Saturday, August 21, 2010

The Amazing Quran

Introduction
The Qur'an is the last revealed Word of God. It is a record of the exact words revealed by God to the Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel. It was then dictated to his Companions who memorized it, and it was written down by scribes. The Qur'an is in every detail the unique and miraculous text which was revealed to Muhammad fourteen centuries ago. Not one word of its 114 chapters has been changed over the centuries.The Qur'an deals with all subjects which concern us as human beings: wisdom, doctrine, worship, and law, but its basic theme is the relationship between God and His creatures. There are also many verses in the Qur'an concerned with natural phenomena that are astounding. It is impossible to explain their presence in humans terms, given the state of knowledge at the time the Qur'an was revealed. In the West, such statements had never before formed the subject of a scientific communication until recent times.On 9th November 1976, an unusual lecture was given at the French Academy of Medicine. Its title was ‘Physiological and Embryological data in the Qur'an' and was delivered by the famous French physician Dr. Maurice Bucaille. His reason for doing this was that "our knowledge of these disciplines is such, that it is impossible to explain how a text produced at the time of the Qur'an could have contained ideas that have only been discovered in modern times."The citations included in this pamphlet appeared in the Qur'an during the 7th century CE. The Prophet Muhammad was himself illiterate and was living among illiterate people. The Arabs at that time worshipped idols and believed in horoscope and magic and were superstitious. The Arabs very actively opposed the teachings advanced by the Prophet through his revelations.This short article is for you to read and to consider. Because the subject matter is so vast, we have space to mention only a few brief facts from the Amazing Qur'an.
The Creation of the Universe
"Do not the unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together, then We clove them asunder? And We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?" (21:30) This verse is specifically addressed to non-believers, and touches upon the creation of the universe and the origins of all life. The Qur'an mentions the existence of a gaseous mass (dukhan,41:11) which is unique and whose elements, although at first fused together (ratq) subsequently became separated (fatq). The separation process resulted in the formation of multiple worlds, a notion which crops up dozens of times in the Qur'an (1:1): "Praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds." [1,2]
The Origins of Life
"And We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?" (21:30)
The building blocks of all living things are called cells. They are the basic units of life.
Protoplasm (cytoplasm nucleus) is the substance of all living things. Cytoplasm is a jelly-like material consisting of water and dissolved substances. The constitution of protoplasm is about 80-85% water. Without water life is not possible. [2]
None of the myths on the origins of life that abounded at the time of the Qur'an are present in the text. Furthermore, the fact that all life originated from water would not have been a very easy thing to convince people of 1400 years ago, especially in the desert!
The Expansion of the Universe
The expansion of the universe is the most imposing discovery of modern science. Today it is a firmly established concept and the only debate centres around the way this is taking place.
"The heaven, We have built it with power. Verily, We are expanding it." (51:47)‘We are expanding it' is the translation of the plural present particle musi'una of the verb ausa'a meaning "to make wider, more spacious, to extend, to expand." Some translators were unable to grasp the meaning and provided mistaken translations. Others sense the meaning, but were afraid to commit themselves eg. Hamidullah talks of the widening of the heavens and space, but he includes a question mark. Zidan & Zidan, and The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs refer to the expansion of the universe in totally unambiguous terms. [1,2]
The Mountains
Mountains have always been looked upon as conspicuous landforms, characterized by lofty protrusions above their surroundings, high peaks and steep sides.However, the Qur'an accurately describes mountains as stabilizers for the Earth that hold its outer surface firmly, lest it should shake with us, and as pickets (or pegs) which hold that surface downwardly as a means of fixation."Have we not made the earth an expanse, and the mountains stakes (awtad)?" (78:6-7) and "And God cast into the ground mountains standing so that it does not shake with you." (31:10). [1,3]
The Developing Human Embryo
Statements referring to human reproduction and development are scattered throughout the Qur'an. It is only recently that the scientific meaning of some of these verses has been fully appreciated. The Qur'an determines that human development passes through stages (39:6). The realization that the human embryo develops in stages was not discussed and illustrated until the 15th century. The staging of human embryos was not described until the 20th century. Streeter (1941) developed the first system of staging which has now been replaced by a more accurate system proposed by O'Rahilly (1972). However, the Qur'an was the first source to mention the (23:12-16). The Qur'an and Hadith also state that both parents share in the origins of the offspring: "O mankind! We created you from male and female." (49:13) and "We created mankind from a mixed drop (nutfah-amshaj)." (76:2)The mixed drop refers to the mixture and convergence of a small quantity of sperms with the ovum (and its associated follicular fluid) to form the zygote. It has the form of a drop and consists of a mixture of male and female secretions."Then we made the drop into a leech-like structure (‘alaqah)." (23:14) ‘alaqah in Arabic means (i) to cling and stick to a thing; (ii) a leech or bloodsucker; (iii) a suspended thing; and (iv) a blood clot. Amazingly, each of the meanings for ‘alaqah can be applied to human prenatal development.For example, taking ‘alaqah to mean a leech we find that the embryo is surrounded by amniotic fluid just as a leech is surrounded by water. The human embryo clings to the mothers womb, in the same way that a leech clings to the skin. A leech is a pear shaped organism and thrives on bloodsucking. The diagram above clearly indicates that the shape of the embryo does in fact resemble a leech! At this stage the cardiovascular system has started appearing and the embryo is now dependant on the maternal blood for its nutrition like a leech! As there were no microscopes or lenses available in the 7th century, people could not have known that the embryo has this leech-like appearance."Then out of that leech-like structure We made a chewed lump (mudghah)." This statement is from Surah 23:14. The Arabic word mudghah means "chewed substance or chewed lump." Towards the end of the 4th week, the human embryo looks somewhat like a chewed lump of flesh. The chewed appearance results from the somites which resemble teeth marks. The somites represent the beginnings of the vertebrae (backbone). (For a detailed discussion concerning the Qur'an and modern embryology see 1,2,4,5,6).
Lost Civilizations
In the 89th chapter of the Qur'an, the city of "Iram" is mentioned: "Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with Aad, of the city of Iram, with lofty pillars the like of which was never created in any land?" Iram has been unknown to history, so much so that it apparently became an embarrassment to some Muslim commentators of the Holy Qur'an. In 1975, in North-Western Syria the ancient city of Ebla was excavated.Ebla is over 4500 years old. In the ruins of the Palace Library they found the largest collection of cuneiform clay tablets ever discovered - around 15,000. Written in the oldest Semitic language yet identified, the tablets reveal that Ebla rivalled Egypt and Mesopotamia as a major power of the ancient world. They found in there a record of all the cities that Ebla used to do business with including one IRAM! [7,8,9]
What happened to the body of Pharaoh of the Exodus ?
The Biblical version of Pharaoh's story states that he was drowned in the pursuit of Prophet Moses (Exodus 14:28-29). Unknown to the world till only of late, the Holy Qur'an made a definite prediction about the preservation of the body of that same Pharaoh of Moses' time 10:90-92:"This day We shall save you in your body so that you may be a sign for those that come after you". The body was discovered in the tomb of Amenhotep II in 1898. [2,12]
The resting place of Noah's Ark
The Bible states that "And the Ark rested... upon the mountains of Ararat." Genesis 8:4. According to the Holy Qur'an (11:44): "The Ark came to rest upon Al-Judi." According to recent evidence from an archaeological find in Eastern Turkey, experts believe they may have discovered the remains of an ancient vessel whose dimensions mirror those of Noah's Ark as told in the Bible. However, the discovery was made on Al-Judi! [10,11]
The Holy Qur'an:- God's final Guidance to Mankind
"How could a man, from being illiterate, become the most important author in terms of literary merits in the whole of Arabic literature? How could he the pronounce facts of a scientific nature that no other human being could have possibly known at that time, and all this, without once making the slightest error in his pronouncement on the subject?" (Dr. Maurice Bucaille).
You owe it to yourself to find out the TRUTH about : ISLAM, the Holy Qur'an and the Life and teachings of God's final Messenger, Muhammad.
The message of ISLAM is simple :
There is nothing worthy of worship except GOD alone, and Muhammad is his messenger and servant.There are today, over one-thousand million followers of ISLAM. Find out the truth!

By Gary Miller

Sunday, August 15, 2010

RAMADAN QUIZ

Some Common Mistakes in Ramadaan
Lets Strive Not to Repeat the Same.
By Asma bint Shameem


1 : Taking Ramadaan as a ritual

For many of us Ramadaan has lost its spirituality and has become more of a ritual than a form of Ibaadah. We fast from morning to night like a zombie just because everyone around us is fasting too. We forget that its a time to purify our hearts and our souls from all evil....we forget to make dua, forget to beseech Allaah to forgive us and ask Him to save us from the Fire.  Sure we stay away from food and drink but that's about all.

Although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 
 Jibreel said to me, May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person to who Ramadaan comes and his sins are not forgiven, and I said, Ameen.
Then he said, May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person who lives to see his parents grow old, one or both of them, but he does not enter Paradise (by not serving them) and I said, Ameen.
Then he said, May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person in whose presence you are mentioned and he does not send blessings upon you, and I said, Ameen.’” 
(Tirmidhi, Ahmad, others. Saheeh by al-Albaani)





2 : Too much stress on food and drink

For some people, the entire month of Ramadaan revolves around food. They spend the ENTIRE day planning, cooking, shopping and thinking about only food, instead of concentrating on Salaah, Quraan and other acts of worship. All they can think of is FOOD. So much so that they turn the month of fasting into the month of feasting. Come Iftaar time, their table is a sight to see, with the multitudes and varieties of food, sweets and drinks. They are missing the very purpose of fasting, and thus, increase in their greed and desires instead of learning to control them. It is also a kind of waste & extravagance.
 
".....and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allaah) likes not Al-Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance)" [al-Araaf :31]
 





3 : Spending all day cooking
 
Some of the sisters (either by their own choice or forced by their husbands) are cooking ALL day and ALL night, so that by the end of the day, they are too tired to even pray Ishaa, let alone pray Taraweeh or Tahajjud or even read Quraan. This is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So turn off that stove and turn on your Imaan!  
 





4 : Eating too much
 
Some people stuff themselves at Suhoor until they are ready to burst, because they think this is the way to not feel hungry during the day and some people eat at Iftaar, like there is no tomorrow, trying to make up for the food missed. However, this is completely against the Sunnah. Moderation is the key to everything.
 
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air." (Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah.  saheeh by al-Albaani).
 
Too much food distracts a person from many deeds of obedience and worship, makes him lazy and also makes the heart heedless.
It was said to Imam Ahmad: Does a man find any softness and humility in his heart when he is full? He said, I do not think so.






5 : Sleeping all day
 
Some people spend their entire day (or a major part of it) sleeping away their fast. Is this what is really required of us during this noble month? These people also are missing the purpose of fasting and are slaves to their desires of comfort and ease. They cannot bear to be awake and face a little hunger or exert a little self-control. For a fasting person to spend most of the day asleep is nothing but, negligence on his part.
 
 





6 : Wasting time
 
The month of Ramadaan is a precious, precious time, so much so that Allaah calls this month "Ayyamum Madoodaat" (A fixed number of days). Before we know it, this month of mercy and forgiveness will be over. We should try and spend every moment possible in the worship of Allaah so that we can make the most of this blessing. However, there are some of us who waste away their day playing video games, or worse still, watching TV, movies or even listening to music. Subhaan Allaah! Trying to obey Allaah by DISOBEYING him!






7 : Fasting but not giving up evil
 
Some of us fast but do not give up lying, cursing, fighting, backbiting, etc. and some of us fast but do not give up cheating, stealing, dealing in haraam, buying lotto tickets, selling alcohol, fornication, etc. and all kinds of impermissible things without realizing that the purpose of fasting is to not stay away from food and drink; rather the aim behind it is to fear Allaah.
 
O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” [al-Baqarah 2:183] 

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allaah has no need of him giving up his food and drink." (Bukhaari)






8 : Smoking
 
Smoking is forbidden in Islam whether during Ramadaan or outside of it, as it is one of al-Khabaaith (evil things). And this includes ALL kinds of smoking material eg.cigars, cigarettes, pipes, sheesha, hookah etc.
"he allows them as lawful At Tayyibaat (all good and lawful things), and prohibits them as unlawful Al Khabaa'ith (all evil and unlawful things) [al-Araaf :157]
 
 It is harmful, not only to the one smoking, but also to the ones around him. It is also a means of wasting ones wealth.
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "There should be no harming or reciprocating harm."
This is especially true during fasting and it invalidates the fast. (Fatwa -Ibn Uthaymeen)






9 : Skipping Suhoor
 
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Eat suhoor for in suhoor there is blessing."(Bukhaari, Muslim).
 
And he (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "The thing that differentiates between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating suhoor." (Muslim)






10 : Stopping Suhoor at Imsaak
 
Some people stop eating Suhoor 10-15 minutes earlier than the time of Fajr to observe Imsaak.
 
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen said: This is a kind of bidah (innovation) which has no basis in the Sunnah. Rather the Sunnah is to do the opposite. Allaah allows us to eat until dawn: "and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night)" [al-Baqarah 2:187]
 
And the Prophet (pbuh) said: "….eat and drink until you hear the adhaan of Ibn Umm Maktoom, for he does not give the adhaan until dawn comes."
 
This imsaak which some of the people do is an addition to what Allaah has prescribed, so it is false. It is a kind of extremism in religion, and the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:
 "Those who go to extremes are doomed, those who go to extremes are doomed, those who go to extremes are doomed." (Muslim)
 




 
11 : Not fasting if they missed Suhoor
 
Some people are too scared to fast if they miss Suhoor. However, this is a kind of cowardice and love of ease. What is the big deal if you missed a few morsels of food? Its not like you will die. Remember, obedience to Allaah overcomes everything.
 




12 : Saying the intention to fast out loud or saying a specific dua to start fasting
 
The intention is an action of the heart. We should resolve in our heart that we are going to fast tomorrow. That is all we need. It is not prescribed by the Shariah for us to say out loud, "I intend to fast", "I will fast tomorrow" or other phrases that have been innovated by some people. Also, there is no specific dua to be recited at the time of starting the fast in the correct Sunnah. Whatever dua you may see on some papers or Ramadaan calendars, etc. is a Bidah.
 
read more :
Uttering the intention to fast out loud is an innovation (bidah)
 
Authentic & UnAuthentic Dua for Iftaar !!!

 




13 : Delaying breaking fast
 
Some people wait until the adhaan finishes or even several minutes after that, just to be on the safe side. However, the Sunnah is to hasten to break the fast, which means breaking fast whenever the adhaan starts, right after the sun has set. Aaishah (RA) said: This is what the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to do. (Muslim)
 
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "The people will continue to do well so long as they hasten to break the fast."(Bukhaari, Muslim)
 
Determine to the best of your ability, the accuracy of your clock, calendar, etc. and then have tawakkul on Allaah and break your fast exactly on time.
 







14 : Eating continuously until the time for Maghrib is up
 
Some people put so much food in their plates when breaking their fast and continue eating, enjoying dessert, drinking tea, etc., until they miss Maghrib. That is obviously not right. The Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) was that once he broke his fast with some dates, them he would hasten to the prayer. Once you are done with the prayer, you can always go back and eat some more if you wish.
 






15 : Missing the golden chance of having your Dua accepted
 
The prayer of the fasting person is guaranteed to be accepted at the time of breaking fast.
 
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the prayer of a traveler." (al-Bayhaqi, saheeh by al-Albaani).
 
Instead of sitting down and making Dua at this precious time, some people forego this beautiful chance, and are too busy frying samosas, talking, setting the food, filling their plates and glasses, etc. Think about it....Is food more important than the chance to have your sins forgiven or the fulfillment of your Duas.





 
16 : Fasting but not praying
 
The fasting of one who does not pray WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This is because not praying constitutes kufr as the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his giving up prayer." (Muslim)
 
In fact, NONE of his good deeds will be accepted; rather, they are all annulled.
"Whoever does not pray Asr, his good deeds will be annulled." (Bukhaari)






17 : Fasting and not wearing Hijaab
 
Not wearing the Hijaab is a major sin as it is obligatory for Muslim women. (See Surah Nur, Surah Ahzaab). So fasting and not wearing hijaab certainly takes away enormously from the rewards of fasting, even if does not invalidate it.
 





18 : Not fasting because of exams or work
 
Exams or work is NOT one of the excuses allowed by the Shariah to not fast. You can do your studying and revision at night if it is too hard to do that during the day. Also remember that pleasing and obeying Allaah is much more important than good grades. Besides, if you will fulfil your obligation to fast, even if you have to study, Allaah will make it easy for you and help you in everything you do.
 
"Whosoever fears Allah, He will appoint for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect, Allah is Sufficient for whosoever puts his trust in Him." (Surah at-Talaaq 2-3)






19 : Mixing fasting and dieting
 
DO NOT make the mistake of fasting with the intention to diet. That is one of the biggest mistakes some of us make (esp. sisters). Fasting is an act of worship and can only be for the sake of Allah alone.
 
Otherwise, mixing it with the intention of dieting may become a form of (minor) Shirk.






20 : Fighting over the number of Rakaah of Taraweeh
 
There is no specific number of rakahs for Taraweeh prayer, rather it is permissible to do a little or a lot. Both 8 and 20 are okay. Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen said: "No one should be denounced for praying eleven or twenty-three (rakaah), because the matter is broader in scope than that, praise be to Allaah."





 
21 : Praying ONLY on the night of the 27th
 
Some people pray ONLY on the 27th to seek Lailat ul-Qadr, neglecting all other odd nights, although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Seek Lailat ul-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadaan." (Bukhaari, Muslim).
 





22 : Wasting the last part of Ramadaan preparing for Eid
 
Some people waste the entire last 10 days of Ramadaan preparing for Eid, shopping and frequenting malls, etc. neglecting Ibadah and Lailatul Qadr. although, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to strive the hardest during the last ten days of Ramadaan in worship (Ahmad, Muslim) and not in shopping. Buy whatever you need for Eid before Ramadaan so that you can utilize the time in Ramadaan to the max.
 
Aaishah (RA) said: “When the (last) ten nights began, the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam)) wouldtighten his waist-wrapper (i.e., strive hard in worship or refrain from intimacy with his wives), stay awake at night and wake his family.” (Bukhaari and Muslim). 





 
23 : Iftaar parties
 
Although inviting each other for breaking fast is something good and encouraged, some people go to extremes with lavish Iftaar parties with all sorts of disobedience to Allaah, from flirting, mixing of the sexes and hijaab-less women, to show-off and extravagance, to heedlessness to Salaah, and Taraweeh to even music and dancing.

Obama wades into mosque debate


US President Barack Obama is under siege after speaking out in favor of building a mosque near Ground Zero, a stance that has elevated the contentious issue to the presidential level ahead of a difficult election season for Democrats.
Obama came out in favor of the proposal for the first time Friday night during a White House iftar dinner in the holy month of Ramadan.
"... Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country. That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances," Obama said.
"This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are."
In a highly charged election-year debate, Obama surely knew that his words would not only make headlines in the US, but also be heard by Muslims worldwide and find favor with them.
Thus his words were an effort to reach out to the global Muslim community. The guests at Friday's dinner included ambassadors and officials from numerous nations including Saudi Arabia.
Obama's position runs counter to the opinions of the majority of Americans, according to polls. A CNN/Opinion Research poll released this week found that nearly 70 percent of Americans opposed the mosque plan while just 29 percent approved. An AOL poll Saturday found that of those voting online, 88 percent said they were “completely” against it.
This may explain why a number of Democratic politicians — all up for re-election in November — have shied away from the controversy.
Some 9/11 victims' advocates and Republicans have strongly condemned Obama's support for the mosque, which would be part of a $100 million Islamic community center two blocks from where nearly 3,000 people perished when hijacked jetliners slammed into the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001.  They also say the plan is "insensitive" to victims' relatives.
But while the president called the World Trade Center site "hallowed grounds," he also said the proper way to honor it was to apply American values.
""Our capacity to show not merely tolerance, but respect towards those who are different from us and that way of life, that quintessentially American creed, stands in stark contrast to the nihilism of those who attacked us on that September morning, and who continue to plot against us today."
Obama's remarks drew prompt responses from those who oppose it.
"President Obama is wrong," Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., told reporters. "It is insensitive and uncaring for the Muslim community to build a mosque in the shadow of Ground Zero. While the Muslim community has the right to build the mosque, they are abusing that right by needlessly offending so many people who have suffered so much."
Right-wing politicians such as former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich have opposed the mosque. Palin said this month: "Doesn't it stab you in the heart, as it does ours throughout the heartland?"
Gingrich in July called the mosque proposal a "test of the timidity, passivity and historic ignorance of American elites."
But James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, praised the president for finally weighing in with his opinion. "The opposition to the Muslim Community Center ... in Manhattan is based on bigotry and is being fueled by opportunists on the right.
"Look at the line-up arrayed against the center — it's the same cast of characters who have been opposed to all things Arab and Muslim for years now," Zogby told Arab News.  "They've made an industry of their intolerance ... Their defaming and deliberate mischaracterization of the work of (the imam) Faisal Abul Raouf is disgraceful."
He said he hoped that the president's words would "toughen up" those who have been silent on the issue.
Hussein Ibish, senior fellow at the American Task Force on Palestine, said Obama's opinion was important for the nation. "It's extremely important that President Obama has joined ... so many other national leaders in defending the core American traditions of religious freedom and tolerance.
"Since there are millions of Muslim Americans, their rights as equal citizens have to be defended by all real American leaders.  It unfortunately became necessary for the president to make this point clearly and firmly to the entire country," said Ibish.
 "The foes of the Islamic center have been trying to drag Obama into this debate, and some have urged Obama to avoid wading into it. But now he has, and he isn't hedging a bit: He's saying that opposing the group's right to build the Islamic center is, in essence, un-American. I look forward to the response from the project's opponents,” noted Greg Sargent, in Saturday's Washington Post.
"Obama's strenuous defense of the 'Ground Zero mosque' is significant not just in bolstering the credibility of his message to the Muslim world, but it also engages him directly in the political fight against far right extremists here at home who wish to erode the American values at stake in the fight over the mosque," wrote Faiz Shakir, in Think Progress.
But Jennifer Rubin, calling his decision an abomination, wrote in Commentary: "... his sympathies for the Muslim World take precedence over those, such as they are, for his fellow citizens."
The imam of the proposed Cordoba House Islamic Center, Feisal Abdul Rauf, has promoted the center as a place to foster religious tolerance, Islamic heritage and healing.
Rauf has been vilified by some GOP opponents of the mosque, but he was one of the loudest Muslim voices condemning the Sept. 11 attacks and was a frequent adviser to President George W. Bush.
ARAB NEWS

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

What does Ramadhaan mean to our children

What does Ramadhaan mean to our children? What wonderful benefits do our children get from Ramadhaan? Like sponges they may only be listening to the long list of "exciting" foods we are going to cook and whom we are going to invite.
 
Sending greeting cards and e-mail invitations. Of course on the top of the list is "What am I going to get for ‘Eed?" Sounds familiar? Food, people, cards and presents? It sounds what Christians have turned their holidays into, doesn't it? This is scary because it is as though we have turned out imitating those around us which Allaah and His Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, has warned us about.
Allaah, Most High, Says (what means): "Whoever contends with the Messenger after guidance has become clear for him, and follows other than the way of the believers, We shall leave him to it and land him in the Hellfire, what an evil refuge." [Quran 4:115]
It is so easy for us to fall into the traps of materialism and commercialism. It seems now that we are worshiping this world more than ever before. Many are loosing the benefits of Islam that gives us peace and tranquility.
 
Allaah, Most High, Says (what means): "If anyone desires anything other than Islam as a religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers." [Quran 3: 85]
Our Muslim nation is becoming more and more like the rest of the world. It is hard sometimes even to distinguish between Muslims and non-Muslims in looks, actions and manners. With Satellite the melting pot is growing faster and faster. We believe the "almighty" TV is telling us who we should be if we want to be "somebody". We are loosing our Islamic identification at an alarming rate.
We are looking for answers for our anxieties through so-called "modern" innovations. But we will never achieve any true peace unless we truly believe that Islam has the answers to every single problem that afflicts the human race.
 
Allaah, Most High, Says (what means): "Do they then seek the judgment of the Time of Ignorance? Who could be better at giving judgment than Allaah for people with certainty?” [Quran 5: 50]
What can we do for our children to help them benefit from Ramadhaan? We need to show them that Ramadhaan is one of the most important months of the year. Not because their taste buds will be tantalized, but because we gain something from our worship.
 We plan months in advance for weddings, graduations etc. We insure that when our boss asks us for a presentation we do our best. Staying up late at night, checking the minute details on a Power Point Presentation. But what do we do to prepare ourselves for Ramadhaan? Buying extra food, children handing in ‘Eed "wish lists", crossing off names on our Iftaar invite list because they didn't invite us for Iftaar last Ramadhaan? Going through our cookbooks to find new exciting recipes? Is this what Ramadhaan has come to?
In the Quran, Allaah tells us the situation of those people who are accustomed to think superficially (what means):
"They know an outward aspect of the life of this world but are heedless of the hereafter. Have they not reflected within themselves? Allaah did not create the heavens and the earth and everything between them except with truth and for a fixed term. Yet many people reject the meeting with their Lord." [Quran 30: 7-8]
Will we then follow the mental numbness of the majority? Going through empty rituals that have no benefit?
 
Allaah Says (what means): "Those are who have lost their ownselves. What they invented has abandoned them. Without question, they will be the greatest losers in the Hereafter. As for those who believe and do right actions and humble themselves before their Lord, they are the Companions of the Paradise, remaining in it timelessly, forever. The likeness of the two groups is that of the blind and deaf and the seeing and hearing. Are they the same as one another? So will you not pay heed?" [Quran 21-24]
We need to take a fresh look at this Ramadhaan for ourselves and our children. We must ask Allaah to cleanse our hearts and minds so that we may gain the full benefit of Ramadhaan. Our children need to see that it isn't only the stomach that fasts, but it is our hearts, ears, and eyes too.
We need to work on this before it is too late, and the trumpet is blown:
 
Allaah Says (what means): "The stupor of death will come in truth. (And it is said unto him): "That is what you were trying to evade! The trumpet is blown. That is the day of the threat." [Quran 50:19-20]
Or do we fear what the people will say; have we conditioned our children to be followers and slaves of this world? Have we forgotten the lessons from the Quran and our Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam? Have we put the Quran and Sunnah in a dusty shelf believing that it has no relevance in our "modern" day lives? Have we really became so detached and out of touch from our Creator?
Allaah Says (what means): "Like those before you who had greater strength than you and more wealth and children. They enjoyed their portion; so enjoy your portion as those before you enjoyed theirs. You have plunged into defamation as they plunged into it. The actions of such people come to nothing in this world or the hereafter. They are the lost." [Quran 9:69]

Monday, August 9, 2010

CLEAN YOUR KIDNEYS IN LESS THAN $ 1.00

 
 
Years pass by and our kidneys are filtering the blood by removing salt, poison and any unwanted entering our body. With time, the salt accumulates and this needs to undergo cleaning treatments and how are we going to overcome this?
It is very easy, first take a bunch of  parsley (MALLI Leaves) KOTHIMBIR (DHANIYA) and wash it clean. Then cut it in small pieces and put it in a pot and pour clean water and boil it for ten minutes and let it cool down and then filter it and pour in a clean bottle and keep it inside refrigerator to cool. Drink one glass daily and you will notice all salt and other accumulated poison coming out of your kidney by urination also you will be able to notice the difference which you never felt before.
 is known as best cleaning treatment for kidneys and it is natural!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Ramadan - The Month of Fasting

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It begins with the sighting of the new moon after which all physically mature and healthy Muslims are obliged to fast for the complete month. Fasting is done as an act of worship and obedience to Allah (God). Between dawn and sunset, Muslims abstain from all food, drink and any kind of sexual contact. In addition to this physical component, the spiritual aspects of the fast include an added emphasis on refraining from gossip, lies, obscenity and in general, any sinful act.

God says in the Holy Qur'an: “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you,that ye may (learn) self-restraint...Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting...”
(Al-Qur’an 2:183,185).

Islam is a continuation of the religion of Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them). Hence, it is not surprising to find references to fasting in Judaism and Christianity. Other faiths also enjoin fasting, as they recognize its spiritual benefits. Fasting is thus universally known as a means of gaining self-discipline and of gaining closeness to God. It is the third of the Five Pillars of Islam. The others are declaration of faith (Shahadah), prayer (Salah), charitable-giving (Zakah), and the pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj). Fasting, together with the other pillars, forms the foundation of the faith. It instills in the individual a feeling of closeness to God and a desire to do good deeds at all times.

Purity of both thought and action are emphasized whilst fasting.The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)1 is reported to have said: “He who does not desist from obscene language and acting obscenely (during the period of fasting),Allah has no need that he does not eat or drink.”. The Prophet (pbuh) also said: “Fasting is not only from food and drink, fasting is to refrain from obscene (acts). If someone verbally abuses you or acts ignorantly toward you, say (to them) ‘I am fasting; I am fasting.’”

It is common to have one meal (known as Suhoor), just before sunrise and another (known as Iftar), directly after sunset. The breaking of the fast (Iftar) usually consists of dates, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Ramadan strengthens the community: Muslims invite one another for the Iftar meals, and thereby create concern and friendship among neighbors, families and friends. Many people also take Iftar to the mosque and share it with the wider community, especially the poor and needy.

All Muslims, from the age of puberty who are physically and mentally well should observe fasting during the month of Ramadan. Islam is a practical way of life and does not place hardship on those for whom the fast would be too difficult. The sick and those traveling may defer their fast until their illness or journey is over. Pregnant women and nursing mothers may also postpone the fast. The very old, who are too weak to fast, and those who have a permanent illness that prevents them from fasting, are excused from fasting.They may feed a needy person for every day missed, if they can afford to do so. The mentally ill are also exempt from fasting.

Benefits of Fasting

Fasting is an act of deep personal worship to God in which Muslims seek to raise their level of God-consciousness. The act of fasting redirects the heart away from worldly activities and towards the remembrance of God. Muslims focus during this month on strengthening their relationship with the Creator. It is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer and doing of good deeds. Fasting is intended to inculcate self-discipline, selfrestraint and generosity.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Indeed, anyone who fasts for one day for Allah's Pleasure, Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years.”

“The sleep of a fasting person is regarded as an act of worship, his remaining silent is regarded as glorifying God, the reward for his good deeds is multiplied, his supplications are accepted, and his sins are forgiven.”

Fasting makes the individual more aware of the many bounties of God. The hunger and thirst remind the fasting person of the poor who may rarely eat well. Fasting re-enforces the concept that wasting the Creator’s bounties is a sign of ingratitude to Him.

Muslims are reminded to be extra-generous during the month of Ramadan and to share the bounties that God has provided them, giving generously in charity. Our wealth is regarded as a trust from God, not really our own; will we be greedy with it and spend it only on ourselves, or will we strive to please Him by sharing it with others?

A person who carefully observes the month of Ramadan becomes closer to God.The self-restraint of Ramadan make the heart and mind accustomed to the remembrance and praise of God and to the obedience of His commandments. It is therefore a spiritual regime and a re-orientation process for the body and mind - the extent of the benefit depends on the performance and sincerity of the individual Muslim.

Ramadhan is the Month of The Qur'an

God began revealing the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) during Ramadan in the year 610 C.E. The Holy Qur’an is known undoubtedly as “the most-read book in the world” for it is a book that is so often read, re-read and memorized, and all in its original language,Arabic. In Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to focus as much time as possible on reading, listening to and understanding the teachings of the Glorious Qur’an. One of the ways Muslims get closer to the Qur’an during Ramadan is through a long congregational prayer known as Taraweeh that is offered in the late evening after the breaking of the fast. During this prayer it is customary that the entire Qur’an is recited over the course of the entire month, by a person called a Hafiz (Arabic, meaning protector).

A Hafiz is someone who has memorized the entire Qur’an, word for word, cover to cover. Since it was first revealed over 1400 years ago it is through the many Huffaz (plural of Hafiz) of the Qur’an that God has protected the authenticity of this Holy Book.

Laylat ul-Qadr, or the Night of Power, is a time for especially fervent and devoted prayer, and the rewards and blessings associated with worship on this night are manifold. This night is known to occur during one of the last fewnights of Ramadan, thus the incentive to increase the nightly prayers during this time.

Eid-ul Fitr

The end of Ramadan is marked by the sighting of the new moon, which is followed by a day of celebration known as Eid-ul-Fitr or the ‘festival of fast-breaking’. Families wake up early in the morning, put on their best clothes and go to the mosque for the Eid sermon and congregational prayers. They thank the Merciful God for having given them the opportunity to experience the blessed month of Ramadan. The day is accompanied by celebration, socializing, festive meals and modest gift-giving especially to children. But before the festivities begin, every person, adult and child, must have already contributed towards Zakat-ul-Fitra. This is the giving of a meal, or cash equivalent, to a needy person to make sure that none are excluded from this happy occasion.

The Eid celebration is not merely about feasting and socializing.There is a deep significance for those who truly observed the holy month with their fasting, abstaining from all bad habits and striving hard to earn the pleasure of God. For the observant, the Merciful Allah has granted Eid as a day for forgiveness of sins. The Muslim is left with a feeling of happiness and joy and a renewed energy to face the rest of the year with faith and determination. Islam teaches that the objective of life is to earn the pleasure of God. The spiritual closeness that can be achieved during the month of Ramadan serves this purpose for those who truly work hard to benefit from it.

(1) Pbuh stands for “Peace be upon him”, an invocation of respect