him in the times of distress but forgets Him when he has tears of joy in his eyes. We all know that we do not feel good when our friends remember us in the times of distress but abandon us in the time of need. Though Allah (swt)’s Rahma is infinite and His forgiveness is boundless, yet He expects us to keep on praying even when He has given us good times. Therefore, we should never forget our Lord when our heart’s joys know no bounds or when we are shouting in exhileration.

Remember others during prayers:
Allah (swt) says: “And ask forgiveness for your sins and also for the sin of believing men and women.” [Sura Muhammad, 19] Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The dua of a Muslim for his brothers in his absence is readily accepted, an angel is appointed to his side, whenever he makes a beneficial dua for his brother, the angel says, ‘Ameen’, and May you be blessed with the same”. [Sahih Muslim] So a great way of having a dua being accepted in your favor is to wish the same for your brother with all your heart and importune the Creater on his behalf. This way, not only will your dua be accepted, but you will become the cause of happiness of your brother as well.

You Ask and the QURAN Answers!

You Ask & the QURAN Answers
by Mohammed Yahya Al-Toom (Ministry of Education, KSA)
Taken from islambasics.com

1) Who is the creator?

(40 : 64)
Allah, it is he Who has made for you the earth as a dwelling place and the sky as a canopy. and has given you shape and made your shapes good (looking) and has provided you with good things. That is Allah, your Lord : so Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

(39 : 6)
He created you (all) from a single person (Adam) ; then made from him his wife {Hawwa, (Eve)}. and He has sent down for you of cattle eight pairs (of the sheep, two, male and female; of the goats, two, male and female of the oxen, two, male and female and of the camels, two, male and female). He creates you in the wombs of your mothers : creation after creation in there veils of darkness. Such is Allah your Lord His is the Kingdom. La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). How then are you turned away?

(7 : 54)
Indeed your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and then He rose over (Istawa) the Throne (really in manner that suits His Majesty). He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly, and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed is Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!

(10 : 32)
Such is Allah, your Lord in truth. So after the truth, what else can there be, save error? How then are you turned away?

2) Who is Allah?

(59 : 23-24)
23 : He is Allah beside Whom La Ilaha Illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the King, the Holy, the one Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory, be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him.

24 : He is Allah, the creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

(20 : 14)
"Verily! I am Allah! La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), So worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) for My Remembrance.

(2 : 255)
Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), Al-Hayyul-Qayyuum (the Ever Living the One Who sustains and protects all that exists). Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth .Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He Knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass any thing of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. (This Verse 2:225 is called Ayat-ul-Kursi).

(35 : 13) He merges the night into the day (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the night is added to the hours of the day), and He merges the day into the night ( i.e. the decrease in the hours of the day is added the hours of the night). And has subjected the sun and the moon: each runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allah, your Lord; His is the Kingdom, And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmir (the thin membrane over the date-stone).

(3 : 18)
Allah bears winess that La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He always) maintains His creation in justice La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise

(3 : 51)
Truly! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the straight Path.

3) Did you think that Allah created you only for play and without any purpose?

(3 : 115)
"Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?"

4) For what did Allah create mankind?

(51 : 56)
And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).

5) What did Allah command us to do?

(4 : 58)
Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching with He (Allah) gives you! Truly, Allah is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer.

(6 : 151)
Say (O Muhammad [Peace be upon him] ) : "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: be 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 to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly; and kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islamic law). This He has commanded you that you may understand.

6) From where shall we seek guidance?

(1 : 1 – 6)
1: In the Name of Allah, the Most. Gracious, the Most Merciful.
2: All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).
3: The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
4: The Only Owner (and the only Ruling judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)
5: You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).
6: Guide us to the Straight Way.

7) Who shall we invoke in time of disaster?

(29 : 65)
And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him Only: but when He brings them safely to land, behold they give a share of their worship to others.

(10 : 12)
And when harm touches man, he invokes Us, lying on his side, or sitting or standing. But when We have removed his harm from him, he passes on as if he had never invoked Us for a harm that touched him! Thus it is made fair-seeming to the Musrifun that which they used to do.

8) What happened to the previous nations when they disobeyed Allah?

(29 : 40)
So We punished each (of them) for his sins; of them were some on whom We sent Hasib (a violent wind with shower of stones) (as on the people of Lut (Lot), and of them were some who were overtaken by As-saihah (torment – awful cry. (as Thamud or Shuabs people), and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow (as Qarun (Korah), and of them were some whom We drowned (as the people of Nuh (Noah), or Firaun (Pharaoh) and his people). It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves

9) Does Allah guard and save the Quran from corruption?

(15 : 9)
Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption).

10) Who should we worship?

(20 : 14)
"Verily! I am Allah La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-salat) for My Remembrance.

11) What is the religion of Allah?

(3 : 19)
Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except, out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, then surely, Allah is Swift in calling to account.

12) What is the religion accepted by Allah?

(3 : 85)
And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.

13) Where does the Quran come from?

(42 : 3)
Likewise Allah, the All-Mighty the All-Wise sends Revelation to you (O Muhammad [ Peace be upon him]) as (He sent Revelation to) those before you.

(6 : 114)
(Say (O Muhammad [Peace be upon him ]) "Shall I seek a judge other than Allah while it is He Who has sent down unto you the book (the Quran), explained in detail." Those unto whom We gave the Scripture (the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) know that it is revealed from your Lord in truth. So be not you of those who doubt.


14) Why did Allah send messengers?

(4 : 64)
We sent no Messenger, but to be obeyed by Allah's Leave.

15) Do we have to believe in all the messengers?

(2 : 285)
The Messenger (Muhammad [Peace be upon him ]) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say), "We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers" – and they say, "We hear and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all)."

16) What happened to the previous scriptures?

(4 : 46)
Among those who are jews, there are some who displace words from (their) right places and say: "We hear your word (O Muhammad [ Peace be upon him]) and disobey," and "Hear and let you (O Muhammad [Peace be upon him]) "hear nothing." And Raina with a twist of there tongues and as a mockery of the religion (Islam) And if only they had said: "We hear and obey", And "Do make us understand," it would have been better for them, and more proper; but Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe not except a few.

(5 : 13)
So because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them and made their hearts grow hard. They change the words from their (right) places and have abandoned a good part of the Message that was sent to them. And you will not cease to discover deceit in them, except a few of them. But forgive them and overlook (their misdeeds). Verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (good-doers)..

17) Who is the last messenger?

(3 : 144)
Muhammad ([Peace be upon him]) is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; and Allah will give reward to those who are grateful.

18) To whom did Allah send the last messenger Prophet Muhammad [ Peace be upon him]?

(34 : 28)
And We have not sent you (O Muhammad [Peace be upon him ]) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind, but most of men know not.

19) What did Allah prepare for those among the Jews and Christians who believe?

(57 : 28)
O you who believe (in Musa (moses) (i.e. Jews) and Isa (Jesus) (i.e. Christians)! Fear Allah, and believe in His Messenger (Muhammad [ Peace be upon him]), He will give you a double portion of His Mercy, and He will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight). And He will forgive you. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful

20) What is the likeness of lsa (Jesus [ Peace be upon him) before Allah?

(3 : 59)
Verily, the likeness of Isa (Jesus [Peace be upon him ) before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: "Be" – and he was.

21) What did Allah say about Mary?

(3 : 42 – 47)
42 : And (remember) when the angels said: "(O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the Alamin (mankind and jinn) (of her lifetime)."

43 : O Mary! "Submit yourself with obedience to your Lord (Allah), by worshipping none but Him Alone) and prostrate yourself, and Irkai (bow down) along with ArRakiun (those who bow down)."

44 : This is apart of the news of the Ghaib (unseen, i.e. the news of the past national of which you have no knowledge) which We reveal to you (O Muhammad [ Peace be upon him) You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam (Mary); nor were you with them when they disputed.

45 : (Remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word ("Be"- and he was! I.e. Isa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary), from Him, his name will be the Messiah Isa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah."

46 : "He will speak to the people in the cradle and in manhood and he one of the righteous."

47 : She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me." He said: "So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: "Be!" – and it is.

22) Was Jesus crucified and died on the cross?

(4 : 157 – 158)
157 : And because of their saying (in boast), "We killed Messiah Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allah," – But they killed him not, nor crucified him, but they resemblance of Isa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they Killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not ( i.e. Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary).

158 : But Allah raised him (Isa (Jesus) up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and he [ Peace be upon him is in the heavens). And Allah is Ever All-Powerful All-Wise.

23) Was Jesus the son of God (Allah)?

(112 : 1 – 4) :
1 : Say (O Muhammad [Peace be upon him ): "He is Allah, (the) One.
2 : (Allah the self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, (He
neither eats nor drinks).
3 : He begets not, nor was He begotten.
4 : And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him..

24) How could you be secure?

(6 : 82) :
It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others beside Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided.


25) What is the life of this world?

(57 : 20) :
Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers – evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers – good-doers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

26) Whatever of blessings and good things you have, is it from Allah?

(16 : 53)
And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah. Then, when harm touches you, unto Him you cry aloud for help.

27) How could you guarantee the blessings of Allah?

(14 : 7)
And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: "If give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are thankless ( i.e. disbelievers), verily My punishment is indeed sever."

28) How could you save yourself from a painful torment?

(61 : 10 – 11)
10 : O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from a painful torment?

11 : That you believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad [ Peace be upon him).

29) Whosoever puts his trust in Allah, what will happen to him?

(65 : 3)
And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things.

30) What is the destination of the disbelievers?

(57 : 15)
So this Day no ransom shall be taken from you (hypocrites), nor of those who disbelieved (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism). Your abode is the Fire. That is your maula (friend – proper place), and worst indeed is that destination.

31) What is the destination of the believers?

(4 : 57)
But those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) and do deeds of righteousness, We shall admit them to Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), abiding therein forever. Therein they shall have Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives), and We shall admit them to shades wide and ever deepening (Paradise).

32) How could you be happy?

(16 : 97) Whoever works righteousness- whether male or female – While he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do ( i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter).

The 72 Virgins Myth

The Myth: Muhammad Promised 72 Female Virgins for Martyrs.

Source: wakeupfromyourslumber (The Truth Will Set You Free)
Original article taken from: ewadah.com, By Muhammad Ridzwan Rahmat

The Truth: Prophet Muhammad has never made any promise on any kinds of sexual gratifications in the after life, much less on the alleged 72 virgins.

It seems to be the staple ammunition for attacking Islam. Mention the atrocities and suicide bombings that are being committed by Muslims around the world and you get the same response – they are doing it for the “virgins in heaven”.

In various Internet forums and conventional media, Muhammad has been accused of luring foot soldiers, past and present, with promise of eternal copulation in the afterlife. In the process Islam has been tainted with a dubiously sexual tint. Islam seems to be the path where sex-hungry young men can end their lives into a promise of endless erotica.

The simple truth is, there is nothing in the Quran or Hadith that has ever promised this. Every Muslim knows it.

Muslims have never been cajoled into doing deeds for the religion in promise of posthumous sex.

As Muslims, we must never condone suicidal activities that take away the lives of innocents. They are against the teachings of the Prophet. The vilification on the alleged “virgins of paradise” must be dismissed at all costs.

So how did the issue of the 72 virgins even come about?

It all started on August 19th, 2001 in CBS studios, USA. This was just a month before the 9/11 attacks.

The American TV network was broadcasting a program called 60 Minutes. It was featuring a special report on the militant group Hamas and included the translation of an interview between an American journalist and the Hamas functionary Muhammad Abu Wardeh. In the interview, Abu Wardeh was describing how martyrs will be accompanied by the “hur’ain” in heaven.

At issue in this interview was the correct meaning of the Arabic word “hur’ain”. Translated to English, it means ‘angels’, with no gender connotations whatsoever. But the translators at CBS insisted that it means ‘virgins’. It carried on and broadcasted the translation as such.

Arabs all over the United States spotted the faulty translation and protested to the TV network.

Three experts of the Arabic languages, including Dr. Mather Hathout of the Islamic Centre of Southern California (now called Muslim Public Affairs Council) and Hafiz al-Mirazi Osman, the head Al-Jazeera’s Washington made official efforts to correct the translation.

But CBS still insisted that it means ‘virgins’. The faulty translation was never amended. From then on Islam became known as the sexually perverted religion that promises 72 “virgins” for those who gave up their lives for it.

The faulty translation took pace after the 9/11 attacks. Websites all over the world, especially those from the USA, began carrying distorted "translations" of verses from the Quran that interpret the word "hur'ain" as "virgins.

Muslims around the world were potrayed as devotess who were into the religion solely for the promise of sex.The damage was done and till today the faulty translation provides a sore point in the true understanding of Islam.

This myth is still rife today with various forms of distortions and connotations.


Recommended Reading:

Islamonline: U.S. Muslims Slash CBS over 'Fabricated' Translation

MPAC: MPAC Protests CBS's Use of Fake Arabic Accents

Europe can feel at home with 16m Muslims

Europe can feel at home with 16m Muslims

Source: Financial Times: Comments & Analysis
by Simon Kuper, Published: 16 September 2007

When Italians immigrated to France in the late 19th century, many French be­lieved these often under­educated, religious newcomers would never integrate. Some Italians were killed in race riots, write Jonathan Laurence and Justin Vaisse in their book Integrating Islam*. Later, Portuguese, Polish or Jewish immigrants were deemed “unable to integrate” into France, but they did.

Now the European Union’s 16m or so Muslims are often considered unassimilable. Fifty years after they began arriving in Europe, their rates of joblessness and incarceration remain high. A very small number are fundamentalist terrorists, as in the recently foiled plot in Germany. Muslims also traditionally have more children than native Europeans. Hence the American neo-conservative Norman Podhoretz, in his new book**, predicts that western Europe will be “conquered from within by Islamofascism”.

Yet the Financial Times’ recent series of articles on Muslims in Europe showed nothing of the kind. We found that most concerns about Europe’s Muslims were overblown – despite the terrorists – and in time may fade like those ancient fears of Italians.

It is true that Muslims on average perform worse in schools and on the job market than native Europeans. Some American writers such as Walter Laqueur contrast this with the success of Jewish immigrants a century ago. However, that comparison is flawed. The Jews were arriving in countries where few natives had gone beyond primary school. There was no educational gap. The Muslims landed in an unprecedentedly educated Europe. It would be astounding if children of often illiterate immigrants closed that gap in one generation, but some do.

Nor do many Muslims seek Europe’s destruction. When the US State department polled French Muslims in 2005, for example, 95 per cent expressed a favourable overall opinion of France. In the Netherlands, surveys also show overwhelming contentment.

That Muslims are grinding out babies ready to take over Europe is an outdated canard. Mr Laqueur worries about declining European fertility, but the Muslim decline is sharper. In 1970 Algerian and Moroccan women averaged about seven children each. Now they have fewer than three. America’s Central Intelligence Agency even estimates the Algerian, Turkish and Tunisian figure at below two, lower than France’s. The Parisian demographers Youssef Courbage and Emmanuel Todd demonstrate in their new book*** that after most men in a country become literate, the fertility rate falls.

In consequence, a composite profile of the average continental European Muslim today looks something like this: he has two or three children, who go to non-religious schools. He is relatively poor but generally content, though angry about discrimination. He feels more religious than a decade ago, but opposes terrorism and does not know any terrorists, though he probably knows sympathisers. His political concerns are domestic.

British Muslims are slightly different. They are the ones, in Europe, most likely to condone jihad and to worry about foreign policy. This may be a consequence of Britain going to war in Iraq or of British multiculturalism.

Perhaps a few thousand European Muslims are tempted by terrorism. Native converts to Islam appear overrepresented among them. Europe must catch these people, without getting hysterical: rather more Europeans still die of smoking than from Islamic fundamentalism. Nor does history suggest that Islam is a uniquely violent religion. That proposition would have baffled anyone surveying the ruins of Europe in 1648 or 1918 or 1945.

Here are three suggestions to help European Muslims integrate. First, abolish housing segregation. It is hard to become British or French if you are planted in a ghetto where you never meet natives. Second, make immigrants learn the native language. It is the only essential business tool. Third, the authorities should not worry about changing people’s thoughts. People can support any cricket team, or believe whatever they like about gays, as long as they obey the law. The worst way to make people feel integrated is to keep demanding that they integrate.

We must not regard Islam in Europe as eternally indigestible. In Dreux outside Paris, I met a woman who worked in local government, spoke impeccable French and had histories of Christianity in her bookcase. Born in Casablanca to an illiterate mother, she considered herself of immigrant origin, but said her children, who spoke only French to her, were French “full stop”. “We have lives like everyone else’s,” she said. “We have a barbecue, some people don’t eat certain things. It’s a normal life.” That goes for most of the 16m.

*Integrating Islam: Political and Religious Challenges in Contemporary France (Brookings Institution Press, 2006)
**World War IV: The Long Struggle Against Islamofascism (Doubleday, 2007)
***Le rendez-vous des civilizations (Seuil, September 2007)

Lament of the Qur'an

Lament of the Qur'an

Taken from themodernreligion.com

by Mahir-ul-Qadri

As an ornament do they adorn me,

Yet they keep me and sometimes kiss me.

In their celebtrations they recite me.

In disputes they swear by me.

On shelves do they securely keep me

Till another celebration or dispute, when they need me.

Yes, they read and memorized me,

Yet only an ornament am I.

My message lies neglected, my treasure untouched,

The field lies bare, where blossomed once true glory.

Wrong is the the treatment that I receive

So much to give have I, but none is there to perceive.

Poem: Why our Du'as are not answered!

Why our Du'as are not answered!

Taken from mutmainaa
by ibn Rajab al Hanbali, from Khushu' fis-salah

Ibrahim ibn Adham (may Allah have mercy on him) a third century scholar, a teacher and a companion of Sufyan ath-Thawri, was asked about the saying of Allah - the Most High: "and your Lord says: "Call on me I will answer your prayer..." [40:60]"

We supplicate and we are not answered."

So he (Ibrahim ibn Adham) said to them:
You know Allah, Yet you do not obey Him,

You recite the Qur'an, Yet do not act according to it,

You know Shaitan, Yet you have agreed with him,

You proclaim that you love Muhammad, Yet you abandon his Sunnah,

You proclaim your love for Paradise, Yet you do not act to gain it,

You proclaim your fear the Fire, Yet you do not prevent yourselves from sins,

You say "Indeed death is true", Yet you have not prepared for it,

You point out the faults with others, Yet you do not look at your faults,

You eat of that which Allah has provided for you, Yet you do not thank Him,

You bury your dead, Yet you do not take a lesson from it."

A Fascinating Story on Intentions

A Fascinating Story on Intentions

Taken from inter-islam.org
Author: Unknown

A person once got angry when he saw people worshipping a tree. He grabbed hold of an axe and intended to cut it down. On the way, he met Shaytaan. He told Shaytaan that he intended to cut the tree down.

The Shaytaan told him to leave it and let the tree worshippers face the consequences. Due to this disagreement, the pair wrestled twice. Shaytaan being beaten each time.

As Shaytaan soon realized this person is strong in his belief, he began to change his approach by saying that if you leave this tree, you will find 4 dirhams under your pillow. The person hesitated for a while and thereafter agreed.

The person returned home and found 4 dirhams daily under his pillow every morning. Once, for two consecutive days, he never found the dirhams that were meant to be under his pillow. He proceeded again to the tree in a fit of anger. On the way, he met Shaytaan. Shaytaan asked, “Where are you going?” He replied, “To cut the tree down.”

Iblees (Shaytaan) then told him to return back as he was not going to allow him to proceed.

Iblees said, “On the first occasion, you wanted to cut down the tree for Allah, I couldn't have stopped you but this time you are going due to the 4 dirhams i.e for yourself, I will stop you.”

------------------------------------------------------

The moral to this story is that the actions which are done for Allah are difficult for Shaytaan to obstruct. When actions are done for yourself i.e. worldly things, then Shaytaan can win easily.

The Prophet (pbuh) said:
'..Actions are according to intentions'
May Allah grant us the ability to maintain good intentions. Ameen