‘Last Age’ in reality stands for the age which would culminate in the end of the world— when the true Messiah, Esa, the son of Mary (not son of God), would return to rule the  world with justice and ‘eternal’ rule.

It would be ‘eternal’ in the sense that history would end with that event. Life on earth beyond that event, and after Jesus dies a human death would not qualify as history.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) prophesied of the Last Age that:

• “People would follow a way of life other than mine, and give guidance other than mine”
• “When the most wicked member of a tribe becomes its ruler, and the most worthless member of a community becomes its leader, and a man is respected through fear of the evil he may do, and leadership is given to people who are unworthy of it, expect the Last Age”
• “Women would arrange their hair to look like the hump of a camel”
• “Women would dress like men”
• “women would be dressed and yet be naked”
• “Men would dress like women”
• “Homosexuality would become commonplace”
• “Children born outside of marriage would become commonplace”
• “Fornication and adultery would become commonplace”
• “Universal consumption of alcoholic beverages”
• “Religious knowledge would disappear”
• “Extravagant mansions will be constructed”
• “Singers will be considered respectable”
• “War shall be prevalent”
• “Gambling will be prevalent”
• “A killer would not know why he is killing and the one who is killed would not know why he is being killed”
• “Time would move swiftly—a year passing like a month—a month like a week—a week like a day”
• “Earthquakes and Volcano’s and other natural disasters shall be common”
• “Good deeds will be few and far between”
• “Mosques will be decorated profusely but urge towards adoration will be absent”
• “The rate of accidental deaths will be on the rise”
• “The rich will become godless and the devout will become sinful”
• “False witnesses will be accepted and true ones rejected”
• “A person spending money on sinful purposes will not be criticized”
• “Human beings will be followers of selfish desires”
• “A wealthy person will command more respect then a pious person”
• “Children will curse their parents and will pray for their early death”
• “There will be two eclipses in the Month of Ramadan”
• “ Universal consumption of Riba (i.e, money lent on interest, and transactions which ‘rip off’ people through deception in business, etc.) ”
• “The Last Hour would not come until there issues from the land of the Hejaz (which is in Saudi Arabia) a fire which will illuminate the backs of the camels in Busra”

So many of these Signs have already occurred in the modern world

Here, then are the major Signs of the Last Day

• Dajjal — the false Messiah

Dajjal the false Messiah or Antichrist would have been born into the world of Jewish parents, would have risen to become ruler of Israel and, hence, would have completed his mission to rule the world from Jerusalem.

• Yajuj and Majuj

Wall of Dhul Qarnayn will collapse, and Yajuj & Majuj will rush out in all directions spreading violence, uprooting plants, killing people and no one will be able to resist them.

• Smoke

Smoke will rise and cover the whole world. The smoke will affect both the believers and non-belivers alike remaining for a period of 40 days and night.

• The Beast of  The Earth

The beast will appear very near the end of time. When disintegration, corruption, kufr and evil prevail, commands of Allah are ignored, the Deen changed and made a mockery of, it is then Allah will take out the Beast from the earth.

• The sun would rise from the west

The sun will rise from the west; and when the people see it, then whoever will be living on the surface of the Earth will have faith, and that is (the time) when no good will it do to a person to believe then, if he believed not before.

• Earthquake/Landslides/Sinking of the earth

There will be three landslides before Qiyamah like never seen before.
One in the East,
One in the West and
One in Arabia.
The Earth will swallow everything above it and as a result, many people will die.

• A fire that will drive the people to their gathering place

The fire which will come out from the Yemen and gather the people in the place of their assembly.

• The Return of the True Messiah, Esa

When Prophet Esa he descends on the Earth for the second time, he will destroy the Dajjal. He will protect the Muslims from the barbarous tribes of Yajuj and Majuj, Praying for their destruction.

Yajuj and Majuj were two two disbelieving  tribes of  Turks, descended from Yafith (Japheth), the father of Turks, one  of the son of Noah. According to the descriptions they have small eyes, small, flat noses and wide faces. Their faces look like hammered-out shields.They were t0o powerful but barbarous tribes causing prejudice and chaos on the Earth , killed God-fearing men and devastated all their provisions and plantation.

At the time of Ibrahim(pbuh) there was a king called Dhul Qarnayn. He performed Tawaf around the Kabah with Ibrahim(pbuh), when he first built it; Dhul Qarnayn believed and followed him. Dhul Qarnayn was a good man and a great king. Allah gave him great power and he ruled the east and the west.

He was travelling towards east, he reached a pass between two mountains, through which people were coming out.They did not understand anything, because they were so isolated.

Yajuj and Majuj were spreading mischief on earth and were harming people. So the people sought help from Dhul Qarnayn.

They said: ‘O Dhul-Qarnayn! Verily! Yajuj and Majuj are doing great mischief in the land. Shall we then pay you a tribute in order that you might erect a barrier between us and them?’

He said: ‘That (wealth, authority and power) in which my Lord has established me is better (than your tribute). So help me with strength (of men), I will erect between you and them a barrier.’

So Dhul Qarnayn built a wall by mixing iron, copper and tar. Thus, Dhul Qarnayn restrained Yajuj and Majuj behind the wall.

They tried to penetrate the wall or to climb it but they could not succeed as the wall was so huge and smooth. They began to dig and they have been digging for centuries. They will dig the wall every night trying to escape, only to find each morning that the wall has been restored by Allah. They will continue to do so until the time when Allah decrees that they come out.

At that time the wall will collapse, and Yajuj & Majuj will rush out in all directions in large numbers,spreading violence, uprooting plants, killing people.

They will spread mischief on earth and no one will be able to resist them. Their appearance will be one of the signs of the end times.

Yajuj and Majuj will shoot at the sky, hoping to destroy heaven. When Esa(pbuh) prays against them, Allah will send a kind of worm in the napes of their necks that will fill their ears and noses and they will be killed.

Shaddad was historical king of lost Arabian city of Iram of the Pillars. Various sources suggest Shaddad was the son of Ad.

Allah took away the life of Shaddad’s mother in a boat where no one else was there but  He sustained him even there. Shaddad became the foremost ruler of the world. He was mighty king and his conquests extended to Syria, Iraq and the frontier of sub-continent of  Indo-Pakistan. He gained such power that the east and the west paid obeisance to him.

He was an avid reader of books. When he came across the description of Paradise, the inlaid rubies and pearls and other bounties, he wanted to construct a Paradise at par with the Paradise of Allah.

Thus he appointed one hundred people for building the ‘Paradise’. And under each one of  them he deputed a thousand workers. Then he ordered them to look for a vast tract of  land in the wilderness and construct a city of gold, silver, rubies, emeralds and pearls. To construct pillars of emeralds. To construct palaces and fix windows to them and windows upon these windows. Below the palaces, they should plant fruit orchards and make streams flow underneath.

Then for three hundred years continued the construction of the palatial city.Its four sides were one hundred and twenty miles long. The bricks of the buildings were of gold and silver. The trees were also made of silver and gold. Diamonds and precious stones were fixed in the place of fruits. The upper surface of soil was made of pieces of  coral and pearls. They were spread as this way that soil was not seen.

Iram, the city was built by King Shaddad as an imitation of the Earthly paradise and was truly the most splendid and magnificent city ever seen on Earth. It was known as the Garden of Iram.

When Shaddad was informed that his heaven is completed, he went to enjoy himself inside but he could not enter, one step in side and his last time approached and he died. The total age of Shaddad was 900 years.

Wisdom is the solution to all problems in our life. Immanuel Kant, a renown philosopher has laid emphasis on wisdom by claiming it to be an organized way of life. The crucial experience one gains from life can be the key to success. It is no surprise that Quran treats wisdom as an important part of a person’s life.

There is no shortage of examples being mentioned particular emphasis on the life of prophet Muhammad (saw). However, there was one person whose wisdom was so special that an entire chapter in the holy book was named after him. There is no particular proof that says Luqman was a prophet. Historians say that he belonged to Jerusalem and was a carpenter by profession but it was due to his wisdom, that he was used to be a judge to settle people’s affairs.

His Famous Words Of Wisdoms:

According to the Quran, Luqman was offered prophethood, but he refused to believe his character was weak to become one. The Quran describes his wisdom through his words to his son which were as follows:

1. Do not associate anyone with All
2. Being respectful to parents
3. The obliging duty to parents unless they prevent from the right path
4. A person is accountable for their deeds
5. Offering prayers
6. Avoid being arrogant
7. Learn to be humble and lower your voice

Prove Of His Wisdom Other Than Quran:

Sources other than Quran have also praised the wisdom of Luqman saying he often used to cite wisdom as a reason for people calling him for judgement in their affairs. He also stressed the importance of wisdom to others by asking them to be serious about it. He regarded the heart and tongue to be the most important parts of a person’s character stressing that a pleasant heart and tongue make a better man.

Furthermore, he said it is better to be silent if words to be spoken are not pleasant. He had strong feelings for mercy kindness and charity stating that they were all part of wisdom. On friendships, he said that a person should not only love his friend but also their father. Luqman told his son to keep company with wise men and to consult scholars in religious and worldly matters.

Way Of Spending Life:

Some sources such as Abu ad-Darda stated Luqman was granted wisdom because he owned all the attributes of piousness such as kindness, mercy and he did not indulge in any foolish activities. He stated that the one who observes patience and doesn’t be unthankful when any calamity befalls him is the one who is among the best. Many of his children died but he never complained or became impatient.

He had many children and wives but he was never proud of their numbers. In case he had fought with someone, he didn’t hold any grudges and looked to make peace with them. He used to have many good habits, such as people never used to smell odor from his body nor did anyone saw his bath. He prevented mocking anyone and used to inquire in detail about the explanations of wise sayings he heard. He remained patient through poverty and thankful through wealth.

Today I have selected the topics named weaning from the Dunya. Weaning off may be defined as the leave of love of the world.  This is the base of Islam cornerstone m teaching or learning.

Most of the people heard this but they cannot leave the attraction of this world and gradually they are becoming more and more fascinated for the attraction of the world.  By creation man desire and also express love from the others but they are not enough with this love they demand and cherish to have more and more comfort which is taught by our great and peaceful religion Islam.

After reading this you can have a question that how we know that we have weaned ourselves from the world.  This answer belongs to you not mine. You have to answer a simple question like what do you really cherish.

The answer must be the comfort, happiness, amenities etc. As the baby cannot live without his mother’s breast milk and also you can not live without the comfort, happiness, and amenities. But this does not Islam teaches. They not only cherish to have this they must have and without having this they behave like crazy.

This ego is just to compare with child shouting for her mother milk. They must remember that this world is not forever it is only for that time until them alive after that they have face another life. SO they cannot make or build any world like this. In the recent period of time man totally forget this and for this when they do not get according to their wish or cherish they can do any harmful behavior.  This cannot be the behavior of the beautiful mankind.

As weaning is a gradual process and for this we have to leave it also gradually. Zuhd has three degrees like l eaving what is prohibited (haram), leaving what is uncalled for of the lawful (al-fudul min al-halal), leaving whatever distracts you from God.

Among them the first Zuhd is the zuhd of the masses. The second one is zuhd of the elite and the last one is zuhd of the gnostics (‘arifin). The first level is an obligation on each Muslim; the second, highly desirable; the third, the sought after goal.

Once you start to love Allah then you can follow all of these restrictions without feeling any hesitation. Otherwise you will have to suffer in another world. I think you have already got the all things to wean off the world which is very important according to the teaching of Islam.

If you are a real Muslim then you must leave the overall attraction of the world otherwise you will suffer a lot in another world of Allah in which we have to answer the entire question that you have done in the world. So you must be very careful about this and start to try weaning off the world for your own betterment.

Many of us are very much popular with the Gems extraction from the Quran. This grateful thing can be made possible by only the people who have lot of experience on the Quran and tafsir session. These tafsirs are very much powerful and strong and in some ways are unrivaled. And for this Gems extraction from the holy Quran you need to do a great research and analysis on this holy book.

This research and analysis will give you the basic identification of every word and it must be known to us that every single word of holy Quran is valuable you cannot miss the single one. And for this you have to find out the root of these every valuable word. You cannot do anything with jest or summary you must have the pure explanation for every speech.

Through this you can make the perfect focus of the strength of the words. You can not miss any harf  what is placed on the word because if you don’t place the harf at the right place then the meaning may be opposite that means you may not get the exact answer.

While you going to do this all things you may face some difficulties and problem then you can join the Islamic discussions, Islamic Dawah, Islamic articles, Islamic responses/refutations which can help you a lot to develop your basic for the holy Quran. Besides these we must keep praying to our Allah that he kindly give us the ability into us which will give the power of understanding the holy Quran properly.

Once you can understand this holy Quran you will see that in every step of life this holy book is helping you to solve any problem at any time. We must keep praying that when we open the holy Quran we must have the ability to understand the linguistic beauty it has and maintains.

When we start to read this holy book we can feel an awesome feelings what Allah is is doing to conveying us. If we want and demand to lead a peaceful life then we must read the holy Quran. Not just read we have to understand this book by extracting the every single meaning of the every single word. When you recite this you must follow the repeated places this is like rhythmic style.

Here is not enough you have to discuss wit   others in the mazlish or other places where you can easily share and collect the right opinion. This also helps you to make your basic strong about the holy Quran. You must maintain a communication with the scholars in this sector which will help you to make clear idea about any ayath or surah.

Besides these you may also download and read many Islamic Book for making deep sense .Whtat I have told above if you follow these perfectly then you can extract Gems from the Quran very easily. You need huge analysis on the book named holy Quran.

Literally tawba means ‘to return’ or ‘to retreat’. In Muslim law, it suggests that to show or to retreat from past sinful and evil actions. The word tawba has been related to the word نصوح (nasūh) which suggests ‘to ameliorate or sincere’. Therefore tawba signifies sincere and trustworthy compunction, free from pretense and hypocrisy.

Like several alternative topics, the act of atoning and seeking Allah’s forgiveness has additionally been mentioned within the sacred text with a lot of importance. For those fans who have wronged themselves, the Qur’an asks them to become remorseful, request Allah’s forgiveness, and build a sincere tawba, and assures them that if they are doing this, God can forgive them, and label them from their misdeeds.

Islam doesn’t read any soul as being inerrant. Any soul is subject to errors, God being the sole excellent one. Therefore the only authority for the forgiveness of any soul corresponds to God. Muslims deny the authority of men to concentrate to a different person’s confessions so pronounce him forgiven of his sin. Likewise repenting to anyone besides God is prohibited.

According to Muslim law, once associate act of tawba is performed by a Muslim, God usually accepts it. However, that tawba ought to be sincere and true. Muslim students agree upon the actual fact that if an individual isn’t mortified of his past misdeeds, or doesn’t intent to desert those, then his verbal effort of tawba is an open mockery of compunction. Mere verbal compunction doesn’t account for a real tawba. A sincere tawba has some criteria. Hazrat Ali was asked on what’s tawba, and he replied that tawba consists of six elements:

1. To regret one’s past evil deeds;
2. To hold out Divine duties that were missed;
3. To come back the rights/properties of others that were taken unjustly;
4. To raise forgiveness of an creature who has been wronged, verbally or physically;
5. To form a firm resolve of avoiding the sin in future; and
6. To use oneself in Allah’s obedience, as he antecedently utilized himself in Allah’ disobedience.

In Muslimm law, tawba could be a twofold approach: an individual initial ought to be able to acknowledge and desert his/her sins upon that God guarantees to forgive them. Islam expects Muslims to understand their mistakes and shortcomings, and to hunt His forgiveness. Forgiveness for one’s sins isn’t one thing that comes automatically; it’s one thing that has got to be exploring for, with sincereness and true devotion.

One ought to renew compunction each once one remembers past sins and once falls into them again:

• If one remembers a past sin it’s suggested to renew one’s compunction and seeking forgiveness, whereas being appreciative to God for the success of exploit the sin; and
• If one falls into a similar sin once more it’s obligatory to renew one’s compunction, albeit one keeps falling into the sin repeatedly.

The scholar’s caution, however, that one isn’t expected to do to bring back mind all one’s past sins and repent from them. Rather, a general compunction from past sins is each valid and decent.

In every religion, there are always one or two foundations on which beliefs and values are based on. Such is the same with the Muslims who can be regarded as the descendants of Prophet Muhammad. Thus, they ensure that their everyday life is guided by Sunnah as they tend to see it as the perfect bench mark to follow.

But what does it really mean?

The word Sunnah has its origin from Islam and it is an Arabic word which simply means the ways of life of our holy Prophet Muhammad. It can be seen as the second in command when it comes to the root of Islamic religion as most of the Islamic laws which are practiced today are based on it. Thus, it tends to be integrated into the Koran which is the first in command.

There are different types of Sunnah that form the belief of most Muslims that you see today and they range from; Sunnah of eating, drinking, toilet, sleeping, clothing etc. however, for the purpose of this write up; we shall take a surface look at 3 of the sunnah.

Sunnah of eating

This attempts to teach every muslim the qualities that they are expected to exhibit towards food each and every time. It can be regarded as the commandments of eating as laid down by Prophet Muhammad. Some of them include; making use of the right hand to eat, not eating unnecessarily, moderate food and drinking, always giving thanks to Allah for the food provision.

Sunnah of clothing

This is aimed at guiding the muslims believers on how they can dress in public to uphold their faith and religion. It includes; wearing white clothes, putting on right shoes first before left, men should wear topee, females should wear scarves etc.

Sunnah concerning anger

This entails guiding muslims each time their patience is tested. It means staying calm when upset, being humble every time, forgiving those who offend you and so on.

From the above, it can be seen that belief and values been displayed by some muslims today has always been there right from time.

There are mixed views of how Westerners tend to think of Islamic societies and how the Islamic societies perceive the Westerners as. In comparison to their own society, the Westerners think that the Islamic societies are backward-looking, oppressed by religion and inhumanely governed. This is because the Westerners practice enlightened secular democracies. Islam is not just a religion, nor is it some fundamentalist political movement.

Islam is a civilization, a way of life that is lived differently in every Islamic country. However, there is a common spirit amongst them all, which is much more humane than the Westerners realize. The Westerners often fail to realize how their own societies have been unable to live up to their liberal mythology. Westerners regard aspects of Islamic culture as medieval, without realizing that many of the aspects have prevailed in their own culture until fairly recently. Islamic societies might only be a few decades behind the Westerners in terms of technology.

With the progress in technology and society, much of the values have changed in the Western Society. With the developments in technology, much of the Islamic countries are also facing numerable changes. Until World War II, the West disapproved of pre-marital sex. Outside marriage, sex was against many of the laws. These laws are still prevalent in many of the books; nevertheless, it is rarely enforced. Sex before marriage is common today. According to the Islamic Shariah laws, indulging in sexual practices before marriage is a sin and is condemned.

Until the 1960’s, homosexual acts between males was a crime in Great Britain (lesbianism was not outlawed). Now, such acts between males and females have been legalized in most parts of the West. They argue that laws against the homosexuals are violation of gays and lesbians’ rights. The Islamic traditions do not support any kind of a relationship between gays and lesbians.

There is a stark contradiction between modernity and Islam. Most of the people of the West symbolize their customs and traditions as modern, whereas, those of the Islamic countries are seen as conservative and conventional. By definition, Islam and modernity are in conflict.

Modernity cannot compete with Shariah.

Many people argue that it is due to Western Imperialism that there is so much violence associated with the Islamic nations. Others are of a strong opinion that the resentment is because of the suffering of the Muslims at the hands of the Europeans during the colonialism. Their religion and the lands were distorted and the Muslims, who were once the rulers, were oppressed and treated as slaves.

Most of the Westerners associate increasing numbers of population with the crime. In recent years, the Muslim states have experienced an explosion in the population. In most cases this has resulted in unemployment which eventually leads to crime. This crime is because of the social disruption caused by the unemployed.

The Westerners largely blame the Muslim world and the various traditions and customs that they follow. Similarly, the Muslims blame the West for creating so many problems in their religion with the newly enlightened concept of modernity.

“Don’t count every hour in the day, make every hour in the day count.”
~Anonymous

Life is made up of nothing more than a series of moments. If you can find some way to pull 15 extra minutes out of a hat, you’d better at least use them wisely. Where will you find these moments, and when you find them, how will you use them?

Just 15 extra minutes a day will convert into a powerful 91 hours a year. That’s a massive chunk of time that you can use to acquire new skills and get things done. The benefit is seen when we create a daily habit and commit those 15 minutes to something worthwhile. You can wake up 15 minutes earlier, steal 15 minutes from lunch, after work, or right before bed — the choice is yours.

Once you’ve figured out which sleeve those 15 minutes are hiding under, you’re ready to pick your target. You can mix-and-match from the list below, or choose a specific item to focus on over weeks, months, or even a year. The key is your commitment to cultivate a habit, from which your life will improve.

20 Useful Things You Can Accomplish In 15 Minutes

1. Stretch. If you stretch for 15 minutes every day you will become very flexible. It will be easier for you to move around, exercise, and it will facilitate the flow of blood throughout your body. This extra flow will improve your overall health and improve your mental focus.

2. Read. Pick a time when you can read, without interruptions, for a solid 15 minutes each day. You’ll find that you’re able to get through certain books in a week or two, and you’re increasing your knowledge and mental capacity with minimal effort. You may discover a new passion, or master a subject over the course of a year through this small time commitment.

3. Run. Do a series of short sprints with intervals between running and resting. This is the best way to build up speed and increase your body’s capacity to utilize oxygen. At the same time you will be powering up your body with higher energy levels throughout the rest of your day.

4. Calisthenics. This form of exercising involves sit-ups, push-ups, trunk twists, squats, chin-ups, etc., which basically means using your own body weight as resistance. It’s very effective to build muscle tone and get your exercise on, and it hardly requires any equipment (other than perhaps a chin-up bar).

5. Sleep. I just told you to find 15 minutes, and now I’m recommending that you sleep them away? This one is more useful during the middle of the day. If you have a set schedule, and you can conveniently fit a 15 minute nap, you can catch a second wind that will leave you feeling energized for the second half of your day.

6. Cook. This might not be enough time to make an extensive meal, but it is sufficient enough to put something together. Make yourself a sandwich, or get some leftovers together, so that you don’t have to eat out for lunch. You’ll save a lot of money using this method.

7. Write. Depending on your writing skill, you may be able to take a nice chunk out of writing a 50,000 word novel (it’s less than you think), over the span of a couple of years, if you use your 15 minutes a day wisely. If it takes you longer, so be it, but eventually you will have the finished product in your hand. This won’t happen unless you sit down and write.

8. Talk (aka Listen). You can use your newly found time to build solid relationships with several people, or an even closer one with one special person. You can both look forward to these 15 minutes, whether in person or over the phone, and share your goals, dreams, and accomplishments with each other. If 15 minutes is too little time for you to talk then just listen to them for 15 minutes and they’ll love you for it.

9. Draw. While 15 minutes a day, over the course of a year, may not be enough time to build a professional collection, it’s still mighty useful. You can use these 15 minutes to create several nice drawings, but more importantly it will sharpen your skill and give you a creative outlet.

10. Blog. I’ll admit that it takes me longer than 15 minutes to write a blog post, but you can take the short and sweet approach yourself. In 15 minutes you can craft and publish some witty commentary or useful information about a breaking topic that your readers would truly appreciate.

11. Journal. One of the best gifts you can give yourself is the ability to reflect upon your life. You can do this by keeping a journal of the biggest highlights within your life. Taking just 15 minutes a day to write down how you feel, what you learned, and what you want out of life will help you track where you’ve been and where you want to go.

12. Visit nature. Bask in the beauty and serenity that nature has selflessly provided us with. Go to a forest, park, or simply sit under a tree, and do nothing, read a book, or chat with a friend. While out walking I saw a kid sitting under a tree with his laptop; while not the most effective use of nature, it still beats doing the required homework inside the house on a beautiful day.

13. Meditate. The research is in, and there’s no doubt that stress is a killer. I’ve learned extensively in my Masters program about the physiological damage that stress causes within us. Meditation is one of the very best ways to relieve stress, and it has many other benefits as well. Do yourself a favor and try this on.

14. Organize. In 15 minute bursts there is a lot you can do to organize your life. You can clean a table top, the desktop on your computer, your bookshelf, organize your clothes, vacuum your house, bathroom, kitchen, etc. Just know that your 15 minutes are dedicated to some form of cleaning, and you’ll notice that your environment and eventually your mind will be that much more clutter free.

15. Plan. Spend 15 minutes planning out your day, or week. By spending time planning every single day you’ll end up saving hours by remembering the right supplies, making special arrangements, and cutting out unnecessary steps. Planning makes a difference.

16. Network. Whether it’s for your job, or some kind of recreational endeavor, you can use your 15 minutes to network and make friends. You can do this by using twitter, or creating a template e-mail and searching out new people to contact with it. Even if you contact 5 people a day, that’s 1825 potential contacts over the year. That’s just the point, it adds up.

17. Research. With Google at your fingertips you can find out some very useful information about your health, hobby, career, or some way to improve your life. You can even buy access into scientific journals and do some significant medical research in your spare time.

18. Play catch. You won’t find too many activities easier than tossing the ball around between two people. It’s great exercise, it’s relaxing yet invigorating, and a great opportunity to talk and bond.

19. Eat slowly. Do not treat eating as one of life’s little inconveniences. Instead, eat slowly and enjoy each bite as if it were your last, and if it were, know that you got the most out of it by using an extra 15 minutes to extract pleasure from each morsel of food.

20. Self-improvement. Take 15 minutes a day to read some articles by your favorite writers who compress massive amounts of information into practical, easy to read, and very informative articles.

This article is contributed by Alex Shalman, a freelance writer with degrees in Psychology (BA) and Biomedical Science (MS). Alex writes passionately and extensively aboutPersonal Development at AlexShalman.com while making his way through further studies. Goal #1 is to operate with the greatest good of all in mind and bring value into your life.

Images by Apesara and Bob Jagendorf.

Unity of the Muslim Ummah is no important, it cannot be emphasised enough. Likewise disunity amongst the Ummah can be disastrous.

Allah the Most wise, say: “And hold fast, all together, by the rope of Allah, and be not divided among yourselves…” (Quran-3:103) While we are living and enjoying the comforts and luxuries of this world, our brothers and sister are suffering and being oppressed all around us. Has it become such that we have become immune and insensitive to such afflictions and find it so hard to assist the Ummah let alone shed even one tear.

Have we fogotten the Hadith of Rasullullah (saw) “The Muslim Ummah is like one body. If the eye is in pain then the whole body is in pain and if the head is in pain then then body is in pain”

The enemies of Islam are attempting to destroy this Ummah, piece by piece and for this to happen all we got to do is…….Nothing! 18

Once upon a time three bulls lived in the forest. One white, one brown and one black. They were brothers and lived together in harnony. In that forest also lived a lion that had his eye on the bulls. But every time he attacked one of them the others came to his aid and together they drove the lion away.

The lion decided that he needed to change his strategy. So one day when the Black Bull was away, he went to the other two and said, “You know, the Black Bull is black and dirty and evil.

Why do you keep him with you? His is a disgrace to you. You are beautiful and noble. If the Black Bull is no loger there, you will have all the grazing to yourself. He takes away your food and adds no value to you” The two bulls listened to the lion’s spiel and said, “Well, you know, he is our brother. What can we do?”

“You need to do nothing at all,” said the lion. “I am your friend. I will do what needs to be done. Just don’t come to the aid of the black bull when he calls you” The others agreed.

The next day, they heardthe voice of the black bull calling for help in anguish and fear. They listened to him and went back to their grazing.Gradually the calls stopped. The two brothers could not look each other in the eye but thin, nice green grass wipes away memories and after a little while it was as if the black bull never existed. Then one day the lion came to the White bull when he was alone and said, “So are you happy with the advice I gave you? Don’t advise you well? Now here is another advice.

You are the real king of the forest. you are white and clean, pure, holy and beautiful. You are wise and good. You deserve to live in splitary splendour like a king. Not some dirty brown trash who you have to share your food with. Why do you need him? He is a liability and an embrassment to you.”

“Well, what should I do?” “You know the score. Nothing at all. I am there to take care of everything for you. Just relax.”

Next day, White bull heard the dying screams of the Brown bull and closed his ears and went back to his grazing.

The white bull lived for a few days all by himself, grazing where he wanted and drinking from the clean streams of the forest. Then one morning the lion came again. From the look in eyes, the white bull knew that this visit was different. All his life flashed before his eyes.

He recalled the time when the three brothers stood together, shoulder to shoulder. Then he recalled all the incidents since then. As the lion sat before him, not in any hurry, knowing that the result was pre-determined, the white bull said to him, “I have one last wish. Will you grant it to me?

“Anything at all my friend” , said the lion. The white bull then climbed a hill and when he got to the top of it, he called out to the people of the forest, “O! People, I do not die today. I died the day black bull died.” So dear brothers and sisiters in Islam pay heed to the above story for in it lies a deep and important lesson for the Ummah. In Unity there is strength!

Let us be firm on the Quran and Sunnah and be not divided amongst ourselves. when a fellow Muslim person or country is being attacked by the enemies of Islam, be sure to be of some help and not to just sit back and do. . . NOTHING!

Allah Taala says: “O belivers, if you help Allah’s cause, He will help you an make your feet firm (Against your enemies) and those who disbelieved woe unto them and their actions are in vain.” (Quran-47:7,8)

The reasons why the majority of students are failing exams are stress, depression, pressure from parents or guardians, competition and comparison. These days’ parents and teachers put a lot of pressure on a student’s mind, which in the end makes them stressful and prone to nervousness. They fail the exams even when they know the answer. With the new technology coming up everyday many students have moved away from studies and are wasting their precious time with these gadgets. There are some students who don’t study year round but only when the last couple of months are left for the annual exams.

This article will highlight tips for passing exams and acquiring good grades. The first tip is to begin with the name of Allah Subhana Wa Tallah. Recite Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem. It will not only bless you and your work but provide help to be focused. Being attentive from the very first day of the year would help a lot. A student should concentrate harder on lectures from the beginning. Note each and everything dictated by the teacher and copy the things written on the board as they are exactly. After going home from school, college or institution the student should revise what was explained in the day’s lecture and then make notes neatly in a notebook. If the student keeps up with this pace for the first day then they will do very well in exams. For revision, these notes will help a lot.

The second tip is highlighting every important thing from the textbook and then solving the answers at the end. This will help student in comprehending the text and then giving the explanation later on. The third tip is to solve past papers and questions every day.

The fourth tip for the students is to maintain a daily diary.

This diary can mark the timings for specific things and activities; it will keep the routine running and will not keep the student in stress. It will also help in examinations. The students should work hard to achieve the targets in their life. The passing of exams is not sufficient to progress in life instead; students should participate in all positive activities.

Last but not the least; recite “Rab e Zidni ilmaa” lot of times throughout the day. This is a combination of very powerful words and helps in getting success, increases memory and enhances learning abilities.

At this, Harmusan replied: “O great Caliph! I am extremely thirsty. Please bring me a pot of water and let me drink to my fill and after that I am ready to face whatever punishment that you may mete out to me.” The Caliph ordered a pitcher of water to be brought before the prisoner. His wish was  immediately obeyed and a pot of cool water  was placed before the prisoner, while the angry Muslims who had fought with him waited impatiently with their swords drawn,  standing close to him, waiting to strike at him at  the command of the Caliph.

Harmusan had noticed their frustration, took the pot of  water in hand and hesitated to drink it. He thought that the Muslims would kill him, while he was drinking the water. The Caliph understood his secret fears and said: “Do not fear a secret blow, for the Muslims do not kill treacherously. I give you my word that you  shall not die until you have finished drinking from the pot of water that you hold in your hands” Harmusan was clever. He had seen  how the Muslims held their Caliph in high respect. Within a matter of seconds, he dashed the pot to the ground before him.

The pot  broke into several pieces before the amazed o n l o o k e r s , spread on the hot burning  desert sands of Madinah and soon v a n i s h e d into the earth below. N o w , H a r m u s a n s t o o d triumphantly before the Caliph and said: “You have just given your word that I would not meet my  death until I had finished drinking the water from the pot. Now, command your soldiers to gather the water that  has been spilled from the ground and I will face death only after drinking that water.” The Caliph was highly amused at the ruse employed  by the clever Persian to save his life, and was impressed by his presence of mind.

The Persians believed that a monarch’s  word was sacred and hence it must be upheld at all costs. The Holy  Qur’an had also commanded Muslims to be true to their promises.  So, he commanded another pot of water to be brought before Harmusan. He said: “Drink, I said before and perish; now I bid you to drink and live for I grant you complete freedom!” Harmusan was perplexed at the Caliph’s generosity, a quality which was  unknown to  the Persians. The Commander of the Faithful, indeed, had a noble character. He did asthe Caliph had commanded, and said: “Now, I  testify that there is no other god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah!”

A person’s fulfillment of inner contentment arrives from the peaceful actions, love and care for humanity. If you believe that you are surrounded by the protective shield of Allah Subhana Wa Tallah’s blessings, all the worries regarding the norms of living would vanish at once and the only thing that would remain is going to be the peaceful environment and calm state of mind.

When we start believing in the preaching of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and commence our lives on those enlightened rules first, we gain the infinite blessings of Allah Subhana Wa Tallah and secondly, in this world we find ourselves more peacefully stabled than others. To express our gratitude towards Allah Subhana Wa Tallah in our daily living, the only set of words and the act that can show Allah Subhana Wa Tallah’s true consideration is dhikr or prayers including the recitation and learning of Quran e Majeed and Sunnah

Whenever you perform your routine tasks always believe that there is Allah Subhana Wa Tallah constantly watching you. By having this faith, you are actually doing yourself a favor and with this set of mind would come the assuring feelings of love and affection towards Allah Subhana Wa Tallah, which would bring contentment.

Leave your every decision on Allah Subhana Wa Tallah’s will and see how your every problem would sort out quickly. You would have never imagined that so far. In order to live successfully here and here after, humans have to surpass numerous hindrances that are lying in the path of life at every stop. But with strong determination and faith on Allah Subhana Wa Tallah can ease down a person’s difficult time. It will help in choosing the best option and facing challenges of life.

Follow and go through the records or history of Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and follow Him (P.B.U.H.) in the same way, you will never fall on the ground and if you will then you will have strength to stand up again.  In Holy Quran, Allah Subhana Wa Tallah has mentioned clearly that “A person who wants to fetch my blessings must obey Muhammad (P.B.U.H) fully because he has done the duty that has been given him by me (Allah)”.

Allah Subhana Wa Tallah says that “Your feeling of love towards Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) will automatically show love toward me (Allah)”.  In short, strong implementation of Islamic values in true means can get you connected with Allah’s blessings. This is the only way to make the pathway of life here and hereafter easier. And, you can achieve all this by doing dhikr of Allah Subhana Wa Tallah or in remembrance of God.

The Prophet Abu Hurairah warned people against seven things in the world, of which magic was one of them. Whatever people consult or whomever they visit to learn these things is considered a rejection of Allah in a very bad sense, and punishment will strike these misguided people. Even the lighter forms of future-telling such as reading the stars for a person or telling their life from their palms is also forbidden. Anyone who indulges themselves with magic by visiting a witch or a soothsayer is punished by Allah by having his or her prayers ignored for forty days.

Even those who believe in it but do not practice magic are considered sinners. Magic is thought to be concerned with powers given by Satan, even though many practitioners of magic try not to bring harm to others by thoughts, deeds or other means. There is always the way down into the forbidden arts, which are considered the blackest imaginable. Many acts of absolute atrocity are committed against men, women and children and animals in the guise of magic and the lunatics who strive to make it acceptable to the world.

Magic, simple or complex, is simply seen as haraam or forbidden. It is a temptation to Man to ask of others rather than Allah for answers, future-seeing and other things, including temptation into lust, eating wrongly, consuming alcohol, all of which are forbidden in the Muslim faith. Some practitioners of the dark arts desecrate graves, eat pork and drink blood, all very wrong occupations to a Muslim and attributed to Satan, as well they should be in any country.

To a Muslim, competence in magic can only be attributed to Satan, not Allah, and, as such, it is thought the person may obtain greater powers than Allah. To a true believer this cannot be, as the only Power is Allah, and He has not given permission for this to be so. Many things are attributed to witches, warlocks and others in a Muslim country, and they will be lucky to escape with their lives if they are uncovered. Allah’s punishment is not usually very pleasant for any practitioner of the so-called dark arts.

Sometimes the dreams tell of good fortune coming and this usually will come true. As does the feeling of lightening of the soul that these devout people often experience. These dreams are often alluded to as the person having them being allowed to glimpse the future as far as Allah permits. These dreams, if good, also signify that the dreamer is on the right path towards Allah and is to be blessed.

The dreams can signify different things when deciphered at different times of the day. Mornings are usually positive, but evenings or afternoons can be the opposite. Dreaming of nasty things, like snakes or scorpions usually means that the person is not on track according to Allah’s wishes and needs to repent and admit to their sins. Although if a grave is opened, there will only be found the normal bones of a human body and no sign of a snake’s remains or that of a scorpion the idea is ingrained from whence the person has the dream.

When a person sleeps their soul is thought to go to Allah who returns it the next morning. If He is pleased with them, they will return refreshed and energised, if not, they will have a restless sleep and be grumpy and tired the next day because of the lack of restful sleep. People may say that they do not dream. This is untrue, as the body does dream, but often the mind covers the dreams in a cloak of secrecy because they have been too unpleasant to recall. Even good dreams may fall victim to this type of censorship by the person’s own mind. The mind is conditioned to deny things that may mean something is going to drastically change a comfortable life, or a personal one, therefore dreams are not always given their due.

Dreams are not straight-forward, either in message or appearance, but, should the person seeking enlightenment continue on, they will make sense. Some may be about something that is weighing heavily on the person’s mind which may be work or personal reasons. Other times, if the person is extremely devout, they may simply be affirmations of this to the person’s inner self should some small doubt have surfaced? Many dreams may simply be a reflection of the way the person is feeling, or an illness that has not been suspected, and may be a warning of this potential problem.

Tasawuff exists purely to purify the heart from every lowly desire, lust, jealousy, nastiness whether by deed or speech, vanity and all the negatives that live in a Man’s heart and words. In return it wishes to clothe the heart with all things that are above these other emotions. These are fear of Allah, trust, love, truth, pure thoughts, and all that will make a Man worthy of attention in the afterlife, but most especially Allah’s mercy and love. This is its primary reason for existing and its soul.

To determine the problems of the heart in these issues is usually placed in the hands of a Shaykh or teacher. This person in turn has to be qualified according to the Shariah rulings, have had teachings by a suitably qualified Shaykh, who is respected by his followers, has no interest in worldly wealth for himself, tries very sincerely to teach his followers with education and morality, and has the needed religious knowledge, among other things. This person does not have to produce karamat or miracles, nor do they need to be able to see the future. Indeed, if they do, they may not be a Shaykh at all.

In order to follow the teachings of tasawuff it is good if you find a Shaykh whom you trust and like, for it will make your conversion easier. Once you have found this person, then there is a promise shared between you both in that he guides you and you follow him. There are several parts which the initiate vows to pursue, of  which are to start an everyday self-assessment before going to bed in order to repent the bad ones and give thanks to Allah for the good ones, make sure that your eyes, ears and tongue are watched strictly to prevent doing or saying the wrong things, develop a humbleness whereby you do not judge others for what they do or think you are better than them, remember Allah frequently and other items which are part of this ritual.

Muslims men are prohibited from wearing gold as a wedding band or engagement ring made out of metal that contains yellow Gold. With time and the advancement of technology rings for men now come in a wide variety of materials and forms. A popular metal known as White Gold is available in 18 and 14 carats and is used by Muslim men which are technically also wrong. Another popular 9 carat White Gold known as Swasa also contains yellow gold and is therefore prohibited in Islam for wearing by Muslim males.

Types of Yellow Gold

There are many types of gold and most of them are precious to semi precious metals. Pure Gold or 999 Gold cannot be used in making jewelry as it is too soft and malleable to sustain the wear and tear. Another type of gold known as 916 Gold is made by adding different metal alloys is used for making jewelry and for holding gems and is much stronger as compared to the pure 999 Gold. It is more precious and used for making wedding jewelry and heavy gold sets. After that we have 18k Gold. Addition of alloys leaves it 75% pure but makes it stronger and does not allow the metal to bend. 14k Gold or 58% pure metal and 9k Gold or Swasa 37.5% pure are also used for making jewelry. Many Muslims think it is white gold so wearing it is not prohibited. But even the slightest touch of gold is not allowed by Islamic Shira so wearing it is also haraam for Muslim men.

Men prohibited wearing Jewelry in Any Form

Most of gold jewelry is plated with white, rose and black colored alloys which produces White, Rose and Black gold respectively. As the matter of fact is that it is still gold but only disguised by changing its color and addition of other alloys. In brief, Muslim men can wear silver, silver alloy not containing gold and of course, platinum rings, bracelets and chains but not the metal Gold.

Other Facts Related to Men Wearing Gold

There are many other interesting facts related to wearing gold by men in the Islamic school of thought  that are popular worldwide. Many men think that they will lose their reproductive strength if they wear gold. In some societies or male dominated cultures wearing jewelry can make a man look like a woman so they strongly forbid their males to wear any sort of jewelry. Exchanging of wedding bands or rings is considered an act for Christians and therefore they do not wear a band. However, over the passage of time and with the advent of modern technology, new thoughts and ideas of modernity have replaced old orthodox views about wearing rings and other forms of jewelry including gold ornaments. Some Muslims have started wearing these ornaments to show their individuality and stay above the crowd. All we can say is that it still is fact that gold is prohibited in the form of jewelry for Muslim men to wear.

The future is not always predictable and clear. Humans, as subjective beings, can only make assumptions about the future. So many scientists draw theories and the so-called social sciences of humanities and arts but there is no law determining the unknown outcomes with 100% authenticity. But this does not go the same for Islam. Islam, the religion of peace and love will remain for a long time till there comes a time when the believers of this religion stop believing in God.

Islam will rule in near future as per according to the predictions by the holy prophet Muhammad sallalaho alayhi wasalam and Quran. Things are fast moving towards that direction and it is nearing the time when Muslims will rule the world as professed by the last messenger. And for all those predictions and prophecies to come true there is strong need for the Muslim world to come united as one.

There are certain trends these days that demand our attention though. Islam is presently the fastest growing religion throughout the world particularly when compared with Europe and America. According to a recent survey of the USA’s population, more than 50% of its infants are of a minority and within this minority the number of Muslims stands out. A wave of Islam has swept across the continent of Europe. A massive number of people have converted to the religion and the trend goes on with accelerated speed. This trend is a cause of some concern for the governments and traditionalists of both America and Europe.

The reason for mentioning this trend lies in the overwhelmingly obvious strategic and economic importance of these nations and areas. Both Britain and France are veto powers in the UNSC and both have the status of being first world countries (a status that is conferred upon many), unlike so-many countries from where Islam originated.

It is important to point out here another reason that may prove to be the determining factor in the victory of a nation which is also present in the nation (Muslim Ummah) – a common belief system or a common cause. It might sound very emotional and non practical but history says otherwise. Throughout the history of nations, only those who had a cause and a belief to live and fight for had survived and ruled.

A cause which has sound social, political and legal basis, be it the allies in the Second World War or Alexander the great, the reason behind it all is what matters the most. Muslims of today have both belief and a belief in the cause. Only the right kind of opportunity and the perfect amount of intensity is missing. But it is only a matter of time before this is achieved. Keeping in view the Arab Spring, the possibility of a trigger doesn’t seem remote.

In order to judge if Islam is a religion of hate or love, we first have to establish a standard procedure of judging the religion, a standard that might be the same for all the religions of this world. The necessity for a common definition or procedure of judgment is a prerequisite for contemporary scientific regime. Even apart from that if we judge a phenomenon without any solid grounds, it will come under the attack of emotions and sentiments and will lose authenticity.

Assuming that all religions are to be judged and evaluated by the established teachings of that very religion and not by the actions of its followers, all religions would present quite a different picture.  Islam, if we judge the religion from its fundamental text (Holy Quran) and the Prophet of the religion (Mohammad (PBUH)) will appear to be one of the most peace loving and the most progressive of religions. If Islam is followed at its basics you will find that aggression is frowned upon.

Among the nations, Islam propagates peace and a friendly environment. Islam prohibits unnecessary wars, and strictly warns Muslims not to initiate a war unless for self defense. Law of war and prisoners of today is a derivative of the law presented by Mohammad (PBUH). Islam does not believe in random killing of the civilians, and acts of violence are not permitted outside the battlefield. Islam has very stringent rules against destruction of the property and lives of the civilians in a war and attempts to keep them separate from it.

Islam established the concept of equality 1400 years ago, when human civilization as a whole was nowhere near grasping the idea. Islam abolished slavery by freeing the slaves and Mohammad (PBUH) emphasized the point that all human beings, black or white, educated or illiterate, rich or poor, are created equal. No one holds any superiority over the others. This is important to note this was said in his last address to Muslims. He did not try to teach them tactics to conquer the world or fight their competitors; instead he taught them important lessons concerning humanity. This clarifies the basic theme of Islam- Humanity, love and collectiveness. Love and peace are basis of the religion despite the contradictory practice of some Muslims who have usually been influenced by other factors.

Islam is religion of peace and in Quran it is clearly mentioned that killing of a man is equal to the killing of whole of the humanity where as saving the life of a human is like saving the whole of the humanity. Those who are so called Muslims or those who are not the true followers of Islam have defamed and tried to hurt the image of Islam on purpose. Individuals acts of a person or group of people cannot be associated with the true teachings of Islam.

DARWIN’S THEORY CAUSED MASSIVE KILLINGS

The theory of evolution revoking the divine creation resulted into far reaching miserable consequences. It gave a death blow to the moral values in Europe etc., which were invoked by the religious teachings in nineteenth century. After the evolution theory became the common knowledge of the people that history recorded progressive worsening of the crime, delinquency, immorality and even war. People resorted to nasty and foul means to achieve their own benefit, as they believed that in struggle for existence the stronger survives. But in what they indulged was not the struggle for the power, the weak were driven to the wall and the strong survive.

The theory of the survival of the fittest enticed few men in power to unparallel tyranny. H.G. Wells in his Book, The Outline of History admitted, “The Darwinian took formal Christianity unawares, suddenly the immediate effect of this great dispute was very detrimental indeed.

The new biological science was bringing nothing constructive as yet to replace the old moral stand-bys. The real demoralization ensued. There was a real loss of faith after 1859. The true gold of the religion in many cases was thrown away with the worn out purse that had contained it for so long, and it was not recovered. The people at the close of the 19th century believed that they prevailed by virtue of struggle for existence, in which the strong and the cunning get the better off the weak and confiding. Man, is a social animal like the Indian hunting dogs of the human pack should bully and subdue the weak. (pp956,957-1921)” It is the theory of evolution which paved the way for agnosticism and atheism, and corroborated communism. Karl Marx (1818-1883) the father of modern communism was so delighted with Darwin’s evolution work that he wanted to dedicate the English Edition of his book Das Kapital to Darwin because he felt that Darwin’s theory gave a basis in natural science for the class struggle he taght. Darwin’s evolution was considered spade work for persons to accept communism and other godless ideologies.

Both Nietzsche and Marx were profoundly influenced by Darwin’s Evolution theory. They applied it to their social and political teachings, enticing people to kill the religious and the religion. And the world witnessed a great genocide of the unarmed people, particularly Muslims under Bolshevik revolution in 1917. It was certainly the theory of evolution which gave birth to anarchism, fascism, Nazism and Zionism and it hurt the human family.

The Zionists took very active part in the Bolshevik Revolution. The following facts are revealed for the information of the readers. The Jewish Chronicle in its issue of 4rth April 1919: There is much in the fact of Bolshevism itself, in the fact that so many Jews are Bolshevists, in the fact that the ideals of Bolshevism at many points are consonant with the finest ideals of Judaism.

The best known expose of the Jewish role in the Bolshevik coup de tat was by Sir Winston Churchill wrote “With the notable exception of Lenin, the majority of leading figures are Jews. Moreover the principal inspiration and the driving power comes from Jewish leaders.”

The Central Committee of the Bolshevik party was made up of nine Jews and three Russians. The council of the People’s Commissars comprised of seventeen Jews and five others. The Central Executive Committee consisted of forty two Jews and fourteen others. That proves the enmity of the Jews against the religious and the religion and particularly Muslims.

The Zionists mercilessly murdered thousands of unarmed Palestinians in West Beirut on 18th September 1982 at Sabra and Shatilla. A resolution was passed against Israel on 19th September 1982 in the Security Council.

However, the Darwinian theory did not go unchallenged. The biologists who work on living matter in all its forms and phenomena especially with reference to origin, growth, reproduction and structure etc, carrying experiments on non-living matter.

Louis Pasteur, a French scientist (about 1860), conclusively demonstrated that micro-organism which are present everywhere and get into organic matter, which serve as their food. After feeding and growing, the micro-organisms reproduce and thereby give rise to others like themselves. If flasks containing food are given the heat treatment for their sterilization, and sealed even after many months, no micro-organism did appear. The technique of heat treatment to kill the micro-organism and protect the food from contamination after its sterilization by sealing the air off the flasks is called pasteurization.

The origin of any life, however simple, is really based on the scientific principle of biogenesis, for which the Encyclopedia Americana says: From the Greek word bios (life) and genesis (birth, source creation) is the biological term for the doctrine that living organisms are produced by other living organisms, biologists are now not only in virtually unanimous agreement that all life derives from preceding life, but that the parent organism and its offspring are of the same kind.

After going through the aforesaid scientific facts that life did not come out of the non-living matter, let us look into the Qur’an, which established that the earth was a dead matter after its creation:

Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were joined together then We parted them? (21:30) Then turned He to the heaven when it was smoke (i.e. gaseous nebula) and said unto it and unto the earth, come both of you willingly or loath. (41:11) (literal translation).

Science has proved that the sun and the earth were conjoined in gaseous nebula. The Sun was a fireball. When earth separated from the sun, it was a hot liquid magma, then it gradually cooled down till it was enveloped with ten to fifteen miles of solid crust of hot rock and metals etc. The earth still has in it burning hot magma which comes out in the eruption of a volcano revealing its origin blazing hot gaseous rotating nebula before the formation of the universe. The knowledge made it known that hot molten matter cannot carry any life into it.

So science has proved beyond any doubt that life did not begin from a non-living matter as thought by Darwin. Then how did life begin? Darwin also contended that there is a strong link between early ancestors and Ape. That strong link could be only through blood and DNA. If the DNA of man could match with ape. The anthropologists could produce a test tube baby by matching genes of both. Had that experiment been successful, the atheists could have arranged a great festival on the grave of Darwin.

Allah said: The nature ordained by Allah in which He hath created man. There is no altering to the laws of Allah’s creation. (30:30) (This is literal translation. Mostly the translators write their own opinion as translation. It is wrong. Arabic Fitrat or Fitrah means nature. Fatra verb means to create, bring into being. Al-Mawrid Arabic Englsih).

However the seventh century revolution mentioning there is no altering to God’s creation was opposed after Darwin’s evolution theory. A famous evolutionist writer Dobzhanski in his book, The Biological Basis of Human Freedom cynically stated, mutation produces changes in the genes and variants of the genes structure, these are the raw material of the evolution. (p.56) Another evolutionist A. Scheinfield in his book, The New You and Heredity states. It is through the rare instance of the favorable mutation, of innumerable kinds and countless numbers, occurring successfully over much extended period that the whole process of evolution may now be explained (p.476-1950) But after carrying out thousands of experience in mutation of different kinds the biologist had to acknowledge: H.J. Muller who received the Noble Prize in 1946 for his contributions to this field declaring the results of his experimentations said: Most mutations are bad, in fact good ones are so rare that we may consider them all as bad, (Times. Nov, 11, 1946 p.96). He also wrote in an article entitled Radiation and Human Mutation in Scientific American of Nov, 1955 saying: In more than 99 % cases the mutation of a gene produces some kind of harmful effect, some disturbance of function.

Dobzhanski who had very enthusiastically held that the mutations produce changes into gene had to acknowledge, A majority of mutations both those rising in laboratories and those stored in natural population, produce deterioration of the viability, heredity diseases and monstrosities. Such changes it would seem, can hardly serve as evolutionary building blocks. (Genetics and the Origin of Species p.73) The seventh century Divine Book the Qur’an could not be challenged that declared: The nature ordained by Allah (God) in which he hath created man. There is no altering to the laws of God’s creation. (30:30) Now I revert back to our main topic to find if science recognizes Adam as father of mankind. We have learnt from the science that the earth – from the sun – was like a fireball. So when it cooled down it was a dead matter and the dead matter can’t revive life on its own. So one has to accept that Allah (God) created all life forms and created man. Allah said: Be dutiful to your Lord. Who created you from a single soul (Adam). And from it created its mate, and from them twain spread abroad a multitude of men and women. (4:1) (Literal translation) Allah the Glorious, the Exalted pointing to His Omnipotence who created you from one lineage that He initiated from Adam and from him He created his mate (Eve). Now we shall see scientifically how could this lineage result in the multitude of men and women.

Science has unraveled a very amazing fact concerning heredity. It has established that neither mutations nor natural selection or any other factor advocated by evolutionists could result in making a different life form from previous form. Science has revealed a precise mechanism which fulfills the genesis law of reproduction only after its kind. This mechanism is found in the substance known as DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) within living cell. DNA has been found to be a carrier of inheritance code in living things.

DNA is a microscopic computer with a built in memory. It stores a fantastic number of blue prints and at the right time and place it issues the orders to build all the cells and structures of every plant, animal and human beings. This DNA is the chemical compound of which genes are made. DNA preserves all forms of life within their basic kinds. The amazing DNA keeps the organism within the bounds originally set for it allowing no alterations in it. It cannot deviate from it except by an accident such as radiation from outside cell, which results in impairment or death as was experienced at Hiroshima and Nagasaki by Atomic Bombs thrown by USA in 1945.

Scientists are unanimous that living cell has retained its shape in all the ages after its creation in the body of Adam. Same is the case of animal and plant cells. Geneticists have found that heredity information for all species is determined by the sequence of the nitrogenous bases in the DNA molecule. Gene has one thousand or more such units strung together in a long thread. The genes in turn make a chromosome. A human cell has tens of thousand genes into 23 pairs of chromosome. These genes make for a fantastic variety with in a kind. This is why in the case of human family hardly any two people look alike, even though there are more than four billion people on earth today and yet they all remain within human-kind.

Over and above the heredity carrier DNA, there is conclusive evidence establishing Adam the father of mankind. There is tremendous gulf, which separates man from animal with regard to mental ability. Of all the living things, man is the only one who can continue to improve his knowledge. Animal can learn few things but they never progress beyond a certain point.

The chimpanzee is much superior to other non-human primates in memory, imagination and learning capability. But all efforts to educate chimpanzee or any other of the Ape family (of which human is claimed to be begotten by Darwin) have failed. They soon exhaust their capability to learn new things and can’t go beyond because their DNA allows for noting more.

How wonderful is the creation of man! When God created him to be His vicegerent on the earth there was a challenge as to his mental capability of Adam against angles and Jinn. (Satan was Jinn among angels) and these three are considered as prudent.

The Holy Qur’an details this. He taught Adam all the names, then showed them to the angels saying: Inform Me of the names if ye are truthful. And He (God) taught Adam all the names. Names include the names of all the things, their nature characteristic and actions (Ibn Kathir). So the mind of Adam could absorb all the knowledge just after his creation. It is great miracle with regard to his mental capability, which finally established his superiority over others.

Therefore, human mind is not the outcome of evolution but it is a great gift with which God blessed Adam the father of mankind and children of Adam are quite distinct from all living beings due to their mental powers.

An Anthropologist Lorren C. Eisely said, that the arrival of human brain measured in geological terms, appears to have been surprisingly sudden. This huge mushroom of a brain, which has arisen magically between night and morning. When I say that the human brain exploded, I meant no less. (Scientific American Dec. 1953) An evolutionist H. Melleresh said, His is a different brain, admittedly superior in more than degree, yet in so great a degree as to constitute something new in the world. (The story of Man by H.E. Melleresh)

Man whether oriental, occidental, civilized or primitive has about the same high potential that creates a vast gulf between mankind and animal kind.

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There lived a pious man all by himself, who spent most of his time in praying, fasting and praising Allah. Almost all his waking hours were utilised in meditation and devotions. He was very happy with his spiritual progress. No wicked thoughts came to his mind and no evil temptations entered his heart.

One night, he dreamt a rather disturbing dream. He saw that a shopkeeper in the town was far superior to him in spirituality and that he must go to him to learn the basics of true spiritual life.

In the morning, the pious man went in search of the shopkeeper. He found him busy with his customers, selling goods and collecting money with a cheerful face. He sat there in a corner of the shop and watched the shopkeeper carefully. No signs of any spiritual life at all, he said to himself. His dream could not be true. But then he saw the shopkeeper disappear to pray his Salah. When he returned, he was busy dealing with money matters again.

The shopkeeper noticed the pious man sitting in the corner and asked: “As Salamu Alaikum, would you like something, brother?”

“Wa Alaikum As Salam. Oh! No! No!” said the pious man. “I don’t want to buy anything, but I want to ask you a question.” He then related his dream.

“Well, that is very simple to explain,” said the shopkeeper, “but you will have to do something for me before I answer your question.”

“I will do anything for you,” replied the pious man.

“All right! Take this saucer; there is some mercury in it. Go to the other end of the street and come back fast within half an hour. If the mercury falls out of the saucer, you will hear nothing from me. There you go now.”

The pious man took the saucer and started running. The mercury nearly wobbled out of the saucer. He saved it just in time, and slowed down. Then he remembered he had to return within half an hour, so he started walking at a fast pace. At long last he returned puffing and panting. “Here is your mercury, safe and sound,” he told the shopkeeper. “Now tell me the true interpretation of my dream.”

The shopkeeper looked at the pious man’s weary condition and asked him: “Well, friend, how many times did you remember Allah while you were going from this end of the street to the other?”

“Remember Allah!” exclaimed the pious man. “I did not remember Him at all. I was so worried about the mercury in the saucer.”

“But I do remember Him all the time,” said the shopkeeper. “When I am doing my business, I am also carrying mercury in a saucer. I am fair, honest and kind to my customers. I never forget Allah Ta’ala in my dealings with other men.”

“Men whom neither trade nor sale (business) diverts from the remembrance of Allaah (with heart and tongue) nor from performing As‑Salaah (Iqaamat‑as‑Salaah) nor from giving the Zakaah. They fear a Day when hearts and eyes will be overturned (out of the horror of the torment of the Day of Resurrection). That Allaah may reward them according to the best of their deeds, and add even more for them out of His Grace. And Allaah provides without measure to whom He wills” [Al Quran, Surah an-Noor 24:37-38]

16. To whom Allah wants good, place him on trial.
17. Muslims and Muslim women have to shave shy places, to remove underarm hair.
18. It is forbidden to blow the hot food to cool down.
19. Disliked to refuse to accept a gift from someone, and do not respond to the food when it is offered.
20. Muhammad a.s. of worldly things loved wife and smells.
21. Alcohol is the mother of all evils.
22. Be sure to host an guests for three days, and after all it is a charitable fund.
23. A man can not defend his wife to go to the mosque.
24. A woman is not allowed to let anyone into the house without her husband’s consent.
25. Disliked a Muslim man to carry a small bathroom standing up.
26. The man who forgives, Allah further enhances the reputation.
27. A woman who dies in childbirth have the level of martyrs.
28. The girl can not marry without her father’s permission.
29^. A woman should take her husband’s surname upon marriage.
30. Who point out the good, is reward as the one who do this work.

Russian Federation, the largest country in the world, stretches across the eastern Europe and northern Asia. Its relief consists of Eastern European and Western Siberian lowlands, hilly eastern Siberia, the Far East, the Caucasus and the cliffy mountain areas east of Lake Baikal and Central Asia.

The largest percentage of the population are Russian Orthodox Christians, or atheists. There are no reliable data of the number of Muslims in Russia. Many experts estimate that Russia now has about 20 million Muslims, and Mufti of the Asian part of Russia, that number places between 25 and 30 million. Despite all the efforts that the image of “blackened” and negatively shows in the West, Islam recorded the largest growth and expansion of all other faiths. In Russia converted to Islam each year goes more and more people, in this country are recorded enormous growth of Islam.

World today is divided into East (Islamic world) and West (Christian world) that are mutually conflicting and unfriendly. This hostility to the Western world is the result of the Islamic East, as fear of the expansion of Islam, and from insufficient knowledge of the nature of this faith, which led to incorrect presentation and prejudices of Western man about it. The rapid expansion of Islam was not be, as they claim, by fire and sword, but there was the will of the people to accept Islam.

Religion does not leave space for questions and doubts. It is important to find shelter and answers in it. All are born in a specific tradition, culture and inherited religion,which will only belong to – individually decide and it is good that way.

As a woman who converted to Islam, she says: Although she had ugly views on Muslims, while interviewing the Muslim women over the phone, she realizedthat they were the opposite of what she thought about them. ‘They are very smart, have a breadth of understanding of many things, very calm,gentle, and at the same time they are very clever. Still fascinated by how they practice religion the way it is provided, without any distorted claims. I started asking more questions ,in the beginning I was a bit skeptic towards all this. I fought against it, thinking it is impossible that Islam is true, that anything can be true, except my faith.’

But as she says, reading the Qur’an she realize the true, authentic truth.

If we said that from the times we live in a war against Islam and Muslims, we would not be mistaken. But should to know that this war does not come in arms, so that is killing innocent Muslims. War is being fought, and some other assets, and seeks to prove that Islam is backward, that is not for advanced civilizations, etc. Of course, this”evidence” is not done with anything other than the lies of Islam and the Islamic religion law – Sharia. However, anyone who sincerely wants to know about Islam and Islamic religion law will be able to see very easily that there is nothing but a way to happiness and prosperity in both worlds. Islam and Islamic laws are codes of life, the teaching is based on ethics and it is the best prescribed way of leading life toward the right direction.

Earlier Islamic scholars who spoke about the Sharia and its intentions were reminded that the goal of implementation of the Sharia to benefit and eliminating damage, not only in the hereafter, but on this world too.

Its obligation of all Muslims to show the others the beauty of Islam, primarily through their behavior and actions. This is the very thing that would cause a large number of people entering the aegis of Islam since the time of revelation, until today, and the best proof of this we find if we look at the latest biography of the Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

Besides high obligation of Muslims and Muslim women is also that through the contact and conversation with the people speaks about the beauty of Islam, because we live in a time when Islam is trying to be presented in a different way. Anti Islam forces are focussing on presnting the twisted image of this divine religion and faith holders. Islam is nothing but love, harmony and peace. There is no hatred or prejudice has any place in the Islamic teachings. The divine religion focusses on the change of heart and the actions would follow. But, there are lot of misconceptions and wrong assumptions, acquisitions and blasphamous statements against Islam. That is why our great obligation is to explain to people the beauty of Islam, because knowledge of the beauty of Islam for Muslims increases their loyalty, love and devotion to religion. Those who were deviated from Islam they have a great opportunity to convince their veracity, and to accept to be saved in this world and the hereafter.

Islam, indeed, exudes the beauty (and wisdom) of each command, prohibition,regulation, quality, incentive…

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One of the most basic faults in Muslim world has been lack of democracy and distinctive powers of state organs. The concept of freedom of speech and right to justice that remained central to Islamic state in the beginning, with the emergence of greed for power among different rulers.

Another major reason is lack of good educational institution, which could support researches, hence, intellectual development of a nation. Muslim nation remained deprived of good universities, and students desiring higher studies had to go abroad. This restricted the spread and development of Muslim culture and thought and as more time passed, the sense of nation totally died or went down. Research is necessary not only for technological or worldly education but it is the core need of heart and soul of the religion as well. It is lack of research that Muslims are unable to find out new interpretations of their religion in the wake of new world affairs, hence all the identity dilemma and terrorism in the world.

Lack of scholars of Islam is another problem. Since Muslim world had no universities and research center, it produced no great numbers of scholars. The burden of educating the nation fell on the shoulders of maulvis, who are not aptly educated for this huge a task. They are educated in merely recitation of the Holy Quran, pronunciation and a little knowledge of translation but generally, they are unaware of the new interpretations. Their ignorance has become the key factors of misleading people because of their incomplete and insufficient knowledge cum information. This misleading characteristic of maulvis is not to be taken mildly because all the violence and terrorism in Muslim world is to be taken care of by these maulvis because terrorists are normal, common people and they seek maulvis for knowledge in the times of distress. If a maulvi were misleading, he would not only destroy the life of the person but would also be responsible for demeaning the name of Islam in the wake of anti- terrorism hate throughout the world. It would be unjust to add that there are many great names, scholars of deen and religious leaders who have had spent their lives for the betterment of Muslim ummah and they left no stone unturned to educate the nation. To a Muslim, the only goal of life is to make his life here after better and good. The whole building of Islamic faith and belief system stands on the belief on life here after and the Day of Resurrections or Qyamah.

These structural faults and others have accumulated to hinder the progress of Islamic nation and these are the reasons for conservatism in Islamic society otherwise, Muslims are as good people as any other is and they would like to live in peace. As for peace, internal problems are not the only reasons; discrepancies in the international world have played a huge role in agitating the Muslims ummah.

I wish someone can come and take me today
Take me to a place far far away
A place where I can be with me myself and I
A place where I can just sit down and continuously cry
I can’t bare this pain no more
It is so damn hard to ignore
It makes me feel like death is my only solution
Just a small simple execution
How hard could it be?
It must be so easy
Just a dagger in the heart
Could set me and this world miles apart
Nobody knows what I go through other than my lord
He has my whole life record on his own personal board
Sitting there in the skies
Hearing all my sobbing and cries
Oh lord what must I do, I really really need you
I sit here on earth and do nothing but suffer
And watch my life grow tougher and tougher
Oh God, I come to you with sins very high
And I know I did wrong and I won’t deny
But please forgive me and help me make it through
Because I know nothing will turn right without you…

Both Shia and Sunni Muslims share most fundamental Islamic articles of faith and beliefs; they are the two major sub groups within the Islamic faith. Their differences stemmed actually from political differences other than from spiritual differences. Many variant positions and practices bearing spiritual significance have arisen from these political differences over the centuries, which the two sub groups have been in existence. This division between Sunni and Shia dates back to the time the prophet Muhammad Sallalaho alay hi wasalam passed on. His Sallalaho alay hi wasalam death brought about power struggles that is, who was to inherit leadership from him. Many of the prophets companions were of the opinion that a new leader to take over from the prophet ought to be chosen from those capable of carrying forward the job.

This position gained favor with Sunni Muslims who their name ’ Sunni’ means the one who follows and obeys the traditions of the prophet. As a result to this point of view, Abu Bakr Razi Allah Tallah who was a close friend and advisor of the prophet Muhammad Sallalaho alay hi wasalam was chosen to become the Islamic nation’s Caliph. On the other hand, other Muslims shared the belief that a successor should have been appointed from the members of the prophet’s own family, especially among those he specifically appointed or all together from Imams appointed by Allah Subhana Wa Tallah Himself.

‘Shia’ actually means a group of people supportive  and the Shia Muslims still believe that leadership succession following the prophet’s death, should have been passed directly or handed over to his son-in-law/cousin Ali Razi Allah Tallah. They, therefore, through history, have not been recognizing the authority of Muslim leaders elected instead following a lineage of Imams, whom they believed were appointed by the prophet Sallalaho alay hi wasalam or Allah Subhana Wa Tallah Himself.

The Sunnis make the majority of Muslim population as compared to the Shia. Both groups uphold the core articles of the Islamic belief though from these initial political differences some aspects of their spiritual lives have been affected to some extent thus creating differences between the two groups. Still the Muslims don’t distinguish themselves on this basis claiming membership to any particular group, but rather cherish referring to each other as Muslims. The Shia venerate their Imams as saints thus perform pilgrimages in hope of divine intercession to their shrines and tombs. Sunnis on the other hand counter this by standing on the ideology that there is basis for hereditary class of privileged spiritual leaders in Islamic faith.

Islamic life is based on Holy book of God called Qu’ran. The Qu’ran is an evidence of the accurate words exposed by God all the way through the Angel Jibraeel to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It deals with all the aspects of life and subjects concerning to human being’s worship, wisdom, principles and law. Qu’ran is one of the Holy books even one letter of it has not been changed over the period larger than the centuries.

Al-hadith or Sunnah and biography of the Prophet of God Muhammad (peace be upon him) are another source for the basis of Islamic life. Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last Prophet of Allah Who delivered the message of peace and the sermon of Islam for the human being. Along with the fundamentals of Islamic Religion, the very vital part is the faith in one God “Allah” who is the maker of this universe, Lord, Proprietor, Ruler and the Master of all that exists in the universe. The major fundamentals of Islam are defined under as:

Shahada (witness of faith) is an oath to Allah (God) that there is no God but Allah and Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alay hi wasalam is His last and final messenger. Salat (prayers) is a way of interaction between Allah (God) and His believer. Zakat is the purification of wealth by helping the poor or needy people. Sawm (fasting the month of Ramadan) is a purification of soul. Fasting means non participation from water and food and abstinence from sexual contact during the given hours declared in this religion. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Macca) completely washes the sins and foliage as sinless as new-born baby.

The basic and simple belief of Islam is that there is only one GOD, who is the creator of this universe and everything in this entire galaxy extended up to the stars and far beyond that, worships HIM. And the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is the last prophet.

Islam portrays love and it nullifies hatred for anyone, and following the teachings of Islam, we can make this land a happy place to live.

One thing that should be borne in mind is that the word GOD is the same as the Arabic word ALLAH, that has the same meaning. In other words, GOD and ALLAH is the name of the creator of the universe. And this is just a difference in language, and the belief must be strong.

People who have faith in the teachings of Islam, and act according to it are known as the Muslims, and following the religion of Islam makes you a Muslim.

Islam has provided the Muslims with the guidelines to every matter related to the daily life. It has made clear to the Muslims how to live their life and has put in front of them the basic rules to follow, which would ultimately lead them to success.

The Holy Quran, which is the Holy words of Allah Almighty, has the solution to every problem, which we face in our daily routine. Besides that, it provides us with the principles that are to be followed to live a peaceful life. The Holy Quran makes a link between a Muslim and ALLAH, but this is certainly not restricted to the Muslims only. The teachings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and the teachings of Holy Quran are open for everyone regardless of the cast and creed. And we can make our lives as well as the eternal world better by following the principles of Islam.

Islam is simple and straightforward religion that stresses upon rights and duties. Every person, whether man and woman, child or elder has been defined their roles and obligations and they are expected to fulfill their responsibilities to please their Lord/Allah Almighty. If a person performs his duties, he is entitled to have a place in Jannah in the life hereafter and if he or she ignores or fails to fulfill their responsibility, they will be held answerable in the court of Allah Subhana wa Tallah on the Judgment Day. So, the Muslims can follow what is in the Quran and Sunnah to get the rewards reserved for them. This is the simplest and shortest version of Islam and its system.

All the religions of the world celebrate a festival of one sort or another. Eid is the religious festival of Muslims all over the world, every Muslim race, tribe or people throughout the world celebrates this holy festival with full respect and rhythm.  The eid festival is one of that Muslims are commanded to celebrate in joy and happiness by the ALLAH ALMIGHTY Himself. This shows how much important EID is.  The importance of eid is mentioned in many Surahs like SURAH YUNUS.  Before the light of Islam in Arabia, there is mention of Eid festival as yawm al-sab and some others among the Arab tribes.

Muslims celebrate two eids in an Islamic year, Eid ul Fitr or Eid ul Azha, on the sight on the moon. First EID, Eid ul Fitr is a Muslim great festival that marks the end of Ramadan and thus celebrated on first of Shawal. The first day of eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the Islamic month of shawal.  This eid has no connection with the historical incident nor is it connected to the alterations in seasons and cycles of years. It is a particular festival for Muslim to celebrate their joy and happiness by the will of ALLAH Almighty as a reward of the completion of the holy month of the Ramadan.

The second eid that Muslim celebrate in the memory of the great sacrifice in the way of ALLAH by Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) and Hazrat Ismail (A.S) on the tenth of Zil-Hajj. Zil-Hajj is the last holy month of the Islamic year and in this scared month, Hajj is also performed in the City of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Both the EID festivals have significance that is purely spiritual. On EID days Muslims thanks ALLAH for giving them will, strength and patience to fast in the month of Ramadan, and also recall the great sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Ismail on the EID DAY. The celebration of the EID does not only mean having great feasts, friendly gatherings and embraces, the Muslims must dedicate this day to worship ALLAH and thank HIM for all the His blessing and mercy.

Quran is the manual for every human on this planet and Sunnah is the practice of each and every word in Quran. The followers of true Islam or Deen follow both Quran and Sunnah to achieve the pleasures and rewards here and life hereafter.

The biggest reward for any human can be his or her God whom he or she worships is pleased and this is exactly what one can do if follows the teachings mentioned in Quran. From marriage to education, from lap to grave every topic and subject is covered in the Holy Book Quran. So, the only need is to study and implement as well as learn the teachings of real Islam by following the Sunnah of Holy Prophet.

It is our perception and thoughts by the help of which we perceive things. We just stick to what we hear and what we see, rather than coming to a conclusion after a thorough research. That is a dilemma that needs to be overcome sooner or later if we want to live in a peaceful society that wants to progress.

The quest to find the truth should always be there and the thirst to find out the hidden facts should never be settled with anything. This quest is like an ignition that makes the body and soul going and ultimately it leads to the cognition of truth i-e knowing the truthful information. This cognitive framework related to the discovery of the truth can indeed be called as Islam. Truth always makes your life sound and so does Islam, which has nothing, but truth.

Islam is a complete code of conduct and has all the golden principles of living a happy and peaceful life. Exploring the principles and applying them to the daily life is the main issue. Islam provides us with the guidelines relating to every aspect of life like law, economics, banking and the list goes on and on. In short, Islam has the guidance for us in every walk of life, and it is up to us that how we respond to that.

Certainly, many of the European and Asian countries that have stepped on the road of development, have shaped their model according to the ideals of Islam and because of that, they have touched the heights of success. Following the principles of Islam, one can be rest assured that he is on the right track, and as the teachings of Islam have no hidden entity involved in it, anyone can look into the things to believe himself.

Muslim managers like other managers lead organizations and the concept of time management is very important to them for their success in such institutions. An organization is usually defined as a group of people with formally assigned roles, working together to achieve stated goals. A manager is a person who organizes, leads and controls and the leads the work of others to achieve the organizational goals.

The Muslim managers have a responsibility to ensure efficiency in using time by the workers in a cost saving way and efficiency in making the right decisions and successful implementation of the same in view of time management. Efficiency in the use of time is viewed in light of the ability to make the best use of the available time in the process of achieving the organizational goals. This can be achieved through proper leadership and directives on the tasks and sub-tasks to accomplished by the workers in the firm.

A Muslim manager must equally have the general skills for proper management to ensure that the employees manage time well.  He has to seek internal and external information about issues that can improve on the time management which finally have a bearing on the achievement of the organizational goals. He also has to be good at transmitting information internally that is obtained from either internal or external sources on ways of improving on the management of time. He should also seek the public opinion on some of the best ways of management of time. He also has the obligation to ensure that enough resources are allocated to activities and accessories that can help effect the management of time in the organization to ensure easier achievement of the organizational goals.

Time wasters which are a common problem to most of the organizations should be avoided at all costs. Any unsuitable utilization of time should be avoided and other time wasters ignored. The managers can equally control the time wasters by: defining the objectives and defining tasks, arranging priorities, organizing the office, controlling unnecessary interruptions and efforts and application of the effective skills of communication. Finally the Muslim managers have a great responsibility in ensuring that there is proper management in the utilisation of time in their organizations to ensure achievement of the organizational goals since this is a command from the most high God himself as spelt in the holy Quraan.

The concept of time management is highlighted by the holy Quraan in several verses. There is need to examine the subject of time management and the Islamic view point of the same for the good of Muslim faithful and the world at large.  Success of any manager relies on how he uses time. Optimizing the use of time is usually said to determine the difference between success and failure. It is always acknowledged that those who care about the total time they have make great achievements in their lives but those who don’t always believe that the time they have is too little.

For the sake of time of management the following times occur in our day to day lives: creative time ( time spent on the process of planning, analysis and thinking for the future), preparatory time (this is the time for preparation that precedes the actual start of the work), productive time (this is the actual time spent in the actual execution of the tasks planned at the preparatory and creative stages) and the overhead time which is the time spent by the managers on the secondary activities touching on the future and success of the organization and its relationship with the environment and the society at large. An effective manager of time is one who knows how to utilize the above times effectively and efficiently as brought out in the holy Quraan.

The Quraan considers time as a basic blessing from God and should therefore be managed well. It describes time as the span of life, the extent of man’s existence and the platform of his usefulness, survival and gain. This affirms the fact a man who doesn’t manage his time is one that has no proper meaning to live.

Another critical concept of time in the Muslim faith is that the acts of worship ar allocated specific time and should be well managed. This aspect brings out the need for proper time management in Islam the Quraanic view of the same. The five daily prayers are very important and time for such should be well observed. The prayers always enable Muslim faithful to reinforce their bonds with the most high God daily. Proper management of such time is therefore very important in an Islamic perspective.

The observation of fasting during the holy month of Ramadhan is an activity that requires proper time management. The beginning and end of that event is usually gauged by observing the size of the resent of the moon. The time is very key in the Islam calendar and must be well observed in line with the Islamic perspective. Other activities such as going on pilgrimage to Mecca are equally important times to properly observe.

Management of all these times properly makes a Muslim life more fruitful and productive. There is therefore for Muslims all over the world to examine the need for proper time and the Islamic perspective of the same from the Quraan.

It is always said that time is money and life has only one chance. These sayings imply that as human beings we have no choice but to organise ourselves and manage the little time we have properly for our own good. This is equally atested to in the holy book Quraan. The fact that life has only one chance can be expounded by ones death. If someone dies he would not get another chance to live. The Surah Ambiya Chapter 21 which is one of the Quraanic verses that talk about the Islamic view of time management points out this. This verse reminds mankind that this life is only one opportunity.

The current life expectancy of any man born day is very short and therefore there are a myriad of deadlines top beat by this man. We can live as those who live in the Quraanic times such as Nuh did (950yars). The average life of the current generation man is 60 years. Although the life span is very short, the current man has a vast opportunity to make the best. This purely is dependent on several factors such as what one does and how he does it and what he lives behind.

Since the life span is very short, things that we can do should not be left undone. Activities such as environmental conservation to enhance sustainable development of our water resources, assisting the needy in the society, worshipping Allah among others are basic things that we can do. Things that we also believe that are very difficult to achieve should not be left unattempted since we may eventually have a break through trials. It is possible to obtain a permanent cure for HIV AIDS just like vaccines for diseases such as small pox were found through trials.

If thorough mathematical evaluation is done it is clear that we live very few years of the 60 years. If one subtracts 15years of boyhood and 15 years of sleeping (assuming one sleeps 8 hours a day), 2.5 years spent in watching the TV (assuming one takes approximately 2.hours on the TV). This would mean that we would have 27.5 years and this call for proper planning of how to manage this time.

Time wastage should be minimized at all cost. There is need to make a list of activities that waste your time and it is also prudent to make a list of the activities that remain undone and have the potential to become a problem if they are not given immediate attention. This is spelt out in Verse 59:18 of the Quraan.

In line with Islamic teachings there is needed to engage in productive actions. Some of the actions include performance of Isha and Fajr salaah in the congregation and reception of the award of praying the whole night, doing ibadaah in the last odd nights of Ramadhan and eventual earning or reward for praying for 1000 months and keeping aside 1 hour daily for self development among others.

It is necessary to engage in productive Islamic activities such as: teaching a new believer any aspect of Islam, talking to a non-believer on Islam as a good religion, being a volunteer in social activities to assist people in the society, intercession for good cause and have a good share in it among others. These are very important for proper time management. The need to properly manage the little time available is emphasized in the Quraan and is therefore a call to all mankind across the globe as depicted in the holy Quraan.

Emotional disorders are common medical complication in this century. The current man is really under pressure from different factors is largely affected emotionally. Depression is very common and leads to very complicated health ailments. There is much pressure from the workplaces, academic work, and family, among others. Problems of high blood pressure are very common globally. There is need that preventive measures are prescribed for this. Emotional disorders are the disturbances of the behavior and results in disturbance of a person’s function in the society. It is evident that human life is affected by biological, social and psychological factors. These factors equally have a great bearing on the human behavior.

Religion plays a very special role in the satisfaction of our physical and spiritual needs. Islam as a religion has teachings on the code of behavior and gives a meaning for the existence for each and every one of us. It is very unfortunate that in the modern society there is a great decline in the moral standards. There are numerous cases of divorce, drugs and substance abuse, excessive indulgence in sexual activities and other unethical behaviors.  These behaviors have led to conflicts, loneliness, depression and other psychological signs. Even though there is a great advancement in sciences of behavior, there is very limited progress in obtaining solutions to the psychiatric problems.

Psychotherapy is very important in seeking a lasting solution to these problems. It is clearly known to be a form of education, which directs the patient to recognize his conduct and conform to the required standards. It helps to encourage a person with a deviant behavior to change and conform to the good ethics expected of him in the society. In the Quraan and Hadith the best principles of change of behavior are illustrated. The Muslim physicians and mental health professionals need to incorporate the Islamic values and ethics in seeking ways of treating such complications. This is indicated in Sura 41 verse 44 of the Al-Quraan.

Islam as a religion in satisfying the physical and the spiritual needs of the believers. It teaches on the ways to behave and the conservation of social values and expounds on the reason for their existence. This enables people adapt to stressful events that may lead to emotional disorders.

The family is a very important institution in shaping the life of any person. The family is therefore very important as an institution in seeking lasting solution to the problems of emotional disorders. The family is the first institution that a child interacts with upon birth. That immediate environment is very important in shaping the behavior of that child. There is therefore need to cultivate good family values in order to curb the above problems.

In conclusion, the Islamic teachings are very vital in ensuring that the problems associated with emotional disorders are controlled once and for all.

Islam just like any other religion has its own teachings on the benefits of the purification of the hart and the soul. This act forms the major portion of building the Muslim personality. It is referred to as al Tazkiyah in the Quraan. Some of the virtues associated with it are very keys in the Islamic faith and include adorning and practicing the 99 attributes of Allah, applying the virtues of compassion and mercy, holding one’s brother and sister’s well being higher than one’s self, generosity, trustworthiness and piousness. The most high God had a great regard for this practice and this is illustrated by examples in the Quraan

This aspect is one of the spiritual goals of the Islamic faith and is very fundamental for all the Muslims across the globe. This is must be a practice in a Muslim’s daily living. Since the aspect is very critical to Allah, a believer must act intelligently to acquire it by staying very closely to Allah. This can be achieved by seeking closeness to Allah, reading and comprehending clearly of the words from the Quraan. It is very clear from Quraan that those who want love from Allah must practice this aspect. This is brought out in the verses 1-10 of Surah al Shams (91).

Thikru Allah i.e. the remembrance of Allah is one of the most important components of the aspect. This term is always used to reflect a collection of ways in which any Muslim remembers, resides and attains being close to Allah in his heart and him. The term has to do with more than just recollection of something in memory but it is a training institution that aids develop people Muslims with enlightened hearts, fully occupied with Allah and his attributes. This is brought out in verse 13:27-28 of the holy Quraan. A Muslim can find it easy to accomplish a change in the heart by practicing Thinkr Allah. The simplest way to achieve this is fast is to start out by attaching your heart to him and then connecting it to his guidance. Once the heart is cleansed all the other parts of the body become clean and pure.

The 99 attributes largely mentioned in the Quraan are heaven of spiritual enrichments. Each attribute is an institution that gives a clear communication about Allah. It is always said that a true believer loves Allah most. Having good knowledge in Allah makes him to delink himself totally from evil things. This practice is as a result of having a deep knowledge of Allah.

Thinkr uses the symbols of the most high God and his creations as a way of recollection and contemplation. These are signs that are well illustrated in the Quraan. It is fact that about 75 verses in the Quraan speaks about this fundamental teaching in Islamic religion. The verses are said to highlight on the teaching in a number of ways.

In conclusion it is very important for every Muslim believer to practice purification of the heart and soul as this will enhance their closeness to Allah and enable them do good deeds all the time as illustrated in the Quraan.

Different Islamic scholars have done several translations of some of the verses in the Quraan touching on this subject matter. Sheikh Abdul Majid Zendani, a great professor of Islamic studies in one of the leading universities in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) is one of such scholars. He translated the statement from Sura 39:6.

Information on illustration of foetus development in the womb is equally documented to have been drawn by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15^th Century. It is also documented that Galen described the placenta and the development of foetus in one of his books called On the Formation of the Foetus. This was done far much earlier in the 2^th century AD.

It is also well recorded in history that doctors in the 7^th century A.D. knew very well that the foetus developed in the womb. Earlier explanations of the same had been provided by Aristotle in the 4^th century B.C. Details into the development of the foetus was given far much later in the 15^th century from the records available. However, more was discovered upon the discovery of the microscope in the 17^th century by Leeuwenhoek. This made it easier to provide clear descriptions on the early stages of development of the foetus. Final descriptive explanations came in 1941 when Streeter developed the first system of staging. The most comprehensive explanation was given by O’Rahilly in 1972: he described the three stages of human development as to be confined to the anterior abdominal wall, uterine wall and then the amniochorionic membrane.

Sura 23:13 is equally a verse on the human development and embryology. It focuses on the zygote which later splits to form a blastocyst which then implanted in the uterus where it develops into a human being. Sura 23:14 is equally interpreted and is another important verse on the subject matter. It describes the human embryo from the days 7-24 when it usually clings to the endometrium of the uterus. The Sura describes in details the development of the foetus as compared to the verses.

Sura 32:9 describes the development the human senses. It describes the development in a certain order i.e. the appearance of the appearance of the primordial of the internal ears first followed by the eyes and lastly the brain differentiates.

Sura 22:5 illustrates that the embryo is mainly composed of differentiated and undifferentiated tissues.  The tissues described are the mesechyme and the cartilage bones. The mesechyme usually differentiates later into the muscles and ligaments. The verse also acknowledges the fact that God determines which embryo would stay in the uterus till full term and whether it will be a boy or a girl.

The science of modern embryology has facilitated to a great extent the understanding of the verses in the Quraan on embryology and human development. The science has afforded many followers of prophet Muhammad a new understanding of the subject matter.

FULL – Dr. Zakir Naik The Quran and the Bible in the Light of Science vs Dr William Campbell – Chicago, April1, 2000.
Organized by the Islamic circle of north america ICNA.

Various analysts throughout the world agree that democracy has its foundation in Islam and the Koran, as the Koran clearly states that mutual discussion is required among the people.  The implementation of complete Shariah law, for many Muslims, is the last hope left for them to be united under one banner, to be free of autocratic corruption and to be treated with Justice and the rule of the law. On the other hand many favor the democratic or secular system in which the Muslims will be able to follow their religion out of their own spiritual needs and not due to the pressure put on them by the law obligating them to perform their religious duties.

Due to the mixed opinions of the Muslims all around the globe, the democratic law and the Islamic law have been incorporated together in three different ways, all in the hope of creating a balance between the two. The first system is known as the Dual Legal System which is practiced in majority of the Muslim countries. In this system Shariah courts are allowed to exist under a secular government and the citizens are permitted to take their family and financial issues to the Shariah courts. Many western democracies are considering the establishment of small level Shariah courts to tackle disputes regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance etc among the Muslims of their country.

The second system is known as the Government under God. This system is practiced in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Bahrain, Kuwait etc. Under this system, Islam is considered the religion of the state and the laws and constitution is derived from the Shariah Law. The third system is the completely secular one, in which Islamist groups influence the local traditions however in the constitution there is no influence from the Shariah. Such a system is practiced in countries like Azerbaijan, Chad, and Somalia etc.

Even in secular Islamic states, the Islamist political parties affect the way of life reducing the crack between the state and the religion. Hence there is no denying that the Shariah Law makes it way up the system and has a control over the way the Islamic countries are run.

The 9/11 terrorist attacks affected the entire world, leaving behind a baggage of uncertainty. It left behind a nation full of grief. But for the Muslims in the USA, it caused a 360 degree drift in their day to day lives. An estimated six Million American Muslims were shattered and devastated at the harm done to their country, but unlike the other Americans, these Muslims had to deal with the insults and the ache of being rejected by their fellow Americans.

Islam in the USA, immediately after the 9/11 attacks, became unsteady as the Muslims (especially the youth) became uncertain regarding their faith and identity as a follower of Islam. However, simultaneously, on the other hand many became more adamant and established a stronger sense of self and placed higher belief in their teachings and traditions. The reaction was different throughout the country.

The misrepresentation of Muslims as terrorists by the media and the discrimination done against them in the society at large caused many young Muslims to try and change themselves in order to be accepted by those around them. Many young Muslim girls decided to give up their head scarf while many Muslim men decided to shave off their beards. Some went to the extreme of changing their names just for the sake of being acknowledged as true Americans. Many took the other path, strengthened their faith in their religion and with the help of the organizations they worked with passed on statements and religious verdicts against terrorism, strictly condemning the 9/11 attacks. Through various ways, such as peaceful rallies and the media, the American Muslims tried to prove they were loyal to the United States of America and tried to portray the true picture of Islam as a religion of peace.

Eventually the picture of Islam began to grow stronger. While many complained of being victimized by discrimination, other Muslims claimed that post 9/11 their fellow non-Muslim Americans became more encouraging and helpful. Islam, as a religion and as a topic of discussion, has evidently grown throughout the USA. Many books are being published on the Islamic culture where as the Koran, the Muslim’s holy book, has become one of the bestsellers. On a more grass root level, Muslim Student’s organizations have made their way into American high schools.

The role of the Islamic mosques has drastically changed since, as now it is not strictly a place for worship. Socialization and Islamic preaching of culture, values and language has grown in the places of worship. The birth of the new Islamic organizations give complete regard and respect to the laws and regulations of the country and wish to ensure that all Muslims are acknowledged in the society and are given the chance to prove their loyalty to the USA.

The Immense Love and Value of Ahl al Bayt in Sunni Tradition, understanding the Exalted Status of Ahlul Bayti Muhammadi Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim

Al Hamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen was salaat wa salaamu ‘alaa Sayyidil Mursaleen, Habeebunaa wa Mawlanaa Muhammadin, Khaatimul Ambiyaai wal Mursaleen wa Imaamul Muttaqeen wa Qaaidil Ghurril Muhaajaleen, wa Shafeeil mudhnibeen Rasuli Rabbil ‘Aalameen wa ‘alaa Aalihi wa Ashaabihi wa Azwaajihi wa Dhurriyaatihi wa Awliyaaihi wa Mashaaikunaa ajma’een, wa Sallim tasliman kathiran kathiran birahmatika Yaa Arhamar Rahimeen.

Qaal Allahu ta ‘ala fi Kalaamihil Qadeem ba’da Authu billah min as shaytanir rajim Bismillahir Rahmanir

That is (the Bounty) whereof Allah gives Glad Tidings to His Servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Say: “No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin.” And if any one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (service). Al-Qur’an, 42:23 (Ash-Shura [Council, Consultation])

Alhamduillahi Allahu ta ‘ala has indeed bestowed His bounties and His Mercy in that He Subhanahu has guided us to the straight path, the path of certitude and the path of Love of His Beloved Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim. Moreover Allahu ta ‘ala has allowed us to be among those who have found the ultimate satisfaction. We have been gathered here in this place at this time by invitation. Everyone here has been brought here, has been compelled to come here as a special ni’mah [favor] of Allahu ta ‘ala. We are here because of our special love for Sayyidinaa Rasuli Akram Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim and his beloved Family. A family whose love is a requirement of Iman.

About this ayatul karimah;

It is recorded in the Sunan of Saeed Ibn Mansoor from Saeed ibne Jubair that, the people whose love has been made obligatory in the Quranic ayat,

“Say I do not ask for any recompense for this except the love of my nearest relatives”; are the nearest of the Holy Prophet (Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa sallim).

Ibn Abi Hatim narrates from Ibne Abbas regarding the ayat of Quran: “…and whoever earns good,”Ibne Abbas said that it refers to those who love Aale Muhammad.” And it is narrated from Imam Hasan (Radhi Allahu ‘anhu) that he said, “earning of good is loving us Ahle Bayt (Ridhwaan Allahu alaihim ajma’een).”It is the honor achieved only through the love and attachment of the Ahle Bayt (Ridhwaan Allahu ta ‘ala alaihim ajma’een)

Throughout Islamic history the Ulama ul Haqq have taught that love and respect of Sayyidinaa Rasuli Akram Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim and Ahlul Bayt Ridhwaan Allahu ta ‘ala alaihim ajma’een is a requirement of Iman. Because of the anti-Ahlul Bayt propaganda of certain upstart modernist group, many Muslims young and old are confused as to the correct position one should take. There was never need to defend loving Rasulullah Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim or Ahlul Bayt Ridhwaan Allahu ta ‘ala alaihim ajma’een. There was never a need to defend respecting the beloved family or choosing allegiance with the descendants of the Best of Creation.

An Nabiy Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim is instructing us, warning us that there is no khair [good] in any of our actions, there is no honor until and unless we love and attach ourselves to Ahlul Bayt and the ‘Ulema and Awliyya of Ahlul Bayt Ridhwaan Allahu ta ‘ala ‘alaihim ajma’een.

Proof of the soundness of the position of the Ulama ul Haqq that Love of Ahlul Bayt is a requirement of Iman is the hadith reported by Imam Jalaaludeen Suyuti in his ” Ihyaa al Mayyit bi Fadhaail Ahlul Bayt:Ahmed, Tirmidhi, Sihah, Nasai and Hakim have all narrated through Mataalab bin Rabi’ah that the Messenger of Allah (Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa sallim) said:

“By Allah! Faith cannot enter the heart of anyone if he does not love my nearest relatives for the sake of Allah and for the sake of the nearest relatives.”

This hadith alone should be enough to convince the believer of the necessity of loving and following Ahlul Bayt. In the west because of the influence of the modernist movements, the supports of Yazid, Muslims who do love and respect Ahlul Bayt are afraid to proclaim it. We are afraid to stand up for our Sayyid’s both literally and figuratively. Al Imam Sheikh Sayyid Mubaarik Ali Shah Jilani the son of Rasulullah Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim mentioned that the Muslims in the west do not know how to honor their scholars, their elders and seniors. He also mentioned that “Adaab comes from the heart”. Meaning thereby that when one loves someone with all sincerity there is a nature inclination of the heart towards loving and respecting them.

Maulana Jalaaludeen mentions another hadith;

Ahmad and Abu Yaala relate from Abu Saeed Khudri that the Prophet of Allah (Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa sallim) remarked:

“In the near future I would be summoned by Allah and I would respond. I leave amongst you two weighty things, The Book of Allah and my Progeny, my Ahle Bayt [Kitabullah wa Itratiy Ahli Bayti]. The All-Aware and the Kind Allah has informed me that these two will not separate till they reach me at the Haudh (Tank of Kauthar). So take care as to how you behave with them.

In another hadith Maulana Jalaaludeen Rahmatullahi ‘alaih mentions;

Tirmidhi, Husnah and Tibrani quote Ibne Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa sallim.) said:

“Love Allah for His countless bounties upon you and love me because you love Allah, and love my Ahle Bayt because of your love me, further;

Tibrani also mentions the following tradition in his book Al-Awsat. Imam Hasan ibne ‘Ali (Karam Allahu wajhahu) reports from the Messenger of Allah (Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa sallim) that he said: “Strive hard to achieve love and affection of us Ahle Bayt, and considers it as obligatory for yourselves, always. The truth is that whoever meets Allah while he loves us will enter Paradise through my intercession. By the One who controls my life! No deed can benefit a servant if he does not recognize our rights.”

Khatib Baghdadi in this Tarikh (history) records a tradition of Sayyidinaa ‘Ali (Karam Allahu wajhahu) wherein he refers to the words of Holy Prophet (Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa sallim.):

“My intercession for my Ummah (people) is for those who love my Ahle Bayt (Ridhwaan Allahu ta ‘ala alaihim ajma’een).”

Love is such that if it is true it manifests itself outwardly. The lover becomes restless always seeking the face of the beloved. The lover seeks ways to please the beloved, looking for ways to make the way easier for the object of one’s affection. An Nabiyyul Kareem Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim alludes to this as he Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim says; “So take care as to how you behave with them”.

Our Obligations to Ahlul Bayt

We are obligated to manifest our belief with action. Al Imam Nu’man bin Thaabit al Kufa Abu Hanifah Radhi Allah ‘anhu took the position than Iman must be accompanied with action if the iman is true iman. He based his position on ayah in Suratul Asr wherein Allahu ta ‘ala says:

“Indeed mankind is doomed, except those who have iman and follow it up with righteous deeds”

What are the obligations on the believers with reference to Ahlul Bayt? In this too our beloved Habib Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim has not left us without clear instructions.

Again referring to the collection of 60 Ahadith on the Fadhaail of Ahlul Bayt collected by Maulaana Jalaaludeen Suyuti, [may Allahu ta 'ala allow us to repay this debt to him by remembering him in our dua's and sending thawaab on him from our daroods and salaam (salawaat)];

Daylami also mentions that Sayyidinaa ‘Ali (Karam Allahu wajhahu) quoted the Messenger of Allah as saying: “I will intercede for four kinds of people:

(1) Those who loved and respected my progeny.

(2) Those who fulfilled their needs and solved their problems.

(3) Those who helped them in difficulties and in times of needs.

(4) Those who maintained their respect and friendship by words and by heart.

Daylami narrates from Abu Saeed that the Holy Prophet (Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa sallim.) said:

“My Ahle Bayt and my helpers (Ansars) are my legatees [recipients of my legacy] and successors. So have regard for them and help them. Gather around them and attach yourselves to them. And keep aloof from those who disregard them.”

Ibn Asakir narrates from Sayyidinaa ‘Ali (Karam Allahu wajhahu) that he quoted the Prophet of Allah (Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa sallim.):

“I will recompense on the day of Qiyamat one who fulfills the rights of even one of my Ahle Bayt (Ridhwaan Allahu ta ‘ala alaihim ajma’een).”

Al-Hakim in his history and Daylami has also related from Abu Saeed that the Holy Prophet (Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa sallim.) said: “Allah will protect the life and the faith of those who regard three things and Allah will not help those who disregard three things (that is he will be in loss in this life as well as the hereafter):

(1) Respect for Islam.

(2) Respect for Prophet of Islam (Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa sallim).

(3) And respect for the household of Prophet (Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa sallim) i.e. Ahlul Bayt (Ridhwaan Allahu ta ‘ala alaihim ajma’een)

According to Tibrani, Abu Dhaar (Radhi Allah anhu) has quoted the Messenger of Allah (Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa sallim) thus:

“My Ahle Bayt (Ridhwaan Allahu ta ‘ala alaihim ajma’een) among you is like the Ark of Nuh (alaihi salaam) among the people of Nuh. Those who board it are saved and those who keep aloof from it are destroyed.” And my Ahle Bayt (Ridhwaan Allahu ta ‘ala alaihim ajma’een) are “like the door of repentance of the Bani Israel” (whosoever entered it was saved).”

Al-Hakim has recorded a tradition of the Holy Prophet through Ibne Abbas. The Prophet (Sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa Aalihi wa sallim) remarked:

“The stars are security for the people of the earth against drowning (when at sea) and Ahle Bayt are a security to the people of the earth against discord. And if any tribe or group opposes my Ahlul Bayt it will itself become fraught with discord and become a party to Iblis.”

Source: yanabi

From that which has been established in the Sharee’ah (prescribed law) is that mankind was – in the beginning – a single nation upon true Tawheed, then Shirk (directing any part or form of worship, or anything else that is solely the right of Allah, to other than Allah) gradually overcame them. The basis for this is the saying of Allah – the Most Blessed, the Most High:

Transliteration: Kana alnnasu ommatan wahidatan fabaAAatha Allahu alnnabiyyeena mubashshireena wamunthireena
Ibn ‘Abbaas – radiallaahu ‘anhu – said:

Ibn ‘Urwah al-Hanbalee (d.837 H) said:

I say: In it is also a refutation of some of the philosophers and atheists who claim that the (natural) basis of man is Shirk, and that Tawheed evolved in man! The preceeding aayah (verse) falsifies this claim, as do the two following authentic hadith:

Firstly: His (the prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying that he related from his Lord (Allah)

Secondly: He (the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said

After this clear explanation, it is of the upmost importance for the Muslim to know how Shirk spread amongst the believers, after they were muwahhideen (people upon Tawheed). Concerning the saying of Allah – the most perfect – about the people of Nooh:

Transliteration: Waqaloo la tatharunna alihatakum wala tatharunna waddan wala suwaAAan wala yaghootha wayaAAooqa wanasran
It has been related by a group from the Salaf (Pious Predecessors), in many narrations, that these five deities were righteous worshippers. However, when they died, Shaytaan (Satan) whispered into their people to retreat and sit at their graves. Then Shaytaan whispered to those who came after them that they should take them as idols, beautifying to them the idea that you will be reminded of them and thereby follow them in righteous conduct. Then Shaytaan suggested to the third generation that they should worship these idols besides Allah – the most high – and he whispered to them that this is what their forefathers used to do!!!

So Allah sent to them Nooh alayhis-salaam, commanding them to worship Allah alone. However none responded to his call except a few. Allah – the mighty and majestic – related this whole incident in Soorah Nooh Ibn ‘Abbas relates:

The likes of this has also been related by Ibn Jareer at-Tabaree and others, from a number of the salaf (Pious Predecessors) – radiallaahu ‘anhum. In ad-Durral-Manthoor (6/269): ‘Abdullaah ibn Humaid relates from Abu Muttahar, who said:

Thus the wisdom of Allah – the Blessed, the Most High – was fulfilled, when he sent Muhammed sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam as the final prophet and made his Sharee’ah the completion of all divinely Prescribed Laws, in that He prohibited all means and avenues by which people may fall into Shirk – which is the greatest of sins. For this reason, building shrines over graves and intending to specifically travel to them, taking them as places of festivity and gathering and swearing an oath by the inmate of a grave; have all been prohibited. All of these lead to excessiveness and lead to the worship of other than Allah – the Most High.

This being the case even more so in an age in which knowledge is diminishing, ignorance is increasing, there are few sincere advisors (to the truth) and Shaytaan is co-operating with men and jinn to misguide mankind and to take them away from the worship of Allah alone – the Blessed, the Most High.

FOOTNOTES:
1. Tahdheerus-Saajid min Ittikhaadhil-Quboori Masaajid (pp.101-106)
2. Related by Ibn Jareer at-Tabaree in his tafseer (4/275) and al-Haakim (2/546) who said: “It is authentic according to the criterion of al-Bukhari.” Adh-Dhahabee also agreed.
3. Al-Khawaakibud-Duraaree fee Tarteeb Musnadul-Imaam Ahmad’alaa Abwaabil-Bukhaaree (6/212/1), still in manuscript form.
4. [From the Editors] Ibn-al-Atheer said in an-Nihaayah (3/457): “Al-Fitr: means to begin and create, and al-Fitrah is the condition resulting from it. The meaning is that mankind were born upona disposition and a nature which is ready to accept the true Religion. So if he were to be left upon this, then he would continue upon it. However, those who deviate from this do so due to following human weaknesses and blind following of others…..” Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajar said in Al-Fath (3/248): “The people differ concerning what is meant by al-Fitrah and the most famous saying is that it means Islaam. Ibn ‘abdul-Barr said: That is what was well known with most of the salaf (pious predecessors), and the scholars of tafseer are agreed that what is meant by the saying of Allaah – the Most High – “Allaah’s fitrah wiht which He created mankind.” is Islaam
5. Related by Ibn Abee Haatim also, as is in al-Kawaakibud-Duraaree (6/112/2) of Ibn ‘Urwah al-Hanbalee, along with an isnaad which is Hasan, up to Abu Muttahar. However, no biography could be found for him, neither in ad-Dawlaabee’s al-Kunaa wal-Asmaa, nor Muslim’s al-Kunaa, nor any one elses. And the hidden defect here is that he is from the Shee’ah, but his biography is not included in at-Toosee’s al-Kunaa — from the index of Shee’ah narrators.

“This picture* was taken last year in March. I remember because it was a good day for several reasons. At that point, my life was at a high, but a false high. All the wrong things mattered to me; I couldn’t realize right from wrong. Blinded by feelings, I had given away my soul to the devil for momentary happiness. I thought this was where I belonged, but it turns out I was wrong. Since the events of this year (2011), I’ve come to realize that my life was just for the moment. All those feelings and people wouldn’t do me any good. After hitting rock bottom, I built myself again; this time, I leaned on Allah instead of people. I looked to the higher power to pick me up and put me where I belong. I don’t understand why I thought I was happy back then my life was so unfulfilled.

Today, I can honestly look at myself and admire the changes that have taken place inside of me. I would actually thank people for bringing me so down that I was forced to rise, out of the darkness, and into Allah’s guidance. If I’m lucky and I stay focused, I will be the person I strive to be. And with Allah’s help, I’ll find my way to the salvaged group of people, the believers, the maintainers of truth. InshAllah my life will only get better.”

That is what I wrote for my 30 day challenge on Facebook. I have to admit, it wasn’t the easiest thing to admit to 300 friends, or actually just the 10 or so that generally stalk me; but writing my thoughts down made my realizations stronger, more appealing. Although I have been having a hard time dealing with my emotions lately, something about the presence and security of Allah comforts me.

Being a teenager, I know tons of people my age, maybe a little younger, some a little older, lost in the world. They feel that their problems outweigh them by too much- they feel like they have no support. I know this feeling because I’ve felt it too. Yeah yeah, I know every individual’s experiences are different and all that stuff, but I also know that feelings bring humanity together; so I’ll repeat myself, I’ve been there, in that lost stage, the “I don’t know where I am” stage, the “I’m a messy teenager and I don’t know what to do” stage, and definitely the “I don’t have anyone that understands me” stage.

Personally, it took me a long LONG time to realize what I was missing. I had spent my life as a Muslim but studied the religion, on my own, so rarely. Listening to other people’s lectures and stories and studies didn’t cut it for me anymore. When I reached my breaking point, I looked up to Allah. It started with just talking to him, in my heart, late at night- when I would feel lonely; I had just lost one of my best friends (lost as in we decided to no longer be friends) and the other things in life weren’t looking so good either. The private late night conversations with Allah comforted my heart, I knew he listened and cared. The talks led to me reading Al Sahifah Al Sajjadiyyah Al-kamilah (The Pslams of Islam) by Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (as).  Reading his supplications started creating a change that led to more reading, praying, and finally, perhaps the most important, reading the translation of the Qur’an.

My point is- that the feeling of loneliness and despair disappeared once I let go of my worldly attachments. Once you realize that you can’t always have it you way but that as Muslims we have the best support we could possibly find and everlasting, unconditional love. People may throw you away, treat you like trash, put you down, call you a fatty, or an ugly face, but you have someone that would love me no matter what.

If your hearts aching, you might want to look away from the comfort of people, and look towards the comfort of God.

“Surely, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (13:28)

And remember that whatever you’re going through is just for the time being. This life is so temporary; if you aren’t even sure of when your next breath will be, then why waste your time on things that won’t last? People come and go, but Allah is forever- and I don’t mean that in a cheesy, puny way.

Source: www.iqraonline.net

I’tikaaf

(1) I’tik’af means to stay in the Musjid with the niyyat of I’tikaaf for the sake of Allah Ta’ala. The purpose of such stay in the Musjid is Ibaadat and to gain proximity to Allah Ta’ala.

The types of i’tikaaf

There are three types of I’tikaaf.

Waajib, Sunnatul Muakkadah and Nafl

Waajib i’tikaaf

An I’tikaaf of Nathr and a Qadhaa I’tikaaf are wajib (compulsory) I’tikaaf.

Nathr i’tikaaf

1. I’tikaaf of Nathr is an I’tikaaf undertaken as a result of a vow made to Allah Ta’ala.
2. The validity of Nathr I’tikaaf requires the verbal expression of the niyyat or intention. It is, therefore, essential to verbally say, for example: ‘I am undertaking (or making) I’tikaaf for Allah Ta’ala for three days’., or any other similar statement in which it is declared that I’tikaaf has been undertaken or is presently being undertaken. The expression of an intention should not relate to the future, e.g. “It is my intention to perform I’tikaaf, etc. For the purpose of Nathr I’tikaaf only a niyyat in the mind/heart is not sufficient.
3. Saum (fasting) is a condition for the validity of Nathr I’tikaaf. Nathr I’tikaaf without fasting is not valid even if one vows to observe I’tikaaf without fasting.
4. There are two types of Nathr I’tikaaf. Nathr Muayyan and Nathr Ghair Muayyan. Nathr Muayyan I’tikaaf is an I’tikaaf, the observance of which, one vowed to keep on specific days, e.g. on the 13th, 14th and 15th of Muharram. If one failed to observe the I’tikaaf on the particular days stipulated in the niyyat, the I’tikaaf has to be discharged at another time, i.e. Qadha will have to be made of the I’tikaaf.

Nathr Ghair Muayyan I’tikaaf is an I’tikaaf, the observance of which is not pledged for any specific days. One merely vows to observe I’tikaaf for two days (for example). Such an I’tikaaf may be executed at any time of one’s choice.

1. If in the niyyat the number of days is expressed in the plural, e.g. ‘I shall observe I’tikaaf of two days (three or four days etc.), and no specific meaning was given to the word ‘days’, then the word ‘day’ will mean 24 hours. Thus, I’tikaaf of the days as well as the nights will be obligatory.

When expressing the niyyat, if the intention is to observe I’tikaaf only during the day and not during the night, only the days will become Waajib.

If it is specified in the niyyat that I’tikaaf of only the nights will be observed, then such I’tikaaf is not obligatory.

1. Similarly, if in the niyyat the term ‘nights’ was used, e.g. I have made obligatory on me an I’tikaaf of three nights’, and by the term ‘nights’ no particular meaning was intended nor specified, then I’tikaf of both the night and day will be wajib.
2. If the vow was for an I’tikaf of one day only, then it will mean the day commencing from Subah Sadiq until sunset. However, if the intention was a 24 hour period, then ‘one day’ will mean from one sunset to another sunset, i.e. 24 hours – night and day.
3. If the intention is to observe I’tikaf of only one day (i.e. minus the night), one should enter the Musjid just prior to Subah-Sadiq and leave at any time after sunset.
4. If the intention is to observe I’tikaf for 24 hours or for several days with nights included, one should enter the Musjid before sunset and leave at any time after sunset of the last day of the I’tikaaf.

10. When Nathr (vow) is made to observe I’tikaf for several days (i.e. days including nights – 24 hour period), it will be waajib to execute the days of the I’tikaaf consecutively – one after the other without interruption. However, if at the time of the niyyat it is specified that the I’tikaaf will be interspersed, then it will be permissible to spread the number of days of the Nathr I’tikaaf over a period. It will then not be wajib to observe the I’tikaaf in consecutive order of days.

11. In a Nathr I’tikaaf in which the nights have not been included in the niyyat, it will be permissible to intersperse the days of the I’tikaf. Consecutive order in this case is not wajib.

12. A Nathr Muayyan I’tikaf (in which a specific month or particular days have been specified for the I’tikaaf) may be executed even before the specified period.

13. If it is expressed in the vow that the Nathr I’tikaf will be undertaken in Musjidul Haram, it will be permissible to observe it in any Musjid.

14. Nathr I’tikaaf may be discharged even with the Sawm of Ramadhaan. Thus, if a vow was taken to observe I’tikaaf during Ramadhaan (i.e. other than the I’tikaaf of the last 10 days), then such I’tikaaf will be valid and the fasting of Ramadhaan will suffice for the I’tikaaf.

15. Nathr I’tikaaf will be valid with any type of wajib fasting even if the Saum is Qadha or Kaffarah fasting. Thus, if one is keeping Qadhaa fasts, one may observe a Nathr I’tikaaf on such days.

16. Nathr I’tikaaf will not be valid with Nafl fasting. Thus if one intends Nathr I’tikaaf after having commenced a Nafl Saum, the Nathr I’tikaaf will not be valid.

17. The minimum period for a wajib I’tikaaf is one day, i.e. from Subah Sadiq to sunset.

Qadha of i’tikaaf

1. Qadha will be made of Nathr and Masnoon I’tikaaf. There is no Qadha for Nafl I’tikaaf.
2. Qadha of Nathr Muayyan I’tikaaf will be made if the I’tikaaf was not observed on its specific days or if it was rendered void while observing it.
3. Masoon I’tikaaf (i.e. the I’tikaaf of the last ten days of Ramadhaan) will be made Qadha if it was rendered void after having commenced it. It is necessary to make Qadha of only the day or days which were rendered void. When making Qadha of the I’tikaaf, Saum (fasting) is obligatory. Qadha of the I’tikaaf will be valid only if fasting is also observed on the day/s when the Qadha is being made.

Sunnatul muakkadah i’tikaf

I’tikaaf of the last ten days of Ramadhaan is the only Masnoon I’tikaaf. This Masnoon I’tikaaf is Sunnatul Muakkadah alal Kifaayah. If a few or even just one person observes this I’tikaf in a particular area/neighbourhood, the duty will be discharged on behalf of the entire community of that locality. On the other hand, if no one observes this I’tikaaf, the whole community will be guilty of neglecting a Sunnatul Muakkadah obligation. Such neglect is sinful.

1. The Mu’takif (the one who observes I’tikaaf will enter the Musjid before sunset of the 20th day of Ramadhaan.
2. The Mu’takif will remain in the Musjid until the sighting of the Eid Hilaal is confirmed.
3. Niyyat (making intention) is a necessary condition for Masnoon I’tikaaf as well.
4. If the Masnoon I’tikaaf is broken or nullified, Qadha of it is obligatory.

The venue for i’tikaf

1. For men. I’tikaaf is valid in only a Musjid in which Athaan and Iqaamah are proclaimed for the five daily Salaat. In other words it has to be a Musjid in which the five daily Salaat are performed with Jamaat.
2. Females can observe I’tikaaf in a place in their homes, set aside for Salat or specially cordoned off for the purpose of I’tikaaf.
3. It is not permissible for women to come to the Musjid to observe I’tikaaf or to perform Salaat or to listen to lectures.
4. The Musjid here refers to the Musjid proper and not to the annexures or adjacent buildings erected for the needs of the Musjid or Musallees.

The Musjid proper is that section of the building which was intended by the Waqif to be the Musjid.

(Waqif is the person or organization who erected the Musjid and demarcated the Musjid boundaries).

1. Most Musaajid have a section at the back, which in most cases is under the same roof, but is excluded from the Musjid proper. Janazah Salat and sometimes a second Jamaat by latecomers are performed in this section. Since this section of the building is excluded from the Musjid proper, it is not permissible for the Mu’takif to venture unnecessarily into that area. If he does, his I’tikaaf will be rendered void.
2. The Mu’takif should ascertain from the Mutawallis (trustees) the exact boundaries of the Musjid.
3. The Wudhu Khanah, courtyard, store-rooms and any other adjacent buildings are all excluded from the Musjid.
4. It is essential that the Mu’takif remains inside the Musjid or inside the special place set aside at home (for women) throughout the duration of the I’tikaaf. Leaving the place of I’tikaf unnecessarily for even a minute will render the I’tikaf null and void.

Valid reasons for leaving the musjid and which will not break the i’tikaf

It is permissible to leave the Musjid for the following acts of need:

1. To answer the call of nature – to go to the toilet.
2. To pass wind.
3. To take an obligatory bath
4. To make wudhu
5. Juma’h Salat, if Juma’h Salaat is not performed in the Musjid where the I’tikaaf is being observed. In this case the Mu’takif should leave the Musjid at such a time to enable him to reach the other Musjid in time to perform his Sunnah Salaat. He should leave immediately after having completed the six raka’ts Sunnats after the Fardh Salat. He should not delay for Dua and Dhikr.
6. To proclaim the Athaan, if he is the Muath-thin. This is permissible for even a Mu’takif who is not the permanent Muath-thin.
7. To bring food if there is no one to tend to this need of his.
8. If one is compelled to leave the Musjid either because of danger or forceful eviction, one may immediately proceed to another Musjid to continue with the I’tikaaf. An unnecessary delay in the process of changing Musjids is not permissible and will break the I’tikaaf. When leaving the Musjid for the above mentioned reasons, the Mu’takif must return to the Musjid immediately after having fulfilled the need. An unnecessary delay of even a minute will break the I’tikaf.

The mufsidat or the things which invalidate (break) the i’tikaf

Only wajib and Masnoon I’tikaaf are rendered invalid. Nafl I’tikaaf is not rendered void by any act. It is merely ended by engaging in an act which is not permitted for the Mu’takif.

Unnecessarily leaving the Musjid for even a minute whether intentionally, unintentionally or under compulsion, will invalidate the I’tikaf. All acts and reasons besides the valid reasons (see above) will be regarded as ‘unnecesessary’ in the context of I’tikaf. Thus, leaving the Musjid due to illness, although permissible, will invalidate the I’tikaf To leave the Musjid for Janazah Salat, visiting the sick or for any other permissible activity besides the VALID REASONS (see below), will render the I’tikaaf null and void.

The I’tikaaf will also become void (break – be invalid) if the Mu’takif’s fast breaks.

The mubahaat or the things which are permissible during i’tikaf

During I’tikaf, the following acts are mubah (permissible):

1. To eat and drink.
2. To sleep.
3. Necessary conversation.
4. To change clothes and apply perfume and oil.
5. To cut hair and nails. These should not be allowed to fall in the Masjid.
6. To walk inside the Musjid.
7. To sit anywhere inside the Musjid.
8. To tend to a sick person inside the Musjid.
9. If necessary, to buy and sell goods provided that the goods are not brought into the Musjid nor is payment made inside the Musjid.

10. To teach Deeni lessons.

11. To sew clothing.

12. To study Deeni books.

13. To get married and to perform a Nikah.

14. All such acts which are lawful and allowed in the Musjid are permissible for the Mu’takif.

The makruhat or the things which are detestable and not permissible for the mu’takif

The Makruhat during I’tikaf are as follows:

1. To maintain total silence.
2. To indulge in idle talk.
3. To sleep excessively merely to wile away the time.
4. To unnecessarily pass wind inside the Musjid.
5. To sew garments or engage in any occupation for a fee.
6. To read books and magazines which are not of a Deeni nature.
7. To erect the mu’takaf in a way which inconveniences the Musallees. (Mu’takaf is the area which is enclosed for the sleeping and eating of the one who observes I’tikaf).
8. To engage in any worldly activity unnecessarily.

What to do during i’tikaf

The Mu’takif should engage himself in Ibadat to the best of his ability. Nafl SalSt, Tilawat, Durood, Istighfar and permanent Thikr in general should be the Mu’takif’s occupations throughout the duration of his I’tikaaf.

When the Mu’takif speaks, he must speak only what is virtue or what is necessary.

The Mutakif should not do anything which conflicts with the spirit of I’tikaf. He should guard his heart, mind, ears, eyes and limbs against all evil, thus deriving maximum benefit from his seclusion in the Musjid.

The Mu’takif is the guest of Allah. He should therefore, be careful of his behaviour in the House of Allah.

Masaail (rules) pertaining to i’tikaf

1. The same rules which apply to a man observing I’tikaaf in the Musjid, apply to a woman observing I’tikaaf in her place of seclusion at home.
2. When necessity, e.g. Juma’ Salaat in another Musjid, compels the Mu’takif to leave his Musjid, it will be permissible for him to enquire about a sick person or generally engage in good conversation without departing from the road. He must not unnecessarily stop on the road.
3. During I’tikaaf it is not permissible to leave the Musjid for even a Sunnat ghusl.
4. It is permissible for the Muath-thin who is in I’tikaf to enter the minaret for the Athaan.
5. Whilst standing inside the Musjid it is permissible for the Mu’takif to protrude his head out of the window.
6. Emission of semen, e.g. in a wet dream, does not invalidate the I’tikaaf
7. A woman’s I’tikaaf is proper if she has the consent of her husband.
8. The I’tikaf of a child who understands the meaning of I’tikaaf, is valid. Buloogh (puberty) is not a condition for the validity of I’tikaaf.
9. It is permissible to sleep on a bed in the Mu’takaf (the place cordoned off for sleeping and eating).

10. A person who is not in I’tikaf should not join the Mu’takif for Iftar or eating unless he also makes a niyyat for I’tikaaf. Such an I’tikaaf will be Nafl and its duration can be even for a minute. The person should make niyyat of I’tikaaf, then engage in some thikr and Salat. Thereafter he may do as he pleases, e.g. join the Mu’takif in eating.

11. The Mu’takif should remain at all times with wudhu. If his wudhu breaks, it will be permissible for him to leave the Musjid for the purpose of wudhu, even if it is not yet time for Salaat. After making wudhu, he should perform at least two raka’ts Tahiyyatul-wudhu. Similarly, it will be permissible for him to leave the Musjid to make wudhu at night to enable him to sleep with wudhu.

If for some reason the I’tikaaf of Ramadhaan was rendered void (broken), it will not be necessary to leave the Musjid. The remaining days may still be observed and Qadha of the day/s rendered void should be made.

Source:daruliftaa.net

There are two views among the Ulama regarding the disposal of interest money received from the bank:

1) The first view is that such interest money can only be given to the poor who are entitled to receive Zakat (i.e. they must not possess the nisab of Zakat). It is also necessary that the recipients are granted ownership and possession of the wealth (tamleek al-fuqaraa). According to this view, it is not permissible to utilise such interest money directly in public welfare projects, such as building roads, bridges and public toilets etc.

(Fatawa Mahmudiya: 24l431, Maktaba Mahmudiya)

2) The second view is that in addition to giving such interest money to the poor, it is permissible to use such interest money directly in public welfare projects. According to this view, granting of ownership to the poor (tamleek al-fuqaraa) is not a requirement.

(Fatawa Raheemiya: 9/279-282, Darul Isha’at)*
(Kifayatul Mufti: 7/105, Darul Isha’at)

The first view is more precautionary (ahwat) whereas the second view is more accommodating (awsa’).

In view of the different academic views, there is a leeway to use interest money received from the bank for the construction of toilets and ablution facility for an orphanage.

Note:
As a general rule, no Muslim by his free choice should deposit his money in an interest-bearing account. A non interest-bearing account should be utilised for the purpose. If there are any intricacies, a mufti should be consulted.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Checked and Approved by,
Muftī Ebrahim Desai.

And spend in the way of Allah and cast not yourselves to perdition with your own hands, and do good (to others); surely Allah loves the doers of good.

[Sahih Muslim : Book 26, Number 5378]

Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu) reported Allah’s Messenger (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) as saying: Five are the rights of a Muslim over his brother:
1. Responding to salutation,
2. Saying Yarhamuk Allah when anybody sneezes and says AlHamdulillah,
3. Accept offer greetings from him,
4. Visiting the sick,
5. Following the bier.”

[Sahih Muslim : Book 26, Number 5379]

Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu) reported Allah’s Messenger (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) as saying: Six are the rights of a Muslim over another Muslim. It was said to him: Allah’s Messenger, what are these? Thereupon he said:
1. When you meet him, offer him greetings;
2. When he invites you to a feast accept it.
3. When he seeks your council give him,
4. And when he sneezes and says: AlHamdulillah “All praise is due to Allah,” you say Yarhamuk Allah (may Allah show mercy to you);
5. And when he fails ill visit him;
6. And when he dies follow his bier.”

By my brother, Muhammad Tim, 4th year student at Madinah University:

Assalaamu alaykum warahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu,

All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, and upon his family and his companions.

With regard to the matter of sincere intention, it seems that some people are confused with regard to certain aspects. Therefore, I wished to make the following points, and all success is from Allah:-

1. Firstly, the correct intention is one of two conditions for every act of worship to be accepted, along with the action being in accordance to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah – may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The proof for this is the statement of Allah, the Exalted, The proof for this principle can be found in Allah’s statement: “So whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord – let him do righteous work and not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord.” [Al-Kahf 18:110].

2. Secondly, the essence of the correct intention is for an action to be sincerely for the sake of Allah, and not to contain any form of shirk, or giving some of Allah’s rights to someone or something else. Fadl bin Ziyaad said, “I asked Abu Abdullah (i.e., Imaam Ahmad) about the intention in action, how should it be? He said, ‘One should treat his self when he intends to do an action, not desiring by it the people (i.e. showing off).’”

3. Thirdly, intention is something that needs to be constantly reviewed and worked upon. Sufyaan ath-Thawree said, “I have not battled with anything more difficult than my intention.”

4. Fourthly, the fact that another person is the cause for some of your good deeds, or that they call you to guidance, or that they encourage you to do something which you were not intending to do, does not affect your intention. This is part of the foundation of da’wah and calling people to guidance. The Prophet – may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him – used to encourage some of the companions to do actions that they were not intending to do, and he encouraged others to do the same. The Prophet – may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him – said, “Whoever calls to guidance has the reward of it and the reward of everyone who acts upon it, until the Day of Resurrection, without their reward being decreased in any way.” So if a brother comes to you and says, ‘come to the masjid’, and you were not intending to come, but because of him calling you to guidance, you decide to come, and you make your worship for the sake of Allah alone, then your intention is correct, if Allah wills, and the fact that another brother called you to do something that you had not planned to do does not affect your intention.

Similarly, if your intention was not pure, and then you realise that you have been showing off in some of your deeds, then you correct them and seek Allah’s forgiveness, then your intention returns to being correct, and if you do so before you complete the action (such as before you finish praying), then you do not lose the reward of the entire prayer.

5. Fifthly, showing off is a form of minor shirk and is extremely serious, but it is equally serious to not perform good deeds out of fear of showing off. Al Fudayl bin ‘Iyaad considered it another form of riyaa’. Rather you should say, ‘O Allah, I seek refuge with you from making partners with you while I realise, and I ask your forgiveness for what I do not realise.’ Leaving that which Allah has ordered you out of fear of what people may say can even reach the level of major shirk, so do not allow the shaytaan to open a door to your destruction!

To answer the question, “if a person became Muslim because of worldly reasons but later changed their intention sincerely for the sake of Allah and repented, then that is okay?”

To answer this question, my point was that it may happen, and that a person may correct themselves. A person’s Islam is not accepted by Allah until it is sincere – this is one of the conditions of laa ilaaha ill Allah, but as Muslims we are commanded to treat them as normal Muslims, since the matter of intention is left to Allah. In general, we shouldn’t rush to encourage a person who is not sincere. This does not benefit Islam and the Muslims, and the person themselves may be harmed.

However, we may see someone who has some fault in their intention, and we believe that there is a good chance that the person will be corrected, based on their environment and their character. First of all we should try to correct their intention before they become Muslim. In the example of marriage, we try to make the marriage secondary to pleasing Allah. If we believe that they will change, then we may accept their Islam. However, if the person who they are marrying is not even practising Islam, then it is unlikely that they will see the beauty of Islam, when the person they are marrying does not even see it. So, I think that we should be very careful in some of these cases. More information here:

6. Sixthly, a person may enter Islam for the sake of the dunyaa, or with a fault in their intention and then correct his or her intention, as Imaan enters their hearts, and so become from the true Muslims. This was the case of some of the companions, especially those who became Muslim after the conquest of Makkah. Some of them became Muslim for worldly reasons, but the sun did not set before Allah and His Messenger were more beloved to them than the earth and whatever was in it. This does not mean that we should encourage people to become Muslim who do not want to, however, we have not been asked to rule based on the hearts of the people, and it is possible for people to change once they see the beauty of Islam.

7. Finally, do not succumb to the whispers of shaytaan, that when a person calls you to do something good you say, ‘my intention is not right’ – this is nothing but the whisperings of the shayaateen, may Allah protect me and you from them. Rather embrace this good deed and make it sincere for Allah without showing off. This way you will get the reward for your action, as will the person who called you to do good. At the very least be honest and say, ‘I am too lazy to do it’, rather than inventing a religious excuse that Allah has given you no authority for; perhaps Allah will open your heart to the truth because of your honesty.

Don’t forget that intention alone is not enough for your deeds to be accepted. They must also be in accordance with the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah – may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. ‘Aa’ishah – may Allah be pleased with her – narrated that the Prophet – may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him – said, “Whoever does an action that is not in accordance with my affair [i.e., my sunnah] then it is rejected.”

May Allah grant us all beneficial knowledge and the ability to act upon it, and save us from the whisperings of the shaytaan,

Wassalaamu alaykum warahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu,
Muhammad Humble.

Salaat is the main pillar of Islam. Muslims offer prayers five times a day.
Scientific studies and researches have proved that salaat is incredibly
excellent exercise that helps in countless ways to keep the mind and body
healthier and the toned figure of person adds to beauty.

Each unit (Rakat) of salaat utilizes every single muscles of the body and
makes active all motor system of an individual.

When a person lifts his hands for Takbeer in the beginning of prayer, the
abduction of shoulders controlled by cervical part of spinal cord activates.

When the person goes in Ruku (bending), the movement of arms trunk and
hips involves cervical and lumbar muscles.

Similarly, in Sajdah or bowing down, the movement involves many muscles
especially the nerve controls.

These different postures of prayers have been designed in a manner that
most of the motor systems of the brain gets stimulated and overpowering
muscles of the body are brought into an action. Salat includes a definite
number of units (rakahs) are repeated numerous times. Therefore, repeating
postures from standing in Takbeer to bending in Ruku to prostrating until
sitting for a number of times ensures several exercises.

This exercise is very good for eyes, convergence and divergence of eyes
will strengthen the power to great extent. It also increases the circulation of
blood and likewise many other benefits are associated with every Rakahs to
keep body healthy. When one gets healthier automatically, beauty reflects
itself.

Every part (rukn) of Islam has many seen and unseen benefits and the
followers can have numerous advantages. From Wuduh or ablution until
the end the person performing salat benefits physically but also mentally
and spiritually. For the Muslim women it is the perfect workout to reduce
cholesterol, avoid coronary diseases, diabetes, and other ailments. It
promotes healthy digestion, increases the flow of blood, relaxes entire body
and provides a relief from tension.

Fatimah Bint Muhammad was closely attached to her father. She had deep enduring love for him. Fatimah grew up seeing her father being tortured by Quresh and despite her tender age of less than ten, she always managed to reach on the spot. She was ruthless and unafraid of them and stood by her father steadfast to support him in his quest of spreading words of Allah SWT.

She saw her father facing vicious opposition and defied the harassment against him. She was a brave person and struggled for the sovereignty of Islam since childhood. Khadijah, wife of Prophet and loving mother of Fatimah died when she turned into a young lady. After her mother’s demise the grief stricken Fatima devoted herself to look after her beloved father and soon she was famous with a new nickname “Umm Abi-ha” or  “the mother of her father”.

She was the most beloved daughter of Prophet and she had a very special place in his heart. Rasul Allah said “Whoever pleased Fatimah has indeed pleased God and whoever has caused her to be angry has indeed angered God. Fatimah is a part of me. Whatever pleases her pleases me and whatever angers her angers me.”

She was married to Ali R.A. and was the mother of Hassan R.A. and Hussain R.A.

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid is the first wife of Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam. She was 25 years older to him and was that first person ever who embraced Islam. She belonged to a noble clan and was steadfast on the faith of Prophet Ibrahim. Prophet Ibrahim is the great grandfather of Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam.

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was beautiful and very pious lady. She was notable for her charity works and her luck in business. She was doing trade and became one of the richest persons in Makkah. She was the daughter of renowned tribal leader and businessperson. One can say she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. She married twice and had children from both of the husbands. Her first husband died and the second one lacked compatibility so she divorced.

She used to employ hardworking individuals and Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam was the one she picked this time. Her experienced eyes and insight did not do her wrong and that is how she met the most impressive, honest and intelligent of all men our beloved Prophet Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam.  Although, Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam was a young man of 25 years of age when she sent him the proposal of marriage, it was accepted and she became Umm Al Momineen and blessed mother of Fatima and Grandmother of Hassan R.A. and Hussain R.A.

She strived hard and stood side by side her husband. She was brave and never gave up in any kind of situation. She is among the four most respectable women in the history of earth as mentioned by Rasul Allah Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam. She was kind and generous, great wife and mother and spent all her life for the sovereignty of Islam.