Saturday, 23 November 2013
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
polygamy allowed in Islam?
Answer:
1. Definition of Polygamy
Polygamy means a system of marriage whereby one person has more than one
spouse. Polygamy can be of two types. One is polygyny where a man marries
more than one woman, and the other is polyandry, where a woman marries
more than one man. In Islam, limited polygyny is permitted; whereas polyandry
is completely prohibited.
Now coming to the original question, why is a man allowed to have more than
one wife?
2. The Qur’an is the only religious scripture in the world that says,
“marry only one”.
The Qur’an is the only religious book, on the face of this earth, that contains the
phrase ‘marry only one’. There is no other religious book that instructs men to
have only one wife. In none of the other religious scriptures, whether it be the
Vedas, the Ramayan, the Mahabharat, the Geeta, the Talmud or the Bible does
one find a restriction on the number of wives. According to these scriptures one
can marry as many as one wishes. It was only later, that the Hindu priests and
the Christian Church restricted the number of wives to one.
Many Hindu religious personalities, according to their scriptures, had multiple
wives. King Dashrat, the father of Rama, had more than one wife. Krishna had
several wives.
In earlier times, Christian men were permitted as many wives as they wished,
since the Bible puts no restriction on the number of wives. It was only a few
centuries ago that the Church restricted the number of wives to one.
Polygyny is permitted in Judaism. According to Talmudic law, Abraham had
three wives, and Solomon had hundreds of wives. The practice of polygyny
continued till Rabbi Gershom ben Yehudah (960 C.E to 1030 C.E) issued an
edict against it. The Jewish Sephardic communities living in Muslim countries
continued the practice till as late as 1950, until an Act of the Chief Rabbinate of
Israel extended the ban on marrying more than one wife.
(*Interesting Note:- As per the 1975 census of India Hindus are more
polygynous than Muslims. The report of the ‘Committee of The Status of
Woman in Islam’, published in 1975 mentions on page numbers 66 and 67 that
the percentage of polygamous marriages between the years 1951 and 1961
ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION
was 5.06% among the Hindus and only 4.31% among the Muslims. According
to Indian law only Muslim men are permitted to have more than one wife. It is
illegal for any non-Muslim in India to have more than one wife. Despite it being
illegal, Hindus have more multiple wives as compared to Muslims. Earlier, there
was no restriction even on Hindu men with respect to the number of wives
allowed. It was only in 1954, when the Hindu Marriage Act was passed that it
became illegal for a Hindu to have more than one wife. At present it is the Indian
Law that restricts a Hindu man from having more than one wife and not the
Hindu scriptures.)
Let us now analyse why Islam allows a man to have more than one wife.
3. Qur’an permits limited polygyny
As I mentioned earlier, Qur’an is the only religious book on the face of the earth
that says ‘marry only one’. The context of this phrase is the following verse from
Surah Nisa of the Glorious Qur’an:
“Marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if ye fear that
ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one.”
[Al-Qur’an 4:3]
Before the Qur’an was revealed, there was no upper limit for polygyny and
many men had scores of wives, some even hundreds. Islam put an upper limit
of four wives. Islam gives a man permission to marry two, three or four women,
only on the condition that he deals justly with them.
In the same chapter i.e. Surah Nisa verse 129 says:
“Ye are never able to be fair and just as between women....”
[Al-Qur’an 4:129]
Therefore polygyny is not a rule but an exception. Many people are under the
misconception that it is compulsory for a Muslim man to have more than one wife.
Broadly, Islam has five categories of Do’s and Don’ts:
(i) ‘Fard’ i.e. compulsory or obligatory
(ii) ‘Mustahab’ i.e. recommended or encouraged
(iii) ‘Mubah’ i.e. permissible or allowed
(iv) ‘Makruh’ i.e. not recommended or discouraged
(v) ‘Haraam’ i.e. prohibited or forbidden
Polygyny falls in the middle category of things that are permissible. It cannot be
said that a Muslim who has two, three or four wives is a better Muslim as
compared to a Muslim who has only one wife.
ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION
4. Average life span of females is more than that of males
By nature males and females are born in approximately the same ratio. A
female child has more immunity than a male child. A female child can fight the
germs and diseases better than the male child. For this reason, during the
pediatric age itself there are more deaths among males as compared to the
females.
During wars, there are more men killed as compared to women. More men die
due to accidents and diseases than women. The average life span of females
is more than that of males, and at any given time one finds more widows in the
world than widowers.
5. India has more male population than female due to female
foeticide and infanticide
India is one of the few countries, along with the other neighbouring countries, in
which the female population is less than the male population. The reason lies in
the high rate of female infanticide in India, and the fact that more than one
million female foetuses are aborted every year in this country, after they are
identified as females. If this evil practice is stopped, then India too will have
more females as compared to males.
6. World female population is more than male population
In the USA, women outnumber men by 7.8 million. New York alone has one
million more females as compared to the number of males, and of the male
population of New York one-third are gays i.e sodomites. The U.S.A as a whole
has more than twenty-five million gays. This means that these people do not
wish to marry women. Great Britain has four million more females as compared
to males. Germany has five million more females as compared to males. Russia
has nine million more females than males. God alone knows how many million
more females there are in the whole world as compared to males.
7. Restricting each and every man to have only one wife is not
practical
Even if every man got married to one woman, there would still be more than
thirty million females in U.S.A who would not be able to get husbands
(considering that America has twenty five million gays). There would be more
than four million females in Great Britain, 5 million females in Germany and nine
million females in Russia alone who would not be able to find a husband.
Suppose my sister happens to be one of the unmarried women living in USA, or
suppose your sister happens to be one of the unmarried women in USA. The
only two options remaining for her are that she either marries a man who
already has a wife or becomes 'public property'. There is no other option. All
those who are modest will opt for the first.
ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION
For more Queries contact: webmaster@irf.net
Most women would nto like to share their husband with other women. But in
Islam when the situation deems it really neccessary Muslim women in due faith
could bear a small personal loss to prevent a greater loss of letting other Muslim
sisters becoming 'public properties'.
8. Marring a married man preferable to becoming 'public property'
In Western society, it is common for a man to have mistresses and/or multiple
extra-marital affairs, in which case, the woman leads a disgraceful, unprotected
life. The same society, however, cannot accept a man having more than one
wife, in which women retain their honourable, dignified position in society and
lead a protected life.
Thus the only two options before a woman who cannot find a husband is to
marry a married man or to become 'public property'. Islam prefers giving
women the honourable position by permitting the first option and disallowing the
second.
There are several other reasons, why Islam has permitted limited polygyny, but
it is mainly to protect the modesty of women.
polygamy allowed in Islam?
Answer:
1. Definition of Polygamy
Polygamy means a system of marriage whereby one person has more than one
spouse. Polygamy can be of two types. One is polygyny where a man marries
more than one woman, and the other is polyandry, where a woman marries
more than one man. In Islam, limited polygyny is permitted; whereas polyandry
is completely prohibited.
Now coming to the original question, why is a man allowed to have more than
one wife?
2. The Qur’an is the only religious scripture in the world that says,
“marry only one”.
The Qur’an is the only religious book, on the face of this earth, that contains the
phrase ‘marry only one’. There is no other religious book that instructs men to
have only one wife. In none of the other religious scriptures, whether it be the
Vedas, the Ramayan, the Mahabharat, the Geeta, the Talmud or the Bible does
one find a restriction on the number of wives. According to these scriptures one
can marry as many as one wishes. It was only later, that the Hindu priests and
the Christian Church restricted the number of wives to one.
Many Hindu religious personalities, according to their scriptures, had multiple
wives. King Dashrat, the father of Rama, had more than one wife. Krishna had
several wives.
In earlier times, Christian men were permitted as many wives as they wished,
since the Bible puts no restriction on the number of wives. It was only a few
centuries ago that the Church restricted the number of wives to one.
Polygyny is permitted in Judaism. According to Talmudic law, Abraham had
three wives, and Solomon had hundreds of wives. The practice of polygyny
continued till Rabbi Gershom ben Yehudah (960 C.E to 1030 C.E) issued an
edict against it. The Jewish Sephardic communities living in Muslim countries
continued the practice till as late as 1950, until an Act of the Chief Rabbinate of
Israel extended the ban on marrying more than one wife.
(*Interesting Note:- As per the 1975 census of India Hindus are more
polygynous than Muslims. The report of the ‘Committee of The Status of
Woman in Islam’, published in 1975 mentions on page numbers 66 and 67 that
the percentage of polygamous marriages between the years 1951 and 1961
ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION
was 5.06% among the Hindus and only 4.31% among the Muslims. According
to Indian law only Muslim men are permitted to have more than one wife. It is
illegal for any non-Muslim in India to have more than one wife. Despite it being
illegal, Hindus have more multiple wives as compared to Muslims. Earlier, there
was no restriction even on Hindu men with respect to the number of wives
allowed. It was only in 1954, when the Hindu Marriage Act was passed that it
became illegal for a Hindu to have more than one wife. At present it is the Indian
Law that restricts a Hindu man from having more than one wife and not the
Hindu scriptures.)
Let us now analyse why Islam allows a man to have more than one wife.
3. Qur’an permits limited polygyny
As I mentioned earlier, Qur’an is the only religious book on the face of the earth
that says ‘marry only one’. The context of this phrase is the following verse from
Surah Nisa of the Glorious Qur’an:
“Marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if ye fear that
ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one.”
[Al-Qur’an 4:3]
Before the Qur’an was revealed, there was no upper limit for polygyny and
many men had scores of wives, some even hundreds. Islam put an upper limit
of four wives. Islam gives a man permission to marry two, three or four women,
only on the condition that he deals justly with them.
In the same chapter i.e. Surah Nisa verse 129 says:
“Ye are never able to be fair and just as between women....”
[Al-Qur’an 4:129]
Therefore polygyny is not a rule but an exception. Many people are under the
misconception that it is compulsory for a Muslim man to have more than one wife.
Broadly, Islam has five categories of Do’s and Don’ts:
(i) ‘Fard’ i.e. compulsory or obligatory
(ii) ‘Mustahab’ i.e. recommended or encouraged
(iii) ‘Mubah’ i.e. permissible or allowed
(iv) ‘Makruh’ i.e. not recommended or discouraged
(v) ‘Haraam’ i.e. prohibited or forbidden
Polygyny falls in the middle category of things that are permissible. It cannot be
said that a Muslim who has two, three or four wives is a better Muslim as
compared to a Muslim who has only one wife.
ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION
4. Average life span of females is more than that of males
By nature males and females are born in approximately the same ratio. A
female child has more immunity than a male child. A female child can fight the
germs and diseases better than the male child. For this reason, during the
pediatric age itself there are more deaths among males as compared to the
females.
During wars, there are more men killed as compared to women. More men die
due to accidents and diseases than women. The average life span of females
is more than that of males, and at any given time one finds more widows in the
world than widowers.
5. India has more male population than female due to female
foeticide and infanticide
India is one of the few countries, along with the other neighbouring countries, in
which the female population is less than the male population. The reason lies in
the high rate of female infanticide in India, and the fact that more than one
million female foetuses are aborted every year in this country, after they are
identified as females. If this evil practice is stopped, then India too will have
more females as compared to males.
6. World female population is more than male population
In the USA, women outnumber men by 7.8 million. New York alone has one
million more females as compared to the number of males, and of the male
population of New York one-third are gays i.e sodomites. The U.S.A as a whole
has more than twenty-five million gays. This means that these people do not
wish to marry women. Great Britain has four million more females as compared
to males. Germany has five million more females as compared to males. Russia
has nine million more females than males. God alone knows how many million
more females there are in the whole world as compared to males.
7. Restricting each and every man to have only one wife is not
practical
Even if every man got married to one woman, there would still be more than
thirty million females in U.S.A who would not be able to get husbands
(considering that America has twenty five million gays). There would be more
than four million females in Great Britain, 5 million females in Germany and nine
million females in Russia alone who would not be able to find a husband.
Suppose my sister happens to be one of the unmarried women living in USA, or
suppose your sister happens to be one of the unmarried women in USA. The
only two options remaining for her are that she either marries a man who
already has a wife or becomes 'public property'. There is no other option. All
those who are modest will opt for the first.
ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION
For more Queries contact: webmaster@irf.net
Most women would nto like to share their husband with other women. But in
Islam when the situation deems it really neccessary Muslim women in due faith
could bear a small personal loss to prevent a greater loss of letting other Muslim
sisters becoming 'public properties'.
8. Marring a married man preferable to becoming 'public property'
In Western society, it is common for a man to have mistresses and/or multiple
extra-marital affairs, in which case, the woman leads a disgraceful, unprotected
life. The same society, however, cannot accept a man having more than one
wife, in which women retain their honourable, dignified position in society and
lead a protected life.
Thus the only two options before a woman who cannot find a husband is to
marry a married man or to become 'public property'. Islam prefers giving
women the honourable position by permitting the first option and disallowing the
second.
There are several other reasons, why Islam has permitted limited polygyny, but
it is mainly to protect the modesty of women.
Belief in God’s Revealed Books:
Muslims believe that God revealed books to His
messengers as proof for mankind and as guidance for them. Among these
books is the Quran, which God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad 
.
God has guaranteed the Quran’s protection from any corruption or
distortion. God has said:
.
God has guaranteed the Quran’s protection from any corruption or
distortion. God has said:
Indeed, We have sent down the
Quran,
and surely We will guard it (from corruption). 
(Quran, 15:9)Belief in the Prophets and Messengers of God:
Muslims believe in the prophets and messengers of
God, starting with Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses,
and Jesus (peace be upon them). But God’s final message to man, a reconfirmation
of the eternal message, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad .
Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last prophet sent by God, as God has
said:
.
Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last prophet sent by God, as God has
said: Muhammad is not the father of any one
of your men, but he is the Messenger of God and the last of the prophets...
(Quran,
33:40)
Muslims believe that all
the prophets and messengers were created human beings who had none of the divine
qualities of God.
Belief in the Day of Judgment:
Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment (the Day of
Resurrection) when all people will be resurrected for God’s judgment according
to their beliefs and deeds.
Belief in Al-Qadar:
Muslims believe in Al-Qadar, which is
Divine Predestination, but this belief in Divine Predestination does not mean
that human beings do not have freewill. Rather, Muslims believe that God has
given human beings freewill. This means that they can choose right or wrong and
that they are responsible for their choices.
The belief in Divine
Predestination includes belief in four things: 1) God knows everything.
He knows
what has happened and what will happen. 2) God has recorded all that has
happened and all that will happen. 3) Whatever God wills to happen happens, and
whatever He wills not to happen does not happen. 4) God is the Creator of
everything.Belief in God’s Revealed Books:
Muslims believe that God revealed books to His
messengers as proof for mankind and as guidance for them. Among these
books is the Quran, which God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad .
God has guaranteed the Quran’s protection from any corruption or
distortion. God has said:
.
God has guaranteed the Quran’s protection from any corruption or
distortion. God has said: Indeed, We have sent down the
Quran,
and surely We will guard it (from corruption).
(Quran, 15:9)Belief in the Prophets and Messengers of God:
Muslims believe in the prophets and messengers of
God, starting with Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses,
and Jesus (peace be upon them). But God’s final message to man, a reconfirmation
of the eternal message, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad .
Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last prophet sent by God, as God has
said:
.
Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last prophet sent by God, as God has
said: Muhammad is not the father of any one
of your men, but he is the Messenger of God and the last of the prophets...
(Quran,
33:40)
Muslims believe that all
the prophets and messengers were created human beings who had none of the divine
qualities of God.
Belief in the Day of Judgment:
Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment (the Day of
Resurrection) when all people will be resurrected for God’s judgment according
to their beliefs and deeds.
Belief in Al-Qadar:
Muslims believe in Al-Qadar, which is
Divine Predestination, but this belief in Divine Predestination does not mean
that human beings do not have freewill. Rather, Muslims believe that God has
given human beings freewill. This means that they can choose right or wrong and
that they are responsible for their choices.
The belief in Divine
Predestination includes belief in four things: 1) God knows everything.
He knows
what has happened and what will happen. 2) God has recorded all that has
happened and all that will happen. 3) Whatever God wills to happen happens, and
whatever He wills not to happen does not happen. 4) God is the Creator of
everything.
What Is Islam?
The religion of Islam is the acceptance
of and obedience to the teachings of God
which He revealed to His last prophet,
Muhammad
Belief in God:
Muslims believe in one, unique, incomparable God,
Who has no son nor partner, and that none has the right to be worshipped but Him
alone. He is the true God, and every other deity is false. He has the most
magnificent names and sublime perfect attributes. No one shares His divinity,
nor His attributes. In the Quran, God describes Himself:
Say,
“He is God, the One. God, to
Whom the creatures turn for their needs. He begets not, nor was He begotten, and
there is none like Him.”
(Quran, 112:1-4)
 |
|
Chapter 112 of the Quran written in Arabic
calligraphy.
|
No one has the right to be invoked, supplicated,
prayed to, or shown any act of worship, but God alone.
God alone is the Almighty, the Creator, the
Sovereign, and the Sustainer of everything in the whole universe. He manages all
affairs. He stands in need of none of His creatures, and all His creatures
depend on Him for all that they need. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, and
the All-Knowing. In a perfect manner, His knowledge encompasses all things, the
open and the secret, and the public and the private. He knows what has happened,
what will happen, and how it will happen.
No affair occurs in the whole world
except by His will. Whatever He wills is, and whatever He does not will is not
and will never be. His will is above the will of all the creatures. He has power
over all things, and He is able to do everything. He is the Most Gracious, the
Most Merciful, and the Most Beneficent. In one of the sayings of the Prophet
Muhammad , we are told that God
is more merciful to His creatures than a mother to her child.1
God is
far removed from injustice and tyranny. He is All-Wise in all of His actions and
decrees. If someone wants something from God, he or she can ask God directly
without asking anyone else to intercede with God for him or her.
, we are told that God
is more merciful to His creatures than a mother to her child.1
God is
far removed from injustice and tyranny. He is All-Wise in all of His actions and
decrees. If someone wants something from God, he or she can ask God directly
without asking anyone else to intercede with God for him or her.
God is not Jesus, and Jesus is not God.2
Even Jesus himself rejected this. God has said in the Quran:
Indeed,
they have disbelieved who have
said, “God is the Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary.” The Messiah said,
“Children of Israel, worship God, my Lord and your Lord. Whoever
associates
partners in worship with God, then God has forbidden Paradise for him,
and his
home is the Fire (Hell). For the wrongdoers,3 there will be no helpers.” (Quran, 5:72)
God is not a trinity. God
has said in the Quran:
Indeed, they disbelieve who say,
“God is the third of three (in a trinity),” when there is no god but
one God. If they desist not from what they say, truly, a painful punishment will
befall the disbelievers among them. Would they not rather repent to God and ask
His forgiveness? For God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. The Messiah (Jesus),
son of Mary, was no more than a messenger... (Quran, 5:73-75)
Islam rejects that God
rested on the seventh day of the creation, that He wrestled with one of His
angels, that He is an envious plotter against mankind, or that He is incarnate
in any human being. Islam also rejects the attribution of any human form to God.
All of these are considered blasphemous. God is the Exalted. He is far removed
from every imperfection. He never becomes weary. He does not become drowsy nor
does he sleep.
The Arabic word
Allah means God (the one and only true God who created the whole
universe). This word Allah is a name for God, which is used by Arabic
speakers, both Arab Muslims and Arab Christians. This word cannot be used to
designate anything other than the one true God. The Arabic word Allah
occurs in the Quran about 2700 times. In Aramaic, a language related closely
to Arabic and the language that Jesus habitually spoke,4 God is also referred to as
Allah.
Belief in the Angels:
Muslims believe in the existence of the angels and
that they are honored creatures. The angels worship God alone, obey Him,
and act only by His command. Among the angels is Gabriel, who brought down
the Quran to Muhammad .
.What Is Islam?
The religion of Islam is the acceptance
of and obedience to the teachings of God
which He revealed to His last prophet,
Muhammad
Belief in God:
Muslims believe in one, unique, incomparable God,
Who has no son nor partner, and that none has the right to be worshipped but Him
alone. He is the true God, and every other deity is false. He has the most
magnificent names and sublime perfect attributes. No one shares His divinity,
nor His attributes. In the Quran, God describes Himself:
Say,
“He is God, the One. God, to
Whom the creatures turn for their needs. He begets not, nor was He begotten, and
there is none like Him.”
(Quran, 112:1-4)|
|
|
Chapter 112 of the Quran written in Arabic
calligraphy.
|
No one has the right to be invoked, supplicated,
prayed to, or shown any act of worship, but God alone.
God alone is the Almighty, the Creator, the
Sovereign, and the Sustainer of everything in the whole universe. He manages all
affairs. He stands in need of none of His creatures, and all His creatures
depend on Him for all that they need. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, and
the All-Knowing. In a perfect manner, His knowledge encompasses all things, the
open and the secret, and the public and the private. He knows what has happened,
what will happen, and how it will happen.
No affair occurs in the whole world
except by His will. Whatever He wills is, and whatever He does not will is not
and will never be. His will is above the will of all the creatures. He has power
over all things, and He is able to do everything. He is the Most Gracious, the
Most Merciful, and the Most Beneficent. In one of the sayings of the Prophet
Muhammad , we are told that God
is more merciful to His creatures than a mother to her child.1
God is
far removed from injustice and tyranny. He is All-Wise in all of His actions and
decrees. If someone wants something from God, he or she can ask God directly
without asking anyone else to intercede with God for him or her.
, we are told that God
is more merciful to His creatures than a mother to her child.1
God is
far removed from injustice and tyranny. He is All-Wise in all of His actions and
decrees. If someone wants something from God, he or she can ask God directly
without asking anyone else to intercede with God for him or her.
God is not Jesus, and Jesus is not God.2
Even Jesus himself rejected this. God has said in the Quran:
Indeed,
they have disbelieved who have
said, “God is the Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary.” The Messiah said,
“Children of Israel, worship God, my Lord and your Lord. Whoever
associates
partners in worship with God, then God has forbidden Paradise for him,
and his
home is the Fire (Hell). For the wrongdoers,3 there will be no helpers.” (Quran, 5:72)
God is not a trinity. God
has said in the Quran:
Indeed, they disbelieve who say,
“God is the third of three (in a trinity),” when there is no god but
one God. If they desist not from what they say, truly, a painful punishment will
befall the disbelievers among them. Would they not rather repent to God and ask
His forgiveness? For God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. The Messiah (Jesus),
son of Mary, was no more than a messenger... (Quran, 5:73-75)
Islam rejects that God
rested on the seventh day of the creation, that He wrestled with one of His
angels, that He is an envious plotter against mankind, or that He is incarnate
in any human being. Islam also rejects the attribution of any human form to God.
All of these are considered blasphemous. God is the Exalted. He is far removed
from every imperfection. He never becomes weary. He does not become drowsy nor
does he sleep.
The Arabic word
Allah means God (the one and only true God who created the whole
universe). This word Allah is a name for God, which is used by Arabic
speakers, both Arab Muslims and Arab Christians. This word cannot be used to
designate anything other than the one true God. The Arabic word Allah
occurs in the Quran about 2700 times. In Aramaic, a language related closely
to Arabic and the language that Jesus habitually spoke,4 God is also referred to as
Allah.
Belief in the Angels:
Muslims believe in the existence of the angels and
that they are honored creatures. The angels worship God alone, obey Him,
and act only by His command. Among the angels is Gabriel, who brought down
the Quran to Muhammad .
.
Monday, 14 October 2013
“Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer”
(There is no god but
Allaah alone, with no partner or associate; His is the dominion, to Him
be praise, and He has power over all things)
It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best of du’aa’ is du’aa’ on the day of ‘Arafah, and the best that I and the Prophets before me said is ‘Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer
(There is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate; His is the dominion, to Him be praise, and He has power over all things).” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (3585)’ classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb (1536).
“Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer”
(There is no god but
Allaah alone, with no partner or associate; His is the dominion, to Him
be praise, and He has power over all things)
It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best of du’aa’ is du’aa’ on the day of ‘Arafah, and the best that I and the Prophets before me said is ‘Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer
(There is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate; His is the dominion, to Him be praise, and He has power over all things).” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (3585)’ classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb (1536).
Sunday, 13 October 2013
The Scientific Miracles
in the Holy Quran
The
Quran is the literal word of God, which He revealed to His Prophet Muhammad
through the Angel Gabriel. It
was memorized by Muhammad ,
who then dictated it to his Companions. They, in turn, memorized it, wrote
it down, and reviewed it with the Prophet Muhammad .
Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad
reviewed the Quran with the Angel Gabriel once each year and twice in the last
year of his life. From the time the Quran was revealed, until this day,
there has always been a huge number of Muslims who have memorized all of the
Quran, letter by letter. Some of them have even been able to memorize all
of the Quran by the age of ten. Not one letter of the Quran has been
changed over the centuries.
through the Angel Gabriel. It
was memorized by Muhammad ,
who then dictated it to his Companions. They, in turn, memorized it, wrote
it down, and reviewed it with the Prophet Muhammad .
Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad
reviewed the Quran with the Angel Gabriel once each year and twice in the last
year of his life. From the time the Quran was revealed, until this day,
there has always been a huge number of Muslims who have memorized all of the
Quran, letter by letter. Some of them have even been able to memorize all
of the Quran by the age of ten. Not one letter of the Quran has been
changed over the centuries.
The
Quran, which was revealed fourteen centuries ago, mentioned facts only recently
discovered or proven by scientists. This proves without doubt that the
Quran must be the literal word of God, revealed by Him to the Prophet Muhammad ,
and that the Quran was not authored by Muhammad
or by any other human being. This also proves that Muhammad
is truly a prophet sent by God. It is beyond reason that anyone fourteen
hundred years ago would have known these facts discovered or proven only
recently with advanced equipment and sophisticated scientific methods.
Some examples follow.
,
and that the Quran was not authored by Muhammad
or by any other human being. This also proves that Muhammad
is truly a prophet sent by God. It is beyond reason that anyone fourteen
hundred years ago would have known these facts discovered or proven only
recently with advanced equipment and sophisticated scientific methods.
Some examples follow.
The Scientific Miracles
in the Holy Quran
The
Quran is the literal word of God, which He revealed to His Prophet Muhammad
through the Angel Gabriel. It
was memorized by Muhammad ,
who then dictated it to his Companions. They, in turn, memorized it, wrote
it down, and reviewed it with the Prophet Muhammad .
Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad
reviewed the Quran with the Angel Gabriel once each year and twice in the last
year of his life. From the time the Quran was revealed, until this day,
there has always been a huge number of Muslims who have memorized all of the
Quran, letter by letter. Some of them have even been able to memorize all
of the Quran by the age of ten. Not one letter of the Quran has been
changed over the centuries.
through the Angel Gabriel. It
was memorized by Muhammad ,
who then dictated it to his Companions. They, in turn, memorized it, wrote
it down, and reviewed it with the Prophet Muhammad .
Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad
reviewed the Quran with the Angel Gabriel once each year and twice in the last
year of his life. From the time the Quran was revealed, until this day,
there has always been a huge number of Muslims who have memorized all of the
Quran, letter by letter. Some of them have even been able to memorize all
of the Quran by the age of ten. Not one letter of the Quran has been
changed over the centuries.
The
Quran, which was revealed fourteen centuries ago, mentioned facts only recently
discovered or proven by scientists. This proves without doubt that the
Quran must be the literal word of God, revealed by Him to the Prophet Muhammad ,
and that the Quran was not authored by Muhammad
or by any other human being. This also proves that Muhammad
is truly a prophet sent by God. It is beyond reason that anyone fourteen
hundred years ago would have known these facts discovered or proven only
recently with advanced equipment and sophisticated scientific methods.
Some examples follow.
,
and that the Quran was not authored by Muhammad
or by any other human being. This also proves that Muhammad
is truly a prophet sent by God. It is beyond reason that anyone fourteen
hundred years ago would have known these facts discovered or proven only
recently with advanced equipment and sophisticated scientific methods.
Some examples follow.
Among the special seasons of worship are the first
ten days of Dhu?l-Hijjah, which Allah has preferred over all the other
days of the year.
Ibn ?Abbas reported that the Prophet Muhammad
said: ?There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to
Allah than these ten days.? The people asked, ?Not even jihaad for the
sake of Allah?? He said, ?Not even jihaad for the sake of Allah, except
in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth
up for the cause, and came back with nothing.? (Reported by
al-Bukhaari,
This indicates that these ten days are better
than all the other days of the year, with no exceptions, not even the
last ten days of Ramadan. But the last ten nights of Ramadan are better,
because they include Laylat al-Qadr (?the Night of Power?), which is
better than a thousand months.
1. The Prophet commanded us to recite a
lot of Tasbeeh (?Subhan-Allah?), Tahmeed (?Al-hamdu Lillaah?) and
Takbeer (?Allahu Akbar?) during this time.
2. ?Abdullaah ibn ?Umar reported that the
Prophet said: ?There are no days greater in the sight of Allah and in
which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so
during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel (?La ilaaha ill-Allah?),
Takbeer and Tahmeed.?
3. These ten days include Yawm Arafah , on
which Allah perfected His Religion. Fasting on this day will expiate
for the sins of two years. These days also include Yawm al-Nahar (the
Day of Sacrifice), the greatest day of the entire year and the greatest
day of Hajj, which combines acts of worship in a way unlike any other
day.
4. These ten days include the days of sacrifice and of Hajj.
The Prophet said: ?When you see the new moon of
Dhu?l-Hijjah, if any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, then he
should stop cutting his hair and nails until he has offered his
sacrifice.? According to another report he said: ?He should not remove
(literally, touch) anything from his hair or skin.? Among the good
deeds which the Muslim should strive to do during the first ten days of
Dhu?l-Hijjah are:
1. Fasting: It is Sunnah to fast on the
ninth day of Dhu?l-Hijjah, because the Prophet urged us to do good
deeds during this time, and fasting is one of the best of deeds. The
Prophet used to fast on the ninth of Dhu?l-Hijjah. Hunaydah ibn Khalid
reported from his wife that some of the wives of the Prophet said: ?The
Prophet used to fast on the ninth of Dhu?l-Hijjah, on the day of
?Aashooraa?, on three days of each month, and on Mondays and Thursdays
of each month.?
2. Takbeer: It is Sunnah to say Takbeer
(?Allaahu akbar?), Tahmeed (?Al-hamdu Lillaah?), Tahleel (?La ilaha
ill-Allaah?) and Tasbeeh (?Subhaan Allaah?) during the first ten days of
Dhu?l-Hijjah, and to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street
and every place where it is permitted to remember Allah and mention His
name out loud, as an act of worship and as a proclamation of the
greatness of Allah, may He be exalted. Men should recite these phrases
out loud, and women should recite them quietly.
The Takbeer may include the words ?Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaaha illal-Allah; wa Allahu akbar wa Lillaahi?l-hamd
Reviving aspects of the Sunnah that have been
virtually forgotten is a deed that will bring an immense reward, as is
indicated by the words of the Prophet ?Whoever revives an aspect of my
Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward
equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting
in the least from their reward.?
3. Sacrifice: One of the good deeds that will bring a person closer to Allah during these ten days is offering a sacrifice, by choosing a high-quality animal and fattening it, spending money for the sake of Allah.
Among the special seasons of worship are the first
ten days of Dhu?l-Hijjah, which Allah has preferred over all the other
days of the year.
Ibn ?Abbas reported that the Prophet Muhammad
said: ?There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to
Allah than these ten days.? The people asked, ?Not even jihaad for the
sake of Allah?? He said, ?Not even jihaad for the sake of Allah, except
in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth
up for the cause, and came back with nothing.? (Reported by
al-Bukhaari,
This indicates that these ten days are better
than all the other days of the year, with no exceptions, not even the
last ten days of Ramadan. But the last ten nights of Ramadan are better,
because they include Laylat al-Qadr (?the Night of Power?), which is
better than a thousand months.
1. The Prophet commanded us to recite a
lot of Tasbeeh (?Subhan-Allah?), Tahmeed (?Al-hamdu Lillaah?) and
Takbeer (?Allahu Akbar?) during this time.
2. ?Abdullaah ibn ?Umar reported that the
Prophet said: ?There are no days greater in the sight of Allah and in
which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so
during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel (?La ilaaha ill-Allah?),
Takbeer and Tahmeed.?
3. These ten days include Yawm Arafah , on
which Allah perfected His Religion. Fasting on this day will expiate
for the sins of two years. These days also include Yawm al-Nahar (the
Day of Sacrifice), the greatest day of the entire year and the greatest
day of Hajj, which combines acts of worship in a way unlike any other
day.
4. These ten days include the days of sacrifice and of Hajj.
The Prophet said: ?When you see the new moon of
Dhu?l-Hijjah, if any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, then he
should stop cutting his hair and nails until he has offered his
sacrifice.? According to another report he said: ?He should not remove
(literally, touch) anything from his hair or skin.? Among the good
deeds which the Muslim should strive to do during the first ten days of
Dhu?l-Hijjah are:
1. Fasting: It is Sunnah to fast on the
ninth day of Dhu?l-Hijjah, because the Prophet urged us to do good
deeds during this time, and fasting is one of the best of deeds. The
Prophet used to fast on the ninth of Dhu?l-Hijjah. Hunaydah ibn Khalid
reported from his wife that some of the wives of the Prophet said: ?The
Prophet used to fast on the ninth of Dhu?l-Hijjah, on the day of
?Aashooraa?, on three days of each month, and on Mondays and Thursdays
of each month.?
2. Takbeer: It is Sunnah to say Takbeer
(?Allaahu akbar?), Tahmeed (?Al-hamdu Lillaah?), Tahleel (?La ilaha
ill-Allaah?) and Tasbeeh (?Subhaan Allaah?) during the first ten days of
Dhu?l-Hijjah, and to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street
and every place where it is permitted to remember Allah and mention His
name out loud, as an act of worship and as a proclamation of the
greatness of Allah, may He be exalted. Men should recite these phrases
out loud, and women should recite them quietly.
The Takbeer may include the words ?Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaaha illal-Allah; wa Allahu akbar wa Lillaahi?l-hamd
Reviving aspects of the Sunnah that have been
virtually forgotten is a deed that will bring an immense reward, as is
indicated by the words of the Prophet ?Whoever revives an aspect of my
Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward
equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting
in the least from their reward.?
3. Sacrifice: One of the good deeds that will bring a person closer to Allah during these ten days is offering a sacrifice, by choosing a high-quality animal and fattening it, spending money for the sake of Allah.
Sacrifice, as practised by Holy Prophet Muhammad
(Pbuh)
is an essential religious rite in memory of the sacrifice performed by
Prophet Abraham. God put Abraham to a most difficult trial, the details
of which are described in the Quran. ?O my Lord! Grant me (Abraham) a
righteous (son)!? So We gave him the good news of a boy ready to suffer
and forbear. ?Then, when the the son reached the age to work with him,
he said: ?O my son I see in a vision that I offer you in sacrifice: Now
say what is your view!? (The son) said: ?O My father! Do as you are
commanded: You will find me if God so wills, one practising patience and
constancy!? So when they had both submitted their wills (to God), and
he had made him prostrate on his face (for sacrifice), We called out to
him: ?O Abraham! You have already fulfilled the vision!? Thus indeed do
we reward those who do right. ?For this was obviously a trial and We
ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice: and We left (this blessing) for
him among generations (to come) in later times: (37:100-109).
This is the origin of the Islamic precept of
sacrifice in fulfilment of God?s command provided in the Quran: ?... to
your Lord turn in prayer and sacrifice.? (108:2).
The aim of sacrifice, like all other fundamentals
of Islam, is to imbibe piety and self righteousness. It also promotes
the spirit of sacrifice for a right cause. To explain its purpose, God
says in the Quran. ?It is not their meat, nor their blood, that reaches
God, It is their piety that reaches God?: (22:37)
Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) said: ?On the 10th of
Zil-Hijjah, there is no better act in the view of Allah than shedding
the blood (of slaughtered animals). And verily sacrifice earns the
approbation of Allah even before the drop of blood (of the slaughtered
animal) falls on the ground. Hence you should offer it in good spirit.
For every hair of the sacrificial animal, there is a blessing.? Here
are the precepts and practices pertaining to Qurbani, according to
Hanafi Fiqh.
Qurbani is Fardh for :
Qurbani, like Zakat, is essential for one who has
the financial means and savings that remain surplus to his own needs
over the year. It is essential for one?s own self.
However, a slaughter of animal can also be
offered for each member of one?s family. It may be offered, though it is
not essential, for one?s deceased relations, too, in the hope of
benediction and blessings for the departed souls.
What to Sacrifice
All the permissible (halal) domesticated or
reared quadrupeds can be offered for Qurbani. Generally, slaughter of
goats, sheep, rams, cows, and camels is offered. It is permissible for
seven persons to share the sacrifice of a cow or a camel on the
condition that no one?s share is less than one seventh and their
intention is to offer Qurbani. Age of Sacrificial Animals
Sacrifice of goat or sheep less than one year old
(unless the sheep is so strong and fat that it looks to be a full one
year old) is not in order. Cow should be at least two years old. Camels
should not be less than five years old.
Disqualifying defects
Sacrifice of an animal will not be in order if it
is one eyed, or blind, or has lost one third or more of its eyesight,
or one third or more of its tail, or its ear has been cut off, or it is
lame, or its bones have no marrow, or it has no ears by birth or its
horns have been broken from their roots, or it has no teeth at all. If
the number of teeth intact exceeds the lost ones, it is permissible. If
it has no horns by birth, or has less than one third broken horns, it is
permissible.
Distribution of meat
One should eat the meat of the sacrifice, give it
to relations and friends, (to non-Muslims also) and also to the poor in
charity. One third should be given in charity, but if it be less it
will not be a sin.
Injunctions on the use of skin
It is not permissible to give a portion of meat
or the skin of the slaughtered animal as wages. They should instead be
given to the needy in charity. Even the rope and cover of the sacrificed
animal should be given away as charity.
Intention
It is commendable that one who intends to offer a
sacrifice should refrain from having a hair cut, a shave, and pruning
of nails, from the 1st of Zil-Hijjah (upto the time he has performed
the sacrifice).
Intention In the first instance, one who proposes to offer sacrifice must make an intention to that effect.
Method of Sacrifice
The animal for slaughter should be laid on its
left side facing Kaabah and its throat cut open with a sharp knife, and
its blood allowed to drain. In the case of a camel, it should be allowed
to remain standing after its left fore leg has been stringed. A sharp
spear should then be thrust in its breast and on both sides of its neck,
and the blood allowed to drain.
Sacrifice, as practised by Holy Prophet Muhammad
(Pbuh)
is an essential religious rite in memory of the sacrifice performed by
Prophet Abraham. God put Abraham to a most difficult trial, the details
of which are described in the Quran. ?O my Lord! Grant me (Abraham) a
righteous (son)!? So We gave him the good news of a boy ready to suffer
and forbear. ?Then, when the the son reached the age to work with him,
he said: ?O my son I see in a vision that I offer you in sacrifice: Now
say what is your view!? (The son) said: ?O My father! Do as you are
commanded: You will find me if God so wills, one practising patience and
constancy!? So when they had both submitted their wills (to God), and
he had made him prostrate on his face (for sacrifice), We called out to
him: ?O Abraham! You have already fulfilled the vision!? Thus indeed do
we reward those who do right. ?For this was obviously a trial and We
ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice: and We left (this blessing) for
him among generations (to come) in later times: (37:100-109).
This is the origin of the Islamic precept of
sacrifice in fulfilment of God?s command provided in the Quran: ?... to
your Lord turn in prayer and sacrifice.? (108:2).
The aim of sacrifice, like all other fundamentals
of Islam, is to imbibe piety and self righteousness. It also promotes
the spirit of sacrifice for a right cause. To explain its purpose, God
says in the Quran. ?It is not their meat, nor their blood, that reaches
God, It is their piety that reaches God?: (22:37)
Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) said: ?On the 10th of
Zil-Hijjah, there is no better act in the view of Allah than shedding
the blood (of slaughtered animals). And verily sacrifice earns the
approbation of Allah even before the drop of blood (of the slaughtered
animal) falls on the ground. Hence you should offer it in good spirit.
For every hair of the sacrificial animal, there is a blessing.? Here
are the precepts and practices pertaining to Qurbani, according to
Hanafi Fiqh.
Qurbani is Fardh for :
Qurbani, like Zakat, is essential for one who has
the financial means and savings that remain surplus to his own needs
over the year. It is essential for one?s own self.
However, a slaughter of animal can also be
offered for each member of one?s family. It may be offered, though it is
not essential, for one?s deceased relations, too, in the hope of
benediction and blessings for the departed souls.
What to Sacrifice
All the permissible (halal) domesticated or
reared quadrupeds can be offered for Qurbani. Generally, slaughter of
goats, sheep, rams, cows, and camels is offered. It is permissible for
seven persons to share the sacrifice of a cow or a camel on the
condition that no one?s share is less than one seventh and their
intention is to offer Qurbani. Age of Sacrificial Animals
Sacrifice of goat or sheep less than one year old
(unless the sheep is so strong and fat that it looks to be a full one
year old) is not in order. Cow should be at least two years old. Camels
should not be less than five years old.
Disqualifying defects
Sacrifice of an animal will not be in order if it
is one eyed, or blind, or has lost one third or more of its eyesight,
or one third or more of its tail, or its ear has been cut off, or it is
lame, or its bones have no marrow, or it has no ears by birth or its
horns have been broken from their roots, or it has no teeth at all. If
the number of teeth intact exceeds the lost ones, it is permissible. If
it has no horns by birth, or has less than one third broken horns, it is
permissible.
Distribution of meat
One should eat the meat of the sacrifice, give it
to relations and friends, (to non-Muslims also) and also to the poor in
charity. One third should be given in charity, but if it be less it
will not be a sin.
Injunctions on the use of skin
It is not permissible to give a portion of meat
or the skin of the slaughtered animal as wages. They should instead be
given to the needy in charity. Even the rope and cover of the sacrificed
animal should be given away as charity.
Intention
It is commendable that one who intends to offer a
sacrifice should refrain from having a hair cut, a shave, and pruning
of nails, from the 1st of Zil-Hijjah (upto the time he has performed
the sacrifice).
Intention In the first instance, one who proposes to offer sacrifice must make an intention to that effect.
Method of Sacrifice
The animal for slaughter should be laid on its
left side facing Kaabah and its throat cut open with a sharp knife, and
its blood allowed to drain. In the case of a camel, it should be allowed
to remain standing after its left fore leg has been stringed. A sharp
spear should then be thrust in its breast and on both sides of its neck,
and the blood allowed to drain.
Friday, 11 October 2013
Labbayka Allāhumma Labbayk. Labbayk Lā Sharīka Laka Labbayk. Innal-Ḥamda, Wann-Niʻmata, Laka wal Mulk, Lā Sharīka Lak.
|
The Story of
Hajj starts with an introduction about Prophet Ibrahim or Abraham
(pbuh)
Hajar,
concerned about feeding her young baby, began searching the
surroundings for food and water. According the the Qur'an, in
response to Hajar's prayers, a spring miraculously gushed forth at
Ishma'il's feet to quench their thirst. Hajar climbed nearby hills
searching for food and looking for caravans on the horizon.
Eventually, some passing traders stopped in the valley, and asked
Hajar's permission to water their camels. In time, the traders
decided to settle in the little valley, and eventually the
settlement grew into the city of Makkah. Abraham returned from time
to time to visit, and when Ishma'il was about thirteen years old, he
and Ishma'il constructed the Katbah, an empty cube-shaped building,
as a place dedicated for the worship of the One God. Eventually,
Makkah became an important trading post by the time of Prophet
Muhammad, twenty- five hundred years later.ABRAHAM Abraham is a figure revered by Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike as a righteous person who lived over four thousand years ago. His story can be found in the Bible as well as the Qur'an (the Muslim holy book). Abraham is considered to be the patriach of monotheism, or "belief in the One God," who sought a personal relationship with his Creator. He left his native city of Ur in Mesopotamia after voicing opposition to his people's polytheistic practices, and eventually settled in Egypt with his family. Later, he escorted one of his wives, Hajar, and their infant son Ishmail, to a desolate valley in Arabia and left them there, trusting in God's promise to care for them.
THE
HAJJ
In commemoration
of the trials of Abraham and his family in Makkah, which included
Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in response to God's
command, Muslims make a pilgrimage to the sacred city at least once
in their lifetime. The Hajj is one of the "five pillars"
of Islam, and thus an essential part of Muslims' faith and practice.
Muslims from
all over the world, including the United States, travel to Makkah
(in modern- day Saudi Arabia). Before arriving in the holy city,
Muslims enter a state of consecration (dedication) known as ihram,
by removing their worldly dothes and donning the humble attire of
pilgrimsÑtwo seamless white sheets for men, and simple white
dresses and scarves for women. The white garments are symbolic of
human equality and unity before God, since all the pilgrims are
dressed similarly. Money and status no longer are a factor for the
pilgrims - the equality of each person in the eyes of God becomes
paramount.Upon arriving in Makkah, pilgrims perform the initial tawaf, which is a circular, counter- clockwise procession around the Ka'bah. All the while, they state "Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk," which means "Here I am at your service, O God, Here I am!" The tawaf is meant to awaken each Muslim's consciousness that God is the center of their reality and the source of all meaning in life, and that each person's higher self-identity derives from being part of the community of Muslim believers, known as the ummah. Pilgrims also perform the sa'i, which is hurrying seven times between the small hills named Safa and Marwah, reenacting the Biblical and Qurtanic story of Hajar's desperate search for lifegiving water and food. Next, on the first official day of Hajj (8th of Dhul-Hijjah), the two million pilgrims travel a few miles to the plain of Mina and camp there. From Mina, pilgrims travel the following morning to the plain of Arafat where they spend the entire day in earnest supplication and devotion. That evening, the pilgrims move and camp at Muzdalifa, which is a site between Mina and Arafat. Muslims stay overnight and offer various prayers there. Then the pilgrims return to Mina on the 10th, and throw seven pebbles at a stone pillar that represents the devil. This symbolizes Abraham's throwing stones at Satan when he tried to dissuade Abraham from sacrificing his son. Then the pilgrims sacrifice a sheep, reenacting the story of Abraham,who, in place of his son, sacrificed a sheep that God had provided as a substitute. The meat from the slaughtered sheep is distributed for consumption to family, friends, and poor and needy people in the community. After the sacrifice, the pilgrims return to Makkah to end the formal rites of Hajj by performing a final tawaf and sa'i. Muslims believe the rites of the Hajj were designed by God and taught through prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe that since the time of Adam, there have been thousands of prophets, including such well-known figures as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and David, and that Muhammad was the final prophet of God. The Hajj is designed to develop God consciousness and a sense of spiritual upliftment. It is also believed to be an opportunity to seek forgiveness of sins accumulated thoughout life. Prophet Muhammad had said that a person who performs Hajj properly "will return as a newly born baby [free of all sins]." The pilgrimage also enables Muslims from all around the world, of different colors, languages, races, and ethnicities, to come together in a spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood to worship the One God together. |
Labbayka Allāhumma Labbayk. Labbayk Lā Sharīka Laka Labbayk. Innal-Ḥamda, Wann-Niʻmata, Laka wal Mulk, Lā Sharīka Lak.
|
The Story of
Hajj starts with an introduction about Prophet Ibrahim or Abraham
(pbuh)
Hajar,
concerned about feeding her young baby, began searching the
surroundings for food and water. According the the Qur'an, in
response to Hajar's prayers, a spring miraculously gushed forth at
Ishma'il's feet to quench their thirst. Hajar climbed nearby hills
searching for food and looking for caravans on the horizon.
Eventually, some passing traders stopped in the valley, and asked
Hajar's permission to water their camels. In time, the traders
decided to settle in the little valley, and eventually the
settlement grew into the city of Makkah. Abraham returned from time
to time to visit, and when Ishma'il was about thirteen years old, he
and Ishma'il constructed the Katbah, an empty cube-shaped building,
as a place dedicated for the worship of the One God. Eventually,
Makkah became an important trading post by the time of Prophet
Muhammad, twenty- five hundred years later.ABRAHAM Abraham is a figure revered by Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike as a righteous person who lived over four thousand years ago. His story can be found in the Bible as well as the Qur'an (the Muslim holy book). Abraham is considered to be the patriach of monotheism, or "belief in the One God," who sought a personal relationship with his Creator. He left his native city of Ur in Mesopotamia after voicing opposition to his people's polytheistic practices, and eventually settled in Egypt with his family. Later, he escorted one of his wives, Hajar, and their infant son Ishmail, to a desolate valley in Arabia and left them there, trusting in God's promise to care for them.
THE
HAJJ
In commemoration
of the trials of Abraham and his family in Makkah, which included
Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in response to God's
command, Muslims make a pilgrimage to the sacred city at least once
in their lifetime. The Hajj is one of the "five pillars"
of Islam, and thus an essential part of Muslims' faith and practice.
Muslims from
all over the world, including the United States, travel to Makkah
(in modern- day Saudi Arabia). Before arriving in the holy city,
Muslims enter a state of consecration (dedication) known as ihram,
by removing their worldly dothes and donning the humble attire of
pilgrimsÑtwo seamless white sheets for men, and simple white
dresses and scarves for women. The white garments are symbolic of
human equality and unity before God, since all the pilgrims are
dressed similarly. Money and status no longer are a factor for the
pilgrims - the equality of each person in the eyes of God becomes
paramount.Upon arriving in Makkah, pilgrims perform the initial tawaf, which is a circular, counter- clockwise procession around the Ka'bah. All the while, they state "Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk," which means "Here I am at your service, O God, Here I am!" The tawaf is meant to awaken each Muslim's consciousness that God is the center of their reality and the source of all meaning in life, and that each person's higher self-identity derives from being part of the community of Muslim believers, known as the ummah. Pilgrims also perform the sa'i, which is hurrying seven times between the small hills named Safa and Marwah, reenacting the Biblical and Qurtanic story of Hajar's desperate search for lifegiving water and food. Next, on the first official day of Hajj (8th of Dhul-Hijjah), the two million pilgrims travel a few miles to the plain of Mina and camp there. From Mina, pilgrims travel the following morning to the plain of Arafat where they spend the entire day in earnest supplication and devotion. That evening, the pilgrims move and camp at Muzdalifa, which is a site between Mina and Arafat. Muslims stay overnight and offer various prayers there. Then the pilgrims return to Mina on the 10th, and throw seven pebbles at a stone pillar that represents the devil. This symbolizes Abraham's throwing stones at Satan when he tried to dissuade Abraham from sacrificing his son. Then the pilgrims sacrifice a sheep, reenacting the story of Abraham,who, in place of his son, sacrificed a sheep that God had provided as a substitute. The meat from the slaughtered sheep is distributed for consumption to family, friends, and poor and needy people in the community. After the sacrifice, the pilgrims return to Makkah to end the formal rites of Hajj by performing a final tawaf and sa'i. Muslims believe the rites of the Hajj were designed by God and taught through prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe that since the time of Adam, there have been thousands of prophets, including such well-known figures as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and David, and that Muhammad was the final prophet of God. The Hajj is designed to develop God consciousness and a sense of spiritual upliftment. It is also believed to be an opportunity to seek forgiveness of sins accumulated thoughout life. Prophet Muhammad had said that a person who performs Hajj properly "will return as a newly born baby [free of all sins]." The pilgrimage also enables Muslims from all around the world, of different colors, languages, races, and ethnicities, to come together in a spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood to worship the One God together. |
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong
to Allah, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust.
Therefore, our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion
for those in need.
Zakat – also known as zakah – is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and serves principally as the welfare contribution to poor and deprived individuals. The payment of zakat is obligatory for every sane and mature Muslim whenever there is an economic activity resulting in the net increase in their wealth.
Zakat not only purifies the property of the contributor but also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed. It also purifies the heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy, from hatred and uneasiness and it fosters instead goodwill and warm wishes for the contributors.
Paying zakat compulsory, and the Qur'an states that those who pay zakat are in the “brotherhood of faith”.
Zakat – also known as zakah – is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and serves principally as the welfare contribution to poor and deprived individuals. The payment of zakat is obligatory for every sane and mature Muslim whenever there is an economic activity resulting in the net increase in their wealth.
Zakat not only purifies the property of the contributor but also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed. It also purifies the heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy, from hatred and uneasiness and it fosters instead goodwill and warm wishes for the contributors.
Paying zakat compulsory, and the Qur'an states that those who pay zakat are in the “brotherhood of faith”.
What Are The Benefits Of Zakat?
Zakat
not only purifies one’s wealth but is also a spiritual purification and
draws an individual closer to their Creator. Ibn Taimiah said, “the
soul of one who gives zakat is blessed and so is his wealth”, therefore
it is a spiritual obligation to give zakat.
'In their wealth there is a known share for the beggars and the destitute’ (70:24-25)
Who needs to pay zakat?
A Muslim who is a sane adult, in possession of the nisab (the
minimum amount of wealth that one must have before zakat is payable)
for one whole year. See the current monetary nisab value in the How to Calculate Zakat section.
A
lot of people choose Ramadan as the month in which they pay their
zakat; both to remember it, and also because the reward for good deeds
given in this blessed month is multiplied.
How is zakat distributed?
Zakat is distributed amongst eight categories of people. The Qur’an states that:
"Zakat is for the poor, and the needy and those who are employed to administer and collect it, and the new converts, and for those who are in bondage, and in debt and service of the cause of Allah, and for the wayfarers, a duty ordained by Allah, and Allah is the All-Knowing, the Wise.”
How to calculate zakat:
It is an obligation to pay 2.5 per cent of the wealth you have made after a full lunar year. Farmers who own their own land and harvest their own crops are required to pay 5 or 10 per cent of their harvest's worth, depending on the type of irrigation.
Do I pay zakat on my house and car?
No, as long as you have one house. If you have a second house for investment purposes, this is “zakatable”. You should pay 2.5 per cent of the total saved from the house, excluding what is spent on maintenance or insurance. The same applies for cars. If you are renting a car to someone, this is considered a business entity, therefore also zakatable.
What about businesses?
It is advised that if a businessman earns a certain amount from his business, whatever he saves after taking care of his family's needs and his business expenses, he pays zakat of 2.5 per cent. Secondly, a businessman has to pay zakat on the commodities in his store. This would require evaluating the purchasing power of the commodity and then paying 2.5 per cent of this amount.
The importance of zakat during Ramadan:
Most Muslims prefer to give their zakat in Ramadan because there are more rewards for doing so, but it is not necessary.
However, it is obligatory to pay Zakat Al Fitr, which is for fasting Muslims to give food or money on behalf of fasting people. The food or money is equal to one day's meals for one person. The head of the family pays this amount on behalf of each person in the family.
If he is responsible for his parents, then he has to pay Zakat Al Fitr for them too.
Zakat is distributed amongst eight categories of people. The Qur’an states that:
"Zakat is for the poor, and the needy and those who are employed to administer and collect it, and the new converts, and for those who are in bondage, and in debt and service of the cause of Allah, and for the wayfarers, a duty ordained by Allah, and Allah is the All-Knowing, the Wise.”
How to calculate zakat:
It is an obligation to pay 2.5 per cent of the wealth you have made after a full lunar year. Farmers who own their own land and harvest their own crops are required to pay 5 or 10 per cent of their harvest's worth, depending on the type of irrigation.
Do I pay zakat on my house and car?
No, as long as you have one house. If you have a second house for investment purposes, this is “zakatable”. You should pay 2.5 per cent of the total saved from the house, excluding what is spent on maintenance or insurance. The same applies for cars. If you are renting a car to someone, this is considered a business entity, therefore also zakatable.
What about businesses?
It is advised that if a businessman earns a certain amount from his business, whatever he saves after taking care of his family's needs and his business expenses, he pays zakat of 2.5 per cent. Secondly, a businessman has to pay zakat on the commodities in his store. This would require evaluating the purchasing power of the commodity and then paying 2.5 per cent of this amount.
The importance of zakat during Ramadan:
Most Muslims prefer to give their zakat in Ramadan because there are more rewards for doing so, but it is not necessary.
However, it is obligatory to pay Zakat Al Fitr, which is for fasting Muslims to give food or money on behalf of fasting people. The food or money is equal to one day's meals for one person. The head of the family pays this amount on behalf of each person in the family.
If he is responsible for his parents, then he has to pay Zakat Al Fitr for them too.
One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong
to Allah, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust.
Therefore, our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion
for those in need.
Zakat – also known as zakah – is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and serves principally as the welfare contribution to poor and deprived individuals. The payment of zakat is obligatory for every sane and mature Muslim whenever there is an economic activity resulting in the net increase in their wealth.
Zakat not only purifies the property of the contributor but also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed. It also purifies the heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy, from hatred and uneasiness and it fosters instead goodwill and warm wishes for the contributors.
Paying zakat compulsory, and the Qur'an states that those who pay zakat are in the “brotherhood of faith”.
Zakat – also known as zakah – is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and serves principally as the welfare contribution to poor and deprived individuals. The payment of zakat is obligatory for every sane and mature Muslim whenever there is an economic activity resulting in the net increase in their wealth.
Zakat not only purifies the property of the contributor but also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed. It also purifies the heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy, from hatred and uneasiness and it fosters instead goodwill and warm wishes for the contributors.
Paying zakat compulsory, and the Qur'an states that those who pay zakat are in the “brotherhood of faith”.
What Are The Benefits Of Zakat?
Zakat
not only purifies one’s wealth but is also a spiritual purification and
draws an individual closer to their Creator. Ibn Taimiah said, “the
soul of one who gives zakat is blessed and so is his wealth”, therefore
it is a spiritual obligation to give zakat.
'In their wealth there is a known share for the beggars and the destitute’ (70:24-25)
Who needs to pay zakat?
A Muslim who is a sane adult, in possession of the nisab (the
minimum amount of wealth that one must have before zakat is payable)
for one whole year. See the current monetary nisab value in the How to Calculate Zakat section.
A
lot of people choose Ramadan as the month in which they pay their
zakat; both to remember it, and also because the reward for good deeds
given in this blessed month is multiplied.
How is zakat distributed?
Zakat is distributed amongst eight categories of people. The Qur’an states that:
"Zakat is for the poor, and the needy and those who are employed to administer and collect it, and the new converts, and for those who are in bondage, and in debt and service of the cause of Allah, and for the wayfarers, a duty ordained by Allah, and Allah is the All-Knowing, the Wise.”
How to calculate zakat:
It is an obligation to pay 2.5 per cent of the wealth you have made after a full lunar year. Farmers who own their own land and harvest their own crops are required to pay 5 or 10 per cent of their harvest's worth, depending on the type of irrigation.
Do I pay zakat on my house and car?
No, as long as you have one house. If you have a second house for investment purposes, this is “zakatable”. You should pay 2.5 per cent of the total saved from the house, excluding what is spent on maintenance or insurance. The same applies for cars. If you are renting a car to someone, this is considered a business entity, therefore also zakatable.
What about businesses?
It is advised that if a businessman earns a certain amount from his business, whatever he saves after taking care of his family's needs and his business expenses, he pays zakat of 2.5 per cent. Secondly, a businessman has to pay zakat on the commodities in his store. This would require evaluating the purchasing power of the commodity and then paying 2.5 per cent of this amount.
The importance of zakat during Ramadan:
Most Muslims prefer to give their zakat in Ramadan because there are more rewards for doing so, but it is not necessary.
However, it is obligatory to pay Zakat Al Fitr, which is for fasting Muslims to give food or money on behalf of fasting people. The food or money is equal to one day's meals for one person. The head of the family pays this amount on behalf of each person in the family.
If he is responsible for his parents, then he has to pay Zakat Al Fitr for them too.
Zakat is distributed amongst eight categories of people. The Qur’an states that:
"Zakat is for the poor, and the needy and those who are employed to administer and collect it, and the new converts, and for those who are in bondage, and in debt and service of the cause of Allah, and for the wayfarers, a duty ordained by Allah, and Allah is the All-Knowing, the Wise.”
How to calculate zakat:
It is an obligation to pay 2.5 per cent of the wealth you have made after a full lunar year. Farmers who own their own land and harvest their own crops are required to pay 5 or 10 per cent of their harvest's worth, depending on the type of irrigation.
Do I pay zakat on my house and car?
No, as long as you have one house. If you have a second house for investment purposes, this is “zakatable”. You should pay 2.5 per cent of the total saved from the house, excluding what is spent on maintenance or insurance. The same applies for cars. If you are renting a car to someone, this is considered a business entity, therefore also zakatable.
What about businesses?
It is advised that if a businessman earns a certain amount from his business, whatever he saves after taking care of his family's needs and his business expenses, he pays zakat of 2.5 per cent. Secondly, a businessman has to pay zakat on the commodities in his store. This would require evaluating the purchasing power of the commodity and then paying 2.5 per cent of this amount.
The importance of zakat during Ramadan:
Most Muslims prefer to give their zakat in Ramadan because there are more rewards for doing so, but it is not necessary.
However, it is obligatory to pay Zakat Al Fitr, which is for fasting Muslims to give food or money on behalf of fasting people. The food or money is equal to one day's meals for one person. The head of the family pays this amount on behalf of each person in the family.
If he is responsible for his parents, then he has to pay Zakat Al Fitr for them too.
Islam has five pillars, or cornerstones,
on which we should build our lives. A good strong building has 4 strong
cornerstones, and good Muslims have 5 because we want to be strong
in the way we live! Remember, our goal in life is to join Allah in
Jannah (paradise) one day!
The Qur'an tells us that Allah created man to worship Him. We need to follow His rules to do this the right way.
The pillars are our five basic duties. Allah is the one who gave us these requirements. We don’t follow them only if we feel like it, we are REQUIRED to follow them. Think about this: We all ask Allah that He let us get this or do that, like get a good grade on our test or get to go to a great place for dinner. But how can we expect Him to grant our wishes if we don’t even do the things He’s asking US to do?????
1. Shahadah - our basic belief
The Qur'an tells us that Allah created man to worship Him. We need to follow His rules to do this the right way.
The pillars are our five basic duties. Allah is the one who gave us these requirements. We don’t follow them only if we feel like it, we are REQUIRED to follow them. Think about this: We all ask Allah that He let us get this or do that, like get a good grade on our test or get to go to a great place for dinner. But how can we expect Him to grant our wishes if we don’t even do the things He’s asking US to do?????
1. Shahadah - our basic belief
Do you know the
Shahadah? This is our belief as Muslims! It's what MAKES
us Muslims!
Allah (SWT) is One!
After the name of Allah, we write SWT - this means "Subhana-Hu wa Ta'ala," or "Allah is glorified."
Muhammad (S) is His Messenger!
After the name of Prophet Muhammad, we write S - this means "Salla
Allahu ‘alaihi wa-Sallam," or "May the blessings of Allah be upon him."
So all Muslims believe that Allah is One, He is the ONLY God, and Muhammad is His Messenger! In Arabic we say,
La Illaha Illala, Muhammad ur Rasulullah
2. Salah - Daily Prayer
We must pray to be good Muslims. Before we pray we do Wudu, or clean up in a special way. We wear clean clothes, and pray facing the Kabah. We pray FIVE TIMES A DAY: Fajr - Dhohur - Asr - Maghrib - Isha ! Praying to Allah this often helps us to remember Him every minute of the day. And if we keep Allah in our minds all the time, it helps us to be better people and keeps us from doing wrong things Insha'allah.
We should start praying when we are 7 years old, and once we reach 10 years old we should not miss any prayers. This is a VERY important requirement of Muslims, and like I said before, how can we expect Allah to answer our prayers if we are not performing all of our prayers?
3. Fasting
Muslims fast every day during the month of Ramadan. We don't eat or drink anything during the day. We also pray, read the Qu'ran, and do good deeds all day instead of bad ones. We watch our tongues and don't fight with each other. Once you reach 10 years old, you are required to fast. Of course this is quite hard, but it is one more thing that helps us to be better people. We remember Allah, as well as those who don't have as much as we do in life. We learn not to be greedy and selfish. People in some parts of the world go without much food every single day, not just during Ramadan. Before you're 10 years old, you should try to fast for a few days during Ramadan so you can begin to get used to it.
When we’re fasting, we try to continue our lives like we usually do, and not take it extra easy. We go to school and work like we always do, and not sit around watching movies or taking naps on the weekends. If you’re bored or hungry, why don’t you read the Qur’an or ask your mom or dad to read it to you?
4. Zakah - Sharing
Allah has given some of us a lot of money and other things, and others not very much. WHATEVER WE DO HAVE, IT IS ONLY BECAUSE OF ALLAH. Allah want us to share our money and things with those who don't have it (the poor).
Ask your parents to let you know about the Zakah they give for your family. When do they give it during the year, and to whom? When you get a little older, maybe Insha’Allah they’ll include you in the Zakah planning.
5. Hajj
If we can afford it and are healthy enough to make the trip, we are required to go once in our lives to Makkah and visit the Kabah during Hajj. We are called pilgrims. We perform many rituals while we're there, and we pray to Allah to forgive us and guide us.
Makkah and Medina are very important and wonderful cities! Insha’allah when you go for your Hajj, you will feel the powerful feelings that most people talk about when they go. When you see the Kabah for the first time, you will realize that you are the closest to Allah that you will EVER be while you are alive. Many people change a lot once they complete their Hajj, like a new person, and they make sure they are better Muslims once they go home. They decide to practice the religion of Islam as well as they can, because they feel fresh and strong.
Allah (SWT) is One!
After the name of Allah, we write SWT - this means "Subhana-Hu wa Ta'ala," or "Allah is glorified."
Muhammad (S) is His Messenger!
After the name of Prophet Muhammad, we write S - this means "Salla
Allahu ‘alaihi wa-Sallam," or "May the blessings of Allah be upon him."
So all Muslims believe that Allah is One, He is the ONLY God, and Muhammad is His Messenger! In Arabic we say,
La Illaha Illala, Muhammad ur Rasulullah
2. Salah - Daily Prayer
We must pray to be good Muslims. Before we pray we do Wudu, or clean up in a special way. We wear clean clothes, and pray facing the Kabah. We pray FIVE TIMES A DAY: Fajr - Dhohur - Asr - Maghrib - Isha ! Praying to Allah this often helps us to remember Him every minute of the day. And if we keep Allah in our minds all the time, it helps us to be better people and keeps us from doing wrong things Insha'allah.
We should start praying when we are 7 years old, and once we reach 10 years old we should not miss any prayers. This is a VERY important requirement of Muslims, and like I said before, how can we expect Allah to answer our prayers if we are not performing all of our prayers?
3. Fasting
Muslims fast every day during the month of Ramadan. We don't eat or drink anything during the day. We also pray, read the Qu'ran, and do good deeds all day instead of bad ones. We watch our tongues and don't fight with each other. Once you reach 10 years old, you are required to fast. Of course this is quite hard, but it is one more thing that helps us to be better people. We remember Allah, as well as those who don't have as much as we do in life. We learn not to be greedy and selfish. People in some parts of the world go without much food every single day, not just during Ramadan. Before you're 10 years old, you should try to fast for a few days during Ramadan so you can begin to get used to it.
When we’re fasting, we try to continue our lives like we usually do, and not take it extra easy. We go to school and work like we always do, and not sit around watching movies or taking naps on the weekends. If you’re bored or hungry, why don’t you read the Qur’an or ask your mom or dad to read it to you?
4. Zakah - Sharing
Allah has given some of us a lot of money and other things, and others not very much. WHATEVER WE DO HAVE, IT IS ONLY BECAUSE OF ALLAH. Allah want us to share our money and things with those who don't have it (the poor).
Ask your parents to let you know about the Zakah they give for your family. When do they give it during the year, and to whom? When you get a little older, maybe Insha’Allah they’ll include you in the Zakah planning.
5. Hajj
If we can afford it and are healthy enough to make the trip, we are required to go once in our lives to Makkah and visit the Kabah during Hajj. We are called pilgrims. We perform many rituals while we're there, and we pray to Allah to forgive us and guide us.
Makkah and Medina are very important and wonderful cities! Insha’allah when you go for your Hajj, you will feel the powerful feelings that most people talk about when they go. When you see the Kabah for the first time, you will realize that you are the closest to Allah that you will EVER be while you are alive. Many people change a lot once they complete their Hajj, like a new person, and they make sure they are better Muslims once they go home. They decide to practice the religion of Islam as well as they can, because they feel fresh and strong.
SUBHANALLAH! ALLAHU AKBAR!
Islam has five pillars, or cornerstones,
on which we should build our lives. A good strong building has 4 strong
cornerstones, and good Muslims have 5 because we want to be strong
in the way we live! Remember, our goal in life is to join Allah in
Jannah (paradise) one day!
The Qur'an tells us that Allah created man to worship Him. We need to follow His rules to do this the right way.
The pillars are our five basic duties. Allah is the one who gave us these requirements. We don’t follow them only if we feel like it, we are REQUIRED to follow them. Think about this: We all ask Allah that He let us get this or do that, like get a good grade on our test or get to go to a great place for dinner. But how can we expect Him to grant our wishes if we don’t even do the things He’s asking US to do?????
1. Shahadah - our basic belief
The Qur'an tells us that Allah created man to worship Him. We need to follow His rules to do this the right way.
The pillars are our five basic duties. Allah is the one who gave us these requirements. We don’t follow them only if we feel like it, we are REQUIRED to follow them. Think about this: We all ask Allah that He let us get this or do that, like get a good grade on our test or get to go to a great place for dinner. But how can we expect Him to grant our wishes if we don’t even do the things He’s asking US to do?????
1. Shahadah - our basic belief
Do you know the
Shahadah? This is our belief as Muslims! It's what MAKES
us Muslims!
Allah (SWT) is One!
After the name of Allah, we write SWT - this means "Subhana-Hu wa Ta'ala," or "Allah is glorified."
Muhammad (S) is His Messenger!
After the name of Prophet Muhammad, we write S - this means "Salla
Allahu ‘alaihi wa-Sallam," or "May the blessings of Allah be upon him."
So all Muslims believe that Allah is One, He is the ONLY God, and Muhammad is His Messenger! In Arabic we say,
La Illaha Illala, Muhammad ur Rasulullah
2. Salah - Daily Prayer
We must pray to be good Muslims. Before we pray we do Wudu, or clean up in a special way. We wear clean clothes, and pray facing the Kabah. We pray FIVE TIMES A DAY: Fajr - Dhohur - Asr - Maghrib - Isha ! Praying to Allah this often helps us to remember Him every minute of the day. And if we keep Allah in our minds all the time, it helps us to be better people and keeps us from doing wrong things Insha'allah.
We should start praying when we are 7 years old, and once we reach 10 years old we should not miss any prayers. This is a VERY important requirement of Muslims, and like I said before, how can we expect Allah to answer our prayers if we are not performing all of our prayers?
3. Fasting
Muslims fast every day during the month of Ramadan. We don't eat or drink anything during the day. We also pray, read the Qu'ran, and do good deeds all day instead of bad ones. We watch our tongues and don't fight with each other. Once you reach 10 years old, you are required to fast. Of course this is quite hard, but it is one more thing that helps us to be better people. We remember Allah, as well as those who don't have as much as we do in life. We learn not to be greedy and selfish. People in some parts of the world go without much food every single day, not just during Ramadan. Before you're 10 years old, you should try to fast for a few days during Ramadan so you can begin to get used to it.
When we’re fasting, we try to continue our lives like we usually do, and not take it extra easy. We go to school and work like we always do, and not sit around watching movies or taking naps on the weekends. If you’re bored or hungry, why don’t you read the Qur’an or ask your mom or dad to read it to you?
4. Zakah - Sharing
Allah has given some of us a lot of money and other things, and others not very much. WHATEVER WE DO HAVE, IT IS ONLY BECAUSE OF ALLAH. Allah want us to share our money and things with those who don't have it (the poor).
Ask your parents to let you know about the Zakah they give for your family. When do they give it during the year, and to whom? When you get a little older, maybe Insha’Allah they’ll include you in the Zakah planning.
5. Hajj
If we can afford it and are healthy enough to make the trip, we are required to go once in our lives to Makkah and visit the Kabah during Hajj. We are called pilgrims. We perform many rituals while we're there, and we pray to Allah to forgive us and guide us.
Makkah and Medina are very important and wonderful cities! Insha’allah when you go for your Hajj, you will feel the powerful feelings that most people talk about when they go. When you see the Kabah for the first time, you will realize that you are the closest to Allah that you will EVER be while you are alive. Many people change a lot once they complete their Hajj, like a new person, and they make sure they are better Muslims once they go home. They decide to practice the religion of Islam as well as they can, because they feel fresh and strong.
Allah (SWT) is One!
After the name of Allah, we write SWT - this means "Subhana-Hu wa Ta'ala," or "Allah is glorified."
Muhammad (S) is His Messenger!
After the name of Prophet Muhammad, we write S - this means "Salla
Allahu ‘alaihi wa-Sallam," or "May the blessings of Allah be upon him."
So all Muslims believe that Allah is One, He is the ONLY God, and Muhammad is His Messenger! In Arabic we say,
La Illaha Illala, Muhammad ur Rasulullah
2. Salah - Daily Prayer
We must pray to be good Muslims. Before we pray we do Wudu, or clean up in a special way. We wear clean clothes, and pray facing the Kabah. We pray FIVE TIMES A DAY: Fajr - Dhohur - Asr - Maghrib - Isha ! Praying to Allah this often helps us to remember Him every minute of the day. And if we keep Allah in our minds all the time, it helps us to be better people and keeps us from doing wrong things Insha'allah.
We should start praying when we are 7 years old, and once we reach 10 years old we should not miss any prayers. This is a VERY important requirement of Muslims, and like I said before, how can we expect Allah to answer our prayers if we are not performing all of our prayers?
3. Fasting
Muslims fast every day during the month of Ramadan. We don't eat or drink anything during the day. We also pray, read the Qu'ran, and do good deeds all day instead of bad ones. We watch our tongues and don't fight with each other. Once you reach 10 years old, you are required to fast. Of course this is quite hard, but it is one more thing that helps us to be better people. We remember Allah, as well as those who don't have as much as we do in life. We learn not to be greedy and selfish. People in some parts of the world go without much food every single day, not just during Ramadan. Before you're 10 years old, you should try to fast for a few days during Ramadan so you can begin to get used to it.
When we’re fasting, we try to continue our lives like we usually do, and not take it extra easy. We go to school and work like we always do, and not sit around watching movies or taking naps on the weekends. If you’re bored or hungry, why don’t you read the Qur’an or ask your mom or dad to read it to you?
4. Zakah - Sharing
Allah has given some of us a lot of money and other things, and others not very much. WHATEVER WE DO HAVE, IT IS ONLY BECAUSE OF ALLAH. Allah want us to share our money and things with those who don't have it (the poor).
Ask your parents to let you know about the Zakah they give for your family. When do they give it during the year, and to whom? When you get a little older, maybe Insha’Allah they’ll include you in the Zakah planning.
5. Hajj
If we can afford it and are healthy enough to make the trip, we are required to go once in our lives to Makkah and visit the Kabah during Hajj. We are called pilgrims. We perform many rituals while we're there, and we pray to Allah to forgive us and guide us.
Makkah and Medina are very important and wonderful cities! Insha’allah when you go for your Hajj, you will feel the powerful feelings that most people talk about when they go. When you see the Kabah for the first time, you will realize that you are the closest to Allah that you will EVER be while you are alive. Many people change a lot once they complete their Hajj, like a new person, and they make sure they are better Muslims once they go home. They decide to practice the religion of Islam as well as they can, because they feel fresh and strong.
SUBHANALLAH! ALLAHU AKBAR!
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
I've always wondered if there is a reason as to why dates are popular during Ramadan. Can you tell me what the significance is?
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended us to break fasting
during Ramadan (iftar) with dates. Researc
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended us to break fasting
during Ramadan (iftar) with dates. Research study has proven that having
dates after fasting has got great benefits for our nutrition and
health!
Following are the 6 health benefits of eating dates after fasting:
- Dates are easy to digest so they don’t exhaust the fasting person stomach.
- Dates decrease the great hunger feeling of the fasting person and so he doesn’t rush into excessive food eating which causes digestion disorders.
- Dates prepare the stomach to receive the food after being inactive through out the day with activating the release of digestive secretions and juices.
- Dates are very rich with sugary energy and so the body is supplied with the most important nutrients which is sugar that is irreplaceable as a nutrient for the brain cells and nerves.
- Dates protect the fasting person from having constipation as a result of changing meals times or as a result of having low fiber amounts in meals.
- The alkaline salts in dates adjust the acidity of blood which result from excessiveness eating of meat and carbohydrates which causes a lot of hereditary diseases as diabetes, gout, renal stones, gall bladder inflammations, high blood pressure and hemorrhoids).
We know that whatever Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommend
us to do are from Allah SWT, our Creator who knows what is good and bad
for a human body! If we fully follow the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him) in all aspects of life, health benefits is just one
of the numerous benefits we are going to have insha Allah. Islam is
indeed the beautiful way of life! 
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Break your fast by eating dates as it is purifying.” (Narrated by Ahmad)
I've always wondered if there is a reason as to why dates are popular during Ramadan. Can you tell me what the significance is?
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended us to break fasting
during Ramadan (iftar) with dates. Researc
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended us to break fasting
during Ramadan (iftar) with dates. Research study has proven that having
dates after fasting has got great benefits for our nutrition and
health!
Following are the 6 health benefits of eating dates after fasting:
- Dates are easy to digest so they don’t exhaust the fasting person stomach.
- Dates decrease the great hunger feeling of the fasting person and so he doesn’t rush into excessive food eating which causes digestion disorders.
- Dates prepare the stomach to receive the food after being inactive through out the day with activating the release of digestive secretions and juices.
- Dates are very rich with sugary energy and so the body is supplied with the most important nutrients which is sugar that is irreplaceable as a nutrient for the brain cells and nerves.
- Dates protect the fasting person from having constipation as a result of changing meals times or as a result of having low fiber amounts in meals.
- The alkaline salts in dates adjust the acidity of blood which result from excessiveness eating of meat and carbohydrates which causes a lot of hereditary diseases as diabetes, gout, renal stones, gall bladder inflammations, high blood pressure and hemorrhoids).
We know that whatever Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommend
us to do are from Allah SWT, our Creator who knows what is good and bad
for a human body! If we fully follow the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him) in all aspects of life, health benefits is just one
of the numerous benefits we are going to have insha Allah. Islam is
indeed the beautiful way of life!
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Break your fast by eating dates as it is purifying.” (Narrated by Ahmad)
Each year, Muslims spend the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observing a community-wide fast. The annual fast of Ramadan is considered one of the five "pillars" of Islam. Muslims who are physically able are required to fast each day of the entire month, from sunrise to sunset. The evenings are spent enjoying family and community meals, engaging in prayer and spiritual reflection, and reading from the Quran.
Benifits of Ramadan :
Ramadan is a period of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity and
sacrifice observed by Muslims around the world. While major holidays of
other faiths have largely become commercialized events, Ramadan retains
its intense spiritual meaning.
The word "Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root word for "parched thirst"
and "sun-baked ground." It is expressive of the hunger and thirst felt
by those who spend the month in fasting. As opposed to other holidays,
when people often indulge, Ramadan is by nature a time of sacrifice.
- Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day.
- Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to their Creator, and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him.
- Through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, "A man's wealth is never diminished by charity."
- Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good habits.
- Through changing routines, Muslims have a chance to establish more healthy lifestyle habits -- particularly with regards to diet and smoking.
- Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.
Each year, Muslims spend the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observing a community-wide fast. The annual fast of Ramadan is considered one of the five "pillars" of Islam. Muslims who are physically able are required to fast each day of the entire month, from sunrise to sunset. The evenings are spent enjoying family and community meals, engaging in prayer and spiritual reflection, and reading from the Quran.
Benifits of Ramadan :
Ramadan is a period of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity and
sacrifice observed by Muslims around the world. While major holidays of
other faiths have largely become commercialized events, Ramadan retains
its intense spiritual meaning.
The word "Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root word for "parched thirst"
and "sun-baked ground." It is expressive of the hunger and thirst felt
by those who spend the month in fasting. As opposed to other holidays,
when people often indulge, Ramadan is by nature a time of sacrifice.
- Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day.
- Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to their Creator, and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him.
- Through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, "A man's wealth is never diminished by charity."
- Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good habits.
- Through changing routines, Muslims have a chance to establish more healthy lifestyle habits -- particularly with regards to diet and smoking.
- Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.
Monday, 8 July 2013
Monday, 1 July 2013
|
يَا
أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى
الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
"O who believe, fasting is decreed for you as it was decreed for those before
you; perchance you will guard yourselves. (2:183) |
The month of Ramadan is upon us; the Prophet ﷺ mentioned in this good hadith
(narration of the sayings or actions of the Prophet ﷺ) that when the
month of Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the doors
of the Hell-fire are closed and that the devils are chained (Ahmad and
an-Nasa’i).
The month of Ramadan is a tremendous witness on the Day of the judgment, and the Prophet (s) said: "I declare myself clear of them whose detractor is Ramadan." It brings immense rewards as he said: "Those who fast the month of Ramadan believing (in Allah and his Messenger) and seeking a reward, all their past sins are forgiven." Another version adds: "and pray (the voluntary night-prayer) in it" and in the end: "he comes out of his sins as on the day his mother gave birth to him."
According to the Companion `Ubadah ibn al-Samit the Prophet (s) used to say upon entering this month:
Allahumma sallimnee li ramadana wa sallim ramadana"O Allah, greet and save me for Ramadan; greet and save Ramadan;
wa sallimhu minnee mutaqabbilan.
greet and save Ramadan on my behalf, and grant me its acceptance."
We should note that the month of Ramadan is the best of months. This month is superior to others in four things:
1. In it there is
the best night of the year, which is Lailatul Al-Qadr. Worship on this
night is better than worshiping for a thousand months.
2. In this month was revealed the best of Books to the best of the Prophets (peace and blessings be upon them all).
3. In this month the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are shut, and the devils are chained up.
4. There are many kinds of worship in
Ramadan, such as fasting, praying Qiyam Al-Layl (Night Vigil Prayer),
feeding the poor, performing i`tikaf (religious retreat), giving
charity, and reading the Qur’an.
|
يَا
أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى
الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
"O who believe, fasting is decreed for you as it was decreed for those before
you; perchance you will guard yourselves. (2:183) |
The month of Ramadan is upon us; the Prophet ﷺ mentioned in this good hadith
(narration of the sayings or actions of the Prophet ﷺ) that when the
month of Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the doors
of the Hell-fire are closed and that the devils are chained (Ahmad and
an-Nasa’i).
The month of Ramadan is a tremendous witness on the Day of the judgment, and the Prophet (s) said: "I declare myself clear of them whose detractor is Ramadan." It brings immense rewards as he said: "Those who fast the month of Ramadan believing (in Allah and his Messenger) and seeking a reward, all their past sins are forgiven." Another version adds: "and pray (the voluntary night-prayer) in it" and in the end: "he comes out of his sins as on the day his mother gave birth to him."
According to the Companion `Ubadah ibn al-Samit the Prophet (s) used to say upon entering this month:
Allahumma sallimnee li ramadana wa sallim ramadana"O Allah, greet and save me for Ramadan; greet and save Ramadan;
wa sallimhu minnee mutaqabbilan.
greet and save Ramadan on my behalf, and grant me its acceptance."
We should note that the month of Ramadan is the best of months. This month is superior to others in four things:
1. In it there is
the best night of the year, which is Lailatul Al-Qadr. Worship on this
night is better than worshiping for a thousand months.
2. In this month was revealed the best of Books to the best of the Prophets (peace and blessings be upon them all).
3. In this month the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are shut, and the devils are chained up.
4. There are many kinds of worship in
Ramadan, such as fasting, praying Qiyam Al-Layl (Night Vigil Prayer),
feeding the poor, performing i`tikaf (religious retreat), giving
charity, and reading the Qur’an.
Monday, 24 June 2013
One of the holiest and most
significant nights of the Islamic calendar is the night of the 15th of Shaban,
also known as Shabe Barat. It is on the night of the 15th of Shaban that the
Holy Prophet Muhammad (S) taught is the beginning of the new year in the
spiritual realm, and that on Shabe Barat, the 15th of Shaban, the affairs of
human beings are arranged in the Divine Presence for the coming twelve months.
Mid-Sha'ban is the 15th day of the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
The preceding night is known as Laylatul Bara’ah or Laylatun Nisfe min Sha’ban
in the Arab world, and as Shab-e-barat in India and other muslim countries. Shab e Barat will be celebrated on 24th June 2013 in all the places. After Shabe e Barat, Ramadan is the next holy month in Muslims calendar.
1) 15th Night of Shaban or Shab e Barat, as it is known, is one of the blessed nights in the Islamic calender.
2) Make sure that you offer all the prayers in the masjid with Jamat. (This should be done in other days as well)
3) Make use of this blessed night by involving your self in individual nafl prayers. That includes recitation of quran, any zikr, nafl salah and most importantly, Dua!
4) Make as much dua as possible for the Ummah and for yourself.
5) There
is no fixed or particular prayer for this night therefore stay away from
any such gatherings where Nafl prayers are being offerd in Jamat.
Allah(SWT) has granted us this night to get in touch with him personally
and individually. We should value this opportunity and avoid
gatherings.
6) It is
not mandatory at all to stay up the whole night. Pray as much as you can
conveniently. After that go to sleep and make sure you offer Fajr Salah
in time in the Masjid.
7) You may
also visit the graves of your loved ones, as it was done by our beloved
Prophet(SAW) as well. However, it is not mandatory. Also, keeping in
mind the sort of gatherings that take place at graveyards in these
nights, it is sometimes better not to visit as one might get involved in
sins.
8 ) Dua is the true essense of this night. Involve yourself in as much dua as you can
Things to be avoided on Shab e Barat:
1) Stay away from Bidaat. Stick to the simple straight path, i-e the Sunnah.
2) Shab e Baraat has nothing to do with Halwa, Fireworks and other such non-sense.
3) Farz
Salah is of much greater importance than any Nafl Prayer. Therefore make
sure that we do not stay up so late that we end up missing the Fajr
Salah.
7 Types of People Who Will Not Be Forgiven on Shab e Baraat
Following
are the types of people who, according to hadith, will not be forgiven
even on the blessed night of Shab e Barat (if they do not repent).
However, if someone repents from these sins, then Allah(SWT) is all merciful and will surely forgive him.
1) Mushrik (those who associate partners with Allah).
2) The one who cuts off the ties of kinship (qata’ rehmi).
3) The one who covers his ankles with pants, shalwar or any other garment coming from the top (for men only)
4) The one who is disobedient towards his parents
5) The one who drinks Alcohol
6) The one who kills an innocent Muslim.
7) The one who keeps Keena (enmity) or nourishes malice in his heart for other Muslims.
Exchange of Nama-e -Amal
In Shabe-e-Barat the Nama-e –Amal which is also known
as the record book of bad and good deeds is exchanged with the new
Record book or Nama-e –Amal and kept safe among the other record books
since the time of birth to exchanging time, the angels also write the
births, deaths of the individuals in the very same night by the
commandment of Almighty Allah. It contains all the deeds which the
individual has done in the past year, the Almighty Allah has gifted that
night to ask the forgiveness by saying prayers.
Message of Blessing Night:
Dear Muslim Brothers and Sisters! The Almighty Allah
has provided us an opportunity with an infinite mercy to ask him for
forgiveness regarding our sins in such an auspicious night. His Grace
and favor is waiting for us now it’s our Turn to get the maximum
blessings of Almighty Allah by offering Special Prayers and repent
sincerely for our past sins and ask for forgiveness from core of heart.
OH Allah! Send Your Peace of blessings on the Final
Prophet PBUH and his companions and those who follow him. My sins are
like a huge mountain, my good deeds are like a small pebble I turn to
you with full of shames; restore your mercy and forgiveness upon me.
One of the holiest and most
significant nights of the Islamic calendar is the night of the 15th of Shaban,
also known as Shabe Barat. It is on the night of the 15th of Shaban that the
Holy Prophet Muhammad (S) taught is the beginning of the new year in the
spiritual realm, and that on Shabe Barat, the 15th of Shaban, the affairs of
human beings are arranged in the Divine Presence for the coming twelve months.
Mid-Sha'ban is the 15th day of the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
The preceding night is known as Laylatul Bara’ah or Laylatun Nisfe min Sha’ban
in the Arab world, and as Shab-e-barat in India and other muslim countries. Shab e Barat will be celebrated on 24th June 2013 in all the places. After Shabe e Barat, Ramadan is the next holy month in Muslims calendar.
1) 15th Night of Shaban or Shab e Barat, as it is known, is one of the blessed nights in the Islamic calender.
2) Make sure that you offer all the prayers in the masjid with Jamat. (This should be done in other days as well)
3) Make use of this blessed night by involving your self in individual nafl prayers. That includes recitation of quran, any zikr, nafl salah and most importantly, Dua!
4) Make as much dua as possible for the Ummah and for yourself.
5) There
is no fixed or particular prayer for this night therefore stay away from
any such gatherings where Nafl prayers are being offerd in Jamat.
Allah(SWT) has granted us this night to get in touch with him personally
and individually. We should value this opportunity and avoid
gatherings.
6) It is
not mandatory at all to stay up the whole night. Pray as much as you can
conveniently. After that go to sleep and make sure you offer Fajr Salah
in time in the Masjid.
7) You may
also visit the graves of your loved ones, as it was done by our beloved
Prophet(SAW) as well. However, it is not mandatory. Also, keeping in
mind the sort of gatherings that take place at graveyards in these
nights, it is sometimes better not to visit as one might get involved in
sins.
8 ) Dua is the true essense of this night. Involve yourself in as much dua as you can
Things to be avoided on Shab e Barat:
1) Stay away from Bidaat. Stick to the simple straight path, i-e the Sunnah.
2) Shab e Baraat has nothing to do with Halwa, Fireworks and other such non-sense.
3) Farz
Salah is of much greater importance than any Nafl Prayer. Therefore make
sure that we do not stay up so late that we end up missing the Fajr
Salah.
7 Types of People Who Will Not Be Forgiven on Shab e Baraat
Following
are the types of people who, according to hadith, will not be forgiven
even on the blessed night of Shab e Barat (if they do not repent).
However, if someone repents from these sins, then Allah(SWT) is all merciful and will surely forgive him.
1) Mushrik (those who associate partners with Allah).
2) The one who cuts off the ties of kinship (qata’ rehmi).
3) The one who covers his ankles with pants, shalwar or any other garment coming from the top (for men only)
4) The one who is disobedient towards his parents
5) The one who drinks Alcohol
6) The one who kills an innocent Muslim.
7) The one who keeps Keena (enmity) or nourishes malice in his heart for other Muslims.
Exchange of Nama-e -Amal
In Shabe-e-Barat the Nama-e –Amal which is also known
as the record book of bad and good deeds is exchanged with the new
Record book or Nama-e –Amal and kept safe among the other record books
since the time of birth to exchanging time, the angels also write the
births, deaths of the individuals in the very same night by the
commandment of Almighty Allah. It contains all the deeds which the
individual has done in the past year, the Almighty Allah has gifted that
night to ask the forgiveness by saying prayers.
Message of Blessing Night:
Dear Muslim Brothers and Sisters! The Almighty Allah
has provided us an opportunity with an infinite mercy to ask him for
forgiveness regarding our sins in such an auspicious night. His Grace
and favor is waiting for us now it’s our Turn to get the maximum
blessings of Almighty Allah by offering Special Prayers and repent
sincerely for our past sins and ask for forgiveness from core of heart.
OH Allah! Send Your Peace of blessings on the Final
Prophet PBUH and his companions and those who follow him. My sins are
like a huge mountain, my good deeds are like a small pebble I turn to
you with full of shames; restore your mercy and forgiveness upon me.
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