Deen il Islam

Directions in Giving Naseeha [Repost]

2011-12-15T01:51:00.000-08:00

Directions to Giving Naseehah (Good Advice)
Kamil Mufti
Al Jumuah Magazine

"The religion is naseehah." The people asked, "To whom?" The Prophet (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam) replied, "To Allah and to His Book and to His Messenger and to the leaders of the Muslims and the common folk." [Collected by Bukhari, Muslim]

It lurks in the deepest, darkest parts of ourselves and waits expectantly for opportunities to strike. It attacks our defences of eeman, strategically tears down our walls of taqwa and ruthlessly diminishes our ihsan, or perfection of worship. Struggling against the evil that is inherent in all of us, is a battle that is fought on a daily, even hourly basis, and like most wars it is seldom won alone. Allah, through His eternal mercy, has given the believers the most powerful weapon available to assure victory in this constant struggle between good and evil - each other.

How many of us have looked to our brothers and sisters in Islam and have seen them straying from the path of Allah, and have turned our faces away? How many of us have seen our brothers erring and said to ourselves, it is none of my business? Well, it is our business for the Prophet (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam) has made it our business. In the hadith related by Tamim ad-Dari, the Prophet (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "The religion is naseehah." The people asked, "To whom?" The Prophet (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam) replied, "To Allah and to His Book and to His Messenger and to the leaders of the Muslims and the common folk." [Collected by Bukhari, Muslim]

The Prophet (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam) has equated the entire religion to giving naseehah, but what exactly is naseehah? Naseehah is an Arabic word that is usually translated to mean "sincerity" or "sincere advice", but actually embodies every type of virtue. As believers, this statement of the Prophet (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam) must be taken to heart. By learning what naseehah is, we can then act on it and bring about positive changes in ourselves and each other. Naseehah is a wonderful weapon, but like most weapons, if the user does not know how to use it properly, it can cause more harm than good.

How is Naseehah given to Allah?

i) By establishing His worship by offering the obligatory deeds with perfection.
ii) By believing in Him; negating partners from Him; not denying any of His qualities; describing Him with all the qualities of beauty and perfection; and declaring Him to be far removed from faults and qualities of imperfection.
iii) By establishing His obedience and turning away from His disobedience.
iv) By loving and hating for His sake; befriending and making allegiance to those who obey Him and taking as enemies those who disobey Him; and turning toward what He loves and distancing oneself from displeasing Him.
v) By appreciating His blessings, bounties and thanking Him for them by obeying Him out of love and drawing closer to Him through the heart.
vi) By calling to all of the above, teaching it and being sincere in it for His sake.

How is Naseehah given to the Book of Allah?
i) By firmly believing in the heart that it is the Speech of Allah and His revelation; it is not like the words of the creation; and none of His creation is capable of producing something similar to it.
ii) By respecting it.
iii) By learning and teaching it; reading, reciting, and writing it properly; understanding its meaning; staying within its bounds; acting upon what is contained in it.

How is Naseehah to the Prophet (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam) given?

i) By affirming his prophethood.
ii) By firmly believing in the heart in everything he came with; obeying him
in what he commanded and what he forbade.
iii) By aiding him while he was alive and after his death; taking his enemies as one's enemies, and befriending those who take him as a friend.
iv) By realising the greatness of his right upon us, honouring him, and reviving his Sunnah.
v) By practising his Sunnah by spreading and affirming it; refuting those who cast doubts upon it; spreading its knowledge and its understanding; not arguing about it without knowledge; calling others toward it; teaching it with gentleness; showing its greatness and the greatness of those who adhere to it by attaching oneself to them; and showing it its due respect when studying it.
vi) By loving the Ahl-ul-Bait (his family) and his companions; turning away from those who belittle his family or revile his companions.

Naseehah to the leaders of the Muslims

It is wajib (obligatory) to give naseehah to the leaders of the Muslims, since they have faults and are not protected from committing errors, but who are the leaders of the Muslims?

i) They are the Caliphs and others responsible for the affairs of the Muslims.
ii) They are religious scholars.

As for giving naseehah to the rulers of the Muslims, it includes:

i) Assisting and obeying them in the right.
ii) Reminding them if they err or forget.
iii) Making Jihad with them.

Giving naseehah to the scholars includes:

i) Spreading their knowledge.
ii) Spreading their virtues.
iii) Having good opinion about them.
iv) Accepting their rulings if they give sound proofs for their decisions.
v) Giving them the benefit of the doubt, or making excuses for them if they make mistakes.
vi) Honouring and respecting them.

Naseehah to the common Muslims

The following includes giving naseehah to ALL Muslims, be they black, white, Arab or Pakistani; be they sinful, ignorant or heedless. It also includes giving naseehah to Muslims, no matter which organisation or group they belong to or if one likes them or dislikes them.

How is Naseehah given to the common Muslims?

i) By guiding them to what will bring them benefit in this life and in the Hereafter.
ii) By removing harm from them and bringing them benefit.
iii) By teaching them what one loves for oneself and hating for them what one hates for oneself.
iv) By teaching them what will benefit them.
v) By commanding them what is right and forbidding them what is wrong with gentleness and sincerity.
vi) By being soft with them, honouring the elderly, loving and being merciful towards the youths.
vii) By not being deceptive and jealous toward them.
viii) Protecting their honour and wealth.

MANNERS OF GIVING NASEEHAH

Seeking the Pleasure of Allah by giving Naseehah

It is necessary that a person has the intention of seeking the pleasure of Allah when giving naseehah. Only such an intention deserves reward from Allah and acceptance from His slaves.

If the intention is other than that, then that person deserves the anger and wrath of Allah as well as the hatred and rejection of the people - including the one being advised.

Not slandering the one being advised

This is an affliction that has befallen many Muslims. Many times, after taking a closer look, we find that the person giving naseehah actually wants to slander the person he is advising because of personal hatred. This does not befit the one being advised and may lead to a worse situation with no benefit resulting from the naseehah.

Naseehah is to be given in secret

Naseehah is most likely to bear its fruit when given to a person when he is by himself, for in such a situation the person is less likely to be affected by the thoughts of others. The sincere advisor should not aid the Devil over his brother by publicly rebuking him and letting Shaitaan beguile his brother into not taking the naseehah. This closes the doors of goodness and acceptance, and reduces the chances of the naseehah from being accepted.

This is why our pious predecessors used to give naseehah in secret. Hafidh Ibn Rajab writes, "When the righteous predecessors intended to give naseehah to someone, they admonished him privately, to the point that some of them said, "The one who exhorts his brother between him and himself , then it is naseehah. The one who exhorts him in front of people, then it is merely scolding!"

Fudail Ibn Ayyadh, one of the pious scholars from our predecessors, said, "A believer covers up and gives naseehah, whereas an evildoer exposes and humiliates." Ibn Rajab commented on Fudail's saying, "It is naseehah if it is with a cover, while humiliating is with broadcasting."

Naseehah is to be given with kindness, gentleness and softness
A sincere advisor must be kind, soft and well-mannered in giving naseehah to others, as this might get the desired response from the one he is advising. One must understand that accepting naseehah is like opening a door, and that the door will not open without the proper key. The one who is given naseehah has a heart that has a lock in some matter - for he has abandoned something that Allah has demanded from him, or has committed something that Allah had forbidden him from. There is no better key to unlock the heart than kindness in giving advice, gentleness in exhortation and softness in speech as the Prophet (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam) has said, "Kindness is not to be found in anything but that it adds to its beauty, and it is not withdrawn from anything but it makes it defective." [Muslim]

Do not compel others to follow one's Naseehah

It is wajib (obligatory) on the advisor to render sincere advice to others, but it is not his right to compel others to follow his advice as well. That is the right of the Muslim ruler upon his subjects or a Muslim Qadhi (Judge) in his jurisdiction. A sincere advisor is one who guides toward goodness, but he is not to command others to act upon it.

Ibn Hazm writes that one should not give naseehah on the condition that it must be accepted, otherwise if one goes beyond this, he will be oppressing not advising, and seeking obedience and control. In another passage, Ibn Hazm writes that if a person is mistaken in his advice, he would be expecting people to follow him in his mistake.

Choosing the proper time to give Naseehah
The one giving naseehah must choose the right time to give his advice, since a person is not always ready to receive naseehah.A person may be angry about something, upset about not getting what he wanted, grieved for something he may have lost, or there may be some other reason that might prevent him from responding to the naseehah.

Abdul Hamid Bilali writes, "Choosing proper time and place is one of the greatest causes for the acceptance of naseehah and eradicating evil", and as Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud said, "Hearts (sometimes) yearn and are attentive, but (sometimes) they go through lapses and feed repulsion. So take from them when they are (in a state of) yearning and are attentive, and leave them alone when they go through lapses and are feeling repulsion."

Naseehah that is against Islam is not to be followed

Giving naseehah is part of Sharia. Therefore, if someone gives advice to leave a deen demanded by the Sharia or to perform a forbidden deed, then it is not called naseehah. The one giving such should quit doing that and the one being advised should not accept it. For instance, if someone tells you to shave your beard, to expose some part of the body by taking off the hijab, to shake hands with women on job interviews, to date the girl you are interested in, to take a job at a gas station that sells alcohol, or to go see the latest movie, then you should not obey. These matters are not counted as naseehah which the Prophet (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made part of the religion.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE ACCEPTANCE OF NASEEHAH
i) Naseehah must be given according to the proper manners which have been described above.
ii) One of the most important factors that contribute in one's rejecting a fellow Muslim's naseehah is arrogance. Arrogance prevents one from accepting naseehah and acting upon it. Whereas, the one who continuously strives to take arrogance out of his heart, finds it easy to accept naseehah. This is because the Prophet (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Arrogance is to reject the truth and despise the people."

Naseehah is from the truth and the advisor is from the people. The arrogant person, on the other hand, is one who rejects the truth and looks down on the people. As a result, neither the naseehah nor the one giving it suits him. On the contrary, a humble person will accept naseehah from others with an open heart, no matter where the advisor comes from, because he knows that a wajib (obligatory deed) is being conveyed.

Unfortunately, many are tricked by Shaitaan in this matter to accept naseehah only from those who are from the same country, or are of the same race, or hold affiliations with the same Islamic organisation / party as they do. The situation gets very sad when some of our brothers and sisters will not take naseehah because the one giving it has not been a Muslim for very long, or has not lived in America for very long, or is too young to be "telling people what to do." They pay no attention to the naseehah itself, or try to determine whether the naseehah itself is according to the Quran and Sunnah. Rather they are quick to reject their fellow Muslim's naseehah due to such baseless reasons. We must realise all these subtle forms of looking down on others and rejecting their beneficial naseehah. Remember that the Prophet (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam) has said that anyone with an atom's weight of arrogance in their heart will not enter Paradise.

BENEFITS OF NASEEHAH

i) It purifies the one being advised from some weakness. When one sees a fellow Muslim negligent in performing a good deed, or committing some wrong, he should take it upon himself to mend the shortcoming. The shortcoming may pertain to the rights of Allah or to the rights of His slaves.

ii) When a believer gives naseehah to his brother in Islaam, he helps him in a matter in which his brother has erred because the believer loves for his brother what he loves for himself.

iii) When a believer gives naseehah to his brother, he is disposing of the right that his brother has upon him. Just as you would not like to see a fault in yourself, and would work to remove it, likewise, you should not like to see that fault in your brother. You must hate to see in him what you hate to see in yourself, hence, you should give him naseehah to remove that fault as you would have liked to receive naseehah to have that fault removed from you. Give your brother naseehah and guide him toward goodness, and take him away from harm.

Giving naseehah is a sign of true brotherhood, a way of bringing the hearts closer, and of closing the doors of hatred and suspicion. This is why Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz said, "The one who grants naseehah to his brother in matters of this his religion and concerns himself with mending affairs of this life; then, he has granted an excellent gift and fulfilled a wajib that was due on him..." If someone were to ask, "How is naseehah a right of brotherhood, when one's faults are mentioned?" the answer is not to feel apprehension when your brother informs you of your faults. He may know something that perhaps you are unaware of, and is compelled to tell you about it out of sheer compassion. It is a way of winning over the hearts of those who are endowed with insight.

Shaitaan has declared war on all of humanity, and Allah has given the believers the tools necessary to win this war. Informing each other of ugly deeds we perform, or about loathsome characteristics that we may have is like pointing out where the land mines are on a battlefield. By pointing out these hidden dangers, we help to keep each other from destruction. In this war of conquering the self, the help, aid and guidance of our brothers and sisters is needed to assure that ultimate victory, insha'Allah, of true success in this life and in the Hereafter.

French Mother Jailed, For Wearing The Niqab

2011-12-15T01:40:00.000-08:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I know, it's been a while since I've made a post. It's the unfortunate result of life getting pretty busy around me. But fear not, this blog will certainly be continuing into 2012 insha'Allah.

Today, in my usual reading I came across the following article, on the DailyMail website.

French mother, 32, set to become first woman to be jailed for wearing banned Islamic veil

A 32-year-old mother from France is set to become the first woman ever to be sent to prison for wearing an Islamic veil.

Hind Ahmas refuses to accept the legitimacy of a Paris court which has ordered her to spend 15 days learning her civic duties.

She was sentenced by magistrates in Meaux, a Paris suburb, yesterday - after being arrested wearing an outlawed veil outside the Elysee Palace in the French capital on April 11.

(This is just an extract from the article, click the headline above for the full story.)

It's really quite, entertaining. 15 days in jail for wearing an article of clothing. I thought the whole point of the law was to protect society from legitimate dangers - rather than to ostracise a whole community and force assimilation. :/ A piece of clothing, a plain piece of clothing at that is both inoffensive and non-threatening. To be honest, I thought the French had gotten totally over their whole 'No niqabis allowed club' treehouse shenanigans by now.

The most humourous (well, it would have been if it was a joke) comment from Nicolas Sarkozy I think I've ever read also appeared in this article - and that is:
"Mr Sarkozy said the ban on head coverings was not aimed at persecuting Muslims, but merely to make France a more tolerant, inclusive society."
THAT'S RIGHT. They claim to be attempting to make France a more tolerant, and inclusive society...Only, the avenue towards their supposed goal is bigoted, discriminative and senseless?

Basically, I think it's time France's alarm clock goes off.

May Allah swt guide all who support this ridiculous laws, and us all. Ameen.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Mother, or Smother?

2011-11-29T01:41:00.000-08:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

This is only relevant because it's someone being smothered...

I'm going to post an anecdote, in this entry. One that I know to be very true.
There's a sister, with a very domineering mother. She got married, quite recently and when it came time for her and her husband to find themselves a house, the area that they were looking at was not to her parents liking, dsespite it being entirely their choice and the fact that the brother and his family were from there.

The debate went on and the brother and sister are not living where they wish to be (I know, spoilers, but that's okay.)

The issues with the scenario:

Islamically the husband is the wali of the wife. Not the parents. Therefore, they have no say in any decisions in the married couples lives.

The mother had the audacity to use the Hadith 'Heaven is under your mother's feet' as an argument for her daughter to listen to and obey her.

Clearly the latter being an awful, awful thing to say in an Islamic context (obviously).
Firstly, she has used a noble hadith from our Prophet Muhammad (saws) for the purposes of both blackmail and her own arrogance. She has not respected her deen, or her daughter, or her son-in-law.

Just thought this needed a post, as unfortunately, this is not the first time I have heard of a parent misusing their status in our deen to control their children.
It's a real, real problem - clearly it's required as Muslims that:
-More Sheikhs take on this topic, to remind our community.
-Children who know their deen talk to, and correct their parents in a respectful manner.
-We don't tolerate our deen being disrespected like this, just because they're our parents.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Off-Duty Policeman Charged With Drink-Driving

2011-11-18T01:28:00.000-08:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I saw a post on the @VictoriaPolice Twitter feed earlier today, and I'm surprised that there's now at least two incidences of this happening in Australia since the beginning of the year.

If you're interested, here is the earlier incident:
- Police Officer Charged with Drink-Driving

And now, today:

Off duty member detected drink driving
Friday, 18 November 2011 08:45

An off duty police member was allegedly detected drink driving in the west of the state last night.

The male member was spoken to at his home address by police after it is alleged he struck a railing around 8pm and left the scene before police arrived.

A positive PBT resulted in an evidentiary breath test being conducted, which returned an alleged reading of 0.111 per cent.

The senior constable, who is based in the Western region, was interviewed in relation to exceed prescribed concentration of alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident and careless driving. He is expected to receive a summons at a later date.

The matter will be investigated by the Ethical Standards Department.

Sergeant Sharon Darcy
Media Officer
VP15896/2011

Seriously, one instance is far too many. To any other officer who has ever drunk drove - caught or not. You are enforcers of the law, so maybe even like follow it - or find a new job?

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Graffiti of the Salaf

2011-11-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I have just stumbled upon a blog entry on sayingsofthesalaf.com, with this image and translation. A historical evidence to Islamic history, masha'Allah.

Here is a picture of what is considered (to date) the oldest dated Islamic inscription, from 24H, when the Rightly Guided Caliph ‘Umar b. Al-Khattâb – Allâh be pleased with him – was assassinated. It is located at Al-’Ulâ in present day Saudi Arabia. It is one of a number of ‘graffiti’ inscriptions made by travelers and pilgrims from the first few centuries of Islâm.

UNESCO included this amazing archaeological find in its Memory of the World Register of Documentary Collections. An update entry states:

Saudi Arabia – Earliest Islamic (Kufic) Inscription. This very well preserved inscription is located on a red sandstone block of rock south of Qa’a al Muatadil, north of Sharma in al-Ula, northwest of Saudi Arabia on the ancient trade and pilgrimage route connecting the early Islamic city of al-Mabiyat with Madain Saleh. It is the oldest Islamic inscription found so far. It mentions the date of the death of the second Caliph of Islam, Omar bin al-Khattab and reads as follows: “In the name of God, I Zuhair wrote the date of the death of Omar the year four and twenty (Hegrah)”. Caliph Omar bin al-Khattab died on the last night of the month of Dul-Hajj of the year 23 Hegrah, and was buried next day on the first day of Muharram of the new year 24 Hegrah (corresponding to 644 AD).

Note: The discoverers and local experts say the script is Hijâzî, not Kufic.
Here’s a trace of the text:

What it says:
The inscription can be translated as follows:

In the Name of Allah
I, Zuhayr, wrote [this] at the time ‘Umar died, in the year four
and twenty [24H]

Next to this inscription, it reads:
I am Zuhayr, Mawlâ of the Bani Salamah [tribe]

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

MashaAllah - Creation is Beautiful #6: The Amazon Rainforest

2011-11-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

For my sixth entry about the beauty that Allah swt has created around us in this world, insha'Allah I will be posting all about the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil.
One of, if not THE most famous rainforest of the face of the Earth.

The Amazon River is the second largest river in the world. Second to the Nile river - however it contains more water than the Nile, Mississippi and Yangtze combined.
The Amazon River is the widest in the world. Some parts are about five miles wide, and this can swell to 15 miles wide when flooded.
The Amazon River is home to over 2,000 different species of Fish.
The Amazon Rainforest has been nicknamed 'The Lungs of the Earth' - due to the amount of carbon dioxide that is turned into breathable oxygen. In fact, it provides us with more than 20% of the world's oxygen.
Over 3,000 varieties of fruit grow naturally in the rainforest, only 200 of these are used in the Western World.

Masha'Allah. Yet another place I'd love to visit before I pass.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Stories of the Prophets: Nuh

2011-11-06T02:08:00.000-08:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I know, I'm doing a lot of reposts of late. But inshaAllah it's to educate all who read (and I know there are many people who are reading) and myself on topics I feel unqualified to post about.
So, without further ado I would like to go ahead inshaAllah and post another story of a Prophet. This time, the Prophet Nuh. :)

Courtesy of IslamReligion.com

The Story of Noah

Who was Noah?

The accounts of the flood in the Jewish and Christian traditions acknowledge Noah as being a righteous man in a world crushed under the weight of sin and disbelief. The Quran and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, teach us that Prophet Noah was a beacon of hope among the descendants of Adam in an era where sin and lawlessness had overtaken the people.

Mankind had been one community believing in the Oneness of God, but confusion and deviation had crept in. Noah was a calm, patient man who called his people to return to the worship of the One True God. He was an exceptional speaker, enjoining those around him to leave the worship of idols, and to hear his warning of a terrible punishment for those who venerated idols and statues.
“And indeed We sent Noah to his people and he said O my people! Worship God! You have no other god but Him.” (Quran 23:23)
Noah narrated stories about the mysteries of life and the wonders of the universe. He described how the day, which gives sunlight and activity, followed the night that gives coolness and rest. He spoke of God, the Divine Creator Who owned heaven and earth, and he pointed out the wideness and beauty of the earth. Noah explained that the creation of the world was for the well being of mankind; but that man also had an obligation to understand this and direct his worship to God, not false deities. When Noah began to speak of the punishment that awaited idolaters, his people became resentful and angry.
How Idolatry Began
Prophet Muhammad informed us that there were ten generations between Prophets Adam and Noah. We know that this was a very large period of time, as Noah himself lived over a century, and people before lived even longer.
In those years, between Adam and Noah there were generations of people that remembered the laws taught by Adam and worshipped God correctly. The years passed and the people forgot; at times, the righteous men amongst them reminded the people of their obligations to God. As time continued to move on, the righteous men began to die, and Satan came whispering to the people who had looked up to them, putting thoughts into their minds in his sly, cunning way.
Satan inspired the good people to make statues of the righteous men. In this way, Satan said, they would remember the righteous people and thus remember to worship God. The good people built statues in their meeting places and their homes, and Satan left them alone until everyone had forgotten the reason the statues existed. Many years later, the devious Satan appeared amongst the people again, this time suggesting that they worship the idols directly.
An authentic narration of Prophet Muhammad sums up the beginning of idolatry in the following way. Ibn Abbass, a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad said:
“The names (of the idols) formerly belonged to some pious men of the people of Noah, and when they died Satan inspired their people to prepare and place idols at the places where they used to sit, and to call those idols by their names. The people did so, but the idols were not worshipped till those people (who initiated them) had died and the origin of the idols had become obscure, whereupon people began worshipping them.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
Noah’s Call
The word Prophet (Nabi in Arabic) is derived from the word Naba, meaning news. Revelation is given by God and, in turn, the Prophet spreads the news amongst his people. A Messenger, on the other hand, is sent with a specific mission, usually to convey a new ordainment from God. Every Messenger is a Prophet, but every Prophet is not a Messenger. Since this was mankind’s first deviation from the correct worship of God as taught by Prophet Adam, God, in his infinite Kindness and Mercy, fulfilled His promise to Adam to send messengers as guidance for mankind. God sent Noah, the first of His Messengers. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet Muhammad said: “On the day of Judgement, the people will come to Noah and say ‘Oh Noah, you are the first of the Messengers sent to earth, and God called you a thankful slave.’”(Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
Worshipping anything other than God has grave consequences, the least of which is a lack of freedom; for Satan enslaves man, destroys his mind and renders him unable to distinguish between right and wrong. When Noah warned his people of the torment that awaited them if they did not give up their idolatry, his warning fell mostly on deaf ears. Noah explained Satan’s deceit, but his people turned away and refused to listen. Noah warned them day and night; he announced his message in public and he spoke quietly to people privately; yet all, but a few, denied his words. Noah cried out to God.
“He said: ‘O my Lord! Verily, I have called my people night and day (secretly and openly to accept the doctrine of Islamic Monotheism), but all my calling added nothing but to their flight from the truth. Verily! Every time I called unto them that You might forgive them, they thrust their fingers into their ears, covered themselves up with their garments, and persisted (in their refusal), and magnified themselves in pride.” (Quran 71:5-7)
Those who responded to Noah’s call were the weakest and poorest of his people; the leaders and those with power responded arrogantly and rejected the call. They said:
“Verily we see you in plain error” (Quran 7:60)
Noah continued to appeal to his people, day after day and year after year. For 950 years he endured their taunts and mockery.
Noah Builds The Arc

Noah continued to appeal to his people and they became divided into two groups. His words spoke to the heart of the weak, poor, and oppressed, but the wealthy influential people distrusted those words and could think only of the possible erosion of their power and status. A war of words began between Noah and the disbelievers. They accused Noah of being nothing but any other human, of being nothing special. Noah agreed with this observation and said that, indeed, he was only a human being, but one who brought a clear warning. And God, the Almighty told us:
“Indeed We sent Noah to his people (he said): ‘I have come to you as a plain Warner that you worship none but God, surely, I fear for you the torment of a painful Day.’ The chiefs of the disbelievers among his people said: ‘We see you but a man like ourselves, nor do we see any follow you but the meanest among us and they too followed you without thinking. And we do not see in you any merit above us in fact we think you are liars.’” (Quran 11:25-27)
Noah explained to his rebellious people that they would receive benefits by turning to God and begging His forgiveness. He (God) would bestow rain on them, as well as children and wealth, He would grant them bounteous gardens and flowing rivers. However, the disbelievers rebuffed his words; they felt secure in their arrogance and pride.
The Conflict Intensified
Those against Noah and his call began to bargain with him. They told him, that these two diverse groups, the meek and poor and the rich and powerful, could not exist together in the same faith. Although continuously taunted and bullied by the disbelievers, Noah reacted in a kind gentle manner. He explained that he would never turn away the humble and weak believers who had heeded his call. These people, he would inform them, were the guests of God. Noah appealed to his people. He tried to reason with them and make them see the reality of their situation. Without personal gain and with a humble but heavy heart Noah refuted their arguments.
“O my people! I ask of you no wealth for it; my reward is from none but God. I am not going to drive away those who have believed. Surely, they are going to meet their Lord, but I see that you are a people that are ignorant. O my people! Who will help me against God if I drove them away? Will you not then give a thought? And I do not say to you that the Treasures of God are (only) with me or that I know the unseen, nor do I say I am an angel; and I do not say that God will not bestow any good on those whom your eyes look down upon. God knows what is in their inner selves (in regard to Belief). In that case, I would indeed be among the unjust.” (Quran 11:29-31)
The disagreements continued until the disbelievers had run out of arguments. They mocked Noah and the believers, but Noah continued to deliver his message. Finally, he could bear no more and turned to God with heartfelt supplication. Noah did not run out of patience; he remained a patient, kind and gentle man. But he had come to realise that the disbelievers would do nothing but spread corruption and disbelief throughout the land. They would mislead and corrupt the believers and deliver a legacy of disbelief to their children. Noah prayed to God. He said:
“My Lord! Leave not one of the disbelievers on the earth. If you leave them, they will mislead Your slaves and they will beget none but wicked disbelievers.” (Quran 71:27)
So God accepted Noah’s prayer.
The Ark
God instructed Noah to build the ark and passed judgement on the disbelievers in the form of a flood.
“And construct the ship under Our Eyes and with Our Inspiration and address Me not on behalf of those who did wrong; they are surely to be drowned.” (Quran 11:37)
Noah chose a place outside the city and far away from the sea to build his ark. The disbelievers mocked and laughed, making comments about the ship’s location, far from any water source. The disbelievers had no comprehension of the power and magnificence of God, so they could not understand why Noah would build a ship, on the top of a hill, far away from the ocean. They called him crazy and laughed out loud. The ship began to take shape and when it was finished, Noah patiently waited for the command from God.
“Until when Our Command came and the lowlands gushed forth, overflowing, We said: ‘Load it with two of each kind of animal (male and female), and embark your family, except against whom the Word has already gone forth, and those who believe.’ And none believed him except a few.” (Quran 11:40)
When the water started to gush from the earth and fall from the sky, God instructed Noah to enter the ark with his family and the believers. God also commanded Noah to take a pair (male and female) of every animal, bird and insect with him. The disbelievers watched him incredulously, asking what he intended to do with all the animals.
Noah’s wife did not join him, for she had never believed in the message that Noah had been preaching; nor did his oldest son, who preferred to flee to a high mountain. The scholars of Islam hold different opinions about the number of people on the ark, but the highest estimate is 80. As the believers and animals entered the ark, the water gushed from every crack in the earth, and the rain fell from the sky in quantities never seen before. Hour after hour the water levels rose, and the seas and rivers invaded the land.

The Flood

The believers entered the ark in the name of God, just as Muslims today begin everything they do, in the name of God.

“Embark therein; in the Name of God will be its course and its anchorage. Surely, my Lord is Oft Forgiving, most Merciful. So it sailed with them amidst waves like mountains...” (Quran 11:41)
Noah had built the ark according to God’s instructions, from planks and nails, and it kept the believers safe from the deluge of rain and from the water gushing out of the earth. Then the earth’s interior moved in unusual ways, and the bottom of the oceans rose in sudden bursts causing waves to flood the earth. These waves, as big as mountains, submerged everything; they lifted up the ark, making it appear as fragile as a matchbox tossed in the ocean. This construction, made of wood, became a ship of safety and security, for its passengers had true belief and trust in God.
From his secure place on the ark, Noah could see one of his sons overwhelmed by the water. Noah cried out to his son, imploring him to come aboard the ark and to leave the non-believers to their fate. The son, however, was thinking in terms of this world, and not with heartfelt trust in God. He replied that he would take himself to a mountain, never imagining that waves could swallow a mountain. Noah pleaded with his son saying “nothing can save you on this day except the mercy of God”. The son refused, and he drowned.
“And Noah called out to his son, who had separated himself (apart), ‘O my son! Embark with us and be not with the disbelievers.’ The son replied, ‘I will betake myself to a mountain; it will save me from the water.’ Noah said: ‘This day there is no saviour from the Decree of God except him on whom He has mercy.’ And a wave came in between them so he (the son) was among the drowned.” (Quran 11:42-43)
The Flood Ends
“‘O Earth! Swallow up your water, and O sky! Withhold (your rain).’ The water was diminished (made to subside) and the Decree (of God) was fulfilled (the destruction of the people of Noah). And it (the ship) rested on Mount Judi, and it was said: ‘Away with the people who are wrongdoing.’” (Quran 11:44)
Unlike Christian and Jewish traditions Islam, does not mention Noah sending a bird (neither a dove nor raven) to search for dry land. Rather, at God’s command, the rain stopped and the water ceased to gush from all the cracks in the earth. Calm returned and the sun began to shine. The flood had cleansed the earth of idolatry and disbelievers. Not a single person who had disbelieved in God remained on the earth. The earth swallowed up the water and the ark rested upon Mt. Judi (what is believed to be in present day Turkey).
Noah was a Prophet and leader of men, but he was also a father. He turned to God with sadness and cried,
“O my Lord! Verily my son is of my family! And certainly your promise is true and you are the Most Just of the judges.” (Quran 11:45)
Noah remembered that God had promised to save his family. Noah did not doubt the word or promises of God, but he wanted to understand. Thus God taught Noah a lesson.
As human beings we use words to mean certain things, but God can often give them new, more comprehensive meanings. For instance, the word prayer originally meant making supplication to God, but Islam came and gave it new meaning – it became the ritual prayer preformed five times a day. When we use the word family, we think of blood ties and relationships, and Noah was imploring God that his son was of his family. God told Noah that his son was definitely not part of his family because he was unrighteous. True family are the righteous believers in God.
“He said: ‘Oh Noah! Surely, he is not of your family; verily, his work is unrighteous, so ask not of Me that of which you have no knowledge! I admonish you, lest you be one of the ignorants.’” (Quran 11:46)
Noah understood. He said;
“O my Lord! I seek refuge with You from asking from You that of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have Mercy on me, I would indeed be one of the losers.”
(Quran 11:47)
Noah released the animals, the birds and the insects and they scattered over the earth. Noah and his family (the believers) disembarked, whereupon Noah touched his head to the ground in prostration. At this point the Quran and the narrations of Prophet Muhammad leave the story of Noah. We do not know how his affairs with his people continued, nor do we know what happened to his family. All we can ascertain is that on his death bed Noah drew his sons close to him and called on them to worship One God: The Creator and Sustianer of the Universe.
Prophet Muhammad said:
“When the death of the Messenger of God, Noah, approached, he admonished his sons: ‘Indeed I would give you far reaching advice, commanding you to do two things, and warning you against doing two things as well. I charge you to believe that there is no god but God and that if the seven heavens and the seven earths were put on one side of a scale and the words “there is no god but God” were put on the other, the latter would outweigh the former. I warn you against associating partners with God and against pride.” (Sahih al Bukhari)

Most of Noah's people rejected his message, but the message survives in the hearts and minds of Muslims to this day. The comforting words, and the hopes of salvation Noah conveyed to his sons while on his death bed, remain part of a Muslim's belief and confirm his attitude towards God. For the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, also told us that God undertakes a covenant with the believers: If we do not worship other gods beside God, then He will not refuse us heaven.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Eid Mubarak!!

2011-11-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

'Drunkorexia' - Teens Starving Themselves to Binge Drink

2011-11-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Just before I begin, if you click the source link for this story - beware of a graphic image.
I've posted before, about the stupiditiy alcohol seems to instill in otherwise everyday people before [link] (yes, just alcohol itself - not human nature, we as Muslims are proof that humans do not need alcohol.) but the stupidity just seems to be hitting new lows with every single news report that is posted.

The most disturbing thing I think I have read in a long, long time is that a lot of university aged women in Australia are substituting their kilojoule intake from food in favour of alcohol. to food, in that they are skipping meals to be able to drink heavily and stay thin. It's a simple result of the mixture of peer pressure to stay thin, and the peer pressure to drink.

May Allah swt guide them, and us all. Ameen.

Drinking in itself is bad enough - but a trend like this, is just ridiculously stupid.

Drunkorexia: girls starving to drink more

IT'S a new dangerous drinking fad dubbed "drunkorexia" and gripping NSW -- women starving themselves so they can booze and not gain weight.

Medics say the growing craze is most common among university students faced with the challenge of staying slim and peer-pressure drinking.

Research shows substance abuse like binge drinking co-exists with eating disorders - 50 per cent of women with eating disorders will have a drinking problem.

Read more...

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Revert Sister, Domineering Father

2011-11-04T07:18:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I found this Fatwa on IslamQA that really touched my heart.
May Allah (swt) bring this sister much ease, and keep her firm upon the straight path. Ameen.

Question:

I embraced Islam four months ago and my father does not know yet. I live with my father and my brother only, and my relationship with my father is not good. He says bad words to me and sometimes hits me. I cannot tell him that I am a Muslim, firstly because we do not speak or communicate with one another and secondly because he would go crazy and the situation at home would become even worse. Last week I found out that he booked a stupid holiday for us at the beginning of August, for two weeks during Ramadan, and I cannot tell my father that I do not want to go because he has paid for it and will never let me not go, because he has actually booked it. I do not know what to do and I feel that this test I am facing is very difficult and I cannot do anything about it, and it is making my faith decrease. I hope that you can help me.

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah

We ask Allah to make things easy for you and grant you relief from this distress. We congratulate you on embracing Islam, the religion of the Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon them), apart from which Allah does not accept any other religion from anyone. It is a great gift and immense blessing from Him. What you are suffering of trials and tribulations, you will come to know that it is not equivalent to even a moment in which you taste the sweetness of faith and the comfort of certainty and trusting Allah, may He be glorified and exalted. With regard to the reward in the Hereafter, what Allah has prepared for the one who is patient and steadfast, and puts up with hardships for the sake of His religion, and gives precedence to loving and pleasing Him, is something that cannot be described. Our Lord, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
“No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do”
[as-Sajdah 32:17].
And the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and it has not entered the mind of man.” Narrated by Muslim, 312.
Dear sister, if you live your whole life in this world in hardship, misery, worry and distress, one dip in Allah’s Paradise – may Allah make us and you among its people – will make you forget all the hardships and difficulties you encountered even if you were the most miserable of people on earth, to such an extent that you would swear that you never went through any calamity or problem or misery! If that is the case for one who is merely dipped once in Allah’s Paradise, how about if Paradise itself is to be your eternal abode?
So we advise you to be patient and steadfast. The blessing that you have been given of embracing Islam requires you to make sacrifices and be patient in doing so. We assure you that this problem will not last for the rest of your life; rather we are certain that our Lord, may He be exalted, will answer your prayers and those of the Muslims who read your story and relief from the situation you are in will come soon. Who knows, perhaps Allah will guide your father and brother and they will be a help to you in following your religion.
What we advise you to do is to show kindness to your father; show him love and let him think that you are obeying him, even if he insists on travelling in Ramadan, until his attitude changes and he begins to treat you fairly. It is important that your thinking should focus on preserving your capital, which is staying in Islam and adhering to it until you get the opportunity to declare your religion and show it openly, and adhere to all its rituals and rulings and also call people to it.
Whether you stay at home or travel with your father, you can avoid going out of the house as much as possible and give excuses such as sickness and so on. You can also avoid mixing with strange men (non-mahrams), and avoid staying up late and seeing and listening to haraam things. Seek the help of Allah in all your affairs, for Allah is the best of supporters and helpers. Fear Allah as much as you can and remember that Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, does not burden any soul with more than it can bear. He is too merciful to His slaves to hold you accountable for something you were unable to do and could not do.
We advise you to go to the nearest Islamic centre in the city where you live and tell them about your situation; they will be more able than us to evaluate the circumstances you are going through and will be better able to give you advice as to what you should do, whether you should announce your religion openly or continue putting up with the situation you are in for a little while longer. Praise be to Allah, there are many trustworthy Islamic centres in your country.

And Allah knows best.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

How Loon Came to Islam

2011-11-03T03:23:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

To add to the celebrity section of the Revert Stories page, I'd like to post this video I have just came across of another prominent revert brother to the deen of Islam. Loon, now Amir Junaid Muhadith.

Masha'Allah.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Prophet Muhammed's (saws) Last Khutbah

2011-11-02T03:04:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatu

h brothers and sisters in Islam.

As I promised in yesterday's post - I would like to make this repost from IslamiCity.com.
The Prophet Muhammed's (saws) last Khutbah:

The Prophet Muhammed's (saws) Last Sermon

This sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H. in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat' (in Mecca).

After praising, and thanking Allah he said:

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib (Prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be waived...

Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship ALLAH, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people".

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Becoming Muslim in an Area with no Muslims/Mosque

2011-11-02T00:34:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I'd like to begin by making it clear that I'm writing this blog for the benefit of someone in particular who sent me a tweet [@IslamAware] with the question - How does one become a Muslim in an area with no Muslims/Mosque?

Before I go, I would like to insha'Allah point out that I am not a Sheikh, nor am I a scholar - I'm just an everyday brother in Islam. Therefore, any good I say is from Allah (swt) and any bad I pass on is simply from my own human short comings.
If I say anything in this blog that you know to be wrong, any comments that you leave will be greatly appreciated.

When it comes to becoming a Muslim in an area with little or no Muslims, or little or no Islamic resources. While it may be difficult, it does happen.

A shahada does not need witnesses:
There is no requirement as to how many witnesses one should have for their shahada, nor are any witnesses necessary.
The reason that a witness to the shahada is probably a better option is that whoever is present to witness the shahada is likely to provide a new Muslim with their du'aa, but also with more worldly help. Such as, education, gifts, or even just friendship (brotherhood/sisterhood, it's a part of our deen.)

The only requirements are as follows:

The person saying the shahada must have sincere belief in the shahada and all that it stands for.
The shahada must be said in Arabic - "Ashadu an la ilaha ill-Allah, Muhammadur rasool-ullah"

If you're scared of being outcast:
A lot of new Muslims, live in fear of the reactions of their friends and family.
If the idea of telling people straight out makes you uncomfortable, take your time, hint at it for a while, just don't put too much pressure on yourself and try to take too much in at once.
So long as you're not doing anything haraam and maintaining your salah (five daily prayers) you're doing just fine.

Another thing that I would recommend is that you take trips away to more Muslim populous areas as often as you can. Get to know your brothers and sisters, spend time with them, learn from them.
And if you're comfortable with it, even use the internet to make contacts.
That is, if moving isn't an option for you.

Conclusion:
I guess my advice overall would be, if you feel close to Islam and know you wish to become a Muslim, no matter who you are, or where you are, give yourself no excuses. Say the shahada, gain contacts by any means possible (internet, phone - ensure you find some knowledgeable people to turn to for advice when needed.) Keep your intentions clear, be sure to maintain your prayers, and also always, always continue your research - Islam is a complete way of life, a lifetime is nowhere near long enough to learn everything there is to learn.

I hope this helped.
I'm also sorry if this blog is a bit poorly written, it was admittedly written in a bit of a hurry.
May Allah swt continue to guide, and make your path easy. Ameen.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

"Doesn't He Know Our Colour Is Expensive?"

2011-11-01T02:53:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

This post, is about a comment that was told to my wife probably about three weeks prior to our marriage in July.
So, the story begins with a lady (of the same culture as my wife) visiting her and her family to 'congratulate' her on her recent engagement to myself (a revert brother.)
As I've been told all was going well and the visitor was very pleasant in the beginning of the meeting, but slowly the whole incident progressed from the pleasantries to an utter lecture - a racist one at that.
An encouragement for my wife to stick to her culture, and about how she should have never accepted my proposal for the very fact I was a revert. This is a truly, truly ugly fact that some members of our Ummah seem to hold. A certain prejudice against their own brothers and sisters - Muslims marry Muslims, clearly. Everyone knows that Islamically culture is totally irrelevant to whether or not two people are a good match.

Anyway, instead of continuing on with the rant maybe I should just cut to the chase, and get to the point. There is one quote, that my wife has passed onto me, that this lady said, that still has me totally disgusted and offended to this day (despite having no idea who she is.) and that is "Doesn't he know our colour is expensive?"

What's that to say? Your Muslim brother is not good enough for your Muslim sister? Other 'colours' aren't as 'rich' as yours?

And I sign out, with the following words of our Prophet (saws) in his last Khutbah, which I will also post:

"All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselve."

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Halloween: An Islamic Perspective [Repost]

2011-10-31T02:16:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

As today, in the West is apparently Halloween - right now I'm looking forward to a night of being harassed by children asking for lollies. :(
It's sad having to tell children no, but I suppose it's for the best.

For all who are wondering, I'd just like to repost this from the Islamic Society of British Columbia:

Halloween: An Islamic Perspective

Where Does 'Halloween' Come From?

Halloween has evolved and been influenced by a number of different cultures and religions, the most notable of which are paganism, the Romans, the Celts (the people of Ireland, Scotland, Britain, Wales) and Christianity. However, almost all of the traditions surrounding Halloween as we know it today can be traced back to the festival of Samhain - the Celtic Day of the Dead - a pagan holiday. Samhain was the name of the Druid god of the dead. The Druids were a religious order amongst the pagan Celts. On this day, they would try to appease their god of death. These Druids also believed that witches rode on broomsticks and that ghosts were the cause of supernatural occurrences. The belief was that on the eve of the Celtic New Year (which, for them, was October 31), the souls of dead people roamed among the land of the living. The devil, evil spirits and witches were also believed to be moving about and at the height of their power. Halloween was also a time for MAJOR Shirk (associating partners with Allah). There were games and rituals which involved fortune telling. Young people, for instance, would try to see what their marriage prospects were, using omens like apple pairings that were thrown over their shoulders or burning nuts in a fire. In the eighth century, the Pope decided to Christianize this pagan holiday, since he wanted people to abandon the occult and idolatrous practices associated with it. He declared November 1 as "All Saints' Day" or All Hallows' (Holy) Day. This is a day to remember all of the Christians who died for their faith. October 31 was then considered All Hallow's Eve, and this word later evolved into the modern day Halloween.

Origins of Certain Halloween Traditions

Most of the Halloween activities participated in today can be traced back to occult symbolism. For example:

1. Dressing up in costumes:

This was done so that the spirits of the dead would not recognize the people who are living. The Druids would actually sacrifice animals, sometimes even humans, and dress themselves up in their skins. They would then engage in fortune telling wearing these morbid costumes. Another explanation is that today, children who dress up in costumes are carrying on the tradition of representing these spirits.

2. Trick-or-treating:

The Druids would go from house to house on October 31 and demand specific types of food. If their demands were not met, it was believed the people and their homes would be cursed with trouble, sickness and death. Prosperity was promised to those who generously donated. Today, when kids are offered treats by their neighbours, the tradition represents the time when people would offer food to the Druids to appease evil spirits.

3. Jack-o'-Lantern:

This started off as a legend associated with a man of Irish origin named Jack who supposedly enjoyed playing pranks on the devil. After his death, the legend says that Jack did not go to heaven or hell and therefore, had to wander the earth carrying a lantern, which gave him some light to see where he was going. Pumpkins that were hollowed out and had candles lit inside did the job and they were also supposed to scare evil spirits away. Some consider them as symbols of the torches of Halloweens past.

Dealing with Halloween: Tips for Parents

So your kids are begging you to go trick-or-treating on Halloween night (October 31)? They can't wait for all of the bubble gum, lollipops and jawbreakers, not to mention dressing up in a Pokemon or witch costume like the rest of their friends. You watch all of this in dismay, knowing that Halloween is an un-Islamic ritual about Shirk (making partners with Allah) and Shaitaan. You want to put your foot down once and for all and not let the kids go out that evening. As Muslims, it is very important that we refrain from participating in the festivals and rituals of the non-Muslims. But we must also use wisdom in educating our children about why we do not participate in such things. On reverse are some tips about how Muslim parents can intelligently deal with the Halloween hoopla:

Tip #1: Find out Exactly What Halloween Is

Too often, parents themselves are in the dark about the background of occasions and holidays like Halloween and Christmas. Muslims are NOT permitted to participate in such festivals. This is not a trivial matter. Once you find out why these festivals are celebrated, you will think twice about getting your kids involved. In fact, any parent who is trying to raise his or her child as a God-conscious individual will object to the celebration of these occasions. If you discuss it with your kids using correct information, and they sense that you know what you are talking about, they will agree with you about not participating in such rituals.

Tip #2: Talk to Them at Least a few Weeks in Advance

This is made easier by the fact that Halloween sales of candy and costumes are already underway and the yearly ritual of horror movies being released in theatres or shown on television. So the atmosphere is right to have a talk about Halloween. Talking to your kids now as opposed to on the morning of October 31 will give them some time to think about it too, and get used to the concept of not having to go trick-or-treating just because some of their friends are.

Tip #3: Rationally Explain That we Have our own Celebrations

Talking about Halloween in the context of a fiery speech will not help convince kids why they should not participate. Instead, explain that every group or culture has its own celebrations, and we Muslims have our own. Halloween is a pagan celebration. But Eid is just a couple of months away, and that is our celebration. Explain calmly what Halloween is, point out some of its dangers, and let them think about it.

Tip #4: Mention the Other Dangers of Halloween

Horror stories about razor blades in apples, laxatives given in place of chocolate to trick-or-treaters, and even the dangers of being on the street should also be mentioned, but not as the main focus why Muslims object to Halloween.

Tip #5: Explain That Every one of our Islamic Festivals has a Good Meaning

Remind your kids that for Muslims, our holidays always have a good, positive meaning. For example, at Eid-ul-Fitr, we celebrate our joy of fasting during the blessed month of Ramadan, which is a time we strive to get closer to Allah and be better Muslims. Halloween, on the other hand, is celebrated partly as a reminder of Shaitaan, who is evil, and from whom everyone should avoid and seek refuge in Allah from.

Tip #6: Emphasize That There is Nothing Wrong With Being Different

This is crucial because there will be other occasions later on in their lives when Muslim children must not participate in school activities (for example, the Prom.) This does not mean permanent exclusion from all school and/or peer activities, but it means that as Muslims, they can take what is good, but they also have to learn to reject what is bad in a wise manner.

Tip #7: Turn off the Lights, Close the Windows and Educate Your Neighbours

Turning off the lights will give the message that your home isn't participating in the Halloween festival. Closing the windows may be necessary, since throwing eggs at the homes of those not participating is not uncommon. Educate your neighbours about Halloween by posting a brief polite note that, as Muslims, you are not celebrating the occasion.

Tip #8: Keep Your Promise About Eid

For a number of Muslim youth who have grown up in North America, Eid is sometimes just another day, with parents not even taking a day off work. In other cases, while parents may take the day off, the ritual is the same: get up, put on new clothes, drive to a mosque or fancy hall, pray, not understand what's really going on, hug Eid Mubarak with one another, go back home, eat "ethnic" food, get money (as Eid gifts). It's no wonder our kids' eyes light up when they see Christmas lights, brightly wrapped gifts and hear of Halloween fun and treats. Make Eid special. Don't just hype it up during Halloween to convince the kids not to participate and then break your promise. On Eid, give the kids candy; take them out to dinner or to an amusement park. Organize a party and invite their friends over. The possibilities for Halal fun are endless. We owe this to our kids if we want them to stay Muslim and to be proud of it. We owe it to them to celebrate the occasions in life that really matter to us as Muslims, like the two Eids. Finally, we must always keep in mind the warning of our Prophet (PBUH), who said: "Whoever imitates a nation is one of them." (Bukhari).

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Ayen's Law

2011-10-31T00:18:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I have been following this story since the incident occurred - here are my past posts:

I would just like to share some news, that I believe to be a huge step forward in the prevention of the recent trend of aggressive Dogs attacking people (most particularly children, and the elderly) it has been passed that Dog owners, who's Dogs attack people will be charged on behalf of their dog.

Dog owner charged over fatal mauling of Ayen Chol

THE owner of a dog which fatally mauled a four-year-old girl to death has been charged. Ayen Chol was killed on August 17 when a pit bull entered the St Albans house where she was staying.

Police have charged a 57-year-old St Alban’s man on summons under the Domestic Animals Act.

A police spokeswoman said the man was charged to appear at the Sunshine Magistrate’s Court on December 6 in relation to the attack.

"He has been charged with eight offences under the Domestic Animals Act,’’ she said.

The charges include owning a dog which attacks a person causing death, two counts of owning a dog which attacks a person causing serious injury, three counts of owning a dog that chases/worries a person, owning a dog found at large and failing to register a dog.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Qur'an While Commuting

2011-10-30T01:26:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

How many times have you thought of doing this?
Reading the Qur'an on the way too or from work (well, so long as you're not driving.)
I'll be totally honest, my car stereo hasn't been working all year. Odds are, if it worked I'd be listening to anasheed to and from work (for me, an hour's drive there and another hour to get back.) But this image has inspired me - when I do have my car stereo working again, insha'Allah I want to listen to recitations of the Qur'an - and I want to use this blog to inspire others to do the same.

Anyway, I'll stop ranting and get to the point insha'Allah.

If you drive to work: Listen to the Qur'an.
If you commute to work: Read the Qur'an.

Insha'Allah - doing this every day will bring you good deeds, but also help us all to familiarise ourselves with the Qur'an more and more by the day. Not to mention help to build our imaans.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

The Catholic college with a Muslim School Captain [Repost]

2011-10-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I just found an article on MuslimVillage, that I thought was very interesting - so thought I would share for the sake of Allah (swt).
While I do disagree with sending a Muslim child to a Catholic school, I'm not here to judge his parents or himself.

My personal thoughts are, though, that while it has clearly done this students imaan a lot of good, it could have just as easily gone the other way.

May Allah swt continue to develop his interfaith skills, and make him a shining beacon of light for our Ummah. Ameen.

Now, to share the article:

The Catholic college with a Muslim School Captain
Like any captain of a Catholic college, Adam Refki plays a leading role in the religious life of the school.
The difference is that he is a Muslim.

As the popularly elected school leader of Canberra’s St Mary MacKillop College, Adam has found his Muslim faith has opened opportunities for interfaith dialogue.

From his exposure to Christianity through his Catholic education, he said, ”There are great parallels between the two religions”.

”I find there are a lot of similarities. It kind of makes me wonder why it seems like there is such a difference out there in the world.”

The 18-year-old said that as a Muslim with a Catholic education, he had experienced acceptance first hand.

”And having received acceptance I can now offer acceptance.”

He has found many of the students at the college are intrigued by his faith. ”I attend masses and I am reverent but I don’t participate.”

His role as captain includes reading at the college’s masses. Though he takes part in prayers, he does not make the sign of the cross, which has caused other students to ask why.

”I tell them I am Muslim. … The advantage here is that I can tell them about my faith.” Similarly, when he fasts during Ramadan, he has a further opportunity for interfaith dialogue.

College principal Michael Lee said that when Adam was elected, ”he very beautifully approached me and said, ‘What is it you would want of me in terms of the faith life of the school?”’ He took part to the extent he was comfortable. Mary MacKillop had worked with people of all faiths.

Mr Lee said Adam’s role as captain was a tangible sign of the tolerance and inclusion of this Catholic school.

”I thought it was a great honour for us.

”I think Adam’s election to our school is a gift also to the Islamic community and I was pleased our school in a small way could make that further understanding between the two communities.”
He had been elected because he was Adam, not because he was Muslim, Mr Lee said. ”In no way did we feel our Catholic identity was diluted. We were always comfortable about that.”
The male and female captains of the college are elected by Year 11 students and staff.

”It was a huge honour that I was voted as college captain,” Adam said. ”I don’t see that I was voted as a token Muslim.”

He is concerned the impression given by the media is that Muslims are terrorists.

”Seeing me, they see Muslims are just like us. They are in our school; they study hard; they can be elected in leadership positions at St Mary MacKillop College.”

He plans to begin studying civil engineering at the University of NSW next year.

He also hopes to contribute the leadership skills he has developed at the college to university life. This might include an Islamic group, but he said, ”I wouldn’t want to limit myself to that.” ”I know I will be comfortable in seeking some kind of interfaith dialogue at university.”

He also hopes one day to complete the Hajj – the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

The Disease of Gambling

2011-10-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

A suicide as a result of problem gambling seems to be a recurring incident. In fact, I once personally knew someone who walked that exact path, it's always a shame - but until gambling is at least outlawed by more than consensus very little is going to happen.

Obviously putting ads on TV about a gambling help line is not the solution to the problem - and when the results include, but are not limited to:

Breaking up families.
Putting people/families in debt.
Suicide.

Then it's pretty clear that for the sake of society something really needs to be do.
What I wish to share in this blog post is an article I came across on news.com.au about a single mother in Adelaide, Australia who spent 29 minutes on a pokie machine, in that time lost $4,000 and then committed suicide.

But, before that I would like to provide you all with these Ayat from The Holy Qur'an:

They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, "In them is great sin and some benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit." And they ask you what they should spend. Say, "The excess." Thus Allah makes clear to you the verses that you might give thought."
[Surah Al-Baqarah: 19]

O you who believe, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, sacrificing on stone alters, and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.
[Surah Al-Ma'idah: 90]

Now - on with the story:

Problem gambling: 'Our family paid the ultimate price'

KATHERINE Natt had just 30c in her purse after losing $4000 in 29 minutes in a pokies binge. The same day, the SkyCity Casino worker and single mother of two took her own life.

Her mother, Chris Matthews, says imposing controls on pokies could have stopped her plunge that day five years ago - and might have saved her life.

"I don't know if mandatory pre-commitment will work, but something needs to be done to stop people losing these huge amounts of money," she said.

"Families are suffering, our family paid the ultimate price.

"There are families out there paying every day.

"Many are falling apart. People are losing their homes."

Read more...

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

MashaAllah - Creation is Beautiful #5: Thunder & Lightning Storms

2011-10-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Image from: http://slow-motion.ca

So, word on the street is that we will be experiencing a reasonably strong storm in Melbourne tonight, insha'Allah. In fact, the BOM has issued a severe weather warning [click]. Pretty amazing stuff. I will admit, mash'Allah there are few things I enjoy more than sitting at home and watching the lightning show roll past, or sitting at home and just listening to the thunder (even sometimes letting it put me to sleep - yes, it works for me.)

Before I continue, I'd like to share with you the du'aas for when one hears thunder:

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي يُسَبِّحُ الرَّعْدُ بِحَمْدِهِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةٌ مِنْ خِيفَتِهِ

SubhanAllaahil ladhii yusabbihur ra’du bi hamdihi wal malaa-ikatu min kheefatihi

“Glory is to Him Whom thunder and angels glorify due to fear of Him.”

May Allah swt protect and reward you all.
Ameen.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Convert Story: How Malcolm X Came to Islam. [Repost]

2011-10-24T01:43:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Just a quick repost, of one of the most prominent converts to Islam within the last 100 years.
Courtesy of IslamReligion.com

So, without further ado - I will get on with posting the story insha'Allah.

The Story of Malcolm X

“I am and always will be a Muslim. My religion is Islam.”

-Malcolm X

Early Life

Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska. His mother, Louis Norton Little, was a homemaker occupied with the family’s eight children. His father, Earl Little, was an outspoken Baptist minister and avid supporter of Black Nationalist leader Marcus Garvey. Earl’s civil rights activism prompted death threats from the white supremacist organization Black Legion, forcing the family to relocate twice before Malcolm’s fourth birthday. Regardless of the Little’s efforts to elude the Legion, in 1929 their Lansing, Michigan home was burned to the ground, and two years later Earl’s mutilated body was found lying across the town’s trolley tracks when Malcolm was only six. Louise had an emotional breakdown several years after the death of her husband and was committed to a mental institution. Her children were split up amongst various foster homes and orphanages.

Malcolm was a smart, focused student and graduated from junior high at the top of his class. However, when a favorite teacher told Malcolm his dream of becoming a lawyer was no realistic goal for a nigger, Malcolm lost interest in school and eventually dropped out at the age of fifteen. Learning the ways of the streets, Malcolm became acquainted with hoodlums, thieves, dope peddlers, and pimps. Convicted of burglary at twenty, he remained in prison until the age of twenty-seven. During his prison stay he attempted to educate himself. In addition, during his period in prison, he learned about and joined the Nation of Islam, studying the teachings of Elijah Muhammed fully. He was released, a changed man, in 1952.

The ‘Nation of Islam’

Upon his release, Malcolm went to Detroit, joined the daily activities of the sect, and was given instruction by Elijah Muhammad himself. Malcolm’s personal commitment helped build the organization nation-wide, while making him an international figure. He was interviewed on major television programs and by magazines, and spoke across the country at various universities and other forums. His power was in his words, which so vividly described the plight of blacks and vehemently incriminated whites. When a white person referred to the fact that some Southern university had enrolled black freshmen without bayonets, Malcolm reacted with scorn:

When I slipped, the program host would leap on the bait: Ahhh! Indeed, Mr. Malcolm X -- you can’t deny that’s an advance for your race!

I’d jerk the pole then. I can’t turn around without hearing about some ‘civil rights advance’! White people seem to think the black man ought to be shouting ‘hallelujah’! Four hundred years the white man has had his foot-long knife in the black man’s back - and now the white man starts to wiggle the knife out, maybe six inches! The black man’s supposed to be grateful? Why, if the white man jerked the knife out, it’s still going to leave a scar!

Although Malcolm’s words often stung with the injustices against blacks in America, the equally racist views of the Nation of Islam kept him from accepting any whites as sincere or capable of helping the situation. For twelve years, he preached that the white man was the devil and the Honorable Elijah Muhammad was God’s messenger. Unfortunately, most images of Malcolm today focus on this period of his life, although the transformation he was about to undergo would give him a completely different, and more important, message for the American people.

The Change to True Islam

On March 12, 1964, impelled by internal jealousy within the Nation of Islam and revelations of Elijah Muhammad’s sexual immorality, Malcolm left the Nation of Islam with the intention of starting his own organization:

I feel like a man who has been asleep somewhat and under someone else’s control. I feel what I’m thinking and saying now is for myself. Before, it was for and by guidance of another, now I think with my own mind.

Malcolm was thirty-eight years old when he left Elijah Muhammad’s Nation of Islam. Reflecting on reflects that occurred prior to leaving, he said:

At one or another college or university, usually in the informal gatherings after I had spoken, perhaps a dozen generally white-complexioned people would come up to me, identifying themselves as Arabian, Middle Eastern or North African Muslims who happened to be visiting, studying, or living in the United States. They had said to me that, my white-indicting statements notwithstanding, they felt I was sincere in considering myself a Muslim -- and they felt if I was exposed to what they always called true Islam, I would understand it, and embrace it.

Automatically, as a follower of Elijah, I had bridled whenever this was said. But in the privacy of my own thoughts after several of these experiences, I did question myself: if one was sincere in professing a religion, why should he balk at broadening his knowledge of that religion?

Those orthodox Muslims whom I had met, one after another, had urged me to meet and talk with a Dr. Mahmoud Youssef Shawarbi...Then one day Dr. Shawarbi and I were introduced by a newspaperman. He was cordial. He said he had followed me in the press; I said I had been told of him, and we talked for fifteen or twenty minutes. We both had to leave to make appointments we had, when he dropped on me something whose logic never would get out of my head. He said, No man has believed perfectly until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself. (a saying of the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.

The Effect of the Pilgrimage

Malcolm further continues about the Hajj:

The pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, is a religious obligation that every orthodox Muslim fulfills, if able, at least once in his or her lifetime.

The Holy Quran says it:

“..Pilgrimage to the House (of God built by the prophet Abraham) is a duty men owe to God; those who are able, make the journey…” (Quran 3:97)

“God said: ‘And proclaim the pilgrimage among men; they will come to you on foot and upon each lean camel, they will come from every deep ravine.’” (Quran 22:27)

Every one of the thousands at the airport, about to leave for Jeddah, was dressed this way. You could be a king or a peasant and no on e would know. Some powerful personages, who were discreetly pointed out to me, had on the same thing I had on. Once thus dressed, we all had begun intermittently calling out Labbayka! (Allahumma) Labbayka! (Here I come, O Lord!) Packed in the plane were white, black, brown, red, and yellow people, blue eyes and blond hair, and my kinky red hair -- all together, brothers! All honoring the same God, all in turn giving equal honor to each other...

That is when I first began to reappraise the white man. It was when I first began to perceive that white man, as commonly used, means complexion only secondarily; primarily it described attitudes and actions. In America, white man meant specific attitudes and actions toward the black man, and toward all other non-white men. But in the Muslim world, I had seen that men with white complexions were more genuinely brotherly than anyone else had ever been. That morning was the start of a radical alteration in my whole outlook about white men.

There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and the non-white... America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem. Throughout my travels in the Muslim world, I have met, talked to, and even eaten with people who in America would have been considered white - but the white attitude was removed from their minds by the religion of Islam. I have never before seen sincere and true brotherhood practiced by all colors together, irrespecitve of their color.

Malcolm’s New Vision of America

Malcolm continues:

Each hour here in the Holy Land enables me to have greater spiritual insights into what is happening in America between black and white. The American Negro never can be blamed for his racial animosities - he is only reacting to four hundred years of the conscious racism of the American whites. But as racism leads America up the suicide path, I do believe, from the experiences that I have had with them, that the whites of the younger generation, in the colleges and universities, will see the handwriting on the wall, and many of them will turn to the spiritual path of truth -- the only way left to America to ward off the disaster that racism inevitably must lead to.

I believe that God now is giving the world’s so-called ‘Christian’ white society its last opportunity to repent and atone for the crimes of exploiting and enslaving the world’s non-white peoples. It is exactly as when God gave Pharaoh a chance to repent. But Pharaoh persisted in his refusal to give justice to those who he oppressed. And, we know, God finally destroyed Pharaoh.

I will never forget the dinner at the Azzam home with Dr. Azzam. The more we talked, the more his vast reservoir of knowledge and its variety seemed unlimited. He spoke of the racial lineage of the descendants of Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, the Prophet, and he showed how they were both black and white. He also pointed out how color, and the problems of color which exist in the Muslim world, exist only where, and to the extent that, that area of the Muslim world has been influenced by the West. He said that if on encountered any differences based on attitude toward color, this directly reflected the degree of Western influence.

The Oneness of Man under One God

It was during his pilgrimage that he began to write some letters to his loyal assistants at the newly formed Muslim Mosque in Harlem. He asked that his letter be duplicated and distributed to the press:

“Never have I witnessed such sincere hospitality and the overwhelming spirit of true brotherhood as is practiced by people of all colors and races here in this ancient Holy Land, the House of Abraham, Muhammad, and all the other Prophets of the Holy Scriptures. For the past week, I have been utterly speechless and spellbound by the graciousness I see displayed all around me by people of all colors...

“You may be shocked by these words coming from me. But on this pilgrimage, what I have seen, and experienced, has forced me to rearrange much of my thought-patterns previously held, and to toss aside some of my previous conclusions. This was not too difficult for me. Despite my firm convictions, I have always been a man who tries to face facts, and to accept the reality of life as new experience and new knowledge unfolds it. I have always kept an open mind, which necessary to the flexibility that must go hand in hand with every form of intelligent search for truth.

“During the past eleven days here in the Muslim world, I have eaten from the same plate, drunk from the same glass, and slept in the same bed (or on the same rug) - while praying to the same God - with fellow Muslims, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was the whitest of white. And in the words and in the actions and in the deeds of the “white” Muslims, I felt the same sincerity that I felt among the black African Muslims of Nigeria, Sudan, and Ghana.

“We were truly all the same (brothers) -- because their belief in one God had removed the “white” from their minds, the ‘white’ from their behavior, and the ‘white’ from their attitude.

“I could see from this, that perhaps if white Americans could accept the Oneness of God, then perhaps, too, they could accept in reality the Oneness of Man - and cease to measure, and hinder, and harm others in terms of their “differences” in color.

“With racism plaguing America like an incurable cancer, the so-called “Christian” white American heart should be more receptive to a proven solution to such a destructive problem. Perhaps it could be in time to save America from imminent disaster -- the same destruction brought upon Germany by racism that eventually destroyed the Germans themselves.

“They asked me what about the Hajj had impressed me the most... I said, “The brotherhood! The people of all races, color, from all over the world coming together as one! It has proved to me the power of the One God... All ate as one, and slept as one. Everything about the pilgrimage atmosphere accented the Oneness of Man under One God.”

Malcolm returned from the pilgrimage as El-Hajj Malik al-Shabazz. He was afire with new spiritual insight. For him, the struggle had evolved from the civil rights struggle of a nationalist to the human rights struggle of an internationalist and humanitarian.

After the Pilgrimage

White reporters and others were eager to learn about El-Hajj Malik’s newly-formed opinions concerning themselves. They hardly believed that the man who had preached against them for so many years could suddenly turn around and call them brothers. To these people El-Hajj Malik had this to say:

“You’re asking me ‘Didn’t you say that now you accept white men as brothers?’ Well, my answer is that in the Muslim world, I saw, I felt, and I wrote home how my thinking was broadened! Just as I wrote, I shared true, brotherly love with many white-complexioned Muslims who never gave a single thought to the race, or to the complexion, of another Muslim.

“My pilgrimage broadened my scope. It blessed me with a new insight. In two weeks in the Holy Land, I saw what I never had seen in thirty-nine years here in America. I saw all races, all colors, -- blue-eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans -- in true brotherhood! In unity! Living as one! Worshipping as one! No segregationists -- no liberals; they would not have known how to interpret the meaning of those words.

“In the past, yes, I have made sweeping indictments of all white people. I will never be guilty of that again -- as I know now that some white people are truly sincere, that some truly are capable of being brotherly toward a black man. The true Islam has shown me that a blanket indictment of all white people is as wrong as when whites make blanket indictments against blacks.”

To the blacks who increasingly looked to him as a leader, El-Hajj Malik preached a new message, quite the opposite of what he had been preaching as a minister in the Nation of Islam:

“True Islam taught me that it takes all of the religious, political, economic, psychological, and racial ingredients, or characteristics, to make the Human Family and the Human Society complete.

“I said to my Harlem street audiences that only when mankind would submit to the One God who created all - only then would mankind even approach the “peace” of which so much talk could be heard...but toward which so little action was seen.”

Too Dangerous to Last

El-Hajj Malik’s new universalistic message was the U.S. establishment’s worst nightmare. Not only was he appealing to the black masses, but to intellectuals of all races and colors. Now he was consistently demonized by the press as “advocating violence” and being “militant,” although in actuality he and Dr. Martin Luther King were moving closer together in outlook:

“The goal has always been the same, with the approaches to it as different as mine and Dr. Martin Luther King’s non-violent marching, that dramatizes the brutality and the evil of the white man against defenseless blacks. And in the racial climate of this country today, it is anybody’s guess which of the “extremes” in approach to the black man’s problems might personally meet a fatal catastrophe first -- ‘non-violent’ Dr. King, or so-called ‘violent‘ me.”

El-Hajj Malik knew full well that he was a target of many groups. In spite of this, he was never afraid to say what he had to say when he had to say it. As a sort of epitaph at the end of his autobiography, he says:

“I know that societies often have killed the people who have helped to change those societies. And if I can die having brought any light, having exposed any meaningful truth that will help to destroy the racist cancer that is malignant in the body of America - then, all of the credit is due to God. Only the mistakes have been mine.”

The Legacy of Malcolm X

Although El-Hajj Malik knew that he was a target for assassination, he accepted this fact without requesting police protection. On February 21, 1965, while preparing to give a speech at a New York hotel, he was shot by three black men. He was three months short of forty. While it is clear that the Nation of Islam had something to do with the assassination, many people believe there was more than one organization involved. The FBI, known for its anti-black movement tendency, has been suggested as an accomplice. We may never know for sure who was behind El-Hajj Malik’s murder, or, for that matter, the murder of other national leaders in the early 1960s.

Malcolm X’s life has affected Americans in many important ways. African-Americans’ interest in their Islamic roots has flourished since El-Hajj Malik’s death. Alex Haley, who wrote Malcolm’s autobiography, later wrote the epic, Roots, about an African Muslim family’s experience with slavery. More and more African-Americans are becoming Muslim, adopting Muslim names, or exploring African culture. Interest in Malcolm X has seen a surge recently due to Spike Lee’s movie, “X”. El-Hajj Malik is a source of pride for African-Americans, Muslims, and Americans in general. His message is simple and clear:

“I am not a racist in any form whatever. I don’t believe in any form of racism. I don’t believe in any form of discrimination or segregation. I believe in Islam. I am a Muslim.”

Did Michael (Mikaeel?) Jackson Actually Convert to Islam?

2011-10-24T01:31:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Source: http://www.startrip.tv

It has often been speculated. Some saying Michael's brother Jermaine has said that he was interested in Islam, others saying that Jermaine and even Michael himself before his death confirmed his conversion.

Just for the sake of conversation, I'd like to post this article from "The Daily Top 10"

The buzz was loud in November, 2008, when reports came out that one of the world’s most famous celebrities was no longer to be known as Michael Jackson, but as Mikaeel, following the King of Pop’s conversion to Islam. The former Jehovah’s Witness reportedly took the shahada, or oath of Islamic faith, in Los Angeles at the home of a musician friend, after being encouraged to embrace Islam by Canadian-Muslim Dawud Wharnsby and producer Phillip Bubal. His brother, Jermaine Friday, who had converted to Islam in 1989, is also reported to have helped his brother to the fold. Wharnsby and Bulbul told UK’s The Sun that they had been speaking to Jackson about their Muslim beliefs and felt they had become better people after converting. Perhaps that was the impetus for Jackson, who had gone from the highest of musical highs to the lowest of the lows when he faced scrutiny over his marriages, plastic surgeries, and charges of child molestation. Conversion to Islam served some of his fellow musicians well, like Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) who recently returned to music with favorable reviews. Tragically, Jackson’s conversion came too late to help him find renewal. Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009. At a press conference announcing his brother’s death, Jermaine said, “May Allah be with you, Michael, always.”

Pop superstar Michael Jackson has confirmed his conversion to Islam, according to reports in the Middle East.

he Arab-Israeli newspaper Panorama claims Jackson has announced the move and revealed plans to move to Bahrain, where he has bought property.

The singer’s Muslim brother Jermaine yesterday claimed the Thriller hitmaker had taken interest in the religion since he converted in 1989 – and had been considering converting himself following his acquittal on child abuse charges in 2005.

So - comments welcome.
What information do you have? What sources do you have?
What are you thoughts? What is your speculation? What are your reasons?

Allahu alim, I suppose. I guess we, as the public, will never know.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

7.3 Magnitude Earthquake hits Eastern Turkey

2011-10-24T00:38:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Source: http://news.com.au

Inna lillahi wa inna illahi raji'oon.

To Allah (swt) we belong, and to him we return.

Subhan'Allah. Another massive Earthquake hits our planet and take much life with it. This time in Van, Eastern Turkey (near the Iranian border.) Truly a tragedy for all of the lives lost and all of the families/people affected in a negative light.
It's truly heartbreaking to hear that over 1,000 lives are feared lost - with 217 deaths already confirmed.

I'd like to use this blog to encourage one and all who are able to donate what they can live without in order to help alleviate the situation for all affected. It's both an Islamic, and human obligation.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Problem: Aldi To Stock Discount Alcohol

2011-10-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

SeAsalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Image from: News.com.au

I'll start by saying, my wife and I love Aldi - while we won't buy anything and everything there, it's right next door to the market where we get our fruit and veg, and also halal butcher (and a few other bits and pieces). In other words, the convenience of their location and the price of what they offer is hard to ignore.
Alas, yes, they do have a very very openly displayed alcoholic aisle. One that my wife and I have to walk past each and every time we are in the grocery store (so too with every other Muslim we see in there.) Despite this, to Aldi's credit they are on the whole quite halal friendly (Yes, I mean halal certified Marshmallows.)

As an adovacte against drinking, when I saw this article on News.com.au I was naturally pretty outraged. It's almost like all of the taxes they have put on alcohol as an 'appeal to the hip pocket' or a deterrant to stop drinking/drink less means nothing to Aldi providing bargains (on all facets, apparently)

Before I go on with the article, I would like to remind people of my old post, Alcohol: Exempt From Due Scrutiny?

Anger at Aldi's booze for a buck
DISCOUNT supermarket giant Aldi will begin stocking its shelves with $1 beers - including 80c cans of light - across New South Wales from next year, despite objections from NSW Health.

The state's licensing authority has shrugged off warnings against selling super-cheap alcohol in supermarkets to give Aldi the green light for 34 outlets to stock beer for $1 a can and wine for as little as $2.25 a litre.

Health officials formally objected to the issuing of the new liquor licences, particularly in some regional and rural areas, insisting the increased access will "contribute to further alcohol-related harm and negative health outcomes".

Read more...

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Dangerous Dog Owners Could Be Jailed For Attacks

2011-10-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Image from: petcaregt.com

Just before I begin, in August I posted two blogs about the tragic death of 4 year-old Ayen Chol.For this blog to make sense:

As the title of this blog says, Dangerous Dog owners could be jailed for attacks in the near future, and rightfully so I believe.
I also feel that no one has any true argument against such a punishment, especially after the detrimental affects dangerous Dogs have had over the course of many years.

During recent dialogue there has been something of a divide as to who is at fault when it comes to those attacks. One opinion saying that certain breed of Dog are simply aggressive by nature and will attack simply because of what they are, the other opinion saying that the owner is wholly at fault. That maybe they should have treated their Dog better, or have supervised it better with others around.

Either way, honestly, I do blame the owners. If the argument that certain breeds of Dog are aggressive by nature is indeed correct, well then it was the owners choice to own such a Dog in the first place. If it's correct that it's an issue of nurture, or supervision, once again it comes down to the owner (more obviously) in this case. For the sake of society, really, I can see why owners should be help culpable in any case.

Now, I will share the article with you all.

Dog owners could be jailed for attacks
OWNERS of dangerous dogs that maim or kill could face up to 10 years jail under a draft amendment to the Queensland Criminal Code.
The Queensland Government has released the draft amendment to deal specifically with serious injury or death caused by dogs.

Attorney General Paul Lucas said the recent death of Ayen Choi in Victoria had sparked debate about Queensland's dangerous dog laws.

He said the proposed amendment to introduce a Dangerous Management of a Dog offence to the Criminal Code would make it clear that owners of dangerous dogs who attack or kill could be criminally liable.
Read more...

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Poem About Prophet Muhammed (saws) By a Companion

2011-10-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

وأحسن منك لم تر قط عيني
وأجمل منك لم تلد النساء
كأنك خلقت مبرأ من كل عيب
كأنك قد خلقت كما تشاء

"Better than you my eyes have never laid eyes upon
and more beautiful than you no woman has ever given birth to
it is as if you were born free from every deficiency
or it is as if you were created as you yourself had pleased"

Masha'Allah - just a very short post to share this insha'Allah.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Du'a For: Anxiety and Stress

2011-10-15T18:57:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Constantly we are bombarded with the teaching that this life is a test for us all. While it's a very helpful reminder, it's not exactly what you always need to be reminded of - nor is it always the help that you need. The fact that our lives in the Dunya in the test is a given and we all hear it so often that seldom do we forget this fact.

Without a shadow of doubt, one oft ignored lesson is the Du'a that our Prophet Muhammad (saws) himself used to recite in times of difficulty.
What better method could we possibly have to deal with times of difficulty?

From Tirmidhi,
Anas reported that when the Prophet (saws), was faced with times of serious difficulty, he would always supplicate, “Oh the Living, Oh the Eternal, I seek help in Your grace."
["Ya Hayyu, ya Qayyumu, bi-rahmatika astaghithu"]

From Bukhari & Muslim,
Ibn ‘Abbas reported, The Prophet (saws), at times of sorrow and grief used to supplicate, "There is no god but Allah, the Mighty, the Forbearing, there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the mighty throne, there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the heavens and the earth, and the Lord of the throne of honor”
["La ilaha illa Allah Al-’Azim, Al-’Alim, la ilaha illa Allah, Rabbul ‘arshil ‘Azim, la ilaha illa Allahu, Rabbus-Samawati wa rabbul ardi wa rabbul ‘arshi karim"]

From Abu Dawud
Abu Bakr reported that the Prophet (saws), said, “O Allah, I hope for Your mercy, so give me not over to my self even for as little as wink of an eye, and set right all my affairs, there is no god but You.”
["Allahumma rahmataka arju, fala takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘ain, wa aslah li sha’ni kullahu, la ilaha illa anta"]

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

MashaAllah - Creation is Beautiful #4: The Great Barrier Reef

2011-10-13T22:49:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

From: http://greatbarrierreef-australia.com.au

Located off of the coast of Queensland, Australia lies the world's largest reef system. Comprised of over 2,900 individual reefs, the Great Barrier Reef spans over a grand total of 344,400 square kilometers.

It (Unlike the Great Wall of China - that's right, it's a myth) is actually visible from outer space and is in turn the single largest structure built by living organisms.

From Wikipedia

Masha'Allah, yet another thing I hope to see in some capacity before I die.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Dave Chappelle - Our Brother

2011-10-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

This is something I've known for a long time, but thought I would share seeing as though I seem to see a lot of people uncertain as to whether ot not this is a hoax.
Dave Chappelle is a Muslim. Having came to Islam all the way back in 1998. Masha'Allah.

I really am inspired, too, by this quote of his that I found on his Wikipedia page: "I don’t normally talk about my religion publicly because I don’t want people to associate me and my flaws with this beautiful thing. And I believe it is beautiful if you learn it the right way."

Masha'Allah, may Allah swt continue to guide our brother and protect him. Ameen.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

A Believing Man, Should Not Hate a Believing Woman

2011-10-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

"A believing man should not hate a believing woman; if he dislikes one of her characteristics, he will be pleased with another."
[Sahih Muslim]

Just a very quick post, with inshaAllah a very quick reminder for you all. I wish in the past (AKA in my search for marriage especially) I took heed of this Hadith (that I had been told of before during my shenanigans, astaghfiruAllah).

So, if you ever see some qualities in your wife you're not too pleased for, do think of this Hadith.
No one's perfect. No one will ever please you totally. It's hard once to get used to the fact you're living with someone as a team (as per husband and wife.) But, as literally thousands of human generations before us have shown it can be done, and as people around us in our day to day can show us - it will always be do-able.

Look for the good in your wife, and let her slide with those annoying little tidbits - and be mindful to the fact that you can be sure that there's things about you that annoy her too.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Why Refuse An Older Sister?

2011-10-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

There is one thing, within common attitudes of Muslim brothers seeking marriage that has been long annoying me and that is an utter refusal my brothers speak of to marry a sister older than them.
There is no precedent to this, it's a trend that (Islamically, at least) honestly seems to have sprung up from nowhere. There was absolutely no specific Sunnah set as to whether a man should marry an older or younger sister than himself. Furthermore, there is no stance in terms of whether marrying an older/younger sister is halal or haram?
For these reasons, I just can't reach the attitude of utter refusal simply based on the fact the sister is older.

The only guidelines given in terms of seeking a partner were that a brother was to look at their piety, lineage, status, and beauty. That's right, no 'age' to be seen.

The daleel, as to why marrying an older sister is clearly permissible is obvious. The Prophet's (saws) first marriage itself was to a woman 15 years his senior.

I don't have any answers here. I'm really only just posting this up because this is so widely held, yet with no reason to it. It's a mystery, if you ask me.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah,

Refuting (Two) 'Arguments' For Culture

2011-10-12T00:53:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

In this blog inshaAllah I plan on going over a refuting a few arguments for culture people seem to use. But first, I will give my personal views on culture in Islam.

It’s one thing to have a culture, and even to be proud of it. But it’s another totally to give your culture any kind of misplaced Islamic relevance and another still to follow your culture to the word even if this means picking and choosing the parts of Islam that you will follow just to enable your cultural leanings.

On the day of judgement, the day we should be thinking of often – our culture will mean little to nothing. In fact, the only relevance that it will truly hold is a negative one and that is if you allowed it to lead your astray from Allah’s (swt) perfect deen.

In the Qur’an Allah (swt) said “This day have I perfected for you your religion and completed My favour on you and chosen for you Islam as a religion” (Qur’an 5:3) in saying this Allah (swt) is telling us that Islam alone is His complete way of life ordained to us. Islam alone is His expectation of us. And, most importantly Islam stands alone and needs nothing else. It is the perfect way of life from none other than a perfect source.

So without further ado, I will get on with the two arguments that have bothered me the most:

“My culture is based on Islam.”

This is about as poor as referencing a Hollywood movie ‘based on a true story’ for your last History assignment.

While your culture may have an ‘Islamic base’ that simply leaves Islam as an ‘inspiration’ or ‘beginning point’ to further development. Our honestly ‘stand alone’ way of life was complete, therefore when Allah (swt) completed our deen there is no need to add more two it. The simple word for this is ‘bid’ah’ (innovation) – while I’m sure that wasn’t the intention of the person who gave me this argument, deep down somewhere it’s what it leads to.

Aisha (ra) reported Muhammed (saws) as saying “Whoever innovated into this affair of ours something we have not commanded, it is to be rejected” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Now, for the second ‘argument’:

“Culture is like a raw gold. Islam purifies it.”

This argument left me dumbfounded. It really did. I just had to wonder if the person who used it in a debate with me had actually been out and about in the Muslim community and seen what I have seen, and by that I mean things including but not limited to – cultural supremacy and/or segregation, men justifying why their wives don’t wear hijab (two of the arguments I’ve heard being ‘Hijab is for fakes, deep down they wear it to hide they’re sinners’ and ‘Hijab is not compulsory so long as the woman wears a Kameez’ – wallahe, I’ve heard these! And don’t even get me started on marriages.)

But, that just me rambling.

The short and simple answer to this quote is, if Islam is the pure way of life, why even bother with culture. Better yet, why are you justifying one with the other. Better yet, why are you even dabbling in mixing perfection with imperfection.

You may say “Culture is like a raw gold. Islam purifies it.” But I say “Islam is pure gold. Culture contaminates it.”

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Polygamous Opinion

2011-10-07T00:47:00.001-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

First of all, I would like to state that this blog is strictly an opinion piece rather than Islamically factual. Anyone is free to disagree with me as always, by posting a comment. I’d certainly enjoy a debate.

As we all know, polygamy in Islam is a very contentious issue in this day and age. So, I’d like to offer to one and all my personal views on the topic and the right way to go about it. I’d also like to clarify, I do acknowledge that polygamy has an undoubtable halal status.

Polygamy is halal, of course. But halal does not automatically make it a fardh. Furthermore, the simple fact that it’s halal also does not give just anyone the right to just go ahead and do it. Along side that, for argument’s sake, if you are a brother seeking a second wife and a woman turns you down for already being married that is 100% her right, and not your place to argue and convince her to be your second wife. The best thing for you to do, would be to move on in your search.

There are plenty of sisters out there who are willing to be a co-wife. Therefore, if you want more than one wife, they are the ones you should be seeking out.
And by that, I mean seeking out from the very beginning (from your first wife onwards).

In other words, if you’re an unmarried brother and see yourself wanting a polygamous relationship in the future, then you should make this clear from your very first meeting with any woman. Openness and honesty is the key, in all of these meetings, and in a marriage in turn. This is a part of finding someone compatible.

Now, I want to put forth a question – I want your views on polygamy. Not rhetoric, either. So if you have an opinion, please utilise the comments section.

Are you in a Polygamous marriage?
Would you like to be?
(Also, if you wish for me to publish your story or views on the topic on my blog, feel more than welcome to email me on abutajaldeen@gmail.com)

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

MashaAllah - Creation is Beautiful #3: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

2011-09-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

After the raging search engine success that hit after I posted my second entry in my 'Masha'Allah - Creation is Beautiful' series I've long been pondering what should be the third.
And so, I have come to the conclusion that Victoria Falls is the clear choice.

Victoria Falls, as you may know is the largest waterfall on Earth. Located on the Zambezi river, the falls stand at a monstrous 108m tall.
It also serves as an effective divider between the upper and lower Zambezi river, with 39 species of fish living below the falls and 89 species living above it.

Masha'Allah, something I want to see before I die inshaAllah.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

How Cat Stevens Came to Islam [Repost]

2011-09-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I know this story will be long winded, but it's a story I personally heard before I, myself, became a Muslim. Masha'Allah, like all revert stories, Cat Stevens' or Yusuf Islam's story is awe inspiring. So if you have not yet read it, do take the time to do so!

May Allah swt continue to guide and protect our brother. Ameen.

This story is reposted from http://www.islamreligion.com

Cat Stevens, Former Pop star, UK

All I have to say is all what you know already, to confirm what you already know, the message of the Prophet [may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him] as given by God - the Religion of Truth. As human beings we are given a consciousness and a duty that has placed us at the top of creation… It is important to realize the obligation to rid ourselves of all illusions and to make our lives a preparation for the next life. Anybody who misses this chance is not likely to be given another, to be brought back again and again, because it says in the Glorious Quran that when man is brought to account, he will say, “O Lord, send us back and give us another chance. The Lord will say, ‘If I send you back you will do the same.’”

My Early Religious Upbringing

I was brought up in the modern world of all the luxury and the high life of show business. I was born in a Christian home, but we know that every child is born in his original nature - it is only his parents that turn him to this or that religion. I was given this religion (Christianity) and thought this way. I was taught that God exists, but there was no direct contact with God, so we had to make contact with Him through Jesus - he was in fact the door to God. This was more or less accepted by me, but I did not swallow it all.

I looked at some of the statues of Jesus; they were just stones with no life. And when they said that God is three, I was puzzled even more but could not argue. I more or less believed it, because I had to have respect for the faith of my parents.

Pop Star

Gradually I became alienated from this religious upbringing. I started making music. I wanted to be a big star. All those things I saw in the films and on the media took hold of me, and perhaps I thought this was my God, the goal of making money. I had an uncle who had a beautiful car. “Well, I said, “he has it made. He has a lot of money.” The people around me influenced me to think that this was it; this world was their God.

I decided then that this was the life for me; to make a lot of money, have a ‘great life.’ Now my examples were the pop stars. I started making songs, but deep down I had a feeling for humanity, a feeling that if I became rich I would help the needy. (It says in the Quran, we make a promise, but when we make something, we want to hold onto it and become greedy.)

So what happened was that I became very famous. I was still a teenager, my name and photo were splashed in all the media. They made me larger than life, so I wanted to live larger than life, and the only way to do that was to be intoxicated (with liquor and drugs).

In Hospital

After a year of financial success and ‘high’ living, I became very ill, contracted TB and had to be hospitalized. It was then that I started to think: What was to happen to me? Was I just a body, and my goal in life was merely to satisfy this body? I realized now that this calamity was a blessing given to me by God, a chance to open my eyes - “Why am I here? Why am I in bed?” - and I started looking for some of the answers. At that time, there was great interest in the Eastern mysticism. I began reading, and the first thing I began to become aware of was death, and that the soul moves on; it does not stop. I felt I was taking the road to bliss and high accomplishment. I started meditating and even became a vegetarian. I now believed in ‘peace and flower power,’ and this was the general trend. But what I did believe in particular was that I was not just a body. This awareness came to me at the hospital.

One day when I was walking, and I was caught in the rain, I began running to the shelter and then I realized, ‘Wait a minute, my body is getting wet, my body is telling me I am getting wet.’ This made me think of a saying that the body is like a donkey, and it has to be trained where it has to go. Otherwise, the donkey will lead you where it wants to go.

Then I realized I had a will, a God-given gift: follow the will of God. I was fascinated by the new terminology I was learning in the Eastern religion. By now, I was fed up with Christianity. I started making music again, and this time I started reflecting my own thoughts. I remember the lyric of one of my songs. It goes like this: “I wish I knew, I wish I knew what makes the Heaven, what makes the Hell. Do I get to know You in my bed or some dusty cell while others reach the big hotel?” and I knew I was on the Path.

I also wrote another song, “The Way to Find God Out.” I became even more famous in the world of music. I really had a difficult time because I was getting rich and famous, and at the same time, I was sincerely searching for the Truth. Then I came to a stage where I decided that Buddhism is all right and noble, but I was not ready to leave the world. I was too attached to the world and was not prepared to become a monk and to isolate myself from society.

I tried Zen and Ching, numerology, tarot cards and astrology. I tried to look back into the Bible and could not find anything. At this time I did not know anything about Islam, and then, what I regarded as a miracle occurred. My brother had visited the mosque in Jerusalem and was greatly impressed that while on the one hand it throbbed with life (unlike the churches and synagogues which were empty), on the other hand, an atmosphere of peace and tranquility prevailed.

The Quran

When he came to London, he brought back a translation of the Quran, which he gave to me. He did not become a Muslim, but he felt something in this religion, and thought I might find something in it also.

And when I received the book, a guidance that would explain everything to me - who I was; what was the purpose of life; what was the reality and what would be the reality; and where I came from - I realized that this was the true religion; religion not in the sense the West understands it, not the type for only your old age. In the West, whoever wishes to embrace a religion and make it his only way of life is deemed a fanatic. I was not a fanatic; I was at first confused between the body and the soul. Then I realized that the body and soul are not apart and you don’t have to go to the mountain to be religious. We must follow the will of God. Then we can rise higher than the angels. The first thing I wanted to do now was to be a Muslim.

I realized that everything belongs to God, that slumber does not overtake Him. He created everything. At this point I began to lose the pride in me, because hereto I had thought the reason I was here was because of my own greatness. But I realized that I did not create myself, and the whole purpose of my being here was to submit to the teaching that has been perfected by the religion we know as Al-Islam. At this point, I started discovering my faith. I felt I was a Muslim. On reading the Quran, I now realized that all the Prophets sent by God brought the same message. Why then were the Jews and Christians different? I know now how the Jews did not accept Jesus as the Messiah and that they had changed His Word. Even the Christians misunderstand God’s Word and called Jesus the son of God. Everything made so much sense. This is the beauty of the Quran; it asks you to reflect and reason, and not to worship the sun or moon but the One Who has created everything. The Quran asks man to reflect upon the sun and moon and God’s creation in general. Do you realize how different the sun is from the moon? They are at varying distances from the earth, yet appear the same size to us; at times, one seems to overlap the other.

Even when many of the astronauts go to space, they see the insignificant size of the earth and vastness of space. They become very religious, because they have seen the Signs of God.

When I read the Quran further, it talked about prayer, kindness and charity. I was not a Muslim yet, but I felt that the only answer for me was the Quran, and God had sent it to me, and I kept it a secret. But the Quran also speaks on different levels. I began to understand it on another level, where the Quran says, “Those who believe do not take disbelievers for friends and the believers are brothers.” Thus at this point I wished to meet my Muslim brothers.

Conversion

Then I decided to journey to Jerusalem (as my brother had done). At Jerusalem, I went to the mosque and sat down. A man asked me what I wanted. I told him I was a Muslim. He asked what was my name. I told him, “Stevens.” He was confused. I then joined the prayer, though not so successfully. Back in London, I met a sister called Nafisa. I told her I wanted to embrace Islam, and she directed me to the New Regent Mosque. This was in 1977, about one and a half years after I received the Quran. Now I realized that I must get rid of my pride, get rid of Satan, and face one direction. So on a Friday, after the Friday congrational prayer service, I went to the Imam (Prayer Leader) and declared my faith (the Shahaadah) at this hands. You have before you someone who had achieved fame and fortune. But guidance was something that eluded me, no matter how hard I tried, until I was shown the Quran. Now I realize I can get in direct contact with God, unlike Christianity or any other religion. As one Hindu lady told me, “You don’t understand the Hindus. We believe in one God; we use these objects (idols) to merely concentrate.” What she was saying was that in order to reach God, one has to create associates, that are idols for the purpose. But Islam removes all these barriers. The only thing that moves the believers from the disbelievers is the salat (prayer). This is the process of purification.

Finally, I wish to say that everything I do is for the pleasure of God and pray that you gain some inspirations from my experiences. Furthermore, I would like to stress that I did not come into contact with any Muslim before I embraced Islam. I read the Quran first and realized that no person is perfect. Islam is perfect, and if we imitate the conduct of the Prophet we will be successful.

May God give us guidance to follow the path of the nation of Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him. Ameen!

Today Tonight’s false depiction of Muslims exposed

2011-09-23T03:46:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

As an intelligent Australian Muslim brother, I am an avid hater of the sensationalist media - the way they twist and the way they lie. One such example, well known amongst, well, everyone is A Current Affair. A probably better known example however is Today Tonight on Channel 7.

Ahmed Kilani, of MuslimVillage.com has dissected one of their anti-Islamic stories to great affect. I would really encourage you all to spread this one far and wide. It's about time wider Australia's eyes are opened to this show.

It's about time they are taken off of the air, and for the sake of Channel 7's credibility, I'd suggest they do so.

Without further ado, I will get to posting the story.

Today Tonight’s false depiction of Muslims exposed

The current global phenomenon of having an irrational fear of anything and every thing Islamic is without a doubt most prevalent in the mainstream media depiction of Muslims. In fact it has reached such a level that it is now rare to find fair and balanced reporting of issues affecting Islam and Muslims in mainstream Western media.

Even more concerning is that with some media outlets it goes beyond a lack of fairness and into the realm of pursuing a deliberate policy of portraying Muslims and Islam in a negative manner. A harsh accusation? Perhaps to some, but this can be the only logical conclusion reached when examining the level of deception and distortion that is presented as factual reporting by some media outlets.

In Australia by far the biggest offender on commercial television is without doubt the tabloid current affairs show Today Tonight that screens on the Seven Network.

In one of the latest in a current trend of Islamophobic stories on everything from Halal food to Shariah Law, Today Tonight aired a story on Aug 23 2011 called “The Muslim Recruitment Drive” by reporter Bryan Seymour

Watch it first and then read our own “exclusive report” into the story (Please note MuslimVillage.com has no control over the advertisements):

[Follow the link above to view the story on Muslim Village]

Besides the now usual sensationalist, unsubstaniated and ignorant claims that Today Tonight likes to tarnish Australian Muslims with, this story was also an example of lazy and unprofessional journalism.
Here is why:

1 – The Mosque that is actually a Church

Today Tonight has depicted a Greek Orthodox Church in Belmore (that clearly has a cross showing) as a Mosque. What is even more embarrassing is that the story used footage of the Church and ran audio saying “in a community centre in the suburbs” depicting the venue where Muslims had a meeting.

To add to the embarrassment, they used a still from the video of the Church to promote the story on their website:

If I was from the congregation of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Belmore, I would be very concerned that my church was being used to host meetings by converts to Islam.

Maybe Today Tonight confused a Church in Belmore with a Mosque in Lakemba. I guess they are both places of worship, they are both in Western Sydney, they are both built from white sandstone bricks. They probably missed the minaret on the Mosque and the Cross on the Church, but hey let us not let facts get in the way of a good story.

Lakemba Mosque

All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Belmore
2 – The Australian Muslim population figure that keeps changing

In the the introduction to the story Matt White claimed the following:

“Muslim leaders want more people and more power, and our exclusive report uncovers the recruitment drive to convert more Australians.”

He then claims that the just completed Census will show that the number of Australian Muslims “has doubled to about 800,000″, without providing any source or reference for his claim.

Even if his claim of a doubling in numbers was true, the latest official Australian Bureau of Statistics Census figures for 2006 showed a figure of 340,393 for the number of Australian Muslims. Obviously a doubling of this figure is more than 100,000 less than Matt White’s 800,000.

White then claims that “Muslim leaders want more people and power” – again providing no source for his allegation. He further states “that a recent letter to the faithful claims that democracy is just a numbers game” – again citing no source for the letter or his allegation.

Matt White then introduces ”the exclusive report by Bryan Seymour that uncovers the recruitment drive to convert more Australians” and the trend of unsubstantiated claims and falsehoods continues.

The so-called recruitment drive was as already explained incorrectly depicted as having taken place at a Greek Orthodox Church. Besides that, it in fact was not a recruitment drive at all, but according to the Australian New Muslims Association that organised the event, it was an Iftar (or breaking of the fast gathering in Ramadan) that Seymour himself makes mention of later in his report.

After showing some footage of the “recruitment drive”, Seymour claims that “the 2006 Census showed there were 345,000 Muslims” (actual figure is 340,393) and that “Muslim leaders claim that the future could be as high as 600,000″ contradicting the 800,000 claimed by White at the start of the story. Once again no sources or reference are given for the allegations, except some mysterious letter.

Seymour then states that this time around, Muslim Leaders wanted to make sure that this census is different. And says “this is how they are going to do it”.

They then for some reason show footage of an anti-Mubarak rally outside Lakemba Mosque from Feb this year. I know this because it is footage that MuslimVillage.com recorded. You can view the clip here: http://muslimvillage.com/2011/02/04/anti-mubarak-protest-sydney-australia/. Today Tonight used a segment from about 2min 50 secs of the clip.

3 -The Mysterious Letter

Today Tonight then go on to show a copy of a letter allegedly from Muslim leaders to the Muslim community – without showing the letter head, who wrote it, or any other details. In fact it is just a blurry image of a letter that is shown on the screen with the claim that this was sent out to the Muslim community.

They then take quotes from the letter and claim that these mysterious leaders are calling on Muslims “to tick the box to further their political aims” and “how democracy is just a numbers game”.

We conducted our own research and worked out that “the letter from Muslim leaders” Today Tonight is quoting was taken from an article we published on MuslimVillage.com titled “Australian Muslims encouraged to tick Islam in Census” on Aug 9 2011 ( http://muslimvillage.com/2011/08/09/australian-muslims-encouraged-to-tick-islam-in-census/)

The article was about the 2011 Australian Census and contained a letter from the President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Ikbal Patel encouraging Muslims to fill in the Census section on religion to properly reflect the true numbers of the Australian Muslim community to ensure the government can take this into account when allocating services to the community at large. At no stage is there a mention of a recruitment drive or a grab for political power. This is clear to anybody that reads the article.

What Today Tonight have done is not only take selected quotes completely out of context to create what can be best described as a “beat up” on Australian Muslims, but they have deliberately not disclosed the source and hidden the context of the letter to enable their claims not to be scrutinised. This is unprofessional and unethical journalism at best.

4 – Iran becomes Afghanistan

The inaccuracy continues when they show some interview footage of a ex-Muslim by the name of Maryam Namazie, stating that she escaped from Iran. These claims might be true, but I am not sure why Today Tonight then choose to show what is clearly footage of Afghanistan, not Iran when referring to her escape. I guess if a Church can become a Mosque, why can’t Afghanistan become Iran?

5 – Islamophobes and further out of context quotes

Although I won’t go into in-depth details, during the story Seymour claims that although Sheikh Shady Al Suleiman spoke about “love and acceptance” at the iftar, he was then shocked to listen to his sermons given at Lakemba Mosque (which Today Tonight played a section of). Sheikh Shady informed me that his quotes were taken completely out of context and failed to mention the many rights that a wife has over a husband in the sermon Today Tonight showed.

It is also interesting to note why Today Tonight chose to use a British based ex-Muslim Maryam Namazie and the known Islamophobe Cory Bernardi, as some sort of expert commentators on Australian Muslims.

As an Australian and a Muslim, like everyone else in our community I am fed up with shock jocks and tabloid media like Today Tonight depicting our community in a negative, stereotypical and sensationalist manner.

Most of the stories that are run about Muslims are far too often either huge distortions of the truth or just out right lies, as in this story. From a professional point of view, they are also amateurish and showed sloppy “journalism”.

Is it any wonder with all this blatant Islamophobic depiction of Muslims that many believe that the war on terror is in reality a war on Islam – the argument being that the mainstream media is being used in the ideological battle for the hearts and minds as a support for the physical battle of war.

One would hope that in the wake of the recent investigations into the behaviour of certain sections of the media in Britain and soon Australia, that journalists will begin to lift their game. Perhaps it won’t change their modus operandi, but hopefully it will at least show some of them up as the unethical and unprofessional “journalists” they have become.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Jesus Through a Muslim Lens [Repost]

2011-09-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I thought it was about time I posted something about the mighty Prophet of Islam Jesus (as) - so I am making just a very quick repost from IslamiCity.com. Insha'Allah this is beneficial.

Jesus Through a Muslim Lens

Jesus of Nazareth is the most widely revered religious figure in the world. Not only is he central to Christianity, the largest religion in the world, he is also venerated throughout Islam, the world's second largest faith.

Christians may be surprised to learn that Muslims believe in the Virgin Birth and Jesus' miracles. But this shared interest in his message goes much further.

In our scientific age, the miraculous side of Jesus' story has greatly obscured his role in the prophetic tradition. In this sense, there may be more important questions for Muslims and Christians than whether he walked on water or raised the dead.

In the Muslim view, Jesus' essential work was not to replicate magic bread or to test our credulity, but to complement the legalism of the Torah with a leavening compassion rarely expressed in the older testament. His actions and words introduce something new to monotheism: They develop the merciful spirit of God's nature. Jesus confirmed the Torah, stressing the continuity of his lineage, but he also developed the importance of compassion and self-purification as crucial links between learning the words of God's message and possessing the wisdom to carry it out.

Oddly enough, some of the recent work by New Testament scholars seems to have reached a view of Christ not all that different from Muslims'. For us and for these scholars, Jesus appears not as a literal son of God in human form, but as an inspired human being, a teacher of wisdom with a talent for love drawn from an unbroken relationship to God. Both versions present him as a man who spoke to common people in universal terms.

Two events in the life of the prophet Muhammad may help explain why Muslims revere the Christian Jesus.

The first event involves an elder resident of Mecca named Waraqa bin Nawfal. This man was an early Arab Christian and an uncle of Muhammad's wife, Khadija. We know he could read Hebrew, that he was mystical by nature, and that he attended Khadija and Muhammad's wedding in about 595 C.E. Fifteen years later, a worried Khadija sought Waraqa out and brought her husband to him.

At the time, Muhammad was a 40-year-old respected family man. He attended this "family therapy" session in a rare state of agitation. He was frightened. He had been meditating one evening in a cave on the outskirts of town. There, while half asleep, he had experienced something so disturbing that he feared he was possessed. A voice had spoken to him.

Waraqa listened to his story, which Muslims will recognize as a description of Muhammad's first encounter with the angel Gabriel. When it was finished, Waraqa assured him he was not possessed.

"What you have heard is the voice of the same spiritual messenger God sent to Moses. I wish I could be a young man when you become a prophet! I would like to be alive when your own people expel you."

"Will they expel me?" Muhammad asked.

"Yes," the old man said. "No one has ever brought his people the news you bring without meeting hostility. If I live to see the day, I will support you."

Christians will recognize in Waraqa's remarks an aphorism associated with Jesus: "A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country." But that a Christian should first have verified Muhammad's role as a prophet may come as a surprise.

The second important event concerning Islam and Christianity dates from 616, a few years after Muhammad began to preach publicly. This first attempt to reinstate the Abrahamic tradition in Mecca met (as Waraqa had warned) with violent opposition.

Perhaps the Meccans resented Muhammad's special claim. Perhaps his message of a single, invisible, ever-present God threatened the economy of their city. A month's ride south from the centers of power in Syria and Persia, poor remote Mecca depended on long-distance trade and on seasonal pilgrims who came there each year to honor hundreds of pagan idols, paying a tax to do so.

At any rate, Muhammad's disruptive suggestion that "God was One" and could be found anywhere did not sit well with the businessmen of Mecca.

Many new Muslims were being tortured. Their livelihoods were threatened, their families persecuted. As matters grew worse, in 616 Muhammad sent a small band of followers across the Red Sea to seek shelter in the Christian kingdom of Axum. There, he told them, they would find a just ruler, the Negus, who could protect them. The Muslims found the Negus in his palace, somewhere in the borderland between modern Ethiopia and Eritrea.

And protect them he did, after one Muslim recited to him some lines on the Virgin Mary from the Qur'an. The Negus wept at what he heard. Between Christians and Muslims, he said, he could not make out more difference than the thickness of a twig.

These two stories underscore the support Christians gave Muhammad in times of trial. The Qur'an distils the meaning from the drama:

Those who feel the most affection
For us (who put our faith in the Qur'an),
Are those that say, "We are Christians,"
For priests and monks live among them
Who are not arrogant. When they listen
To what We have shown Muhammad,
Their eyes brim over with tears
At the truth they find there....

Even today, when a Muslim mentions Jesus' name, you will hear it followed by the phrase "peace and blessings be upon him," because Muslims still revere him as a prophet.

We believe in God
And in what has been sent down to us,
What has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael
And Isaac and Jacob and their offspring,
And what was given to Moses and to Jesus
And all the other prophets of the Lord.
We make no distinction among them.

As these lines from the Qur'an make clear, Muslims regard Jesus as one of the world's great teachers. He and his mentor John the Baptist stand in a lineage stretching back to the founder of ethical monotheism. Moreover, among Muslims, Jesus is a special type of prophet, a messenger empowered to communicate divinity not only in words but by miracles as well.

Muslims, it must be said, part company with some Christians over the portrait of Jesus developed in the fourth and fifth centuries. Certain fictions, Muslims think, were added then. Three of these come in for special mention: First, Muslims consider monastic asceticism a latter-day innovation, not an original part of Jesus' way. Second, the New Testament suffers from deletions and embellishments added after Jesus' death by men who did not know him. Third, the description of Jesus as God's son is considered by Muslims a later, blasphemous suggestion.

Muslims venerate Jesus as a divinely inspired human but never, ever as "the son of God." In the same vein, we treat the concept of the Trinity as a late footnote to Jesus' teachings, an unnecessary "mystery" introduced by the North African theologian Tertullian two centuries after Jesus' death. Nor do Muslims view his death as an act of atonement for mankind's sins. Rather, along with the early Christian theologian Pelagius, Islam rejects the doctrine of original sin, a notion argued into church doctrine by St. Augustine around the year 400.

It might almost be said that Islam holds a view of Jesus similar to some of the early apostolic versions condemned by the fourth-century Byzantine Church. Once Constantine installed Christianity as the Roman Empire's state religion, a rage for orthodoxy followed. The Councils of Nicaea (325), Tyre (335), Constantinople (381), Ephesus (431), and Chalcedon (451) were official, often brutal attempts to stamp out heterodox views of Jesus held by "heretical" theologians.

Rulings by these councils led to the persecution and deaths of tens of thousands of early Christians at the hands of more "orthodox" Christians who condemned them. Most disputes centered on divergent interpretations of the Trinity. For this reason, historians of religion sometimes see in these bloody divisions one of the root causes for early Islam's firmly unitarian outlook.

Then and now, no more dangerous religious mistake exists for a Muslim than dividing the Oneness of God by twos or threes.

Despite these important differences, however, the Qur'an repeatedly counsels Muslims not to dispute with other monotheists over matters of doctrine. People, it says, believe differently for good reasons. In fact, that is a part of Allah's will.

To My Dear Wife...

2011-09-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

This is a post, basically to show some love and some gratitude to my dearest loving wife.

She puts up with me when I'm at home. When I'm feeling lazy, when I get argumentative, when I get moody.
She puts up with the fact that I'm not around as much as I'd like to be. Sometimes I'm seeing my friends, sometimes I'm seeing my family, but most of the time I'm bored witless at work.
She puts up with my complaints and she goes easy on me when I'm stressed our.
She's supportive of me with my dreams and my goals, and will push me as hard as she can to see me achieve them, and even exceed them.

She encourages me to help out around the house, she recognises I'm not the kind of guy to sit on his behind all day doing the mundane over the necessary. She doesn't see it as not manly at all when I want to cook for her, or guests. Or when I do the dishes.

I don't know what to say, as these are just the added bonuses after a pious wife who prays, fasts, knows her deen and is helping mine masha'Allah.

My wife, is amazing.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

An E-mail From Jonathon P.

2011-09-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Brothers and sisters, I recieved an e-mail from a reader, with permission to post it. I had never thought of offering this blog up as something of a soapbox - but we are getting more and more hits by the day, so why not? If there is anything you wish for me to post about, or post on your behalf just e-mail it to abutajaldeen@gmail.com

We are still looking for revert stories too! Of course, as always.

Dear Abu Khadijah.

I have been reading your blog since I found it on Twitter a few months ago and wish to give you a congratulations job well done.

I give you permission to post my problems with the Muslim community if you wish, or to write about it. I have been reading about Islam due to an interest of the unknown, I suppose. There are some very great examples of Islam in the Muslim community and then you come across people who give it worse than they get it.

What I mean is a harsh hostility towards the 'kuffar' as a group and the notion that all non muslims are the enemy of Islam by default.

I love Islam, even though I'm not a Muslim I respect it as an ideology and Muslims as people. But when I'm reading through what some Muslims are saying about me, without even knowing me simply because I 'belong' to a certain category of people it's very disheartening as someone who is investigating with an open mind.

I want to tell Muslims, I'm not an enemy of Islam. I don't hate Islam. I hate bigotry - to you, and from you.

Jonathon P.

A while ago, I began a series that still only has one post - on Daw'ah Tips. Insha'Allah I'll soon become less lazy with it, and make a post address your insight, Jonathon.

May Allah swt grant us all what's best. Ameen.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

The Drink Driver With Three Children in the Car

2011-09-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I was driving though Tynong, Victoria (Australia) this morning to get to work, and I noticed an unusual amount of police on the road. Not just driving around, but standing on the sides of the road.
Of course, I immediately assume the worst so when I got to BP in Longwarry (A gas, or petrol station) I decide I'll use Twitter to see what all the commotion was about.

Subhan'Allah.
You would not believe what I found.

Drunk woman had three kids in her car
A 36-YEAR-old woman pulled over for drink driving had three children in the car, police say.

Police had received numerous phone calls about an erratic driver heading west on the Princes Freeway in the vicinity of Warragul and Garfield in Victoria's east last night.

Police pulled the car over at Tynong after they saw it veer across both city-bound lanes.

...Read more here

Honestly, I just don't mentally reach some people at all. What on earth could possess anyone to do this? Like, clearly she could not possibly be of sound mind.

Just an example of terrible parenting, on so many levels.

Wasalaam.

Fatwa: Is Hunting In The Sacred Months Haram?

2011-09-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I know, it's been a while. I've just been moving house with my wife and my access to the internet as a result has become less steady. Insha'Allah things will get better very soon after we settle in.
Just thought I'd give you all a quick repost from IslamQA, to let you all know I'm still alive - and to give all who didn't know the following just that little bit more knowledge.

Q:
Is hunting in the sacred months haraam?

A:
Praise be to Allaah.

The sacred months are Rajab, Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram. These are what are referred to in the verse (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, the number of months with Allaah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allaah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islamic calendar). That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein” [al-Tawbah 9:36]

There is nothing wrong with hunting in these months; rather the prohibition on hunting is connected to two things:

1 Ihraam for Hajj or ‘Umrah, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Kill not the game while you are in a state of Ihraam [for Hajj or ‘Umrah (pilgrimage)], and whosoever of you kills it intentionally, the penalty is an offering, brought to the Ka‘bah, of an eatable animal (i.e. sheep, goat, cow) equivalent to the one he killed, as adjudged by two just men among you; or, for expiation, he should feed Masaakeen (poor persons), or its equivalent in Sawm (fasting), that he may taste the heaviness (punishment) of his deed. Allaah has forgiven what is past, but whosoever commits it again, Allaah will take retribution from him. And Allaah is All‑Mighty, All-Able of Retribution” [al-Maa’idah 5:95]

Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

This is Allaah’s prohibition on killing game when in the state of ihraam, and a prohibition on being involved in any activities of this nature. End quote.

Tafseer Ibn Katheer (2/99).

2 Hunting within the limits of the Sanctuary, which means Makkah and Madeenah, because of the ahaadeeth that were narrated concerning that.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stood up on the day of the Conquest and said:

“Allaah sanctified Makkah the day He created the heavens and the earth, so it is sacred by the sanctity decreed by Allaah until the Day of Resurrection. It was not permitted for anyone before me to fight therein and will never be permitted to anyone after me, and it was only permitted to me for part of a day. Its game is not to be disturbed and its thorns are not to be cut.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1284) and Muslim (1353).

The relevant point here is the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Its game is not to be disturbed.” This hadeeth clearly states that it is haraam to disturb the game of Makkah, so it is more appropriate that hunting itself is forbidden.

As for Madeenah, it is proven in al-Saheeh that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) used to say: If I saw gazelles grazing in Madeenah I would not disturb them. The Messenger of Allaah (S) said: “The area between its two lava fields is a sanctuary.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1774) and Muslim (1372).

The lava fields are the harrahs or areas of black stone, and Madeenah is between two lava fields, east and west.

As for the sacred months, there is no connection between them and the prohibition on hunting.

And Allaah knows best.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Ramadan; It's Time to Reflect

2011-08-27T04:43:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Subhan'Allah! We're so close to the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Therefore it's time for us to all reflect.

Did we meet the goals we set for ourselves?
Did we fast as best we could for the entire month?
Have we used this time of devotion and will power to break old habits and begin good new ones?
Was our focus on our Salah above all else?

If not - ask Allah swt for forgiveness. And remember, it's our niyah (intentions) that truly count, and inshaAllah with good and sincere intentions we can make next Ramadan better (no matter how good or bad this one was for us) than this one!

May Allah swt accept all of our fasts, and keep us firm upon his path. Ameen.

Just a quick reminder.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.
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Revert Story: (bosssanz) My Journey

2011-08-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

In response to my requests for revert stories, I was contacted by a brother on Twitter giving me permission to post his revert story up on the blog, and in turn add it to our slowly growing revert story archive inshaAllah.

May Allah swt reward our brother in Islam and make his emaan stronger by the day. Ameen.

JazakaAllahu kheyr for allowing me to share your story, ahkee.

My Journey

This is my story. A look inside my struggle of how looking inside my self influenced me to take a leap of faith. This is one of those stories that needs to be told backwards. Telling the end before the beginning to see the beauty of it all. With that said, I should tell you now that I have reverted to Islam.

For those of you who know me, that was a bombshell. I was born to Christian parents from different denominations, but seeing as my dad was a Catholic at the time, I was baptized in a Catholic church and went through a first communion. When my parents separated, I was brought to Born Again Christian churches and I honestly didn’t know what that meant. I never really identified myself with a specific religion until I got older. In high school, I decided that since I was baptized in a Catholic church, I should be a Catholic, plus most of my friends were Catholic. I attended mass, I observed Lent, but I never understood the faith. I didn’t have an interest in reading the Bible coz I was always taught that it was up to the reader’s interpretation. The years went on, I was a typical unreligious Catholic. I prayed only when I needed to and I never went to mass. Whatever it was that I thought I had, I wasn’t happy. But I wasn’t motivated enough to make a change so I just wandered through life aimlessly.

I guess growing up by myself affected my faith. I didn’t have a strong religious background in my family or I found them to be hypocritical (going to church, then swearing as soon as we got home). I was misguided, as if it was the blind leading the blind. Not having the proper guidance is what lead me astray for years.

Fast forward to Summer of 2011. I was going through drama with my gf, with my dad, with my job, I was worried about my future, my physical well being, my financial stability. Whatever the combination of it all was, I was overwhelmed. I’m 24, I was out of school, working a barely over minimum wage job, and I didn’t have a close knit family. I was borderline depressed.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, it did. On June 30th, I lost my job. All my stress had finally taken a toll on my performance and attendance at work. I guess I saw it coming, but it was a shock altogether. This was the start of my spiral out of control. Suddenly having all the time in the world to do anything led me to a path of destruction. I had money, time, and I was bored. I felt alone coz all my friends were busy at work and too tired to hang out after. I turned to drugs to escape. I started popping pain pills and sleeping pills, drinking prescription cough syrup, smoking weed. Everyday was the same, I slept for 12-14hrs of the day and high the rest of the time I was awake.

The loneliness kept pulling me further into the dark. When the middle of July rolled around, my friends started to notice a change in behavior. They kept telling me that I had a shorter fuse and was becoming hostile. They stopped checking in and wanting to hang out. All I had left was my gf and my best friend, but they were going through their own problems as well. It was a week before my birthday and I was no longer excited. I was honestly suicidal. I upped the drugs. On July 28, I took a half cup of sprite, poured half cup of cough syrup, and mixed in smashed allergy medicine. To make things more interesting, I drank two sleeping pills and a muscle relaxer. Then smoked a bowl of weed. All in one session. I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to wake up from that. I wrote a love letter to my gf just in case I didn’t wake up and I recorded a goodbye message on my phone. I slept for 20hrs that night. Miraculously, I woke up, but I was crying coz I kept thinking to myself ‘why did you even wake me up?’

My birthday, July 30, rolled around, I didn’t have a great day. I went to the club the night before, got really wasted, had a terrible hangover, and had to go to a family bbq the next day for my birthday. The worst part was when I got there, they didn’t know it was my birthday. Being surrounded full of people that made me feel alone further reinforced my loneliness. My own family forgot my birthday. I missed dinner with my gf because of that horrible bbq and she got upset. I understood why she was upset, but I wasn’t happy and because I wasn’t happy I could make anyone else happy. I wanted to be done with my life.

Then Ramadan started. It wasn’t the first time I’ve observed, but I felt like I really needed to observe this year so I could purify my soul. Even with that goal in mind, I thought it was going to be like any other Ramadan; fasting from dawn til dusk and me complaining about my hunger and thirst all day. But it was different. I abstained from tv and music, I immersed myself in the Islam community by communicating with others about my fast. The more I immersed myself, the more self reflection I did on my spare time. The more I got to learn about Islam and its message, the more at peace I became with myself. I picked up the Quran and started reading and I started reading verses that I related to. I prayed in the morning and asked for strength for my fast and I prayed at night to thank God for my blessings throughout the day. I suddenly had clarity.

As days went by, I was becoming more and more convinced that this was the path for me. For the first time in 24 years, I felt enlightened. Don’t get me wrong, I was still committing sins, but at night when I prayed to ask God for forgiveness, I found myself crying. That’s when I realized He was answering my prayers, forgiving my sins, and purifying my heart. Coming into a prayer when I knew I had done wrong, I knew I needed to be sincere to ask for repentance and He truly is Merciful coz He saw the purity and intention from my heart and forgave me.

The decision to revert was heavily influenced by conversations I had with Him. One morning, I talked to Him for almost an hour, I told Him that I was imperfect, that I’ve committed my sins, and almost my whole lifestyle was Haram. I drank alcohol, did drugs, I have tattoos all over my body, I’m having sex without marriage, etc. But I was always brought back by the idea that once I become Muslim, I could start off with a clean slate. So I started asking questions.

I questioned why He had taken away things from me, I questioned why He kept me alive after all those times I’ve tried to kill myself, I questioned why bad things happened to me. And He answered, thru the fasting of my stomach, he fed my soul. I realized that he took things away from me coz I didn’t need them and I learned to be content with less. I realized that he kept me alive coz I was blessed with luxuries many people around the world only dream about and I learned self restraint, patience, and tolerance. I realized that bad things happened to me coz if He loves someone He doesn’t give them anything they couldn’t handle and I learned to be grateful for everything that comes my way. I have learned so much this Ramadan, but I know there’s a lot more to learn. Life isn’t too long, unfair, or difficult, its exactly how Allah planned it. I have nothing to fear coz as long as I feed my faith, my fears will starve to death.

Two nights ago, I sat on my bed with my headphones on listening to music and out of nowhere I started crying. I didn’t know why exactly, but I cried for about 3hrs. Not sobbing, but just silent tears. I took it as a sign that I needed to take the leap of faith. I took it as a sign from Allah that it was time for me to be on the right path.

So I decided to speak to someone about reverting. I knew little of Islam, but from what little I knew, I knew that it was the path for me. My mentor told me that there was plenty of time for me to learn. He asked if I was ready to declare my Shahadah. I said yes, so he told me to repeat after him, ‘La ilah illa Allah, Muhammad rasoolu Allah.’ I said it with sincerity and conviction and like you wouldn’t believe, tears started falling down my face. I knew I had made the right decision.

My mentor, let’s call him Fahad, congratulated me on becoming a Muslim. He joked that I had my two necessary witnesses, him and Allah. He taught me the basics of prayer, wuduu, and transliteration of the common Arabic words used in prayer. He gave me guides on being a new Muslim. Before he left, he saw the look in my eyes, it was a slight fear of the unknown. Realizing this, he turned to me and said, ‘I know its a lot to take in right now and it might just feel like a set of rules, but the beauty of Islam is that you can take it at your own pace. Learning Arabic, how to pray properly, passages of the Quran- it all takes time. As long as you are sincere, Allah will make it easy for you.’ Alhamdulillah for bringing Fahad into my life to help me start my new journey.

So here I am. August 24, 2011. New to Islam. A revert Muslim. Allahu akbar. He pulled me out of the depths of despair and saved me. He’s given me another chance because he knows I deserve it and that I have a greater purpose in life. More proof to the saying better late than never. There’s a lot that I have to learn, but over time I hope to be the Muslim that he intends me to be. InshAllah.

This is going to sound cliche, but Islam and Allah saved my life. I am truly grateful. Subhana Allah.

The story posted on our brothers Tumblr.

Masha'Allah!!
May we welcome our new brother to the family, and continue our du'as for him!!!

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah

My Muslim Bully

2011-08-23T23:35:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I have recieved another revert story masha'Allah. A truly heart warming one.
Insha'Allah I hope you are all as inspired and touched upon reading this as I was.

My Muslim Bully

Asalam alaykum.
I am Paul, a brother in Islam. I came to Islam in 2002 alhamdulillah (yes, not long after 9/11!)
My story is long and complex, so please assume nothing until you have finished it. I'd like to say my bully and I are very close friends to this day (you'll understand what I mean by the end of the story.)

Back in school I was a nerd. In a lot of ways I seemed to be bully-bait. I did not and still do not know why but I was bullied very badly. It made me hate myself, it made me wish I could hide from society.
"Mick" (Mohammed), was a new kid in school. He fit right in with the popular kids. He was just like anyone else, another person who ganged up on me.

I had no idea "Mick" was a Muslim. In fact, he hid it. He'd do what all of his friends would do. And yes, that even meant going out to parties, drinking. Just what you'd expect I suppose.
I also had no idea why "Mick" left his old school and came to ours, or that it was linked to being bullied for being Muslim after the turbulance of 9/11.
He had since told me that he would hide his actions from his parents (the partying etc.) whom he loved. But he always knew if they found out he would be in a lot of trouble with them. He had to do it to fit in at school, he felt. But he had to hide it to fit in at home.

After a while, "Mick" came to me and apologised and asked to start over. He's told me that this came from him reflecting on what he went through, and how he couldn't stand inflicting it on someone else. He wanted to make up for all the pain he had caused me, but wanted to keep it secret from all of his friends.
In school, things changed a little bit. He wouldn't involve himself when people were being mean to me, but he wouldn't stand up for me either. Outside of school soon after though we met up, kind of part of his reaching out to me.

Before long, we became rather good friends outside of school. He was coming over to my house all of the time, but I never went to his or met his family. Until one day he asked me over. I still had no idea "Mick" was actually Mohammed. I didn't know he was a Muslim either, so I was of course shocked. I didn't know what Islam was, but I noticed cultural differences from the time I spent with his family.
I asked him about who he is, where he is from, and all was revealed. He actually opened upto me and explained everything. He had become a nice guy, and for the most part a friend, I trusted him and wanted to keep up the friendship. Even if things at school were still the same, with him not defending me. (I guess I kind of understood why.)

Over time, things changed. We started hanging out at school, and as a result he lost all of his friends. No one spoke to him they thought he was uncool like I was.
He was never asked to parties. We only had each other, and we were the victims of some brutal remarks. He was still "Mick" at school, and that didn't change. He was too shy too. Though he began to leave the haram behind, without the influences of others and started to explain to me how it felt better for him, he was happy to lose all of the friends he had to be closer to his God and to please his God. I started asking him about Islam and what Muslims believe. He responded by giving me books, which I read and came back with more annoying questions. This went on, for a long time. I just kept reading and learning.

One day I went to the Mosque with him. He was praying and I was sitting behind, I started talking to a few brothers and they began questioning my knowledge and conveying more and more on Islam. Everything I knew had rubbed me the right way. I felt my heart make a shift. By the time he had returned, I had said the shahada in front of one of the brothers in the Mosque.

Masha'Allah!
Wasalaam

Some Facts on Somalia's Famine

2011-08-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Image From: http://faraitoday.com

1 child is dying every six minutes.
240 children are dying everyday.
Over 30,000 children have died in the last three months.
A total of 3.2 million people are flirting with starvation. (Somalia's population is only 9.3 million. That's almost 1 in 3 people. Subhan'Allah.)

The people, in war-torn Gaza have collected $17,000 for the people of Somalia. If they can donate what they have - surely we can to! It's a sad day, when we're all sitting back in the comfort of our laziness while those who we should rightfully (also) be working and donating for, are collecting much needed funds for others.

May Allah swt protect and reward our brothers and sisters in Gaza, and make their situation easy. Ameen.
May Allah swt protect and reward our brothers and sisters in Somalia, and make their situation easy. Ameen.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

O Allah, O Allah - Forgive Me When I Whine...

2011-08-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I am here to post two versions of one nasheed, that I think is unbelievably profound and can serve as an amazing reminder to us all.
Insha'Allah we can all take heed to these beautiful words, and also ponder upon them at any moment we feel like our lives are hard, or feel ungrateful, or like complaining. We are all inherently weak as humans, thus reminder like these are necessary. Constantly.

Zain Bhikha:

Ahmed Bukhatir:

I hope insha'Allah this brief reminder helped at least one person, at at least one hard time.

Remember - always be grateful. Try not complain. Always say alhamdulillah, no matter what.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Guantanamo: My Journey - Award Nomination

2011-08-22T07:37:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

It's good to hear David Hicks' story getting so much attention and readership. I have been meaning to pick up a copy of 'Guantanamo: My Journey' ever since it's release, in fact. But, for some reason I am yet to get around to it. I hope to soon for sure insha'Allah.

For all unfamiliar, firstly I'd suggest fopr you to read about David Hicks' story.
What he was detained for, how he was detained - and probably most importantly the dodginess of the details involved in his case, and moreover the fact that information pointing to retrospective law-making coming into the process during his detention (thus, making the whole 'crime' less valid as they had to make a law to put him to trial at all.)

Again, I think it's fantastic so many people are picking up his book about his experiences in Guantanamo. I also think it's fantastic that his ban on speaking to the media (which, in a country that boasts 'free speech', shouldn't even be allowed to happen!) was only for 12 months after his release.
What I don't find so fantastic, however, is what I read in an article about Hicks' book being nominated for an award, which is:

Earlier this month, however, the New South Wales Supreme court froze profits from the book under proceeds of crime laws.
[link]

Can they really do that? Again, in a country that boasts 'free speech'?

And especially with so much murkiness around the depths of his alleged crime, detention, and conviction?

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

"Where is Ayen?" Ask Classmates

2011-08-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I recently made a post about Ayen Chol's story - [click here]
She was just a child, and was tragically killed after being mauled by a Pitbull.

Yet another (hard to swallow) story has emerged in reference to the incident, and that is that friends of the young girl at the childcare centre she attended full time are asking about her whereabouts.
It's hard, when it comes to children. They don't quite understand the complexities of life and death, nor how to process it. Especially when it hits someone so young, and so close to them.

My heart goes out to all who knew and dealt with the child - as truly she was a innocent victim to a ill-tempered Dog and negligent dog owner.

Read the story on the children's childcare mates here.

May the dialogue continue, and hopefully from this harsher penanties in Victoria will come for the owners of Dogs being so negligent. And in turn, such a tragedy will not be repeated any time soon (or at all.)

Wasalaam.

Ayen Chol - And the Pitbull Debate

2011-08-20T00:52:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I wrote this post, I wanted to post a couple of days ago with my heart pouring out for a family and an innocent child who's life was taken away by an irresponsible Pitbull owner.

Surely, I believe the penalties for such an attack in Victoria should be much, much more than a $4,500 fine. Honestly, at the very least this is manslaughter and should be handled as such!

For all who are unaware of the story:
Click here to read more.

Inna lillahi wa inna illayhi raji'oon!
She was just a baby! :(

Honestly, I think the debate on Pitbull ownership needs to be made much more public and much more in-depth.
I also think for the safety of the community we need to place stricter laws upon who can own a pitbull and how it should be handled.
If you ask me, they should never be permitted to leave their owners home. Ever.

Wasalaam

Brother Paying Niqaab Fines in France and Belgium

2011-08-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Source: http://theislamawareness.blogspot.com

Yes - you read right. A French brother has set up a fund to pay fines for women being persecuted for wearing their Niqaabs. (A finable offense in France and Belgium.)

May Allah swt reward this brother immensely. Ameen.

Masha'Allah, what a great system to have in place to undermine the oppression of governments banning our sisters from their right to wear what they choose with reason (for the sake of Allah swt.)

The article:

French Businessman Pays Belgian Face Veil Fines

BRUSSELS: A French businessman paid fines on Wednesday for two women in Belgium who wore full-face veils in public and said he would take Belgium and France to court over laws banning veils and burqas.

Property dealer Rachid Nekkaz has set up a 1 million euro ($1.4 million) fund to cover fines and paid the first 50-euro penalties imposed in Belgium on two women in Brussels.

“France and Belgium have decided to forbid the possibility and the liberty of women to wear what they want,” he told reporters outside a municipal office in Brussels. The two fined women, both wearing niqabs, were also present. “I consider
that … it’s not acceptable that European governments vote in laws that don’t respect individual rights.”

Belgium’s law banning any covering of the face in public came into effect late last month. France was the first country to introduce a ban in Europe in April. Mr Nekkaz said he planned a legal challenge in both countries.

“I will pursue the French and Belgian states in their national courts and then in the European Court of Human Rights so that they are sanctioned for violating individual liberties.”

—Reuters

Wasalaam

Feed Africa Now: Donate via Facebook

2011-08-18T07:38:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

As we all know, the current crisis on the Horn of Africa is only worsening. More children are suffering and dying by the day.

As you are accessing this blog and I'm writing this blog, it's pretty safe to say in some capacity we're all in a position to help. If you ask me, this makes it our duty to help.

The Hunger Site has lauched a button for us all to add to our Facebooks, and the point of my writing this is to promote this initiative and urge one and all to add the button. It will cost you nothing, and could make the world of difference to someone else. For many people, you adding this button could be the difference between life and death. It will only take two seconds insha'Allah.

Click here for instructions on how to add the badge.

JazakhAllahu kheyr.
Wasalaam.

New York Brother Prays on His Taxi

2011-08-17T03:24:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

"The world is your Masjid."
"When you've gotta pray, you've gotta pray!"

Masha'Allah! May Allah swt reward our brother in Islam immensely for his efforts in his ibadah. Ameen.

It's inspiring. Really.
He doesn't mind people starring at him. He doesn't mind how public his salah is. He is bowing before Allah swt, and fulfilling the most important part of our deen.
He also is showing so much adhab in being out of everyone's way, allowing them to walk freely and therefore not impeaching any of their rights.

Insha'Allah we can all draw from this brothers dedication to His Lord.

Wasalaam.

The Best Quality is to Have Trust in Allah [Repost]

2011-08-16T23:44:00.000-07:00

The Best Quality is to Have Trust in Allah By Shaykh ul-Islaam ibn Taymiyyah Rahimahullaah

As for the next part of the question, about the most valuable quality to aim for, then the answer to this is that the best prize is to have trust in Allaah, reliance upon Him of His sufficiency, and keeping a good opinion of Him, the latter being that if anyone is anxious regarding their sustenance then he should turn to the shelter of Allaah, as the Exalted said, from what is narrated by His Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam,

"O My servants, all of you are hungry except for those I have fed, so seek food of Me and I shall feed you. O My servants, all of you are naked except for those I have clothed, so seek clothing of Me and I shall clothe you." [Upon Aboo Dharr, related by Muslim, at-Tirmidhee, and Ahmad]

In this regard there is also a hadeeth which at-Tirmidhee narrates from Anas (radiyallaahu `anhu), who said that the Messenger of Allaah (salalllaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said,

"Each of you should ask for his needs from Allaah, even if the strap of your sandal breaks, because if Allaah does not facilitate it, it will never be possible."

Allaah the Most High says in His Book:

"...But ask Allaah for His bounty..." [4:32]

"And when the prayer is finished, then you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allaah..." [62:10]

Although this aayah is in the context of the congreagational Friday prayer, its meaning applies to all the prayers. That is why- and Allaah knows best - the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam instructed the person entering the mosque to say,

"AllaahummaftaH lee abwaaba raHmatik" (O Allaah! open the doors of Your mercy for me)

and when leaving the mosque to say,

"Allaahumma innee as'aluka min faDlik" (O Allaah! I ask of You some of Your Bounty)

[Muslim, Aboo Daawood, an-Nasaa'ee, ad-Daarimee, ibn Maajah, Ahmad, Aboo 'Awaanah, Abdur-Razzaaq and al-Baihaqee]

Also the Friend of Allaah (i.e. Ibraaheem, `alayhis salaam) had said,

"...then seek sustenance from Allaah, serve Him, and be grateful to Him." [29:17]

This is a command, and a command signifies obligation. Therefore, to seek help from Allaah and to entreat to Him in the matter of livelihood and others is a fundamental principle. Furthermore, it is important in seeking a livelihood that one should acquire wealth with generosity of heart and not with greed so that he may be blessed in it. Neither should he make the wealth the primary aim; rather, he should regard wealth much as he regards the toilet, which he has need of but it has no place in his heart, and he only resorts to it when necessary.

A marfoo` (i.e. report consisting of a chain of narration that goes back to the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) hadeeth which is related by at-Tirmidhee and others states that, "He who begins the morning with this world as his greatest concern, Allaah disperses his collected gains and puts its loss in front of him, and only that of the world comes to him which is written for him. And he who begins the morning with the Hereafter as his greatest concern, Allaah gathers for him his works and creates richness in his heart due to them, and the world comes to him subserviently." [Related by at-Tirmidhee with a da`eef isnaad, but the hadeeth is saheeh due to the supporting narrations of ibn Maajah, Ibn Hibbaan and Ahmad]
One of the Salaf said, "Each of you is in need of the world, but you are in more need of your portion in the Hereafter. Therefore, if you are in search of your portion in the Hereafter first and foremost, then you will achieve your portion of the world in passing, such that it is taken care of as it comes."

Allaah the Exalted says:

"I have only created jinn and men that they may worship Me. No sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they should feed Me. For Allaah is He who gives (all) sustenance, Lord of Power, Steadfast (forever)." [51:56-58]

Source: http://www.sunnahonline.com/ilm/purification/0013.htm

Revert Story: Shanell AKA Amina

2011-08-16T22:07:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I have had another response to the ad I posted a few days ago.
This time by our sister in Islam Amina - may Allah swt reward her immensely. Ameen.

My mum was in domestic violence for years but alhamdulilah I don't remember it but my two eldest sisters had to move in with my nan. Anyway when she came away from it she was still a happy bubbly person. Our family were well known in stafford my mum was kinda like a cool woman and had lots of friends. She would go out on a Friday night and always be up early the next morning never hung over or drunk. Her and her friend Sian would go out and have fun but were into spirituality and healing meditation and stuff.

Then that phase past and my mum started sending us to Sunday school and I remember I used to say goodnight to God and Jesus. But that soon past as it was a place that really only wanted black people there and because we were half black we could go but my mum felt uncomfortable . Then my mum got into looking at Buddhism which was also a fail. The religion thing got put on hold as my older sister nadine was giving my nan trouble and she was moving back into our two bedroom house in the middle of nowhere. All that was on our road half a mile down was an Indian takeaway.

So nadine came to ours and she was hanging with the three teenage boys who we had grown up with. And not long after the take away got robbed and it turned out to be my sister and these lads . So my mum marched her down to apologies. The men were Bengali and what we called 'fresh' they used to travel from birmingham every day to work. About 4 months later my mum found out that my sister and her friend had been took to birmingham by one of the men there and taken to another workers house where his wife gave them tea. However all my mum heard was taken to birmingham and went down there with a baseball bat!!

When she got there the man who had taken them "Abi" as we called him calmed her down and told her he wanted to keep them out of trouble. My mum must have liked him because she used to go to The take away for hours 'talking' which to me at the age of 9 was like Ooo ;) .Then not too long after that I remember my mum was at one of the few houses on our road and she called and said she had been to birmingham and to come up the road. I ran up thinking I had a gift and she said "I'm a Muslim" and I still remember now saying "what's that? "

Then after being filled in and trying to figure it out we went home and we were in the back garden and all I remember is Abi saying repeat after me' and me and my sister did and if said you're now a Muslim" I felt sick and started to cry and I remember eating a Frankfurt sausage. Then we went down the takeaway later and they told us about HALAL and haraam. And my little sister started to cry because she thought we had to be vegetarians.

After that I remember Islam being like an obsession we would print pictures of mosques write out surahs and things like that. It was even better when my mums friend Sian aka Syrah took her shahadah and her kids. About 5 or more people took their shahada after that. And from then on I have not looked back I think I was too young to but I know Islam will be part of my life forever InshaAllah.

MashaAllah, may Allah swt protect you sister Amina. Ameen.
JazakiAllahu kheyr for sharing your story with us. Many, many thanks.

Wasalaam.
Abu Khadijah.

Gen's Revert Story

2011-08-16T04:47:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I'd like to introduce everyone to their sister Gen.
Gen has responded to my ad, and sent her revert story to me.

InshaAllah this will be one of many for an upcoming page of the blog devoted to convert stories.

Asalam alaikum.

I am Gen and I am only still new to Islam alhamdulilah! But I am proud that I have said my shahada and become a muslim. I grew up as a normal western girl. Parties, concerts, school, honestly, just the usual. I wasn't religious but I knew I had muslim family, but they lived on the other side of the country.

My auntie was a converted muslim. She married soon after I was born and to the other side of the country. I had only met her and my cousins a few times but I was aware of them and their religion. My Mum had a problem with it all, she thought that no one could see anything good in Islam especially as a woman and that she only converted for her husband. She didn't hate my aunt but she did think she had made a bad choice. She still doesn't know about my conversion. The only people that do are my aunt and her family.

A couple of years ago my aunt's husband found a job closer to where we live and because the pay was much better than what he was getting in his old job they decided they would move. I saw this as a good opportunity to see more of her and get to know my family better so every now and the when I had a free day I'd get public transport to see her and her family. We soon grew very close and by being close to them I started to learn more about the religion and see that it wasn't what my mum thought it was and my aunt did not just convert because her husband is muslim. Slowly I started to see what my aunt saw in islam. I enjoyed conversations with her family about religion and not being religious myself I appreciated what they had to offer. I'm not sure of the moment I began to want to know more about Islam but it soon came. I started meeting friends my aunt was making in the area.

My association with muslims and good examples just brought me closer to islam.
I said the shahada with my aunt early this year. Now its my first ramadan, I'm enjoying all the time I can with my aunt, uncle and cousins.

Wasalaam

Most People Can Quit Smoking During Ramadan

2011-08-16T03:37:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

95% of people, in fact - according to Pakistani experts.
Yes, yes. I know, too little too late as Ramadan is almost over, but cut me some slack. I just found the article.

Excerpts

He said that tobacco-related diseases kill over 100,000 people in Pakistan every year - more than suicide bombing, road traffic accidents, honour killings and drug abuse combined. The tobacco related diseases and premature deaths by it can be avoided by taking serious measures by the government and individuals, he added.

“Ramazan is the best time to quit smoking and one should make the firm intention from the depth of heart to give up this evil habit during Ramazan,” said Dr Ashraf. He added that when all ulema agree that smoking is haram (totally forbidden), then why a Muslim uses haram thing during the holy month of Ramazan.

Full article

I know, Ramadan is coming to an end. We're fast coming to the last 10 days subhanAllah. So, there's still time inshaAllah.
If you're a smoker, go without that cigarette with suhur, or before/after iftaar. It is jihad.

Wasalaam.

eBook: Enjoy Your Life

2011-08-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Just thought I'd quickly share yet another eBook I have found on Kalamullah.com - I hope you all enjoy it.

Dr. Muhammad Adb Al-Rahman Al-Arifi
This is an exquisite collection of incidents from the life of the Prophet (S), stories from our Islamic Heritage, and thought-provoking anecdotes from the life of the author. The aim of the book is to train the reader to enjoy living his life by practicing various self-development and inter-personal skills. What is so compelling and inspiring about this book is that, in order to highlight the benefit of using social skills, the author draws from the lives of the Prophet (S) and his Companions. This book is both a practical systematic guide to self-improvement and a treasure trove of historical incidents. It increases self-awareness, whilst nurturing the soul and strengthening the spirit. The book's author is a prominent figure in the field of Islamic Da'wah and has authored more than twenty published works.

Download From Kalamullah

Revert Stories

2011-08-15T17:52:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

We all love revert stories.
They are motivational, they help the raise our imaan, they are beautiful.

Having posted my own story, my wish, insha'Allah is for this blog to have a large archive of revert stories. But certainly not without permission from the revert themselves (that is, I'm not going to go out finding revert stories on the internet and repost them as I find them.)
So with that said, in this post I will be giving an E-mail address - so if you are a revert and wish to have your story posted on this blog, just follow the details I will give below.

I understand the internet is a big and scary place, so of course it's upto the owner of the respective story how much or little information they give out. No need for real names, no need for an actual location, or even to mention your age or when you came to Islam, if you wish not to.

To send in your story?
E-mail subject: (Whatever you wish the title of the blog to be)
Send to: AbuTajAlDeen@gmail.com

Also feel free to add a website/blog link that you wish to publish.

I plan, inshaAllah on making a new page to have all of the revert stories at easy access. And also a navigation between blogs when one done reading one revert story to get to a new one.

Wasalaam.
Your brother in Islam.

Somalia Needs Us!

2011-08-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

"Want for your brothers, what you wants for yourself." It's a sentiment we hear often, but how ofte do we take it to heart?
How many of us, would want a famine for ourselves? I know the answer already (or so I like to hope.)

While we're fasting, in this month of Ramadan (alhamdulillah), we have an iftaar (generally of generous portions) to look forward to. Though, in Somalia, the situation is quite different. Heart breaking in fact. So bad, that I thought of putting a picture in this blog - but realised I couldn't, as it is much too graphic.

I just want to send some information out into the Blogosphere, I want to remind people of our duty, and I want to make a call to all of us to do what we can for our brothers and sisters in Somalia where the situation is only getting worse.

- 3.9 people are currently at risk of starving to death.
- It's believed 29,000 children have died in the last 90 days.

Somalia is a country that has been in turmoil for over 20 years now. No one deserves this.
Think of your own life, and what you can give.

For the sake of Allah swt. Let's do what we can insha'Allah.

Attend events, spread the word to raise awareness of this crisis.

If you're in Australia, and interested in giving, please follow these links:

If you're elsewhere, I'm sorry I cannot provide any links - but do keep your ears and eyes open.

Wasalaam.
Your brother in Islam.

MashaAllah - Creation is Beautiful #2: Tornado Meets Volcano

2011-08-13T23:10:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

As a follow-up to my first "Masha'Allah Creation is Beautiful" post on Jellyfish Lake, Palau - I have decided on the second focus.

This photo has been doing the rounds of the internet over the last two years, show casing the effect of two powerful and comparitively rare forces of nature colliding.

That's right, as you can tell by the title of this blog, this is what happens when a Tornado meets a Volcano:

Masha'Allah! Just a reminder as to how powerful the natural world can be!

Wasalaam

O Allah, Tell Me What Did I Do Today?

2011-08-13T22:49:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I was just reading a forum and came across a thread that was titled "How Productive Was Your Day Today?' - Masha'Allah. This is something that we must always ask ourselves after we have prayed Isha, and before we go to sleep.

If we are to aswer that we have not been as productive as we wished we had been, then certainly this should disappoint us, but this is a good kind of disappointment, as it is the ultimate kind of motivation. There is nothing better for our growth as people, and as Muslims to feel that we are lacking in something good and to use this feeling as a desire to grasp it better.
Be it our Salah. Be it our knowledge of the Qur'an. Be it our knowledge of Islamic history. Or even if it's a simple feeling that we aren't involved enough in our local community or with our local Masjid.

I'd quickly like to point anyone reading this to a nasheed. Wallahe, it's one of the first I had ever heard just before embracing Islam. I find it very motivational, and I'd like to hope we can all mull over similar thoughts every night before we put our day to an end, to help us to be better people before our new day begins:

Wasalaam.

How Abu Khadijah Learned To Embrace Religion.

2011-08-12T02:57:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

As I have probably alluded to in past posts, I am a revert to Islam. Not a new Muslim, however. I came to Islam many years ago. Alhamdulillah.

I just thought I'd take a quick time out from my usual posting to post up my revert story for one and all to see.

When I embraced Islam, I was still a teenager, alhamdulillah. Not even yet legally considered an 'adult', in the Australian context of the word.

Before coming to Islam, I indentified myself as Agnostic, and rather indifferent towards all organised religion. I was very critical of religion, and religious people - but that all changed over time.

It all began as I was supposed to be studying for highschool exams, but was instead Googling around the internet. I was just doing the usual - you know, time wasting, reading, looking up things of interest. When I had remembered a lot of media hype about Muslims in Australia, thus sparking my curiousity. I Googled around to find a Muslim news group online, which I in turned joined to ask some questions. From this, I not only had my questions answered, but over a legnthy stay made a lot of friends and contacts.

Honestly, if I was asked about my participation at the time I would have told anyone 'I'll stay until I lose interest', which couldn't be too long. I'd been through so many phases of my interest in the past that I initially saw this as the same as any other. I'd also participated in so many online communities in my time on the internet that I could already see myself (in the future) growing inactive and moving on, as I always seem to do.

For some reason this time it was different, I stuck around for a long time. I engaged in discussion on this site and numerous others, and even took such discussion to secular sites for differing views. I would always stick up for Islam, despite in the past being quite critical of it and all other religions. Online, or in person.

Only a couple of months later, in a book store I came across an English translation of the Qur'an - so going along with my current interest, I purchased it and began reading. At home, at school, on the train. I was just forever reading it. Now, my mistake was buying a copy that was in Shakespearean English (yes, 'thou', 'thee' etc.) it really confused me more - so to be honest. Even an English translation of the Qur'an, at the time I didn't understand. However, in all other areas with Islam I was met with nothing but agreement. Islam had a certain appeal to commonsense I had never seen in any kind of ideology before. I was in a bind.

After more reading, more questions, and finding a more 'user-friendly' translation of the Qur'an - and after a few more months. I was set, I was intent, it was in my heart. Islam is perfect, in a perfect world I would be a Muslim. But I was so scared. My friends, my family, my classmates. What would they think of me?

A new mission arose in my head. I knew, after so long (as it had become truly more than just a phase) and so much intellectual activity/time invested in my research of the deen I couldn't just drop it like it never happened. If I was to do that, to me it would always seem like unfinished business and I'd possibly come back to it. My new mission was to find something in Islam that would close my heart to the deen so I can leave humouring the possibility of becoming a Muslim to rest, and make history of it. For further months I searched. I wanted to find that weak spot, that flaw.

Alhamdulillah, this search brought me to a crossroad. I had to choose the way of life I knew and have been living my whole life (which, I now saw as false, and that I wasn't at peace with) - or go for a new life, one full of changes and unfamiliarity. But one I was content with, and felt right about. One that satisfied me in every way.
In the end, it was a no-brainer. I went with the new way of life. The one my heart had warmed to. The one I loved, and still love.

Alhamdulillah, I said the shahada - this was many years ago too.
It was the best thing I did in my entire life.

Wasalaam

Ramadan: What if Her Menses Stop During The Day?

2011-08-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Just for anyone wondering - an IslamQA Fatwa on whether a woman should begin fasting when her menses stop, or resume fasting the next day.

InshaAllah someone out there benefits from this post:

Q. What is the ruling if I become pure after Zuhr, and I did not have the intention of fasting from the night before – is it permissible for me to fast or not?.

A. Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

It is not permissible for women who are menstruating or bleeding following childbirth to fast during their menses or nifaas, according to scholarly consensus.

It says in al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (18/318):

The fuqaha’ are unanimously agreed that it is haraam for menstruating women to fast in all cases, whether the fast is obligatory or naafil, and it is not valid if she does it, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, according to the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed: “Is it not the case that when she menstruates she does not pray or fast?” They said: Yes. He said: “That is her shortcoming in religious commitment.” So if a woman sees the blood at any time of the day, her fast becomes invalid. Ibn Jareer, al-Nawawi and others narrated that there was consensus on this point. … The fuqaha’ are also unanimously agreed that she has to make up missed obligatory Ramadaan fasts, because ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said concerning menstruation: “That used to happen to us, and we were enjoined to make up the fasts but we were not enjoined to make up the prayers.” Al-Tirmidhi, Ibn al-Mundhir, Ibn Jareer and others narrated that there was consensus on this point. End quote.

Thus it is clear that it is not valid to fast the day on which a woman becomes pure from menses, and she has to make up this day after Ramadaan.

But then the scholars differed as to whether she has to refrain from eating and drinking for the rest of that day out of respect for the sanctity of the blessed month, or not. There are two scholarly points of view, the more correct of which is the view of the Maalikis and Shaafa’is, which is that she does not have to refrain from eating and drinking. This is the view favoured by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) in al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (6/344).

It says in al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (18/318):

There is no difference of opinion among the fuqaha’: if her menses ends after Fajr, then if she fasts on that day it does not count and she has to make it up. But in that case she should refrain from eating and drinking according to the Hanafis and Hanbalis, but according to the Maalikis it is permissible for her to eat, and it is not recommended for her to refrain from eating and drinking. According to the Shaafa’is she does not have to refrain from eating and drinking. End quote.

And Allaah knows best.

Wasalaam.

He Prays but Does Not Fast in Ramadan...

2011-08-10T02:36:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I know, some have excuses to not fast in Ramadan. Health woes, being impure as a result of a bodily function (read: women's business.)
Then we have people who do not fast, simply due to laziness. May Allah swt guide them, and us all. Ameen.

I just chanced upon this IslamQA Fatwa on IslamOnline.com, that I thought I would ever so quickly share insha'Allah.

Q. He prays but he does not fast in Ramadan - does that make him a kaafir?
Is a person who does not fast a kaafir, if he still prays, and he does not fast even though he is not sick and has no other excuse?.

A. Praise be to Allaah.
Whoever does not fast because he denies that it is obligatory is a kaafir according to scholarly consensus. If a person does not fast because he is lazy or heedless, some scholars say that that makes him a kaafir, although the correct view is that it does not, but he is in serious danger because he has forsaken one of the pillars of Islam on which there is consensus that it is obligatory. And he deserves to be punished and disciplined by the ruler in such a manner as to deter him from this. He must also make up the fasts that he has missed and repent to Allaah.
And Allaah knows best.

Wasalaam

Mercy Mission: Melboure Madinah Now Opened

2011-08-09T23:48:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I know we're not all in Melbourne, but for the sake of Allah and our brothers and sisters in Melbourne I would like to post about a new Islamic Centre/Islamic University that I have just been informed has opened.

From Mercy Mission:

Melbourne Madinah

The Melbourne Madinah is the largest and most groundbreaking undertaking the Mercy Mission (MM) Australia team have worked on thus far. Purposefully named, the Melbourne Madinah aims to provide an additional space in the heart of Melbourne for the Ummah to congregate and grow together.

This multipurpose Melbourne Madinah is a two storey 1165 sqm (approx) building located at 36 La Trobe Street, Melbourne. Youth development initiatives, children’s education, female focused activities, regular halaqas, short courses, professional development training and community welfare projects are just a few of the planned services the Melbourne Madinah will house insha’Allah. Amidst this hive of activity will also be the Mercy Mission Melbourne headquarters.. Being able to create the Melbourne Madinah within the Melbourne CBD to serve the growing demand of Melbourne Muslim community development is truly a blessing from Allah Subhanaha wa ta’la.

The Mercy Mission ethos of ‘helping people to help others’ will be the crux of this Madinah. Building piety, selflessness, self-sufficiency and confidence will be central to all projects conducted at the Madinah. These essential values, incorporated into the Mercy Mission Vision offer a steady framework for all services provided to the public.

The Melbourne Madinah will interface with other established Mercy Mission Madinahs in major cities around the world. They are one of the most successful Mercy Mission initiatives and prove to be groundbreaking wherever they are established – we have faith Melbourne Madinah will be no different.

The Madinah is now in operation as of Ramadan 2011.

I plan on keeping upto date inshaAllah and checking it out.
Just some further information before I close this blog too.

Yes, they do pray Jumu'ah there at 1.00PM.
Their address is 36 LaTrobe St. Melbourne (CBD), Victoria.

Check it out, and keep upto date inshaAllah.

Wasalaam.

Cigarettes May Contain Pig Blood

2011-08-09T03:45:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

So we come across a large opinion that cigarettes are not haraam, but makruh. Allahu alim as to the true status of smoking in Islam.
But, this post is not about the act of smoking itself. This post is simply about the status of smoking cigarettes. May still seem to not have heard that in 2010 news broke that cigarettes may contain pigs bloods - this, of course, would undoubtedly make cigarettes haraam in Islam.

Here is my proof:

Cigarettes May Contain Pigs Blood

Image from: free-extras.com

Excerpts:

University of Sydney Professor in Public Health Simon Chapman points to recent Dutch research which identified 185 different industrial uses of a pig - including the use of its haemoglobin in cigarette filters.

"The Jewish community certainly takes these matters extremely seriously and the Islamic community certainly do as well, as would many vegetarians.

Now, I'm not a Sheikh, so I will not make a ruling on smoking itself as that is a much more complex matter. However, this (although a bit old now) development should make any smokers reading think twice before putting another cigarette in their mouths.

Wasalaam.

Where is the Adhab? [Repost]

2011-08-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Just thought I'd quickly share this blog by Sr. Raidah Shah Idil from MuslimVillage.com - all I can really say is where is the adhab?
Is this how we should act?

I don't think the title is very well worded, though. We shouldn't belittle bearded men, as having a beard is a fardh in our deen.

On Flying Spoons and Bearded Men

Yep, it's now a projectile.
Image from: amatuergormet.com

Imagine this – twelve Muslim girls are having dinner at a local Thai restaurant. They hear something clatter outside their private booth, and wonder why a spoon is on the floor. Shortly after, a bearded man in Adidas track pants appears, pulls back the curtain and says, “Sisters, put your voices down.”
Then it clicks. He threw the spoon.

Outraged, one of the sisters stands up, walks all the way to the other side of the restaurant, and tells him that he has no right to tell them to quiet down. The man replies, “Why don’t you take this napkin and wipe this plate?”

This happened on the evening of July 30th. It gets worse, but I’ll spare you the details.

Misogyny is alive and well. Young women can’t even sit down for dinner without being harassed by the Self-Proclaimed Shariah Police. This appalling behaviour has nothing to do with Divine Law, and everything to do with a self-righteousness that reeks of misogyny. What kind of Muslim man thinks it’s okay to throw a spoon at Muslim sisters in the name of Islam?

This kind of vigilante mentality is the same kind that causes men to break into homes and administer “Shariah” with a whip. Oh yes brothers, let’s whip ourselves into a frenzy because it’s our duty to silence women whose voices are awrah! We’ll throw spoons at them to strike fear into their hearts! And tell them to wipe our plates because they belong in the kitchen!

Can someone explain to me how these men can do this in the name of Islam? Enlighten me. Our Beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came as a mercy to mankind, and he was the kindest to his womenfolk. Nowhere in his sunnah, or in the actions of his Companions and those who came after them, do I see a justification for flinging cutlery in the direction of believing women.

I wonder what went through the mind of this man as he threw that spoon at my sister and her friends. Did he feel a surge of righteousness? A sense of deep masculine pride? A keen sense of justice? He was sitting all the way on the other side of the restaurant, so in his military brilliance, he must have decided to throw the spoon over the heads of the other bewildered customers. Or maybe he waited after he walked past the customers and threw a curve-ball. Some things, the human mind cannot fathom.

This kind of behaviour demonstrates the danger of too little knowledge. Take a bunch of boys off the streets and into the mosque, completely neglect their spiritual nurturing, and this is what you get.

Ignorant bullies who are a danger to themselves and people around them. Watch out world, especially if you’re a Muslim woman. May Allah protect our womenfolk from these self-righteous bullies, and may He guide our boys into becoming real men. Real men who follow the chivalrous example of our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), who said that the best of men are those who are best to their wives. If this isn’t an obvious enough order to treat women well, I don’t know what is.

To the person who threw that spoon to my sister and her friends – shame on you. May Allah help you see the error of your ways, and teach you the mercy and beauty that comes with our faith. For the men out there who are shaking their heads in disbelief, may Allah preserve you and help you raise your sons in the mould of Khalid ibn Walid, Tariq ibn Ziyad and Salahudeen Al-Ayoubi – humble warriors who fought for the sake of Allah by day, and worshipped by night. These are the kinds of role models we want for our sons, not boys who throw cutlery at their sisters in Islam. May Allah help us all.

Wasalaam

Dr. Joel Hayward Embraces Islam! Masha'Allah!

2011-08-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

I know, I know. I've been posting a lot of masha'Allah blogs for people who have recently embraced Islam. But wallahe, I think it's totally worthwhile.
There is nothing better than someone embracing Islam. It's a joy to the heart, and great for our Imaans.

May Allah swt protect our brother, Dr. Joel Hayward. Ameen.

He is a leading RAF pilot from the UK, who has recently caused a stir for his criticism for the UK's actions in Libya.

RAF Pilot Converts to Islam

Image from: JoelHayward.org

A TOP RAF pilot trainer has shocked military chiefs by converting to Islam and criticising Britain’s air strikes in Libya.

Dr Joel Hayward launched an attack on the military campaign in a Muslim magazine.

He has been dubbed “the Air Force Ayatollah” by fellow officers.

Dr Hayward, who taught Prince William, 29, at his Top Gun-style training school, stunned bosses by questioning the NATO strikes on tyrant Colonel Gaddafi after he ordered his army to attack civilians.

The 47-year-old dean of RAF training college Cranwell, in Lincolnshire, said: “Various leaders congratulated themselves for preventing an ‘atrocity’ or ‘slaughter’.

“Yet we do not know that Colonel Gaddafi’s army would have ‘slaughtered’ civilians.”

He also slated the UN resolution on Libya and claimed military action would lead to “distrust”.

His article has worried some defence chiefs, who fear he is giving too much time to Islamic activities.

One senior officer yesterday slammed Dr Hayward’s views as “nothing to do with the RAF”.

Concerns were also raised that air cadets were in fear of saying anything that Dr Hayward might consider “anti-Muslim”. It is not the first time Dr Hayward has courted controversy.

In 2000 he was accused of denying the Holocaust after he questioned the number of Jews killed by the Nazis.

An RAF spokesman maintained the doctor’s writings “did not impinge” on his classes at Cranwell.

Wasalaam

Prophet Jonah (Yunus) [Repost]

2011-08-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

Just tonight, my wife and I couldn't place the name of the Prophet who was swallowed by a large fish. Now could we really recall the story.
This, is of course understandable. We are human, everyday Muslims, and of course not scholars.
All the more reason for us to have these discussions and in turn bring our thirst for knowledge out and constantly investigate to better ourselves as Muslims, and benefit our knowledge with reminders.

This had motivated to me, to post some information on the Prophet Yunus, that I came across on my phone while seeking the information we were looking for. For the benefit of my brothers and sisters in Islam.

This is from Islam101.com

Prophet Jonah (Yunus)

The Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) is also addressed by two other surnames "Dhun-Nun" (Lord of the Fish) and "Sahibil-Hot" (Companion of the Fish). The Holy Qur'an says:

"And (mention) Dhun-Nun when he went off in anger and deemed that We had no power over him but he cried out in darkness, saying: There is no god save Thee. Be Thou glorified! Lo! I have been an evil-doer." (21: 87)

"But wait thou for thy Lord's decree and be not like the Sahibil-Hut who cried out in fear." (68 :48)

Yunus (Jonah) was the son of Mitta according to a Tradition quoted in Sahih Bukhari but the Torah states that his father's name was Amittai.

When the prophethood was conferred upon him, he was commanded to go Nineveh for preaching the true faith of God. Nineveh was situated on the right bank of the river Tigris. It was the capital city of Assyria. Its people were arrogant and conceited. They led sinful lives. The Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) tried his best to reform them but they turned a deaf ear to his advice and warnings. Soon he began to feel disgusted. Consequently human frailty overpowered him. He flew into a rage and invoked Allah's wrath on the people of Nineveh. He became impatient and departed without waiting for further command from Allah. He imagined perhaps God had no power over him. The Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) proceeded towards the sea and took a boat. Unfortunately the boat was caught in a storm. The sailors held him responsible for bringing misfortune to the boat. They decided to throw Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) into the water but the passengers did not agree to their decision. Then lots were drawn and the name of Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) came out. The Prophet Yunus was thrown into the sea for the safety of the boat. When Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) fell into the water, a great fish with capacious belly drew him in. He was in extreme distress. He realised that he had to suffer for committing dereliction towards his duty as a prophet. Instead of running away he must have relied upon the power of Allah even in the most discouraged circumstances.

The Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) felt penitence and supplicated to Allah in the humblest tone. His repentance was accepted and he was to be delivered ashore. He was provided with the shelter of a spreading plant. The Holy Qur'an relates this incident in the following Verses:

"And lo! Yunus verily was of those sent ( to warn). When he fled into the ladenship, then drew lots and was of those rejected, the fish swallowed him while he was blameworthy, and had he not been one of those who glorify Allah, he would have tarried in its belly till the Day of Resurrection, then We cast him on a desert shore while he was sick and We caused a tree of gourd to grow above him, and We sent him to a hundred thousand (folk) or more. And they believed, therefore We gave him comfort for a while." (37: 139-148)

When Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) regained his health, he was commanded to go back to the same town and fulfil his mission of making the people give up their iniquitous life. Now the people of Nineveh repented and followed their Prophet. God showed mercy and they prospered remarkably. They got a new lease of glorious life. The Holy Qur'an says:

"When they believed, We removed from them the torment of disgrace in the life of the world and permitted them to enjoy their life for a while." (10:98)

Gradually the people of Nineveh again adopted evil ways of life. They indulged in idol-worship and debauchery. Eventually they were destroyed by the Scythians. The Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) died in Nineveh and was buried there. According to the story of some of the historians his tomb is in the village Halmol about ten miles away from Hebron.

Wasalaam.

It's a Hoax! Sunita Williams!

2011-08-08T03:17:00.000-07:00

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmahtullahi wa barakatuh brothers and sisters in Islam.

This is Sunita Williams.

Last night, my sister in-law got a text message claiming that Sunita Williams, a female astronaut came to Islam after returning from a voyage to the moon.
After some 'on the surface' investigation on my phone I (astaghfiruAllah) wrongfully confirmed the text message was true.
It seems, I was looking for evidence in the wrong place. To my wife, and sister in-law - when you read this. I was wrong, very wrong. I initially planned for this to be a 'Masha'Allah' blog, as I've done before (Click to see: 1, 2.) and did some more research just now to come to this finding.

All the same. May Allah swt guide Sunita to the truth. Ameen.
From reading the hoax texts found online, this is the one that closest matched the one that my sister in-law got:

Sunita Williams, the 1st indian lady who went to the moon on 02/07/2007 said that from the moon, the whole earth looked very black and dark, except the two places which were bright and shining when she saw through the telescope. These places were MAKKAH & MADINA (Saudi Arabia). Also, at the moon all the frequencies failed but still she could listen to the AZAAN..s'allah

There are some problems with this, from the research I have done;

The first is that Sunita Williams did not go to the moon. She went to the International Space Station.
The second is that she is indeed not even the first Indian-American woman in space. The first being Kalpana Chalwa.

On her voyage to the International Space Station she took with her a small statue of Ganesha and a copy of Bhagvad Gita.
Upon her return she is quoted as saying:

"I know Ganesha was looking after me."
-and-
"Up in space, the Gita and Ganesha were what kept me grounded. They put life in perspective."

So. There is no evidence that Sunita has come to Islam, only evidence that she is not.
A personal apology to my wife and sister in-law for my error.

But, this whole saga begs the question. Why do such hoaxes even begin? It's such a hopeful urban myth. But, why start it when ti only disheartens us at large.

Note to Muslims; please cut this stuff out. It's silly, and we should know better.

Wasalaam.