islamicfocus

Articles

2008-06-23T18:48:00.061+02:00

Mother, What Can I Give You?
On reaching the height of his career a man felt a duty to repay his mother for all she had done for him. He asked, ‘Mother, what can I give you to repay the sacrifices you made for me?’ Mother looked surprised and said, ‘Why think about it? It was my duty so I did it, you don't have to repay me. Even if you want to, there is no way a man can repay his mother.’

Discover Islam
In 1999 the Muslim Judicial Council opened a Department of Da’wah headed by Dr Abdullah Hakeem Quick. This led to the Discover Islam Centre (DIC) being established in 2005. DIC is a non-profit organisation.

Money Matters
Some teachings of Islam regarding money:

Contentment
Wealth is not in having vast riches, it is in contentment. (Bukhari, Muslim)

Loans
If anyone would like Allah to save him from the hardships of the Day of Resurrection, he should give more time to his debtor who is short of money, or remit his debt altogether. (Muslim)

Islam in the Comoros
98% of the 798,000 population in the Comoros, a group of 4 islands in the Indian Ocean, are Muslim. Most are of Arab-Swahili or Persian descent, but there are also people of Indian descent. The name Comoros is derived from the Arabic Qamar, meaning moon. Arabic is one of the official languages.

Tech Watch: Islamic Organizer
With technology being an integral part of many people’s lives, here’s one way of making the indispensable cellphone help organize your Islamic life:

Nokia has designed an Islamic Organizer program that works on Nokia S-60 3rd Edition cellphones. The program either comes pre-loaded or can be downloaded free.

Musjids of the World 13
The Musjid serves as the focal point of any Muslim community and is the most important structure to Muslims.

Koutoubia Musjid, Marrakech, Morocco. Built in the Almohad style. Minaret (69m high) completed 1184-1199 and was a model for the minaret of the Giralda Musjid in Spain which influenced thousands of church towers in Spain and Eastern Europe. 6 rooms (one above the other) form the interior; leading around them is a ramp by which the Muazzin could ride up to the balcony.

Islam’s Bill of Rights
Islam defended human rights for male, female, young, old, irrespective of status, even the other creatures which inhabit earth, hundreds of years before the Magna Charta (1215) or the Declaration of Human Rights (1948). Here is a glimpse into some of the rights established and protected by Islam:

Human Rights
Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul (as legal retribution for murder) or for corruption (done) in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. (Qur’aan 5:32)

Web Guide May 2009
Enrich your web experience. Not all content on all sites Islamic-compliant. Consult Ulama.

www.abouttajweed.com/

Tajweed

http://anisulislam.com/
Musjid Anisul Islam, UK

www.mwinstitute.co.uk/

Muslim Welfare Institute

www.monthly-renaissance.com/

Renaissance Magazine

www.reciter.org/

Qiraat reciter

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It’s Your Call
The Qur’aan mentions that a salient feature of the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam and of those who follow him is to call people to Allah.

By and large, this duty is being carried out by only a handful of Muslims. We all need to add this to our job descriptions of being professionals, tradesmen, housewives and students.

Naan

Naan is a round flatbread made of white flour. It is a staple accompaniment to hot meals in Central and South Asia, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, northern India, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and the surrounding region. It bears a resemblance to pita, but is softer in texture.

Encouragement

Parents, with their comments or attitude can have a negative influence on their children. Here are a few ways of positively encouraging them:
‘Mom! Dad! Look at what I did!’ Kids, their faces beaming with joy, running to their parents to show them ‘something special’ is an everyday occurrence. Sometimes parents immediately start finding fault. ‘Don't interrupt! I'm busy!’ they might say. Or they might criticize the treasure. The heartbroken child walks away maybe to give up ever trying to improve his drawing, writing, or school work.

Earning Dua

It is a trend that people ask the pious or their parents for Dua. This is good, but more effective is to earn the Dua of people by affecting their lives in some way.ServiceAbdullah Ibn Abbas radhiallahua ahuma used to stay close to the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam as a young boy. He would run to fetch water for him when he wanted to make wudhu.

Leadership Qualities Part 3

With elections in South Africa just over, we continue from our main article in the last issue, examining qualities of a good leader as opposed to a ruler:

A leader derives his appeal from humility, a ruler appeals for superiority

In his first speech as Khalifah (leader) of the Muslims, Abu Bakr said: ‘I have been appointed as ruler over you although I am not the best among you. I have never sought this position nor has there ever been a desire in my heart to have this preference to anyone else… If I do right, you must help and obey me; if I go astray, set me right…’

Eagle and Crow

Once a man saw a crow whose wings were cut. He thought: ‘Poor thing, how is it going to survive? From where shall it get its food?’ Hardly a moment had passed when that person spotted an eagle carrying some prey in its beak. The eagle came closer, landed and fed the crow.

Winning Hearts

Ways from the Hadith on winning people’s hearts:

SMILE: It is the first arrow and the fastest of all. ‘Smiling at your brother's face is charity’. Sahaaba report they had never seen someone smile at other more then the Prophet . The Hadith says: ‘Do not ever waste your good deeds, even by meeting your brother with a frowning face.’

I am a Muslim Quiz

2008-06-23T18:47:00.018+02:00

i_am_a_muslim

More from the Kidz Zone

Click Here for an interactive Arabic Lesson (Part One)

Click Here for an interactive Arabic Lesson (Part Two)

Click Here to play a game where you've got to unscramble the names of Prophets of Islam.

Click Here for an informative, interactive page showing the English words which have come from Arabic.

Inside of Ka'bah

2008-06-23T18:46:00.022+02:00

Video claiming to show the inside of the Ka'bah in Makkah Mukarramah.

More Media

Islam in Africa

2008-06-22T09:00:00.001+02:00

THE ARRIVAL OF the first Muslim refugees in Abyssinia (Ethiopia) in the fifth year of the Holy Prophet’s (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) mission, to seek political asylum from religious persecution, heralded a link between Africa and Islam which has lasted up to now.

SPRINGBOARD
In the year 640, during the rule of Umar (radhaillahu anh), the first advances were made into Africa and Egypt was conquered.
Islamic influence spread rapidly and north Africa came inextricably under Arab influence. Along the east coast of Africa trading stations were set up at Malindi, Mombasa and Mogadishu.
Africa was used as a springboard to launch the Muslim invasion of Spain and France in 711, and southern Italy in the 800s.

FIRST VARSITY
The world’s first university was founded in Africa. Al Azhar was set up in the 970s in Cairo. The second one was established in Tunisia and the third in Algeria, all on African soil.
Islam gave Africa the Swahili language which has become the lingua franca on the continent, as well as Arabic, the language of north Africa.
It was through Arabic that the first history of the continent was written by the well-known Muslim scholar Ibn Battuta, an African Muslim.

TIMBUKTU
Mighty Islamic empires flourished in Africa.
Sun Diata, the founder of the great African empire of Mali, converted to Islam in the 1200s.
Mansa Musa, an Emperor of Mali, went for Hajj in 1324.
In the 1500s Islamic learning thrived in the Songhai Empire in West Africa. Timbuktu was an important center of Islamic scholarship.
By this time, Muslim influence was spread over the entire north and west of Africa, and on the east it extended up to Mozambique.

GOLD COINS
Trade was prosperous in the Muslim states with gold and other commodities being mined.
When Muhammad Turre of Songhai went for Hajj in 1495 he was reported to have given away 250 000 gold coins. He set up an efficient administration, police force and canal irrigation system, easily out-rivaling Europe.
Africa produced great Muslims like Salaahuddeen, the Kurdish conqueror of Palestine, who started off from Egypt. In 1804 Usuman dan Fodio, a Fulani Sheikh, declared Jihad and heralded a revival of Islam in West Africa.

LEMBA TRIBE
The history of Islam in Africa is a long one. On our doorstep, the Lemba tribe in north eastern Transvaal traces its history to the Arabs of Yemen and still retains many Islamic customs.
Through deception and deceit, the Christians duped many Africans into abandoning monotheism for man-made Trinity. Muslims can lead them back to it.

Click and Color

2008-06-20T09:15:00.000+02:00

Click and Color.

Click here for a full screen version

The Curious Case of the Church

2008-06-19T09:00:00.000+02:00

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also called the Church of the Resurrection, is a Christian church within the Old City of Jerusalem. The site is venerated by most Christians as the place where Jesus peace be upon him was falsely alleged to have was crucified, and is said to also contain the place where Jesus was buried (the sepulchre). It has been an important pilgrimage destination since the 4th century and the holiest place in Christendom.
The church is jealously managed by six competing and often disputatious Christian denominations: Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Coptic, Syrian Orthodox and Ethiopian Orthodox. Many a time (as late as Apr 20, 2008) tensions spill over into violence. Amazingly, a Muslim family, the Nuseibeh family, holds the key to the sacred sepulchre, and for 13 centuries this family has opened the door to Christendom’s holiest site. The Nuseibeh family has helped keep the peace between the rival Christian factions since Caliph Umar first conquered Jerusalem for the Muslims in 638 and gave them the key. The only gap was 88 years of Crusader rule. Every morning at 4 am, Wajeeh Nuseibeh takes an ancient iron key, climbs a ladder and opens the doors to the church. Every evening, after three raps of an iron doorknocker spaced over half an hour, Nuseibeh closes up and places the key in safekeeping.
The church was restored and renovated several times by Christians under Muslim rule, and Christian pilgrims were always allowed full access to this and other holy places in Palestine. When Salahuddin Ayyubi recaptured Jerusalem in 1191, he allowed the Nuseibeh family to resume their role as custodians. Since that time, the Judeh family, also Muslims, keep the key overnight, but only the Nuseibehs serve as doorkeeper. The role passes from father to son. Once a year, the three biggest Christian denominations publicly renew their request to Nuseibeh to be the custodian and doorkeeper.

Hifz Tradition in South Africa

2008-06-18T09:00:00.000+02:00

Pages From Cape Muslim History, Yusuf Da Costa

Among the early Muslim immigrants to South Africa there may have been Huffaaz, as some were trained Islamic teachers. It is highly probable that individuals like Sheikh Yusuf of Macassar and some scholars exiled to the Cape with him in 1694 had also memorised the Qur’aan, because such memorisation was a characteristic feature of Muslim scholarship of the time. In 1705, the Rajah of Tambora (Sultan Abdul Basi) wrote a copy of the Qur’aan from memory. Imam Abdullah (Tuan Guru) also wrote a copy of the Qur’aan from memory. He had a number of contemporaries who memorised the Qur’aan, including Imam Rajab van Boeghies, who also wrote several copies of the Qur’aan from memory, and Khalib Hajji, founder Imam of the Shafi Musjid. Abu Bakr Effendi, a Kurd Aalim sent to the Cape by the Ottoman government, established the Ottoman Theological School in Cape Town in 1862. Students memorised the Qur’aan there within two years. Ismail Muawiyyah Manie (d. 1918) was the first locally-born Muslim to memorise the Qur’aan. He left to study Qiraat in Makkah and was awarded a medal by the Ottoman authorities for excellence in Qiraat. Many young men left to study in Ottoman Makkah after the emancipation of slaves. At the same time, many Arabs settled in Cape Town. Sheikh Muhammad Najaar of Makkah settled in the Cape in 1906. He was a qualified Qari in the 7 modes of recitation, an extremely rare qualification in SA at the time. Imam Muawiyyah Sedick (d. 1955) of Turkish origin spent 10 years in Makkah, studying Hifz. Muhammad Salih Abadi and others who became Huffaaz under Imam Muawiyyah, owed their prominence in Hifz and their becoming the pioneers in producing Huffaaz in SA to him. Sheikh Muhammad Salih Abadi became a Haafiz at 15 and, in 1927, left to study in Makkah. He studied Qira’atul Hafs and Warsh. Sheikh Salih returned to the Cape in 1938 with permission to teach Qira’atul Hafs. He was a pioneer in producing Huffaaz in SA, and is known as the father of Hifz in SA.

Short Fuse

2008-06-16T09:00:00.001+02:00

WOULD YOU BLOW YOUR TOP...
if your wife falsely accused you of looking at other women?
Hazrat Umar (radhiallahu anhu), famed for his sternness in matters Islamic, used to patrol the streets of Madinah at night, when he was Caliph, to check on the state of his subjects. One day his wife told him sharply, "You go to see the young women."
Umar (radhiallahu anhu) did not get angry at this false allegation. He calmly replied, "Allah Ta’ala knows best that what you say is not true."

WILL YOU TRIP A FUSE...
if your wife asked you to do the housework?
The Noble Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) used to help in the house.
He is reported to have milked the goats, patched his own clothes, swept the floor of the house and carried items home from the bazaar.

DO YOU EXPLODE…
if your son-in-law has a tiff with your daughter?
Once Hazrat Faathima, daughter of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), and Hazrat Ali (radhiallahu anhuma) had a misunderstanding.
Our beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) did not add fuel to the fire by berating Ali (radhiallahu anhu). He went up to him, rubbed the sand off his clothes and spoke to him kindly.

Tongue Lashing

2008-06-16T09:00:00.000+02:00

A BEDOUIN once came to Umar (radhiallahu anhu) and then turned back without speaking to him.
Umar (radhiallahu anhu) sent someone to call him. He asked the Bedouin what he wanted. The Bedouin replied that it was nothing.
Umar (radhiallahu anhu) insisted that he be told his reason for coming.
The Bedouin said, "I came to seek advise with regards to my wife who constantly nags at me with her mouth. But when I came to your house, I heard you getting a worse tongue-lashing from your wife and I turned away, thinking what advise could you offer me if you were worse off than myself."
This is the same Umar (radhiallahu anhu) for whom the devil took another route when he saw him approaching.
Look at how he displays the character that made him so great!
This is the sublime way of Islam.

Treasures of Islam

2008-06-15T09:15:00.002+02:00

Items attributed to have belonged to Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam as well as connected to him (may the peace and blessings of Allah Ta'ala be upon him countless fold). Also the items that belonged to the Sahaaba radhiallahu anhum and the previous Prophets alaihimus salaam.

Washing Hands

2008-06-15T09:00:00.001+02:00

ALWAYS WASH BOTH HANDS BEFORE EATING AND AFTER GOING TO THE TOILET...
insists a Department of Water Affairs pamphlet. It goes on to say that, "Washing hands regularly greatly reduces the spread of disease."

Islam said 14 centuries ago:
Salmaan Farsi (radhiallahu anhu) reports that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) endorsed the fact that washing of the hands before and after eating food is a cause of blessing.

Cup O’ Coffee

2008-06-15T09:00:00.000+02:00

THE HISTORY OF coffee began in Africa. It later crossed the Red Sea to Arabia, where things really got cooking…
Coffee, as we know it, kicked off in Arabia around 1000 CE. By the 13th century Muslims were drinking it in abundance. And wherever Islam went, coffee went too: North Africa, the eastern Mediterranean and India.
THE BEANS WERE made infertile and no coffee seed sprouted outside Africa or Arabia until the 1600s. Tradition says that an Indian Muslim Haji (pilgrim) smuggled beans out of Makkah Mukarramah. This industry quickly reached Europe’s colonies.
The Dutch founded a European coffee estate on colonial Java, an island in Muslim Indonesia, in 1696. This invigorating drink then spread like wildfire and is now enjoyed the world over.

A Golden Past: Islamic Government

2008-06-14T09:00:00.001+02:00

UMAR (RADHIALLAHU ANHU) WAS THE SECOND CALIPH (RULER) OF THE MUSLIMS. DURING HIS REIGN, THE GOVERNMENT WAS REVOLUTIONISED.
HERE ARE SOME OF HIS ACHIEVEMENTS:

¤ CONSULTATIVE ASSEMBLY
Whenever an important issue cropped up, this assembly was called up. Each person had the right to speak freely and nothing was decided without the consent of the majority.
A citizen had the right to approve or reject officials.

¤ REVENUE DEPARTMENT
Non-Muslims paid land tax, called Khiraaj, annually.
Muslims had to pay Zakaat on their wealth, and Ushr (one tenth) was levied on all crop raised in the year.
The Muslim paid more tax than the non-Muslim.

¤ PUBLIC WORKS
Canals were dug. The most famous was the Ameerul Mu’mineen Canal which connected the Nile to the Red Sea.
Musjids, military camps, guest houses, government residences and prisons were also built.

¤ EDUCATION
Primary schools were set up and children were taught to read and write. The Hijri calendar was introduced for the keeping of records.

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO SWEAR

2008-06-14T09:00:00.000+02:00

THE PARENTS Television Council in America said that the use of foul language has increased by 94% during "family hour" from 8 to 9pm.
Profanity (vile language) increased on virtually every network and in every time slot. No escape anywhere!
In a similar study, the PTC found that sexual content was more explicit than ever.
SO DON’T bother teaching your young lambs - simply let the TV do it for you.

Drag and Match Arabic Letters

2008-06-13T09:15:00.000+02:00

Drag and Match Arabic Letters.

Click here for a full screen version

Benefits of marriage

2008-06-13T09:00:00.001+02:00

PIOUS WIFE
The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: "The whole world is an object of use and benefit, and the best means of benefit is a pious woman."

MARRIAGE A FORT
The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam addressed Ukaaf radhiallahu anhu and said: "O Ukaaf! Marry or else you will be at a loss." As a result of Ukaaf radhiallahu anhu initially not marrying, the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam termed him "The brother of the Devil."

DESTITUTE
The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam termed a man who has no wife a destitute, even though he might have a lot of money. He likewise termed an unmarried woman.

Remedies to Spiritual Maladies, Moulana Hakim Akhtar

Bundle of Sticks

2008-06-13T09:00:00.000+02:00

A MAN had four sons who were always quarrelling amongst themselves. He continuously tried to show them the error of their ways, but they refused to listen.
One day, he got a bundle of thick sticks and asked each son to try individually to break the sticks. All four failed.
The man then got them to do it together, and they made short work of the lot.
With unity comes strength. The Holy Qur’aan says, "And hold fast, all of you, to the Rope of Allah (ie this Qur’an), and be not divided among yourselves.."
In these times, when every Muslim is a target, there is all the more reason to set aside our differences, no matter how strongly we feel about them.
Infighting breeds weakness.

Musjids of Istanbul

2008-06-12T09:10:00.000+02:00

Athaan by M Ozcan

Tantalising Rewards

2008-06-12T09:00:00.001+02:00

ABSTAINING FROM ADULTERY
The person who takes a fancy (to another), conceals (his fancy and desire) and remains chaste (and pure from the sin) and thus dies (in this state of purity); he will be regarded as a Shaheed (Martyr). (Hadith)

It is reported in a Hadith Qudsi (wherein Allah says): "The (evil) gaze (of looking at a man or woman who is unlawful) is a poisonous arrow from the arrows of the devil. He that abstains from it out of My fear, I will grant him in return such Imaan (faith), the sweetness of which he will experience within his heart. (Ibn Katheer)

Was Islam Spread by the Sword?

2008-06-12T09:00:00.000+02:00

WITH MUSLIMS being portrayed as blood-thirsty militants, it’s time to clear up some myths.
Non-Muslims cannot fathom the continued, astronomical rise of Islam despite all odds and with no great missionary effort.

HISTORICAL FACTS have been bent to make it seem that Muslims forced conversion to Islam.
De Lacy O’Leary writes in "Islam at the Cross Road":
"History makes it clear that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated."

CONSIDER THE following:
Indonesia has the most Muslims in the world. The majority of Malaysia is Muslim. May one ask, "Which Muslim army went to Indonesia and Malaysia?"
Similarly, Islam spread rapidly on the East Coast of Africa. Again, if Islam was spread by the sword, "Which Muslim army went to the East Coast of Africa?"
The Reader’s Digest Almanac 1986, gave the increase of the major religions from 1934 to 1984. Islam increased by 235%, and Christianity by 47%. Which war took place in this century to convert millions of people to Islam?

THE MASSACRES suffered at the hands of non-Muslims bear mention. A cursory reading turns up the Jerusalem massacre by Christian Crusaders; mass extermination in Spain and the slaughter of a million Muslims by the French in Algeria.
The truth is that Islam alone prescribes the most humane and ethical laws for even such a thing as waging of war.

Online Inheritance Calculator

2008-06-11T09:15:00.000+02:00

Online Inheritance Calculator

Use as guide only. Consult local Ulama for certified rulings.

Disclaimer: This program has not been fully tested. Do not rely on it solely. Please bring mistakes / discrepancies to our notice

Law of the Seeds

2008-06-11T09:00:00.001+02:00

Take a look at an apple tree. There might be five hundred apples on the tree, but each apple has ten seeds. That's a lot of seeds! We might ask, "Why would you need so many seeds to grow just a few more apple trees?"
Nature has something to teach us here. It's telling us: "Not all seeds grow. In life, most seeds never grow. So if you really want to make something happen, you had better try more than once."
This might mean:You'll attend twenty interviews to get one job. You'll interview forty people to find one good employee. You'll talk to fifty people to sell one house, one car, one vacuum cleaner, or a business idea. And you might meet a hundred acquaintances just to find one special friend.
When we understand the ‘Law of the Seeds’, we don't get so disappointed. We stop feeling like victims. We learn how to deal with things that happen to us.

Nail it!

2008-06-11T09:00:00.000+02:00

There was a little boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail in the fence.

THE FIRST DAY he drove 37 nails into it. The amount gradually lessened. He discovered that it was easier to check his temper than hammer the nails.

A DAY CAME when he didn’t lose his temper at all. His father suggested that he pull out a nail for every day he held down his temper. After days the boy was able to report that all the nails were gone.

HIS FATHER TOOK him to the fence and said, "Well done. But look at the fence. It will never be the same again. Things said in anger leave a scar like these holes. You can put a knife into a man and draw it out. No matter how many times you say sorry, the wound is still there. Verbal wounds are just as bad."

Islamic Centre, Washington, USA

2008-06-10T09:15:00.000+02:00

Islamic Centre, Washington DC, USA. Reputed to be the biggest place of worship for Muslims in the West

Did You Know?

2008-06-10T09:00:00.001+02:00

The first monarch in the world to own a motor car was the Muslim Sultan of Morocco, who bought a Daimler in 1892.

Just Look at Road Transport, A Royston

To See or not to See: Madresa Noor for the Blind

2008-06-10T09:00:00.000+02:00

Madressa Noor for the Blind was established in 1986 in Pietermaritzburg as a non-profit institute catering for the Islamic education of the visually impaired.
THE MADRESSA HAS a curriculum extending from pre-primary to matriculation level. Subjects offered include Qur’aan, Hadith, Aqaaid, Fiqh and Islamic History.
These are imparted via the medium of Braille. Low vision aids and large print are also used.
ISLAMIC LITERATURE is transcribed into Braille with the Braille Press and is available free on loan to members worldwide.
THERE IS ALSO A tape library service. Islamic books are recorded onto cassettes and members’ selections are mailed to them free of postage in special containers.
Membership is free to all visually handicapped persons.
THIS AND MUCH more is offered by this unique Madressa. It is an eye-opener and a lesson that every individual Muslim can serve Islam and the community in his special way with the skills he or she possesses.

Online Islamic Games

2008-06-09T09:15:00.002+02:00

Online Islamic Games Page. Click Here

Musjidul Huda Photos

2008-06-09T09:15:00.000+02:00

Musjidul Huda, Korsten, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. This Musjid is located in a business area and has a high percentage of Somali worshippers together with locals. Extensions are underway next door to build a new Wudhu area (completed), extra Salaah facilities, new toilets and Muazzin's quarters.

David and Goliath: Sultan Saifuddin Qataz

2008-06-09T09:00:00.001+02:00

IN THE 13th CENTURY, blood-thirsty Tartar hordes devastated all before them. Asia and Europe tasted the flames of their bloodlust.
Islamic lands fell before their advances. Village after village rang with the destruction of life. Corpses in their thousands littered the streets.
Until the fateful day, 650 years after Hijra, the wolves of Hulagu Khan entered the capital of the Islamic world, Baghdad, and laid it to waste.
"Up to a million Muslims were estimated to have been slaughtered. Dead bodies piled the streets, pregnant women’s abdomens were ripped open. The alleys of Baghdad ran with streams of pure Muslim blood.
There arose the man of the hour: Sultan Saifuddin Qataz of Egypt went forth to attack the seemingly unstoppable barbarians. At Ain Jaloot (Goliath's Spring) in Palestine the armies met.
Against all expectation the Tartars were routed. At the end of Ramadhaan, while the world looked for Lailatul Qadr (the Night of Power), the back of the Tartar’s was broken. Saifuddin’s successor, Baybars, inflicted more defeats on them and, eventually, the enemies of God, the Tartars, accepted Islam.
Saifuddin’s name was whispered in the dua of all the Muslims that year.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO THIS RAMADHAAN?

King Faisel Musjid, Pakistan

2008-06-08T09:15:00.000+02:00

King Faisel Musjid, Islamabad, Pakistan. Built with funds sent by King Faisel ibn Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia.

Cliffhanger: Do You Trust Allah?

2008-06-08T09:00:00.001+02:00

A man wanted to climb this very high mountain, covered in snow. However, he wanted to do it by himself as he wanted all the fame and glory so he started to climb very early one morning. He climbed and the entire day passed and night began to fall and he still kept on climbing.
Just as he was about to reach the top he slipped and started falling. He fell until he reached a metre from the ground at the bottom and the rope caught him. In the dark, hanging on for dear life, not knowing how high up he was, he was terrified and screamed out loud: ‘Allah please help me!’ An Angel came down and said to him: ‘Do you really think that Allah can help you? Do you trust Him’ ‘Yes,’ replied the man, ‘I do.’ The Angel said: ‘Allah commands you to cut the rope.’
The man was very suprised and shocked. The Angel repeated himself: ‘Allah commands you to cut the rope.’ The man was terrified and tied the rope tighter around his waist. He hung there in the bitter cold, eventually freezing to death, being too terrified to move and keep his blood circulating. A rescue team found the man dead, hanging just one metre from the ground.
How tight are your ropes? Do you trust Allah when He promises rewards for different deeds in the Qur’aan? Would you cut your ropes if Allah commanded you to? Place your trust I the formula for success outlined by Allah Ta’ala in the Qur’aan.

Islamic Calligraphy

2008-06-08T09:00:00.000+02:00

CALLIGRAPHY, or the formulating of words into unique forms, is considered the highest art form in Islam, for several reasons.
For one, the Qur'aan was revealed in Arabic and for that reason, Arabic calligraphy has a spiritual meaning for Muslims. Also, using words as artistry avoided the usage of images of animate objects, prohibited in Islam.

CALLIGRAPHY adorns architecture, decorative arts, coins, jewellery, textiles, weapons, tools, paintings, and manuscripts.
The initial task of the calligrapher, and the one that remained the most important, was copying the Qur'aan.
From there, it grew as it was used to decorate almost any surface. Religious architecture almost always featured inscriptions in Arabic calligraphy, usually verses from the Qur'aan.

THE ISLAMIC emphasis on learning and knowledge, as well as prolific book production, led to a much more literate population than in medieval Europe.
But even those who could not read could still appreciate its artistic beauty, without knowing what it said.
It would be impossible to appreciate Arabic calligraphy without understanding what it represents to Muslims. It is not fancy lettering meant to merely be read but is used as the ultimate expression of God’s words and therefore meant to be felt.
Calligraphy was a way to mark a building as distinctly Islamic as well as pay tribute to God. Adding to the depth is the fact that artists found this as the means for their creative expression.
Even more amazing is their ability to compose forms such as stars entirely of words.

CALLIGRAPHY expresses the glory of God’s words as revealed in the Quraan.

Online Zakaat Calculator

2008-06-07T09:15:00.002+02:00

Online Zakaat Calculator

Use as a guide only. Consult local Ulama for certified calculations.

Disclaimer: This program has not been fully tested. Do not rely solely upon it. Please bring mistakes / discrepancies to our notice

Story of Aadam and Hawwa alaimihas salaam

2008-06-07T09:15:00.001+02:00

The Story of Hazrat Aadam and Hawwa alaihimas salaam. Click on the book to begin. Click on the page to turn over.

Click here for a full screen version
Come back for more stories, insha Allah.

The Old Woman

2008-06-07T09:00:00.004+02:00

AN OLD woman came to the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and asked him to pray that she enter Paradise.

"Old women," said he, "cannot enter Paradise." The old lady turned away weeping.
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) then said, "Tell her that she will not enter Paradise in her aged condition." Allah Ta’ala will make all the women of Paradise young virgins.

Indulging in humour is permissible provided it does not lead to hard-heartedness, nor is someone hurt.

The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was asked regarding the fact that he also cracked jokes. He replied, "Yes, but I do not speak lies."

According to Muhaddith Sufyaan bin Uyaina joking is sunnah if done correctly .

Perfect Prescription

2008-06-07T09:00:00.003+02:00

With the increasing food and petrol prices, spiralling inflation and the high crime rate, people are looking for ways to ride out the storm.
Here are some of Islam’s prescriptions to face these problems:

SELF-ANALYSIS
The Qur’aan gives the parable of a city which enjoyed security and abundant food supplies. They were ungrateful for these blessings which Allah Ta’ala had given and, as result, the situation was reversed. They experienced fear and hunger.
We need to ask ourselves if we are truly appreciative and grateful for the blessings Allah has given us. True thanks means that we use these blessings in a way that is pleasing to Allah. Mee lip service is not sufficient.
A father gives his son a brand new car and tells him to use it properly. The son abuses the vehicle by riding it roughly, damaging it and knocking into things. He then tells his father, "Dad, I’m truly grateful to you for this gift." Do you think the father will be happy? He will say that his son is actually ungrateful.

MEDICINE
Various remedies to righting our worldly woes have been outlined in the Qur’aan and Hadith. These include: 1. Seeking Allah’s forgiveness for the sins we’ve perpetrated, 2. Joining family ties, 3. Giving charity, 4. Adopting Taqwa.
Likewise, Islam prescribes ways to draw Allah’s assistance, which will obviously help us overcome adverse conditions: 1. To help Allah’s religion (Islam), 2. To help people, 3. To practice patience, 4. Making Zikr.

SUPER TABLET
Many of these remedies are incorporated in one super tablet: Salaah. Allah inspired the suffering Israelites to make their homes like the Musjids. This entails increasing the reading of Salaah in our homes. We can also bring the activities of the Musjid within our homes: reading Qur’aan, Zikr, learning and teaching Islam, making Dua, etc.
The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam used to resort to Salaah when adverse situations confronted him, be it wars or inclement weather conditions.
Salaah shall draw us closer to the lifestyle that Allah is pleased with. As a consequence, we will get more of His help. What more can a Muslim ask for than that Allah is helping him?

Tips to Improve Father-Child Links

2008-06-07T09:00:00.002+02:00

There are several ways a father can spend quality time with his children and develop a relationship with them. Even if he is extremely busy, he can probably free up enough time to do some of these things.

Tell or read stories at night before bed.
There are lots of excellent Islamic stories and other exciting moral story books available that you can use. You will be helping your children develop Islamic character.

Play with your children.
You could play ball, color pictures, build toy houses from blocks, or do whatever they like.

Let your children help you with simple tasks.
Allow them to help you carry in the groceries, make dinner, or mow the lawn. Children often get great joy from doing things that adults consider work.

Take the family to for a picnic.
Spend time with your children playing Frisbee, passing a ball, or pushing them in the swings. Your children will cherish this special time together as a family.

Use driving time with your children.
Don't just turn on the news and forget your children when they are in the car with you. Talk or joke with them, or read Qur’aan or Islamic Nazms together.

Practice talking with your child, not at him.
Since the father often takes the main responsibility for disciplining children, it is very easy for fathers to merely become order-givers rather than parents and companions of their children. Spend some time listening, rather than talking.

Be available for your children, and let them know that you are there for anything they want to discuss.
If you are not available to talk to your children, somebody else probably will be, and it may be the wrong kind of person. A good way of getting to know your children better as individuals is to take them out one at a time for eating, conversation, or some other event.

By Ibrahim Bowers

Islam, the Great Liberator

2008-06-06T09:00:00.002+02:00

ISLAM IS A perfect religion taking into account every nuance of human nature.
On the one extreme is total oppression of women as was prevalent in the world before Islam. On the other end is a total absence of laws like current thinking would have us adopt.

ISLAM IS THE ideal medium: laying down laws for the good of its adherents; avoiding the pitfalls of man-made ideologies like women's’ lib.
This article wishes, in brief, to show the oppression that women suffered before Islam, and after, under Judaism and Christianity. Then one can truly appreciate the liberating effect of Islam 1400 years ago.

TO THIS DAY, orthodox Jewish men recite in their daily prayers: "Blessed be God King of the universe that Thou has not made me a woman."
Augustine, a saint to Christians, wrote: I fail to see what use woman can be to man. Martin Luther added: If (women) become tired or even die, that does not matter (as long as they bring as many children as possible into the world). (The Gospel According to Woman, K Amstrong, P 52-62)

THE NOBLE QUR’AAN SAYS: "And their Lord answered them: Truly I will never cause to be lost the work of any of you, Be you male or female, you are members one of another." (3:195)
In Islam the woman’s role on earth, like man’s, is to do as many good deeds as she can. The Qur’aan instructs all believers, male and female, to follow the ideal women like Maryam (alaihas salaam) and Pharaoh's wife. (66:11-13)
THE BIBLE SAYS: "The birth of a daughter is a loss" (Ecclesiasticus 22:3)
The Qur’aan, though, mentions the birth of a female first: "He (Allah) bestows female children to whomever He wills and bestows male children to whomever He wills" (42:49)
Bringing up daughters kindly is a means of tremendous reward as promised in the Hadith of Bukhari and Muslim.

UNCLEAN?
The Old Testament regards a menstruating women to be so impure that she infects others as well: "...anyone who touches her will be unclean till morning." Anything she touches is impure for a day. (Lev. 15:19-23)
Contrast this with the fact that the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is reported to have drank from the same part of a utensil used by his menstruating wife, setting an excellent example.

BEARING WITNESS
Islam instructs that either two male witnesses or one male and two female bear witness to certain transactions.
On the other hand, women were not allowed to bear witness in early Jewish society. In Israel, women are not allowed to give evidence in Rabbinical courts.
In Christian West, both religious and civil law barred women from giving testimony until the late 19th century (while, for centuries, Muslim women had this privilege).

PROPERTY
Jewish law in the Talmud does not allow a married woman to own property or wealth. Everything belongs to her husband. (San. 71a, Git. 62a)
English law of 1632 lists: "That which the husband hath is his own. That which the wife hath is the husband’s." (Women in Stuart England and America, R Thompson, p162)
A Muslim woman’s earnings and property are under her full control. No matter how rich the wife may be, she is under no obligation to be a co-provider for the family.

INHERITANCE
Rabbi Epstein states the Jewish position that women do not inherit from the family estate. (The Jewish Marriage Contract, L Epstein, p175)
According to the Bible, the wife inherits nothing from her husband and daughters inherit nothing if there are male heirs. These laws existed in Europe until the late 1800s.
Muslim females received inheritance rights thirteen hundred years before Europe even deigned to recognize them.

THE VEIL
Rabbi Brayer writes in The Jewish Woman in Rabbinic Literature p239, that it was the custom of Jewish women to go out in public with a head covering which sometimes covered the whole face.
Paul of Christianity considers it a dishonour for women to pray with heads uncovered. (I Corinthians, 11:3-10)
Islam endorses the head cover and veil.

ISLAM LIBERATED women and still offers the only avenue of dignity, respect and protection in all aspects and at all stages of her life. The rate of female converts in America and Europe far outnumbers the male. What have they seen in Islam?

Roots of Islam

2008-06-05T09:00:00.002+02:00

The Eastern Cape Ta’leemi Board (Board of Islamic Education) was established in 2005 to oversee the setting up and functioning of Maktabs (Madresas) in Port Elizabeth and Eastern Cape. The Board functions under Darul Uloom Abu Bakr.

SOME ACTIVITIES

Overseeing 13 Maktabs in the Eastern Cape and one each in Grahamstown, King Williams Town, Oudtshoorn and Humansdorp.
Daily inspection of local Maktabs by an inspector and quarterly inspection of outlying areas.
Provision of daily food for learners in impoverished areas.
Free kitabs, stationary, kurtas, burqas, etc for needy students.
Printing of text books.
Regular tests at all Maktabs.
Propagation of Islam to non-Muslim families in the areas.
Running soup kitchens for Muslims and non-Muslims.

Maktabs in Port Elizabeth are located in areas like Malabar, Gelvandale Ext 12, West End, Salt Lake, Missionvale, Kwazakele, Motherwell, Humphries Street and Kwanobohle (Uitenhage).

CONTACT:
240 Haworthia Drive, Malabar, Port Elizabeth Tel: 041 457 1501
Cell: 084 574 9891
Email: darululoom@telkomsa.net
Web: www.pedarululoom.blogspot.com

Environmental Concerns: Showing Gratitude

2008-06-05T09:00:00.001+02:00

ISLAM ADVOCATES an environmental outlook which is between two extremes: total disregard and protecting it in the absolute sense.

TREES: Abu Bakr (radhiallahu anh) instructed a departing army not to cut down flowering trees, nor burn any oasis. (Muwatta of Imam Malik)

ANIMALS: A narration in Abu Dawud reports the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) as commanding the return of two chicks to the mother bird which was in distress at their loss.

NATURAL RESERVE: Cutting trees of the area around the Ka’bah, the Haram, and the hunting of game is prohibited. This is the first protected reserve in humanity’s history.

WATER POLLUTION: Muslims are prohibited from relieving themselves in stagnant water. (Abu Dawud)

Christmas: In celebration of Christmas hundreds of trees are cut down. It is a senseless destruction of natural resources with no sanction in Christianity.
Muslims have always been conscious of caring for the environment because of Islamic teachings:

Not to waste / Not to destroy
ISLAM’S WORLD-VIEW IS COMPREHENSIVE AND CAN LIVE UP TO ANY CHALLENGE THAT FACES HUMANITY.

Al Azhar, Cairo

2008-06-04T09:15:00.001+02:00

Al Azhar Musjid and University in Cairo, Egypt. Reputed to be among the first universities in the world. Built under the Fatimid rulers of Egypt.

Spice up your Food

2008-06-04T09:00:00.001+02:00

SOSATIES are a favourite SA dish. The origins are yet another indication of the contribution of Muslims to this country.

The sosatie, or kebab as it is sometimes called, came with Muslim Malay slaves and political prisoners.

The word itself comes from Malay: saté meaning spiced sauce; and sésate meaning meat on a skewer.

Pharaoh’s Body

2008-06-04T09:00:00.000+02:00

ONE OF THE most intriguing predictions made by the Holy Qur’aan concerns a Pharaoh of Egypt, Merneptah.

ACCORDING TO historical records, this king was drowned in pursuit of Moosa (alaihis salaam) in the Red Sea.

When the Qur’aan was revealed, the only other mention of him was in the Bible, with reference to his drowning.

THE QUR’AAN said, "Today shall We preserve your body so that you may become a sign to those nations to come." (10:92)
How extraordinary this verse must have appeared; at that time no one knew that his body was intact. Only 1400 years later, in 1898, did it come to light after having lain mummified for 3000 years.

IN THE SEVENTH century the Qur’aan asserted that Pharaoh’s body was preserved, but only in the 19th century did its discovery give concrete proof of this prediction. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo holds this proof of the Qur’aan’s truth.

Musjidul Huda

2008-06-03T09:15:00.000+02:00

Short tour of Musjidul Huda, Korsten, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Showing the original Musjid and the extensions underway in the house next door which was purchased for the Musjid.

Chatrooms

2008-06-03T09:00:00.002+02:00

The Devil has a new medium to ensnare Muslims: ISLAMIC internet chatrooms to get Muslim boys and girls talking about their wildest fantasies! And justify it by calling it "Islamic" so it seems Halaal!

There is a specific chatroom called 'Islam' on the MIRC network. I used to be a VERY regular visitor and justified my nightly forays by telling myself that I was going to have Islamic discussions and that it was a 'Halaal' way to meet Muslim girls. I sat for hours and spoke to many Muslim girls of many ages.
Most of the talk has nothing to do with Islam. Meeting a girl at the movies or in a chatroom is the same thing. Good Muslim youth are losing their "innocence" every night on these chat lines, their parents thinking that they are fast asleep. It is VERY ADDICTIVE, especially for people who don't mix with the opposite sex. Muslim girls (who have strict fathers) sit every night, making up for not being able to talk to boys.
One night I asked the question: is this chatroom halaal or haraam? I was told things like: "Allah knows best ... not you!" and "Now you've had your fun you are acting holier than thou!" Its existence must be publicised so that parents know what their daughters and sons are up to when they disappear into the bedroom after supper. This is only ONE chatroom in SA (there are about 500 Muslim kids on a Friday/Saturday night!) ... I'm sure there are many more.
There are yet other chatrooms, not Islamic, which utilize web cams. Chatters can see each other and numerous perverted men and women perform explicit acts of immorality for viewers. The issues spoken about do not even make a pretence of being decent.

A Concerned Brother

Bows of Fire

2008-06-03T09:00:00.001+02:00

ARCHERY IS an art practised by the Sahaaba (radhiallahu anhum) as well as all nations prior to the introduction of the gun.

It was an important and essential part of the make-up of any army and the Muslims excelled in that as well.

Ottoman Sultan Selim shot an arrow 888 metres in front of reliable witnesses in 1798, a record which stood for nearly two centuries.

This record was broken only in 1979 by an American who shot one 1410.87 metres.

Muslims set the pace for the rest of the world in all fields.

RAUF

2008-06-03T09:00:00.000+02:00

In 1998 Muslims involved in welfare work realized that a large percentage of family hardship was due to drugs.

THEY SET UP the Refocus And Upliftment Foundation (R.A.U.F) to counsel drug addicts and ended up having a treatment centre with 20 to 30 in-patients at a time.
R.A.U.F carries out numerous awareness campaigns to highlight the seriousness of the drug problem and maintains that every little step taken to help an addict is a major step in maintaining a sober society.

INITIALLY HOME visits are carried out. The addict is then motivated to attend a bi-weekly out-patients programme. If need be, they are admitted as in-patients.
The in-patient programme can take from six weeks to six months. An effort is made to unite the patient with his/her family. On release, they are fetched for the out-patients’ programme for two years.

THE PROGRAMMES have an Islamic ethos and group therapy sessions are conducted. Patients are empowered with skills development as well. A special women’s support group is held every week.

GROUPS SUCH as R.A.U.F serve to keep the otherwise rejected people like addicts within the support base of the Muslim community, praiseworthy indeed.

Story of Prophet Salih alaihis salaam

2008-06-02T09:15:00.000+02:00

Stay Sharp

2008-06-02T09:00:00.000+02:00

ONCE UPON A time, a strong woodcutter got a job with a timber merchant. The pay was good, so he determined to do his best.
His boss gave him an axe. The first day he brought 18 trees. He tried harder, but only managed 15 the second day. The third day saw him bring only 10.
Day by day the amount decreased. The woodcutter thought he was losing his strength and went to the boss and apologized.
"When last did you sharpen your axe?" asked the timber merchant. "Sharpen? I had no time for that. I was very busy trying to cut trees," replied the woodcutter.
Our lives are like this. We get so busy that we don’t take time to sharpen our axe. Everyone is busier, but less happy than ever. Why? We have forgotten how to stay sharp.
There’s nothing wrong with activity and hard work. But we should not get so busy that we neglect the truly important things like taking time to pray and worship Allah Ta’ala.
If we don’t sharpen our axes, we will become dull and lose our effectiveness.

Adult Amusement: Evil World of Filth

2008-06-01T09:00:00.001+02:00

FINANCIAL PROBLEMS?

Are you experiencing financial problems?
Has your personality changed?
Are you afraid of an AIDS test?

RESULTS OF ADULTERY
From the Hadith we learn that adultery:

Destines one to poverty
Removes the warmth of one’s personality
Reduces one’s lifespan.

DEPRAVED FOOLS
Prostitutes have commented that:
"Do you know how many Muslims come here?"
Many non-Muslim prostitutes are using MUSLIM names because of the increase in demand by MUSLIM males for MUSLIM sex workers!!??!

HIGH TIME
Immorality abounds and brings suffering and loss in its wake; and Muslim men are falling headlong into the filth. It is high time that those involved should tear themselves away from this evil.

REMOTE CONTROL
Before turning to the "Adult" Column or flicking the channel or clicking the link, let us...

NOT COME NEAR TO ADULTERY

Man-made Christianity

2008-06-01T09:00:00.000+02:00

TO OBTAIN PROOF OF THE DISTORTION OF CHRISTIANITY AND ITS MAN-MADE ADDITIONS, WE NEED LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE FESTIVAL OF EASTER:

HONOURING PAGANISM
Easter was originally a pagan festival honouring the so-called goddess of Spring and renewal, Oestar. Only 700 years after Jesus (peace be upon him) was the word used for the celebration of his so-called resurrection.

EGGS
The handing out of Easter eggs dates back to ancient pagan traditions as well. In ancient Egypt and Persia eggs were exchanged in Spring as a symbol of new life.
Thus, one of the most important Christian festivals only originated hundreds of years after Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) and then too incorporated pagan aspects.
It is abhorrent for a Muslim to hold on to pagan ideas after the truth has come. Equally repugnant is to create innovations in religion. Things not found in the time of Jesus (alaihis salaam) are celebrated with great show by Christians.

THE TRUTH IS only Islam, pure and unadulterated. We need to beware of devising new celebrations and ideas, which were not found in the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)’s era, and make them part of Islam as the Christians have done.

Islamic Quiz for Kids

2008-05-31T09:15:00.002+02:00

Click here to play a simple Islamic Quiz

Aids: A Leaf from our Book

2008-05-31T09:00:00.000+02:00

(Some Information from Reader’s Digest)

UGANDA HAS dramatically reduced Aids. How? An answer that Islam always had.

SOCIAL VACCINE
By abstaining from sex before marriage and remaining faithful to one’s spouse, Ugandans have cut the Aids rate to 5%. South Africa’s stands at 20%.
This system of abstention strikes at the heart of Aids: the disease is spread mainly through unprotected sex and sleeping with many partners.

MESSAGE
The message is spreading that illicit sex is not worth dying for.
And people are listening. They are changing their approach to relationships.
Praise has been pouring in. The system has been called more potent than vaccines. A research scientist at Harvard said, "The genius of the system is that it doesn’t focus just on Western drugs and condoms and it costs very little."

CONDOMS
The Western notion of allowing a problem and then addressing the results rather than the root has led to illicit sex being promoted on TV, movies, in magazines and on computer games.
Then condoms are touted as the solution. Figures speak otherwise. African countries where condoms have been most available - such as Botswana (38%) and Zimbabwe (33%) - are the ones with the highest Aids rates.

BEING OPEN
AIDS IS A sex problem that many are shy to confront. Being frank now is better than being dead and others suffering reduced production, overloaded hospitals and millions of orphans.
Islam outlined this solution centuries ago. Uganda has, unwittingly, adopted it and is reaping the fruit. Let’s not be left behind in realising Islam’s benefits ourselves.

From the Heart

2008-05-30T09:00:00.000+02:00

THE FATHER HAD been told that his son was smoking. Now he had caught him in the act and found porn magazines with him.

Anger welled up within him and he lashed out at his son, beating him. Through the tears, the son sobbed defiantly, "Father, you are hitting me for something I know is wrong. But tell me whether it’s wrong for me only or also for your customers to whom you sell cigarettes daily?" He continued, "And are the pictures I was looking at any different from those in the magazines and newspapers you sell and display in your shop?"

The words struck home and the father meditated over them.

PROPAGATION of values is only truly effective if one practices what one preaches. It is hypocrisy to want our children to be on the straight while our shops speak otherwise.

Manliness

2008-05-29T09:00:00.001+02:00

THE BULK OF QUERIES RECEIVED BY ULAMA ORGANIZATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA CONCERN MARITAL DISPUTES. IN MANY CASES, THE HUSBAND IS THE GUILTY PARTY.
One of the excuses put forward by the man is the intolerable nature of his wife, claiming that this drives him to seek comfort in illicit avenues. This is a deception of the Devil.

BECOMING ANGRY
The Noble wives of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) used to become cross over domestic issues and the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) used to pacify them.

Umar (radhiallahu anhu) once found his daughter Hafsa (radhiallahu anha) speaking in a loud tone to her husband the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). He was aghast, but the wives of the Prophet (sallallhu alaihi wa sallam) knew that he would not be offended in the least.

SPECIAL PRIVELEGE

For the general Muslims it was a major sin to speak in harsh tones to the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) (Qur’aan 49:2)
But the wives of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) were allowed this. It is reported that Aisha (radhiallahu anha) on one occasion shouted at the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). Her father took offence but the Noble Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) did not.
The love enjoyed between the Noble Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and his wife Aisha (radhiallahu anha) did not preclude her becoming angry with him nor did it entail him taking offence at her words.

IF ONLY MUSLIM MEN WOULD LEARN THIS SECRET OF MARITAL BLISS.

Words of Love

2008-05-29T09:00:00.000+02:00

THE HOLY PROPHET (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) taught husbands how to behave. His wife Hazrat Aisha (radhiallahu anha) set the standard for wives.

On being told by the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) that he knew she was displeased with him when she left out his name in conversation, Aisha (radhiallahu anha) replied,
"Quite true, but ... even in anger I only omit your name by mouth, never by heart!"

She once recited a couplet:
"Had the ladies who vilified Zulaikha witnessed the countenance of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), instead of cutting fingers … they would have torn their hearts out!"

Exchanging words of love with one’s spouse is an action worthy of reward. Revive it.

Cave of Hira

2008-05-28T09:15:00.000+02:00

A documentary on the Cave of Hira in Makkah Mukarramah where the first revelation of the Qur'aan came to Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

2008-05-28T09:00:00.002+02:00

AMERICA challenged Iraq’s non-existent weapons of mass destruction (WMD) which have not been found after nine months of occupation.
This is rich coming from a country which sprayed Agent Orange, a poison WMD, over Vietnamese farms.
Thousands died and the effect is still felt in babies born with deformities. The US has the unenviable record of being the only country to have used the biggest WMD - the Atom Bomb.
IN 1973 America helped overthrow the democratically elected government in Chile. 30 000 people died as a result.
Cambodia and Laos felt the sting when US bombers dropped thousands of bombs on a hapless population in the 70’s.
The US has overthrown governments and interfered in numerous ways on 72 occasions since World War Two.

It’s Only a Hat: Head start to Evil

2008-05-28T09:00:00.000+02:00

MANY MUSLIMS ARE HEARD TO COMMENT:
"Why do we have to keep our outer appearance in accordance with Islam? After all, it’s what's in the heart that counts."

NOW READ OF THE DESTRUCTION OF TURKEY AND PONDER -
ISLAMIC SUPERPOWER...
Turkey was the leader of the Muslim world for 500 years, ruling over areas of Asia, Africa and Europe until 1918.
She influenced world opinion and was feared by Europe. A veritable superpower.

...ABSOLUTE ZERO
The enemy of Islam, Kemal Attaturk overthrew the Caliph. He introduced a plan, the result of which is a Turkey whose people know very little about Islam and have no power.

THIS IS HOW HE DID IT -
MY KINGDOM FOR A FEZ
1924 Law banning the Turkish fez. European style hats had to be worn.
1926 Islamic laws replaced by Swiss code.
1928 Teaching of Islam in schools banned. Arabic script replaced with Roman
1935 Friday replaced by Sunday as weekly holiday.
To eradicate Islam, the symbols of Muslim identity were abolished. The starting point? The unique headgear of the Muslims. The lesson?

HOLD FIRM TO THE DISTINGUISHING SYMBOLS OF ISLAM

Block Buster

2008-05-27T09:00:00.000+02:00

TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT YOUR CHILDREN ARE WATCHING:

The plot to draw people away from God starts with the film’s title, Bruce Almighty. The implication is that God alone is not Almighty (may Allah Ta’ala save us from erroneous beliefs).
The film opened to a R600 million opening weekend in the US, phenomenal money. Jim Carrey plays a TV reporter frustrated by his job and blames God for his difficulties. The idea is to break people away from submitting to God.
The plot of the film then has God supposedly taking a holiday and turning his powers over to Bruce (Jim Carrey).

IS IT WORTH CORRUPTING OUR CHILDREN’S BELIEFS AND THROWING THEM INTO HELL FOR A FEW MINUTES OF SATISFACTION IN FRONT OF THE BOX?
THINK ABOUT IT

Musjids of Port Elizabeth

2008-05-26T09:29:00.001+02:00

Some of the Musjids in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. More pictures (and better pictures) will be added as time permits, Insha Allah

Stoning in the Bible

2008-05-26T09:00:00.002+02:00

DO CHRISTIANS believe the Bible to be God’s word? If so, then the Bible says:

Deuteronomy 22:21 Then they shall bring out the damsel (who had committed adultery) to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die …

Leviticus 20:10 If … a man … commits adultery with another man's wife … the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death

Deut 22:24 Then ye shall bring them both (the adulterers) out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die;

Chicken Feathers

2008-05-26T09:00:00.000+02:00

A man repeated gossip about a neighbour. Within a few days the whole community knew the story. The person it concerned was deeply hurt. The man responsible for spreading the rumour learned that it was untrue.
He was sad and went to a wise man to find out how to repair the damage. "Buy a chicken and kill it. On your way home pluck its feathers and drop them one by one along the road," he said. Although surprised by this advice, the man did as he was told.
The next day the wise man said, "Bring all those feathers to me." The man followed the same road but the wind had blown all away. After searching for hours, he got only three.
"You see," said the sage, "It’s easy to drop them but impossible to get back. So it is with gossip. It doesn’t take much to spread a rumour, but once done you can never completely undo the wrong."

An Unusual Feast

2008-05-25T09:00:00.001+02:00

A poor man passed a restaurant. He caught the smell of food and sniffed. The owner came out. "You smelt my food and you have to pay!" he bellowed. "I have no money!" said the poor man. "You're coming with me to the judge!" shouted the owner. The poor man spotted Mullah Nasrudin, who came and spoke for him. The judge ordered the poor man to pay. Nasrudin stepped forward. "Let me pay." he said. He shook a bag of coins next to the rich man's ear. The coins jingled. "Can you hear that?" asked Nasrudin."Of course," the man replied. "That is your payment," said Nasrudin. "My brother smelt your food and you heard his money. The debt is paid."In the face of such argument the poor man went free.

Super Heroes

2008-05-25T09:00:00.000+02:00

IN THE 1700’S AND 1800’S, THE RUSSIAN ARMY WAS INVOLVED IN A SERIES OF BLOODY CAMPAIGNS TO INVADE MUSLIM COUNTRIES LIKE CHECHNYA AND DAGHESTAN.

The Muslims of Chechnya and Daghestan, the forefathers of those who are fighting so bravely today, put up a heroic resistance for Islam against the superior force of the Russians. Read of an incident in 1832 and relight the flame of Islam in your heart:

The village was Ghermenchoug, the largest in Chechnya. The Russians stormed it with little loss. Qazi Mulla sent a party of Mujahideen to defend it. The chances of Muslim success were slight. Nevertheless, valiant heroism was displayed.
A band of Chechen and Daghestani Mujahideen shut themselves in three houses and refused to surrender. They fired hard and had killed and wounded several Russians. Chains of Russian sharpshooters surrounded them.
A light gun was brought and the Russians shot the houses end to end. Then the order was given to set fire to the houses.
The Chechens continued to fire through the flames. The Russians hurled grenades into the burning houses which the Chechens put out by sitting on them.
The Russians offered the Mujahideen security if they surrendered. The houses were burning. Some, who could not stand death by burning, rushed out, hurled themselves at the Russians with swords only to be killed. None surrendered.
Six wounded Daghestanis were eventually dragged from the smoking ruins. Not one Chechen was taken alive and 72 men ended their lives in the flames.

Glory be to Allah (Nasheed)

2008-05-24T09:10:00.000+02:00

The Garden

2008-05-24T09:00:00.001+02:00

FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING

PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:
Peace of mind
Peace of heart
Peace of soul

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:
Squash gossip
Squash indifference
Squash grumbling
Squash selfishness

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
Lettuce be faithful
Lettuce be kind
Lettuce be patient
Lettuce love one another

NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:
Turnip for meetings
Turnip to help one another

WATER WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.

(Taken from Al Misbaah Vol. 1 No. 5)

The Foetus

2008-05-24T09:00:00.000+02:00

THE HOLY QUR’AAN SPEAKS ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EMBRYO IN THE WOMB. THIS INFORMATION COULD ONLY BE PHYSICALLY PROVEN HUNDREDS OF YEARS LATER.

"We created man from an extract of clay. Then We made him as a drop in a place of settlement, firmly fixed. Then We made the drop into an ALAQAH…" (Holy Qur’aan, 23:12-14)
The word Alaqah is also translated as blood clot. The external appearance of the embryo and its sacs during the alaqah stage is similar to that of a clot of blood. The blood in the embryo does not circulate until the end of the third week. Thus the embryo is like a clot of blood at this stage.

The verses continue: "… then We made the alaqah into a MUDGHAH (chewed-like substance)…"
A chewed piece of gum compared with an embryo at the Mudghah stage, leads to the conclusion that the embryo acquires the appearance of a chewed-like substance.

How could the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) have known all this 1400 years ago when science has only recently made these discoveries using advanced equipment?

IT’S A MIRACLE!!

2008-05-23T09:15:00.000+02:00

A view of Jannatul Baqi, the Muslim graveyard in Madinah Munawwaraw, where many Sahaaba radhiallahu anhum are buried. Among them are some of the wives of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam and his son, Ibrahim radhiallahu anhu.

Practicing on the Bible

2008-05-23T09:00:00.001+02:00

Do Christians practice on the Bible, their holy book?
THE MISSIONARY zeal to convert people to Christianity focuses on a few aspects and brushes over other, more important, points.
Look at this cursory glance at the Bible’s verses and see for yourself how much of the Bible is ignored by Christian theological hierarchy: the priests and popes.

DEATH PENALTY
Leviticus 20:9 If anyone...curses his father or his mother, he shall surely be put to death…
20:13 If a man...lies with a male as those who lie with a woman...they shall surely be put to death.

FREE FOR ALL
Deuteronomy 23:24 When thou comest into thy neighbour's vineyard, then thou mayest eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure…
Try explaining this to a Christian as you eat from his fruit!

INTEREST
Deut 23:19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:
Perhaps your Christian bank manager can explain this law more clearly.

CLOTHES
Deut 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: Ever heard this one from a Christian? When a Muslim says this then he is ridiculed.
Deut 22:11 Thou shalt not wear a garment of (different) sorts, as of woollen and linen together. Watch out for those t-shirts made with a combination of materials.

TOILET
Deut 23:13 …when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig..., and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:
The stand up urinals favoured by Christians are in direct contravention of the Bible’s teachings.

BARRED
Deut 23:2 (An illegitimate person) shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter…

This is just the tip of the iceberg. The Bible is apparently only for stirring sermons, not for practical implementation in daily life.
Let us not fall into this trap and make the Qur’aan a book only to be read beautifully and not practiced upon.

The Apple Tree

2008-05-23T09:00:00.000+02:00

A LONG TIME ago there was an apple tree. A little boy played around it everyday. He climbed the tree, ate its apples, slept in its shade.
The boy grew up and didn’t play at the tree anymore. One day he came back. "Come and play," said the tree. "I don’t play with trees," said the boy, "I need toys." The tree told him to pick its apples, sell them and use the money for toys. He did so and didn’t come back a long time.
When he was a man he returned. This time he told the tree, "I have a family and we need a house." "Chop off my branches and use them," said the tree. The man did so and left the tree sad and lonely.
Years later he was old and wanted a boat to relax. The tree told him to use its trunk.
Now only roots were left. The old man came to rest on them. This is our story. The tree is our parents. We played with them when we were young. As we grew, we only went to them when we needed them. They were our anchors.
Parents are taken for granted and left lonely like the tree. Only as we get older do we realize we need them, and sometimes it’s too late.

Hatred Unveiled in France (2004)

2008-05-22T09:00:00.002+02:00

FRANCE AND Germany have voted to ban Muslim scarves in schools. It is amazing how a simple cloth can be so intimidating.
Why are politicians, who have more pressing issues, fretting over a seemingly minor one?

PROTESTS
Tens of thousands of people marched to French embassies around the world on January 17, 2004, in protest.
There have been protests in Indonesia, Egypt, Malaysia, Canada, Lebanon, America, Britain and 28 other countries.

GROWING MALICE
While Muslims may view the scarf as a simple part of our lives, others view it as a threat to secularism. Islam, which is opposed to secularism, is an obstacle. Thus, anything Islamic becomes a threat to the godless people who control world affairs.

PROTECTION
"O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their bodies (when abroad) so that they should be known and not molested" (Quran 33:59).The veil is a protection from molestation. If civilization is enough protection, then why do women in America not walk alone in the dark? If education is the solution, then why do universities have a 'walk home service' for females? If self restraint is the answer, then why is there sexual harassment daily in the workplace?
Modesty, and by extension the veil, is prescribed to protect women.
A sample of those accused of sexual harassment in the US, includes: Navy officers, Managers, professors, Senators, Supreme Court Justices, and the President of the United States!
How ironical that the scarf revered as a sign of 'holiness' when worn by Catholic Nuns, is reviled as a sign of 'oppression' when worn by Muslim women.

OBLIGATION
The veil and scarf are not a matter of personal choice but an Islamic obligation. (Holy Qur’aan, 24:30,31).

Divorce: Brilliant Advice

2008-05-22T09:00:00.000+02:00

When divorce is inevitable, bear in mind this lesson. Others can also learn:

A learned man wanted to divorce his wife. People asked him the reason. He replied, "Why should I disclose my wife’s faults?" After divorce, people asked why he had divorced. He replied, "Why should I disclose the faults of a strange woman?"

Flash Demonstration of Salaah

2008-05-21T09:15:00.000+02:00

Intended only as a guide on how to perform Salaah. Consult with local Ulama to learn the correct method according to the different Math-habs.

Click here for a full screen version

Danger Games

2008-05-21T09:00:00.004+02:00

Let’s look at computer games. The overall attempt to pull people away from believing in God involves films, books and even PC games which make fun of God or condition the mind to there not being a God.
AFTERLIFE IS A popular, involving game which dabbles in beliefs concerning Heaven and Hell. These are some comments made by a reviewer: "I've no problem with the roads in Hell, it's the roads in Heaven that are too difficult."
REINCARNATION and recruiting "worshippers" are but some of the beliefs propagated in the storyline of such games.
Play heavily favors evil deities. In Black & White, 'gods' are created by peoples' prayers.
HOURS ARE SPENT by gamers. Games become a drug, numbing the heavy players’ minds.
Ideologies projected in some of these games are alien to belief in Allah Ta’ala. A Muslim cannot stomach them but will tolerate them in the guise of games played by their children. Amazing!
If nothing else, games such as these are another nail in the coffin carrying belief and faith in God to the grave for thousands of hapless souls. Don’t join the procession.

The Man and the Bear

2008-05-21T09:00:00.003+02:00

A MAN ONCE saved a bear from death. The bear then became his devoted protector and companion.

One day, the man was resting under a tree. The bear stood guard. He chased away the flies from the man’s face. They persisted in coming so the bear, getting frustrated, picked up a rock and threw it at the flies.

It got rid of the flies, but as they were sitting on the man’s face at the time, it got rid of him as well.

What’s the moral? Do not take fools as friends. They might sincerely wish to do you good but ultimately could end up bringing you disaster.

Wives: Special People in Islam

2008-05-21T09:00:00.002+02:00

WIVES, as opposed to mistresses, have been granted special privileges in Islam:
Futile talk is not allowed after Esha. But the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is reported to have told his noble wives stories after Esha.

FROM A HADITH we learn that looking at one’s wife strengthens the eyesight. (Kanzul Ummaal, Vol. 16, P 273). When the spouses gaze at each other with love, Allah Ta’ala favours them with a Gaze of mercy. (Kanzul Ummal, Vol. 16, P 276)

Serenity in marriage lived according to Islam can never be found in adultery

Counter Strike

2008-05-21T09:00:00.000+02:00

ONE OF THE MOST POTENT MEDIUMS OF INTELLECTUAL ATTACK IN THE ARABIA OF THE SAHAABA WAS VIA POETRY.

POETRY
Non-Muslims wrote verses against Islam and the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). The Sahaaba (radhiallahu anhum) countered with poetry as well.

POWERFUL MEDIUM
In today’s world, the media plays a significant and inescapable role. It fashions world opinion. Therefore, it is imperative to counter its attacks in a like manner.

PHILOSOPHY
There was a time when Muslims became enraptured by philosophy and started subjecting Islamic beliefs to rational arguments. People like Imam Ghazali answered this threat through philosophical arguments.

FORESIGHT
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) utilized the services of local Jews when writing to Jews outside Madinah. He apprehended mischief from them and instructed Zaid bin Thabit (radhiallahu anh) to learn Hebrew.

We need to counter the threat to Islam using the best means available.

BEAR IN MIND THAT WHATEVER MEANS ARE USED MUST BE WITHIN THE LIMITS OF ISLAM TO BE EFFECTIVE.

Download Islamic Focus Issue 57

2008-05-20T10:34:00.001+02:00

Islamic Focus 57

Issue 57 May 2008

Download the latest Islamic Focus newsletter.Click on the link to download.

Road to Jerusalem: The battle of Hittin 1187

2008-05-20T09:00:00.003+02:00

THE CHRISTIAN crusades in the 1100’s saw Muslims lose control of Palestine and surrounding areas.
Attempts to regain these lands were repulsed for about a century.

THERE AROSE the pious warrior Salaahuddeen Ayyubi who led the Muslims to stunning victories.
The Battle of Hittin in 1187 was decisive. It opened the road to the recapture of Jerusalem, Musjidul Aqsa and the rest of Palestine by the Muslims.

VICTORY AT Hittin cleared the route between Egypt and Palestine for Salaahuddeen’s troops and established his fleet in the Mediterranean. This fleet blocked the movement of European ships in the area.

JERUSALEM suffered as a result of Hittin. In addition to the loss of most of its male population, it suffered a shortage of food because the battle had occurred at harvest time and crops were lost.
Refugees so crowded the streets, that the walled city could hardly accommodate them. Faced with these problems, Jerusalem could not resist an attack very long.

SALAAHUDDEEN positioned his troops at Hittin the night of 2 July. As 3 July dawned, battle commenced. The Christians retreated, to no avail, to Mount Hattin. Victory for Islam occurred on Saturday 4 July.

A day to be remembered by Muslims as it led to the reconquest of Al Aqsa.

Politics

2008-05-20T09:00:00.002+02:00

SOMETIMES Muslims question the need to know about world affairs.

The Holy Qur’aan itself refers to the battles between the then world superpowers, Persia and Rome, in Surah Rum.

In these verses, although the Arabs were far removed from the battles, the Qur’aan mentioned the fact that the Muslims would become happy at the victory of the Romans.

Knowledge of world affairs is compatible with piety and is in accordance with Islamic principles.

Who to Vote For

2008-05-20T09:00:00.001+02:00

ELECTION FEVER is gripping the country. We have another sickness plaguing us: the gambling fever.
What does Islam say in this regard?

DEVIL’S WORK
The lure of winning big has caught us as never before with the widespread and easily accessible Lotto.
This is a clear-cut arm of gambling which is outlawed in the Holy Qur’aan.
The Holy Qur’aan terms gambling an abomination from the handiwork of the Devil through which he wishes to create hatred and enmity between men. (5:90-91)
Hard-earned cash, meant to be used on basic essentials, are thrown away in gambling. The rich play for higher stakes.

ADDICTION
There can never be such a thing as "sensible" gambling. That is why there are groups like Gamblers Anonymous trying to break people away from the net.
On the one hand government allows gambling but on the other bans under-age children from it. This is an acid test of whether anything is right: will we allow our children to involve themselves in it?
If not, then why do we ourselves do it?

BENEFITS
The idea that some people only gamble for relaxation is in direct contravention of Allah Ta’ala’s Law.
Gambling is prohibited in all circumstances and in all cases.
Some argue that the Lotto, etc. earn money for charity. This argument has been addressed in the Holy Qur’aan:
They ask you concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: "In them is a great sin, and (some) benefit for men, but the sin of them is greater than the benefit." (2:219)
Allah Ta’ala knows all the pros and cons in anything He prohibited. We can never put forward any argument to justify a prohibited act because, together with Knowing all this, Allah Ta’ala still banned it.

WHICH PARTY?
We come to the big question: which party do we vote for?
The Holy Qur’aan speaks about Hizb ush Shaytaan, the Party of the Devil, and Hizb ullaah, the Party of Allah Ta’ala.
A vote for gambling is a vote for the Devil whose Party is destined to lose. (Al Qur’aan 58:19)

Deep, Dark Seas

2008-05-20T09:00:00.000+02:00

MOST OF US ARE AWARE THAT THE DEEP PARTS OF THE OCEAN ARE EXTREMELY DARK. AFTER A CERTAIN DEPTH, NO LIGHT PENETRATES AT ALL.

This information which we take for granted, was only discovered recently by scientists using special equipment. Man cannot physically determine this because:

The darkness in seas and oceans is found around a depth of 200 meters and below. Human beings cannot survive unaided at these depths. We are unable to dive more than forty meters without submarines or special equipment.
Absolutly no light is found at 1000 metres. It is impossible for man to dive to this depth.

The Holy Qur’aan, 14 centuries ago, told us about the darkness in the sea:

"Or (the unbelievers’ state) is like the darkness in a deep sea. It is covered by waves, above which are waves, above which are clouds. Darknesses, one above another. If a man strtetches out his hand, he cannot see it…" [Holy Qur’aan, 24:40]

IT’S A MIRACLE!

Nasheed in Praise of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam

2008-05-19T09:15:00.000+02:00

Best Stain Remover

2008-05-19T09:00:00.004+02:00

A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE mentioned that alcohol removes stains from clothing. This is correct and proves the amazing power of alcohol.

It also removes winter clothes, spring clothes and autumn clothes from a man, his wife and children if used in sufficient quantity.

Alcohol will remove furniture from the home, rugs from the floor, food from the table, lining from the stomach, vision from the eyes and judgement from the mind.

Alcohol will also remove reputations, good jobs, good friends and even life itself.
As a remover of things alcohol has no equal, the article concluded.

Selling Alcohol
The world's largest alcohol companies are facing a US lawsuit from parents worried that adverts are aimed at luring teenagers.

Seven producers were named in a lawsuit that accuses them of deliberately targeting youngsters.

Health groups link a surge in underage drinking to aggressive advertising.

One of the greatest concerns is that many youth turn from sweet, fizzy, alcopops to stronger tipples such as cider, beers, wines and vodka.

The Australian Drug Foundation is protesting the launch of cookies flavoured with alcoholic drinks. Another way to turn out younger drunkards!

Drinking is aggressively promoted on the one hand. Then an attempt is made to control its disastrous after effects!

Book of Wonders

2008-05-19T09:00:00.002+02:00

The Holy Qur’aan is the foundation stone of Islamic society and its constitution. The ideal society is one governed by its principles.
IT CONTAINS passages of great beauty. Many non-Muslims have waxed lyrical in praise of the Holy Qur’aan’s style, yet they refuse to accept Islam.
We reproduce here an example of such praise. To a certain extent we have retained the grand sounding words used in an attempt to convey the feeling with which they write about the Noble Qur’aan:

THE CENTRAL MESSAGE of the Holy Qur’aan is to believe in the One God alone. Millions have memorized it, and if, for some reason, all printed copies should vanish, the exact text can be faithfully reproduced from oral tradition.

ENDINGS OF LINKED verses often rhyme, but the verses do not fit the metrical schemes of Arabic poetry, and are not poetry. Nor are they prose.
The depth and range of allusion, both in sound and sense, cannot be reproduced in translation, but can be appreciated even by those unfamiliar with Arabic by listening to a recording of a Qur’aan recitation.

THE STYLE OF THE Holy Qur’aan is so striking and so different from other literary works that it is characterized as inimitable.
Numerous attempts at trying to imitate it were all doomed to failure over a vast space of over 14 centuries.

AN ESSENTIAL DIFFERENCE between the Holy Qur’aan and the present-day Christian and Jewish scriptures is that the latter are accompanied by extensive footnotes listing large number of variations in reading.
The text of the Holy Qur’aan has no such scholarly apparatus as it does not differ in any respect from the text fixed by Caliph Uthmaan (radhiallahu anhu) from the Companions of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), who learned the verses by heart as they were revealed.

[Paul Lunde, Islam A Brief History]

Three Questions

2008-05-19T09:00:00.001+02:00

There was once an enemy of Islam who had three questions that no one could answer. One day a 10 year old boy walked up and said, "I accept your challenge".
The man laughed. But the boy reiterated his stance and the man accepted.
The city gathered. The man climbed to the top of a hill and asked, "What is your God doing now?"
The small boy thought then told the man to climb down and allow him to go up to answer. The man made his way down and the boy went up.
The child's reply was "Oh Allah. You have just willed that a Kafir be brought low, and a Muslim be brought high!"
The crowd cheered. The man asked his Second question... What existed before your God?"
The small child asked the man to count backwards from 10. The man counted..."10, 9, 8...0" The boy asked, "What comes before 0?" The man: "Nothing."
The boy: "Nothing was before Allah, for He is eternal."
The crowd cheered. The man, now frustrated, asked his final question. "In which direction is your Allah facing?"
The boy asked for a candle which was brought. He handed it to the man and asked him to light it. The man did so. The boy asked, "In which direction is light from the candle going?" The man responded, "It is going in all directions."
The boy: "You have answered your own question. Allah's light (noor) goes in all directions. He is everywhere. There is no where that He cannot be found.
The crowd cheered. The man was so impressed by the boy's knowledge that he embraced Islam.
Who was the young boy? He was one of our leaders Imam Abu Hanîfa (May Allah bless him).

Pharmacies

2008-05-19T09:00:00.000+02:00

Pharmacy as a profession separate from medicine was recognized in the ninth century in the Muslim world. Baghdad saw a rapid expansion of privately owned pharmacy shops, a trend that spread to other Muslim cities.
The traditional style of pharmacy was modelled after the pharmacies of the Arab World. The style of modern pharmacy has not changed much from then.
Pharmacists who managed these shops were skilled in apothecary and knowledgeable in the compounding and preserving of drugs. State-sponsored hospitals had their own dispensaries attached to manufacturing labs where syrups, ointments and other pharmaceutical preparations were made. A state official, al-Muhtasib, and his aides periodically inspected the pharmacists, ensuring hygienic standards and high quality.
The development of professional pharmacy in Islam occurred four centuries before Europe. Muslim scholars learnt, mastered and expanded the science of pharmacy.
Scholarly works on medicines, diet and curing diseases sprang up. In his work, Ibn Masawayh recommended the use of medicinal plants to build up natural resistance to diseases.
Wisdom and mastery in worldly sciences are the domain of Muslims when they make Islam no.1 priority.

Community Policing

2008-05-18T18:06:00.000+02:00

THE PEOPLE OF Madinah become frightened one night because they had heard some noise.
They went in the direction of the sound and found the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) returning, having investigated the disturbance alone. He had a sword around his neck.

We learn that a Muslim must show bravery. He should be in the service of the community even with regards to policing and the eradication of crime. He should go prepared by arming himself, etc. within the framework of the law.

Life becomes a pleasure when we bring every act of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) alive.

Apple of the Eye

2008-05-18T09:00:00.001+02:00

THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAM) EXPRESSED HIS LOVE AND KINDNESS TO CHILDREN.

GRANDDAUGHTER
The Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is reported to have read salaah (prayer) while carrying his grandaughter Umaamah (radhiallahu anha). She was the daughter of his daughter Zainab (radhiallahu anha).

GRANDSONS
Once, while giving a talk on the mimbar (pulpit) in the musjid, the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) saw his grandsons Hasan and Husain (radhiallahu anhuma) coming in and tripping over their clothes as they were small. He got down from the mimbar and gathered them up.

Friday Lunch

2008-05-18T09:00:00.000+02:00

A SAHAABI (radhiallahu anh) narrates that they used to look forward to Friday as there was an old lady who used to prepare special food for them which they used to eat after Juma prayers. [Bukhari]

The importance of Friday in the lives of our children and ourselves can be emphasized by this example of the Sahaaba (radhiallahu anhum) by preparing a special meal.

In other ways as well we should instill the greatness of this day in the hearts of our children. Give them their week’s spending on this day, chalk out special activities for the day.
In every way, Islamic occasions should be enlivened for our young ones and spirit put into them - within the ample framework of Islamic laws.

Hajj, Eid ul Adha, Ramadhaan, Eid ul Fitr, Fridays, are opportunities not to be missed in infusing spirit into our Islam.

Terror Trouble

2008-05-17T09:00:00.003+02:00

WITH RECENT events around the world, even Muslims seem confused as to whether attacks on civilians are Islamic. Clearly it is unIslamic.

Anything we do as Muslims is acceptable only if done within the framework of Islamic Laws.
The same goes for waging war. There are stringent rules which need to be adhered to.

And fight in the Way of Allah those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly, Allah likes not the transgressors. (Holy Qur’aan, 2:190)

Fighting in the defence of Islam, oppressed Muslims and for the liberation of Muslim lands needs to be carried out within the parameters of Islam for it to be effective and accepted by Allah Ta’ala.

Abu Bakr (radhiallahu anh) gave an army these instructions: Do not kill any woman, child or old person. He even forbade the destruction of trees, inhabited places, oasis and the unnecessary killing of animals.

Islam does not allow merciless slaughter of innocents.

Two Women and a Child

2008-05-17T09:00:00.002+02:00

ONCE, LONG AGO, two women were walking together, each with her child. A wolf came up and snatched one of the children away.

The women started arguing, each claiming the remaining child as hers. They took their case up to Prophet Dawood (alaihis salaam). On hearing the arguments, he gave the decision in favour of the elder woman.

They then came upon Prophet Sulaimaan (alaihis salaam). He called for a knife when he heard the circumstances and said that he wished to solve the problem by cutting the child in two and thus divide him equally between the women.

Immediately the younger woman said, "Do not do so. The child belongs to the elder lady." Sulaimaan (alaihis salaam) ruled in favour of the younger lady.

A mother’s love cannot bear any harm befalling her children and the younger woman would rather have her child living with someone else and alive, than dead.

[Adapted from Bukaari Shareef]

King Hasan Musjid, Morocco

2008-05-17T09:00:00.000+02:00

Bonding with your Child Part 3

2008-05-16T09:00:00.001+02:00

Here are more simple and effective advices that will help you develop an excellent relationship with your children:

1. Let your children overhear you while they are in other rooms in the house, as you say loud how much you love them and how much you are proud of them.

2. Have a family lunch at least once a week and discuss last week's matters. Do not just listen but participate by telling them what happened to you last week as well. Islam encourages eating together.

3. Kiss your children, hug them and tell them that you love them everyday. Regardless the number of times you say it, they will always need to know your love for them in every stage of their lives. Even when they are married and have their own children. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam was exceedingly affectionate with his children and grandchildren, as well as other children.

4. Try to begin a new day whenever the sun rises and forget all the past's mistakes as each new day carries a new opportunity to love your children more than before and discover more talents in them. The Sahaaba are described as people with clean hearts, not holding grudges against people nor holding their past mistakes against them.

5. Instead of saying to your son when scolding him: ‘you’ve done this wrong’' say: ‘why don't you do it this way?’' and teach him the right way. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam used a lot of wisdom in correcting people’s wrongs.

Sheikh Zayed Great Mosque, Abu Dhabi

2008-05-16T09:00:00.000+02:00

Sheikh Zayed Great Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE, was opened in Dec 2007 and is one of the world’s ten biggest Musjids with a total capacity of 40,000 worshippers. The project took 12 years to complete at a cost of 2.167 billion UAE dirhams.

It has 3 entries into the Guinness Book of World Records with the largest carpet, the biggest chandelier and the largest dome of its kind in the world. The Musjid was built on a platform 9 meters above ground level at the main entrance of Abu Dhabi. The general plan is modelled from Moroccan Musjids, combined with domed Ottoman Musjid architecture. It has a large prayer hall and 2 small prayer rooms, one for females. The halls open into a courtyard surrounded by arcaded galleries of pointed horse-shoe North African arches.

The total building area is 22,412m², the size of 5 football fields. The entire structure is clad in marble. The prayer hall can hold 7,000 worshippers. There are 82 domes crowning the roof of the Musjid. The largest is 85m high, the biggest of its kind in the world. The dome carries the largest chandelier in the world made of thousands of crystals arranged in 24 carat gold plated stainless steel frame.

The floor of the prayer hall is covered with one of the largest carpets ever made. It has a total area of 7,119m², made from 2,268,000 knots, weighing 47 tons: 35 tons wool, and 12 tons cotton. The courtyard of the Musjid covers 17,000m² and can hold 30,000 worshippers. There are over 1,000 columns and four minarets, 107m high. A series of reflective water ponds and lakes which cover an area of 7874m² surrounding the Musjid.

Sheikh Ahmed Yassin

2008-05-15T09:00:00.005+02:00

Those martyred in the Way of Allah are alive (Al Qur’aan 2:153)

The martyrdom of Sheikh Ahmad Yasin (Mar 22, 2004) by Jewish missiles fired into his wheelchair as he was returning from Fajr prayer was condemned by the South African government along with everyone except USA. The people of SA, who lost activists of the liberation struggle in similar circumstances, understand the grief of the Palestinians.

Sheikh Yasin was an elderly, partially blind, wheelchair bound paraplegic who suffered years of torture in Jewish prisons. His killing was ordered by Israeli PM Sharon.

Sheikh Yasin, founder and spiritual head of the resistance group Hamas, was born in Al-Joura, Palestine in 1938. His family was expelled in 1948 by the Jews. He moved to Gaza where he taught Islam and was a prominent preacher.

Yasin spent a year in Cairo studying at Ain Shams University where he joined the Muslim Brotherhood.

He was arrested by the Jews in 1983 and released in 1985. In 1987 he founded Hamas. He was at the time the Gaza-based leader of the Muslim Brotherhood. He was rearrested in 1989.

Father to 11 children, Sheikh Yasin was released in 1997. In Jewish jails, the white-bearded Sheikh lost vision in his right eye, suffered from respiratory diseases, and incurred hearing loss. He played a key role in Palestine and was instrumental in shaping Hamas methodology.

Hamas draws its guidelines from Islam and is not Nationalistic.

Darul Uloom Azaadville

2008-05-15T09:00:00.004+02:00

Darul Uloom Azaadville, South Africa

Web Guide, May 2008

2008-05-15T09:00:00.003+02:00

Enrich your web experience. Not all content on all sites Islamic-compliant. Consult Ulama.

http://www.feesabilillah.com/ - Site on the Muslim prisoners of Guantanamo
http://www.eidgreetings.com/ - Free Eid cards
http://www.sistersgames.com/ - Sisters Games, Birmingham, UK. No men, in privacy
http://www.womenonwheelz.co.uk/ - Driving tuition for women only, in UK
http://www.ramadan.co.uk/ - Ramadaan site
http://www.masjidadam.org/ - Masjid Adam, Canada
http://withkidsinmind.net/ - Resources for kids, games, etc
http://www.muslimsinbritain.org/masaajid/ - Maps of most of the 1,500 Masjids in UK

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Musjids of the World Part One

2008-05-15T09:00:00.001+02:00

The Musjid serves as the focal point of any Muslim community and thus are the most important structures to Muslims. In this series we look at some significant Musjids around the world.

The Grande Mosquée de Paris (Great Mosque of Paris) was founded after World War I as a sign of France's gratefulness to Muslim soldiers from the colonies who fought against Germany. The minaret is 33 meters high. Pres Gaston inaugurated it in 1926.

The Islamic Society of Orange County, incorporated in 1976, is one of the largest Muslim centres in the Western Hemisphere, holding 7,000 worshipers. It is in California, USA.

Istiqlal Mosque (Independence Mosque) in Jakarta, Indonesia is the largest Musjid in Southeast Asia. Government built the Musjid in 1975. 120,000 people can congregate at one time. The Musjid also provides facilities for social and cultural activities.

Yavuz-Sultan-Selim Musjid in Mannheim, Germany, named for Selim I an Ottoman Sultan, is the biggest Musjid in Germany, attracting 3,000 Muslims every weekend. It was opened in 1995, and Muslim shops and youth centres have become a magnet for the Muslim community. There are 159 Musjids in Germany with another 184 under construction.

The Mosque of Omar Ibn Al-Khattab in Maicao, La Guajira, Colombia is the second biggest Musjid in Latin America. Built in 1997, it can easily hold over 1,000 people.