http://www.allahhuakbar.com/ Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:05:30 -0400 MyBB http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=544 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:39:58 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=544 .........................................

Hmm. I am sure the answer to this question is yes. Proof? Yes, our minds are working, our fingers are continuously clicking the mouse, our heart is beating and what else do you need?

Sadly the answer to this question remains 'No' in case of almost all of us. See earning money is a good thing, it is mandatory. But forgetting to take care of your eyes while writing 10's of articles everyday is not worth it. The point of creation of this topic is to see inside yourself and peek whether the inner being of yourself is happy or not.

If it is happy and you are enjoying all the moments of life, well and fine. But in case if you have any sorts of confusion or you think your life has been completely shattered and nothing can be done, think again. "Today is the first day of the rest of your life !! "

Share your thoughts here and just for clarification, I am not an adviser or a guru. I will just try to make you feel how good life can actually be !!

Maybe other readers can also help you, so share anything you like here regarding your life !


________________

www.wasserbettenhife.com
application managed services]]> .........................................

Hmm. I am sure the answer to this question is yes. Proof? Yes, our minds are working, our fingers are continuously clicking the mouse, our heart is beating and what else do you need?

Sadly the answer to this question remains 'No' in case of almost all of us. See earning money is a good thing, it is mandatory. But forgetting to take care of your eyes while writing 10's of articles everyday is not worth it. The point of creation of this topic is to see inside yourself and peek whether the inner being of yourself is happy or not.

If it is happy and you are enjoying all the moments of life, well and fine. But in case if you have any sorts of confusion or you think your life has been completely shattered and nothing can be done, think again. "Today is the first day of the rest of your life !! "

Share your thoughts here and just for clarification, I am not an adviser or a guru. I will just try to make you feel how good life can actually be !!

Maybe other readers can also help you, so share anything you like here regarding your life !


________________

www.wasserbettenhife.com
application managed services]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=543 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:38:15 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=543

Anxiety, nervousness, butterflies in the tummy is what you feel on your first date… and yes!

Our bride to be Rakhi felt just that. Rakhi, who has never been on a 'real' date earlier decided to put forth a task before the 'grooms in waiting'.

Ram Kapoor, Rakhi's conveyed to the contestants the daunting task of writing love letters to the gorgeous lady and the best of the lot would be the privileged man to go on a date with Rakhi. And guess who charmed and bowled Rakhi over with his creativity?

Well…well! Our little birdie tells us that there was a tie. It was none other than Manmohan Tiwari who not only composed a poem in Shudh Hindi but also translated the same in English for the lady and Ashwin Chaudhari who wrote to Rakhi about all that he has left, including his sister's wedding just to win her heart.

Now we wonder how will the duo handle Rakhi on their first date with her?

Watch all this and more on Rakhi Ka Swayamvar Monday – Friday at 9:00 pm only on NDTV


_________________

www.wasserbettenhife.com
application managed services]]>

Anxiety, nervousness, butterflies in the tummy is what you feel on your first date… and yes!

Our bride to be Rakhi felt just that. Rakhi, who has never been on a 'real' date earlier decided to put forth a task before the 'grooms in waiting'.

Ram Kapoor, Rakhi's conveyed to the contestants the daunting task of writing love letters to the gorgeous lady and the best of the lot would be the privileged man to go on a date with Rakhi. And guess who charmed and bowled Rakhi over with his creativity?

Well…well! Our little birdie tells us that there was a tie. It was none other than Manmohan Tiwari who not only composed a poem in Shudh Hindi but also translated the same in English for the lady and Ashwin Chaudhari who wrote to Rakhi about all that he has left, including his sister's wedding just to win her heart.

Now we wonder how will the duo handle Rakhi on their first date with her?

Watch all this and more on Rakhi Ka Swayamvar Monday – Friday at 9:00 pm only on NDTV


_________________

www.wasserbettenhife.com
application managed services]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=542 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:35:39 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=542



___________________

www.wasserbettenhife.com
application managed services]]>



___________________

www.wasserbettenhife.com
application managed services]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=541 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:34:30 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=541
2. When she ignores you after you've done something wrong, it's best to give her some time to cool down before touching her heart with an apology.

3. A girl can't find anything to hate about the guy she loves (which is why it is so hard for her to 'get over him' after the relationship' s over.)

4. If a girl loves a guy, he will always be on her mind every minute of the day, even though she flirts with other guys.

5. When the guy she likes smiles and stares deep into her eyes, she will melt. 6. A girl likes to hear compliments, but usually not sure how to react to them.

7. When a particular guy flirts with a girl very often, a girl would start thinking the guy likes her. So if you treat a girl just as a friend, go easy on the smiles and stare ok?

8. If you don't like a girl who likes you, break it to her gently.

9. If a girl starts avoiding you after you reject her, leave her alone for a while. If you still treat her as a friend, talk to her.

10. Girls enjoy talking about what they feel. Music, poetry, drawings and writing are ways of expressing themselves (which explains why most girls like writing journals).

11. Never tell a girl that she is useless in anyway.

12. Being too serious can turn a girl off.

13. When the guy she likes calls her for the first time, the girl may act uninterested during the call. But as soon as the phone is back on the hook, she will whoop with joy and immediately start telephoning her friends to spread the news.

14. A smile means a lot to a girl.

15. If you like a girl, try making friends with her first. Let her get to know you.

16. If a girl says she can't go out with you because she has to study, leave.

17. But if she still calls you or expect a call from you, stay.

18. Don't try to guess a girl's feelings. Ask her.....

19. Hearing the words "I love you" is a great reassurance to a girl that she is beautiful.

20. After a girl falls in love with a guy, she'll wonder why she never noticed him before.

21. If you need tips on how to flirt with a girl, read romance stories.

22. When class pictures come out, a girl would first check who is standing next to her crush before actually looking at herself.

23. A girl's ex-crush will always be in her memory, but the guy she loves now stays in her heart.

24. Girls love having fun!

25..... A simple 'Hi' can brighten a girl's day.

26. A girl's best friends usually know best what she is feeling and going through.

27. Girls hate it when a guy pays attention to them just to get close to their 'prettier' friend.

28. Love means devotion, caring and happiness to a girl, in that order.

29. Some girls care about looks, some care about brains, but ALL girls want a guy who will love and care for them.

30. Girls want nothing more than to feel loved....


Are you agree with these ?


______________________________________________


wasserbetten
managed services business]]>
2. When she ignores you after you've done something wrong, it's best to give her some time to cool down before touching her heart with an apology.

3. A girl can't find anything to hate about the guy she loves (which is why it is so hard for her to 'get over him' after the relationship' s over.)

4. If a girl loves a guy, he will always be on her mind every minute of the day, even though she flirts with other guys.

5. When the guy she likes smiles and stares deep into her eyes, she will melt. 6. A girl likes to hear compliments, but usually not sure how to react to them.

7. When a particular guy flirts with a girl very often, a girl would start thinking the guy likes her. So if you treat a girl just as a friend, go easy on the smiles and stare ok?

8. If you don't like a girl who likes you, break it to her gently.

9. If a girl starts avoiding you after you reject her, leave her alone for a while. If you still treat her as a friend, talk to her.

10. Girls enjoy talking about what they feel. Music, poetry, drawings and writing are ways of expressing themselves (which explains why most girls like writing journals).

11. Never tell a girl that she is useless in anyway.

12. Being too serious can turn a girl off.

13. When the guy she likes calls her for the first time, the girl may act uninterested during the call. But as soon as the phone is back on the hook, she will whoop with joy and immediately start telephoning her friends to spread the news.

14. A smile means a lot to a girl.

15. If you like a girl, try making friends with her first. Let her get to know you.

16. If a girl says she can't go out with you because she has to study, leave.

17. But if she still calls you or expect a call from you, stay.

18. Don't try to guess a girl's feelings. Ask her.....

19. Hearing the words "I love you" is a great reassurance to a girl that she is beautiful.

20. After a girl falls in love with a guy, she'll wonder why she never noticed him before.

21. If you need tips on how to flirt with a girl, read romance stories.

22. When class pictures come out, a girl would first check who is standing next to her crush before actually looking at herself.

23. A girl's ex-crush will always be in her memory, but the guy she loves now stays in her heart.

24. Girls love having fun!

25..... A simple 'Hi' can brighten a girl's day.

26. A girl's best friends usually know best what she is feeling and going through.

27. Girls hate it when a guy pays attention to them just to get close to their 'prettier' friend.

28. Love means devotion, caring and happiness to a girl, in that order.

29. Some girls care about looks, some care about brains, but ALL girls want a guy who will love and care for them.

30. Girls want nothing more than to feel loved....


Are you agree with these ?


______________________________________________


wasserbetten
managed services business]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=540 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:32:52 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=540
________________________________________

wasserbetten
managed services business]]>
________________________________________

wasserbetten
managed services business]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=539 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:29:58 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=539 Satan greets him: "Welcome Mr. Gates, we've been waiting for you. This will be your home for all eternity. You've been selfish, greedy and a big liar all your life. Now, since you've got me in a good mood, I'll be generous and give you a choice of three places in which you'll be locked up forever."

Satan takes Bill to a huge lake of fire in which millions of poor souls are tormented and tortured. He then takes him to a massive coliseum where thousands of people are chased about and devoured by starving lions.

Finally, he takes Bill to a tiny room in which there is a Beautiful young blonde with an alluring look on her face, sitting at a table on which there is a bottle of the finest wine. To Bill's delight, he sees a PC in the corner. Without hesitation, Bill says, "I'll take this option."

"Fine," says Satan, allowing Bill to enter the room. Satan locks the room after Bill. As he turns around, he bumps into Lucifer.

"That was Bill Gates!" cried Lucifer. "Why did you give him the best place of all!"

"That's what everyone thinks," snickered Satan. "The bottle has a hole in it and the girl hasn't..."

"What about the PC?"

"It's got Windows 95!" laughed Satan. "And it's missing three keys."

"Which three?"

"Control, Alt and Delete."


______________________________________________


wasserbetten
managed services business]]> Satan greets him: "Welcome Mr. Gates, we've been waiting for you. This will be your home for all eternity. You've been selfish, greedy and a big liar all your life. Now, since you've got me in a good mood, I'll be generous and give you a choice of three places in which you'll be locked up forever."

Satan takes Bill to a huge lake of fire in which millions of poor souls are tormented and tortured. He then takes him to a massive coliseum where thousands of people are chased about and devoured by starving lions.

Finally, he takes Bill to a tiny room in which there is a Beautiful young blonde with an alluring look on her face, sitting at a table on which there is a bottle of the finest wine. To Bill's delight, he sees a PC in the corner. Without hesitation, Bill says, "I'll take this option."

"Fine," says Satan, allowing Bill to enter the room. Satan locks the room after Bill. As he turns around, he bumps into Lucifer.

"That was Bill Gates!" cried Lucifer. "Why did you give him the best place of all!"

"That's what everyone thinks," snickered Satan. "The bottle has a hole in it and the girl hasn't..."

"What about the PC?"

"It's got Windows 95!" laughed Satan. "And it's missing three keys."

"Which three?"

"Control, Alt and Delete."


______________________________________________


wasserbetten
managed services business]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=538 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:07:54 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=538
...why would studying brain mechanisms, even down to the molecular level, ever provide an answer to those questions?

The answer is this: Because the answer to the interpreting mechanism is not in the brain at all. It is impossible to come by the answers to questions regarding this mechanism by studying human cells, examining neurons or performing research at the molecular level. That is because what causes a person to perceive the outside world is not inside the human body. It is something outside the brain, neurons, cells or electric signals. It is the soul bestowed on us by Almighty Allah.

Reveals Allah in one verse:


… then [He] formed him and breathed His Spirit into him and gave you hearing, sight and hearts. What little thanks you show! (Surat as-Sajda, 9)


People who fail to understand that it is the soul that perceives, and that it is independent of matter, are making a very important mistake: They face the possibility that the images they see exist on a screen in their brains. Yet when we consider that there is a screen in our brains on which the outside world exists, we also have no choice but to admit the existence of a little man watching that screen. And there must be another little man watching the screen in the brain of the first, and so on. But there is no screen and no other little man watching the events on it in the brain. The human brain is pitch black and silent. There is nothing there but neurons made up of proteins and electric signals moving very swiftly back and forth. It is impossible for those electric signals to see a flower, smell it, touch it, delight in it, see a ship sailing in the distance or enjoy the taste of a strawberry--all in a piece of flesh. It is impossible for them to experience a prolonged period of enjoyment of an orchestral symphony. It is obviously not electrical signals that produce such a lively, bustling, brightly colored, vivid, three-dimensional and perfectly sharp world. And there is also no doubt that it is not electric signals that cause one to rejoice or grieve, to feel excitement or concern, to remember and feel happy, or to miss someone and satisfy that longing. Even if the world’s most renowned professors were to work together, as Jeffrey M. Schwartz says, they still would not find this perception mechanism anywhere in the brain.

The self-conscious entity that says “I see” the images and “I hear” the sounds in the brain is the soul given to man by Allah. This is the reality that the materialist mindset is most unwilling of all to see revealed. The soul sees without the need for eyes, touches without the need for hands, hears without the need for ears, smells without the need for a nose and tastes without the need for a mouth. The soul is the only answer to the question of “who does the perceiving?” which scientists have been trying to resolve for years. Allah constantly shows images to the human soul and, day and night, whether in this world or in dreams, creates a whole world for them. Everything in that world has a perfect and flawless appearance. So much so that it is very difficult for us to realize that the sharp image and sensation of depth in front of us consists merely of an illusion and has no connection with the real outside world. This is the flawless, matchless, glorious work of our Almighty Lord, Who has the power to create infinite worlds in an area just a few centimeters in size whenever He chooses.


He is Allah – the Creator, the Maker, the Giver of Form. To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. Everything in the heavens and Earth glorifies Him. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (Surat al-Hashr, 24)


A flawless image forms in our brains because Allah so wills. There are smells there because He so wills and we listen to and enjoy immaculate music because He so wishes. We also feel and recognize things by touching them because Allah so wills. The food we eat has flavor because that is what Allah wills. A whole world emerges in the human mind from nothing at Allah’s command. Our Lord creates a world from nothing in a person’s mind that belongs to that person alone, that only he can see and recognize. This world is not the outside world. It is impossible to have direct contact with the world outside. It is impossible, unless Allah so wills, for anyone to have direct experience of a world created for someone else. One can only live in and watch a world created for oneself alone by Allah. It is impossible to step outside it. In another verse, Allah reveals:


They will ask you about the Spirit. Say: “The Spirit is one of the commands of my Lord. You have only been given a little knowledge.” (Surat al-Isra’, 85)


i Jeffrey M. Schwartz, Sharon Begley, The Mind and The Brain: Neuroplasticity and the Power of Mental Force, Regan Books, 2003, p. 27]]>
...why would studying brain mechanisms, even down to the molecular level, ever provide an answer to those questions?

The answer is this: Because the answer to the interpreting mechanism is not in the brain at all. It is impossible to come by the answers to questions regarding this mechanism by studying human cells, examining neurons or performing research at the molecular level. That is because what causes a person to perceive the outside world is not inside the human body. It is something outside the brain, neurons, cells or electric signals. It is the soul bestowed on us by Almighty Allah.

Reveals Allah in one verse:


… then [He] formed him and breathed His Spirit into him and gave you hearing, sight and hearts. What little thanks you show! (Surat as-Sajda, 9)


People who fail to understand that it is the soul that perceives, and that it is independent of matter, are making a very important mistake: They face the possibility that the images they see exist on a screen in their brains. Yet when we consider that there is a screen in our brains on which the outside world exists, we also have no choice but to admit the existence of a little man watching that screen. And there must be another little man watching the screen in the brain of the first, and so on. But there is no screen and no other little man watching the events on it in the brain. The human brain is pitch black and silent. There is nothing there but neurons made up of proteins and electric signals moving very swiftly back and forth. It is impossible for those electric signals to see a flower, smell it, touch it, delight in it, see a ship sailing in the distance or enjoy the taste of a strawberry--all in a piece of flesh. It is impossible for them to experience a prolonged period of enjoyment of an orchestral symphony. It is obviously not electrical signals that produce such a lively, bustling, brightly colored, vivid, three-dimensional and perfectly sharp world. And there is also no doubt that it is not electric signals that cause one to rejoice or grieve, to feel excitement or concern, to remember and feel happy, or to miss someone and satisfy that longing. Even if the world’s most renowned professors were to work together, as Jeffrey M. Schwartz says, they still would not find this perception mechanism anywhere in the brain.

The self-conscious entity that says “I see” the images and “I hear” the sounds in the brain is the soul given to man by Allah. This is the reality that the materialist mindset is most unwilling of all to see revealed. The soul sees without the need for eyes, touches without the need for hands, hears without the need for ears, smells without the need for a nose and tastes without the need for a mouth. The soul is the only answer to the question of “who does the perceiving?” which scientists have been trying to resolve for years. Allah constantly shows images to the human soul and, day and night, whether in this world or in dreams, creates a whole world for them. Everything in that world has a perfect and flawless appearance. So much so that it is very difficult for us to realize that the sharp image and sensation of depth in front of us consists merely of an illusion and has no connection with the real outside world. This is the flawless, matchless, glorious work of our Almighty Lord, Who has the power to create infinite worlds in an area just a few centimeters in size whenever He chooses.


He is Allah – the Creator, the Maker, the Giver of Form. To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. Everything in the heavens and Earth glorifies Him. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (Surat al-Hashr, 24)


A flawless image forms in our brains because Allah so wills. There are smells there because He so wills and we listen to and enjoy immaculate music because He so wishes. We also feel and recognize things by touching them because Allah so wills. The food we eat has flavor because that is what Allah wills. A whole world emerges in the human mind from nothing at Allah’s command. Our Lord creates a world from nothing in a person’s mind that belongs to that person alone, that only he can see and recognize. This world is not the outside world. It is impossible to have direct contact with the world outside. It is impossible, unless Allah so wills, for anyone to have direct experience of a world created for someone else. One can only live in and watch a world created for oneself alone by Allah. It is impossible to step outside it. In another verse, Allah reveals:


They will ask you about the Spirit. Say: “The Spirit is one of the commands of my Lord. You have only been given a little knowledge.” (Surat al-Isra’, 85)


i Jeffrey M. Schwartz, Sharon Begley, The Mind and The Brain: Neuroplasticity and the Power of Mental Force, Regan Books, 2003, p. 27]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=537 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:04:17 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=537
(Bihar al-Anwar vol:52, p. 321)


The hadith refers to information and technological progress that will be forthcoming in the time of Hazrat Mahdi (as). People have recently both explored the depths of the Earth and also acquired the technology with which to learn about the furthest corners of the universe. We now know about the structure of the Earth, from the layers under the crust to the nature of magma. By Allah’s leave, people have now acquired considerable knowledge, from the gases in the layers of the atmosphere to the number of stars in other galaxies. Our Prophet (saas) revealed 1,400 years ago that facts that were unknown in his day would be learned in the time of Hazrat Mahdi (as).]]>
(Bihar al-Anwar vol:52, p. 321)


The hadith refers to information and technological progress that will be forthcoming in the time of Hazrat Mahdi (as). People have recently both explored the depths of the Earth and also acquired the technology with which to learn about the furthest corners of the universe. We now know about the structure of the Earth, from the layers under the crust to the nature of magma. By Allah’s leave, people have now acquired considerable knowledge, from the gases in the layers of the atmosphere to the number of stars in other galaxies. Our Prophet (saas) revealed 1,400 years ago that facts that were unknown in his day would be learned in the time of Hazrat Mahdi (as).]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=536 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:01:36 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=536
Those who control their rage and pardon other people – Allah loves the good-doers –
those who, when they act indecently or wrong themselves, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their bad actions (and who can forgive bad actions except Allah?) and do not knowingly persist in what they were doing. (Surah Al Imran, 134-135)

All human beings are created with a conscience

And the self and what proportioned it. And inspired it with depravity or taqwa, he who purifies it has succeeded, (Surat ash-Shams, 7-10)

People who deny, though their consciences tell them the truth

And they repudiated them wrongly and haughtily, in spite of their own certainty about them. See the final fate of the corrupters. (Surat an-Naml, 14)

Believers act on the truth when they see it

We would be inventing lies against Allah if we returned to your religion after Allah has saved us from it. We could never return to it unless Allah our Lord so willed. Our Lord encompasses everything in His knowledge. We have put our trust in Allah. Our Lord, judge between us and our people with truth. You are the best of judges.’ (Surat al-A‘raf, 89)

Believers exchange their worldly desires for the Hereafter

Allah has bought from the muminun their selves and their wealth in return for the Garden. They fight in the Way of Allah and they kill and are killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the Torah, the Injil and the Qur’an and who is truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in the bargain you have made. That is the great victory. (Surat at-Tawba, 111)

Every worldly desire is an insight into oneself

In fact, man will be clear proof against himself. In spite of any excuses he might offer. (Surat al-Qiyama, 14-15)

Worldly desires have been created together with envy

Reconciliation is better. But people are prone to selfish greed. If you do good and have taqwa, Allah is aware of what you do. (Surat an-Nisa’, 128)

Believers avoid desire and lust

So have taqwa of Allah, as much as you are able to, and listen and obey and spend for your own benefit.It is the people who are safe-guarded from the avarice of their own selves who are successful. (Surat at-Taghabun, 16)

Lack of conscience atrophies the heart

Have they not travelled about the earth and do they not have hearts to understand with or ears to hear with? It is not their eyes which are blind but the hearts in their breasts which are blind. (Surat al-Hajj, 46)

Worldly desires have the power to command evil

I do not say my self was free from blame. The self indeed commands to evil acts – except for those my Lord has mercy on. My Lord, He is Forgiving, Merciful.’ (Surah Yusuf, 53)

Believers cleanse and purify their desires

and the self and what proportioned it, and inspired it with depravity or taqwa.He who purifies it has succeeded, (Surat ash-Shams, 7-9)]]>
Those who control their rage and pardon other people – Allah loves the good-doers –
those who, when they act indecently or wrong themselves, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their bad actions (and who can forgive bad actions except Allah?) and do not knowingly persist in what they were doing. (Surah Al Imran, 134-135)

All human beings are created with a conscience

And the self and what proportioned it. And inspired it with depravity or taqwa, he who purifies it has succeeded, (Surat ash-Shams, 7-10)

People who deny, though their consciences tell them the truth

And they repudiated them wrongly and haughtily, in spite of their own certainty about them. See the final fate of the corrupters. (Surat an-Naml, 14)

Believers act on the truth when they see it

We would be inventing lies against Allah if we returned to your religion after Allah has saved us from it. We could never return to it unless Allah our Lord so willed. Our Lord encompasses everything in His knowledge. We have put our trust in Allah. Our Lord, judge between us and our people with truth. You are the best of judges.’ (Surat al-A‘raf, 89)

Believers exchange their worldly desires for the Hereafter

Allah has bought from the muminun their selves and their wealth in return for the Garden. They fight in the Way of Allah and they kill and are killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the Torah, the Injil and the Qur’an and who is truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in the bargain you have made. That is the great victory. (Surat at-Tawba, 111)

Every worldly desire is an insight into oneself

In fact, man will be clear proof against himself. In spite of any excuses he might offer. (Surat al-Qiyama, 14-15)

Worldly desires have been created together with envy

Reconciliation is better. But people are prone to selfish greed. If you do good and have taqwa, Allah is aware of what you do. (Surat an-Nisa’, 128)

Believers avoid desire and lust

So have taqwa of Allah, as much as you are able to, and listen and obey and spend for your own benefit.It is the people who are safe-guarded from the avarice of their own selves who are successful. (Surat at-Taghabun, 16)

Lack of conscience atrophies the heart

Have they not travelled about the earth and do they not have hearts to understand with or ears to hear with? It is not their eyes which are blind but the hearts in their breasts which are blind. (Surat al-Hajj, 46)

Worldly desires have the power to command evil

I do not say my self was free from blame. The self indeed commands to evil acts – except for those my Lord has mercy on. My Lord, He is Forgiving, Merciful.’ (Surah Yusuf, 53)

Believers cleanse and purify their desires

and the self and what proportioned it, and inspired it with depravity or taqwa.He who purifies it has succeeded, (Surat ash-Shams, 7-9)]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=535 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:57:14 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=535
The holy source of Islam is the Qur'an; and the model of morality in the Qur'an is completely different from the image of it formed in the minds of some westerners. The Qur'an is based on the concepts of morality, love, compassion, mercy, modesty, self-sacrifice, tolerance and peace, and a Muslim who truly lives according to these moral precepts is highly refined, thoughtful, tolerant, trustworthy and accommodating. To those around him he gives love, respect, peace of mind and a sense of the joy of life.

Islam Is A Religion Of Peace And Well-Being

The word Islam has the same meaning as "peace" in Arabic. Islam is a religion that came down to offer humanity a life filled with the peace and well-being in which God's eternal mercy and compassion is manifested in the world. God invites all people to accept the moral teachings of the Qur'an as a model whereby mercy, compassion, tolerance and peace may be experienced in the world. In Surat al-Baqara verse 208, this command is given:

You who believe! Enter absolutely into peace (Islam). Do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright enemy to you.

As we see in this verse, people will experience well-being and happiness by living according to the moral teaching of the Qur'an.

God Condemns Mischief

God has commanded humanity to avoid evil; he has forbidden immorality, rebellion, cruelty, aggressiveness, murder and bloodshed. Those who do not obey this command of God are walking in the steps of Satan, as it says in the verse above, and have adopted an attitude that God has clearly declared unlawful. Of the many verses that bear on this subject, here are only two:

But as for those who break God's contract after it has been agreed and sever what God has commanded to be joined, and cause corruption in the earth, the curse will be upon them. They will have the Evil Abode. (Surat ar-Ra'd: 25)

Seek the abode of the hereafter with what God has given you, without forgetting your portion of the world. And do good as God has been good to you. And do not seek to cause mischief on earth. God does not love mischief makers.' (Surat al-Qasas: 77)

As we can see, God has forbidden every kind of mischievous acts in the religion of Islam including terrorism and violence, and condemned those who commit such deeds. A Muslim lends beauty to the world and improves it.

Islam Defends Tolerance And Freedom Of Speech

Islam is a religion which fosters freedom of life, ideas and thought. It has forbidden tension and conflict among people, calumny, suspicion and even having negative thoughts about another individual.

Islam has not only forbidden terror and violence, but also even the slightest imposition of any idea on another human being.

There is no compulsion in religion. Right guidance has become clearly distinct from error. Anyone who rejects false gods and believes in God has grasped the Firmest Handhold, which will never give way. God is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Surat al-Baqara: 256)

So remind, you need only to remind. You cannot compel them to believe. (Surat al-Ghashiyah: 22)

To force anyone to believe in a religion or to practice it, is against the spirit and essence of Islam. Because it is necessary that faith be accepted with free will and conscience. Of course, Muslims may urge one another to keep the moral precepts taught in the Qur'an, but they never use compulsion. In any case, an individual cannot be induced to the practice of religion by either threat or offering him a worldly privilege.

Let us imagine a completely opposite model of society. For example, a world in which people are forced by law to practice religion. Such a model of society is completely contrary to Islam because faith and worship have value only when they are directed toward God. If there were a system that forced people to believe and worship, people would be religious only out of fear of the system. What is acceptable from the point of view of religion is that religion be practiced in an environment where freedom of conscience is permitted, and that it be practiced only for the approval of God.

God Has Made The Killing Of Innocent People Unlawful

According to the Qur'an, one of the greatest sins is to kill a human being who has committed no fault:

...If someone kills another person - unless it is in retaliation for someone else or for causing corruption in the earth - it is as if he had murdered all mankind. And if anyone gives life to another person, it is as if he had given life to all mankind. Our Messengers came to them with Clear Signs but even after that many of them committed outrages in the earth. (Surat al-Ma'ida: 32)

Those who do not call on any other deity together with God and do not kill anyone God has made inviolate, except with the right to do so, and do not fornicate; anyone who does that will receive an evil punishment. (Surat al-Furqan: 68)

As we can see in the verses above, those who kill innocent human beings without a cause are threatened with evil punishment. God has revealed that killing one person is as great a sin as killing all mankind. Anyone who respected the prerogatives of God would not do harm to even one individual, let alone murdering thousands of innocent people. Those who think that they will escape justice and punishment in this world will never escape the account they must give in the Presence of God on the Last Day. So, those believers who know they will give an account to God after their death, will be very careful about respecting the limits God has established.

God Commands Believers To Be Compassionate And Merciful

In this verse, Muslim morality is explained:

...To be one of those who believe and urge each other to steadfastness and urge each other to compassion. Those are the Companions of the Right. (Surat al-Balad: 17-18)

As we see in this verse, one of the most important moral precepts that God has sent down to His servants so that they may receive salvation and mercy and attain Paradise, is to "urge each other to compassion".

Islam as described in the Qur'an is a modern, enlightened, progressive religion. A Muslim is above all a person of peace; he is tolerant with a democratic spirit, cultured, enlightened, honest, knowledgable about art and science and civilized.

A Muslim educated in the fine moral teaching of the Qur'an, approaches everyone with the love that Islam expects. He shows respect for every idea and he values art and aesthetics. He is conciliatory in the face of every event, diminishing tension and restoring amity. In societies composed of individuals such as this, there will be a higher civilization, a higher social morality, more joy, happiness, justice, security, abundance and blessings than in the most modern nations of the world today.

God Has Commanded Tolerance And Forgiveness

Surat al-A'raf, verse 199, which says "practice forgiveness", expresses the concept of forgiveness and tolerance which is one of the basic principles of the religion of Islam.

When we look at Islamic history, we can see clearly how Muslims established this important precept of the moral teaching of the Qur'an in their social life. At every point in their advance, Muslims destroyed unlawful practices and created a free and tolerant environment. In the areas of religion, language and culture, they made it possible for people totally opposite to each other to live under the same roof in freedom and peace, thereby giving to those subject to them the advantages of knowledge, wealth and position. Likewise, one of the most important reasons that the large and widespread Ottoman Empire was able to sustain its existence for so many centuries was that its way of life was directed by the tolerance and understanding brought by Islam. For centuries Muslims have been characterized by their tolerance and compassion. In every period of time they have been the most just and merciful of people. All ethnic groups within this multi-national community freely practiced the religions they have followed for years and enjoyed every opportunity to live in their own cultures and worship in their own way.

Indeed, the particular tolerance of Muslims, when practiced as commanded in the Qur'an, can alone bring peace and well-being to the whole world. The Qur'an refers to this particular kind of tolerance:

A good action and a bad action are not the same. Repel the bad with something better and, if there is enmity between you and someone else, he will be like a bosom friend. (Surat al-Fussilat: 34)

Conclusion

All this shows that the moral teaching offered to humanity by Islam is one that will bring peace, happiness and justice to the world. The barbarism that is happening in the world today under the name of "Islamic Terrorism" is completely removed from the moral teachings of the Qur'an; it is the work of ignorant, bigoted people, criminals who have nothing to do with religion. The solution which will applied against these individuals and groups who are trying to commit their deeds of savagery under the guise of Islam, will be the instruction of people in the true moral teaching of Islam.

In other words, the religion of Islam and the moral teaching of the Qur'an are not the supporters of terrorism and the terrorists, but the remedy by which the world can be saved from the scourge of terrorism.]]>
The holy source of Islam is the Qur'an; and the model of morality in the Qur'an is completely different from the image of it formed in the minds of some westerners. The Qur'an is based on the concepts of morality, love, compassion, mercy, modesty, self-sacrifice, tolerance and peace, and a Muslim who truly lives according to these moral precepts is highly refined, thoughtful, tolerant, trustworthy and accommodating. To those around him he gives love, respect, peace of mind and a sense of the joy of life.

Islam Is A Religion Of Peace And Well-Being

The word Islam has the same meaning as "peace" in Arabic. Islam is a religion that came down to offer humanity a life filled with the peace and well-being in which God's eternal mercy and compassion is manifested in the world. God invites all people to accept the moral teachings of the Qur'an as a model whereby mercy, compassion, tolerance and peace may be experienced in the world. In Surat al-Baqara verse 208, this command is given:

You who believe! Enter absolutely into peace (Islam). Do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright enemy to you.

As we see in this verse, people will experience well-being and happiness by living according to the moral teaching of the Qur'an.

God Condemns Mischief

God has commanded humanity to avoid evil; he has forbidden immorality, rebellion, cruelty, aggressiveness, murder and bloodshed. Those who do not obey this command of God are walking in the steps of Satan, as it says in the verse above, and have adopted an attitude that God has clearly declared unlawful. Of the many verses that bear on this subject, here are only two:

But as for those who break God's contract after it has been agreed and sever what God has commanded to be joined, and cause corruption in the earth, the curse will be upon them. They will have the Evil Abode. (Surat ar-Ra'd: 25)

Seek the abode of the hereafter with what God has given you, without forgetting your portion of the world. And do good as God has been good to you. And do not seek to cause mischief on earth. God does not love mischief makers.' (Surat al-Qasas: 77)

As we can see, God has forbidden every kind of mischievous acts in the religion of Islam including terrorism and violence, and condemned those who commit such deeds. A Muslim lends beauty to the world and improves it.

Islam Defends Tolerance And Freedom Of Speech

Islam is a religion which fosters freedom of life, ideas and thought. It has forbidden tension and conflict among people, calumny, suspicion and even having negative thoughts about another individual.

Islam has not only forbidden terror and violence, but also even the slightest imposition of any idea on another human being.

There is no compulsion in religion. Right guidance has become clearly distinct from error. Anyone who rejects false gods and believes in God has grasped the Firmest Handhold, which will never give way. God is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Surat al-Baqara: 256)

So remind, you need only to remind. You cannot compel them to believe. (Surat al-Ghashiyah: 22)

To force anyone to believe in a religion or to practice it, is against the spirit and essence of Islam. Because it is necessary that faith be accepted with free will and conscience. Of course, Muslims may urge one another to keep the moral precepts taught in the Qur'an, but they never use compulsion. In any case, an individual cannot be induced to the practice of religion by either threat or offering him a worldly privilege.

Let us imagine a completely opposite model of society. For example, a world in which people are forced by law to practice religion. Such a model of society is completely contrary to Islam because faith and worship have value only when they are directed toward God. If there were a system that forced people to believe and worship, people would be religious only out of fear of the system. What is acceptable from the point of view of religion is that religion be practiced in an environment where freedom of conscience is permitted, and that it be practiced only for the approval of God.

God Has Made The Killing Of Innocent People Unlawful

According to the Qur'an, one of the greatest sins is to kill a human being who has committed no fault:

...If someone kills another person - unless it is in retaliation for someone else or for causing corruption in the earth - it is as if he had murdered all mankind. And if anyone gives life to another person, it is as if he had given life to all mankind. Our Messengers came to them with Clear Signs but even after that many of them committed outrages in the earth. (Surat al-Ma'ida: 32)

Those who do not call on any other deity together with God and do not kill anyone God has made inviolate, except with the right to do so, and do not fornicate; anyone who does that will receive an evil punishment. (Surat al-Furqan: 68)

As we can see in the verses above, those who kill innocent human beings without a cause are threatened with evil punishment. God has revealed that killing one person is as great a sin as killing all mankind. Anyone who respected the prerogatives of God would not do harm to even one individual, let alone murdering thousands of innocent people. Those who think that they will escape justice and punishment in this world will never escape the account they must give in the Presence of God on the Last Day. So, those believers who know they will give an account to God after their death, will be very careful about respecting the limits God has established.

God Commands Believers To Be Compassionate And Merciful

In this verse, Muslim morality is explained:

...To be one of those who believe and urge each other to steadfastness and urge each other to compassion. Those are the Companions of the Right. (Surat al-Balad: 17-18)

As we see in this verse, one of the most important moral precepts that God has sent down to His servants so that they may receive salvation and mercy and attain Paradise, is to "urge each other to compassion".

Islam as described in the Qur'an is a modern, enlightened, progressive religion. A Muslim is above all a person of peace; he is tolerant with a democratic spirit, cultured, enlightened, honest, knowledgable about art and science and civilized.

A Muslim educated in the fine moral teaching of the Qur'an, approaches everyone with the love that Islam expects. He shows respect for every idea and he values art and aesthetics. He is conciliatory in the face of every event, diminishing tension and restoring amity. In societies composed of individuals such as this, there will be a higher civilization, a higher social morality, more joy, happiness, justice, security, abundance and blessings than in the most modern nations of the world today.

God Has Commanded Tolerance And Forgiveness

Surat al-A'raf, verse 199, which says "practice forgiveness", expresses the concept of forgiveness and tolerance which is one of the basic principles of the religion of Islam.

When we look at Islamic history, we can see clearly how Muslims established this important precept of the moral teaching of the Qur'an in their social life. At every point in their advance, Muslims destroyed unlawful practices and created a free and tolerant environment. In the areas of religion, language and culture, they made it possible for people totally opposite to each other to live under the same roof in freedom and peace, thereby giving to those subject to them the advantages of knowledge, wealth and position. Likewise, one of the most important reasons that the large and widespread Ottoman Empire was able to sustain its existence for so many centuries was that its way of life was directed by the tolerance and understanding brought by Islam. For centuries Muslims have been characterized by their tolerance and compassion. In every period of time they have been the most just and merciful of people. All ethnic groups within this multi-national community freely practiced the religions they have followed for years and enjoyed every opportunity to live in their own cultures and worship in their own way.

Indeed, the particular tolerance of Muslims, when practiced as commanded in the Qur'an, can alone bring peace and well-being to the whole world. The Qur'an refers to this particular kind of tolerance:

A good action and a bad action are not the same. Repel the bad with something better and, if there is enmity between you and someone else, he will be like a bosom friend. (Surat al-Fussilat: 34)

Conclusion

All this shows that the moral teaching offered to humanity by Islam is one that will bring peace, happiness and justice to the world. The barbarism that is happening in the world today under the name of "Islamic Terrorism" is completely removed from the moral teachings of the Qur'an; it is the work of ignorant, bigoted people, criminals who have nothing to do with religion. The solution which will applied against these individuals and groups who are trying to commit their deeds of savagery under the guise of Islam, will be the instruction of people in the true moral teaching of Islam.

In other words, the religion of Islam and the moral teaching of the Qur'an are not the supporters of terrorism and the terrorists, but the remedy by which the world can be saved from the scourge of terrorism.]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=534 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:53:01 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=534
Surely, such a high standard of moral values pertaining to believers is in sharp contrast to that of unbelievers. Sincerity and trustworthiness throw into sharp relief the insincere and hypocritical nature of the unbelievers. Likewise, the generous, brave and modest attitude of believers is very different from the arrogant, ruthless and selfish behaviours of unbelievers. One feature which clearly distinguishes between these two groups- that is, between believers and unbelievers - is a sense of loyalty, or its absence. In its real sense, unbelievers can never remain true, solely due to the fact that they are motivated by self-interest: It often takes them just a matter of moments to turn away from a lifelong friend or a close relative. Likewise, they easily give up struggling or fighting for something they think as right.

However, the believers assume a totally different attitude. The criteria they apply to their deeds and lives plainly manifest themselves in the verse. Say:

"Truly, my prayer and my devotions, my life and my death, are (all) for God, the Cherisher of the Worlds." (Al-anam 162)

Consequently, those who have faith are considerate in their behaviours, aiming to attend the will of God, and remain committed to their people and purpose at any cost. On account of minor benefits, they never leave the righteous path and they demonstrate an unshakable and unswerving loyalty to believers and especially to the leader of believers. God describes the loyalty shown by the believers in the Qur'an as follows:

Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with God: of them some have been true to their vows to the very end, and some still await their end: but they have never changed (their determination) in the least. (Al-Ahzap, 23)

Loyalty keeps all believers who fight for their faith directed towards one goal. This attribute, the essential characteristic of determination, is vital for any community of believers that is steadfast. A believer would fail to keep his self-respect if even once he demonstrated a minor neglect in his loyalty. Once one loses self-respect completely, one gradually approaches a point where one loses faith. Subsequently, things deteriorate very quickly and the backslider starts to behave in just the way an unbeliever or a hypocrite does. This is because unfaithfulness encourages a person to commit other significant kinds of deception. He first of all transgresses by trying to hide his disloyalty from other believers. Then he starts telling lies, making a sustained effort to deceive them. After a while, his 'talent' for telling lies, makes him feel that he can really dupe believers and starts to adopt a way of living based on deriving unfair benefits from them. This indicates a state of mind in which the deceiver feels no love for believers. In this mood, he seeks the pleasure of people rather than of God. That is why he strives after high prestige. He perceives anything likely to damage this prestige as a serious threat to his being and strives to protect himself by telling more lies. Meanwhile, as believers begin to detect his lies, he displays more of the traits of a hypocrite. At this point, he tries to exculpate himself. But this effort, turns him entirely into the type of a person who does not hesitate to form alliances with unbelievers and hypocrites.

The aforementioned sequence of events is striking in the sense that it reveals how certain disloyal kinds of behaviour, which are assumed to be minor and insignificant, can cause the individual to drift into unbelief. The truthful believers, on the other hand, steadfastly persevere in righteousness till the day of their death, since they owe their obedience to nobody but God. This fact is noted in the following verse:

He who obeys the Messenger, obeys God: But if any turn away, We have not sent you to watch over their (evil deeds). (An-Nisa, 80)

Being truthful is one of the most important subjects that a believer should be sensitive to. While informing us about hypocrites who are ever ready to escape from their obligations, God bids us give our attention to the pledge they take in the Qur'an about not turning their backs and accordingly states that such people bear a heavy responsibility.

And yet they had already sworn to God not to turn their backs in flight, and a covenant with God must (surely) be answered for. (Al-Ahzap, 15)

A pledge made to God is indeed a heavy responsibility. Hence, God commands the believers:

Nor sell the covenant of God for a miserable price: for with God is (a prize) far better for you, if you only knew. (An-Nahl, 95)

No doubt, the most significant sign of loyalty is obedience. Obedience is an essential attribute of believers, as stated in the Qur'an. It is actually the key to earning the mercy of God, to attaining Heaven and gaining a victory against unbelievers.

And obey God and the Messenger, so that you may obtain mercy. (Al-E-Imran, 132)

Those are limits set by God: those who obey God and His Messenger will be admitted to Gardens with rivers flowing beneath, to abide therein for ever and that will be the supreme achievement. (An-Nisa, 13)

You who believe! Obey God, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to God and His Messenger, if you do believe in God and the Last Day. That is best, and most suitable for final determination. (An-Nisa,
59)

We sent forth messengers, to be obeyed, by men in accordance with the will of God. If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come to you and asked God's forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found God indeed Forgiving and Most Merciful. But no, by the Lord, they can have no real faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against Your decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction. (An-Nisa, 64-65)

All who obey God and the messenger shall dwell in the company of those whom God has favoured with His Grace: the prophets who teach, the sincere lovers of Truth, the witnesses who testify, and the Righteous who do good. Ah! what a beautiful companionship! (An-Nisa, 69)

Under all circumstances, believers should be committed to obedience for all time. Hypocrites, too, can be obedient, but only when the conditions are not so tough and demanding. However, in times of difficulty and trouble, only true believers persevere in their obedience. In the Qur'an, God informs us that hypocrites living in the time of the Prophet find the fight for faith to be difficult. However, they join believers in their struggle when they find that it means "immediate gain and an easy journey".

Go forth, whether unarmed or well-equipped and strive and struggle, with your goods and your persons, in the cause of God. That is best for you, if you but knew. If there had been immediate gain in sight, and the journey easy, they would all without doubt have followed you, but the distance was long, and weighed on them. They would indeed swear by God, "If we only could, we should certainly have come out with you:" They would destroy their own souls; for God knows that they are certainly lying. (At-Tawba, 41-42)

One of the main attributes of believers is to maintain their obedience in every situation and under all circumstances. The Qur'an informs us about the different attitudes of believers and hypocrites.

They say, "We believe in God and in the messenger, and we obey." but even after that, some of them turn away: they are not (really) believers. When they are summoned to God and His messenger, in order that He may judge between them, behold, some of them decline (to come). But if the right is on their side, they come to him with all submission. Is there a disease in their hearts? or do they doubt, or are they in fear, that God and His Messenger will deal unjustly with them? No, indeed, it is they themselves who do wrong. The answer of the believers, when summoned to God and His Messenger, in order that He may judge between them, is no other than this: they say, "We hear and we obey." it is such as these who will attain felicity. It is such as obey God and His Messenger, and fear God and do right, who will win (in the end), They swear their strongest oaths by God that, if only you would command them, they would leave (their homes). Say: "Do not swear Obedience is (more) reasonable; truly, God is well acquainted with all that you do." Say: "Obey God, and obey the Messenger: but if you turn away, he is only responsible for the duty placed on him and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be rightly guided. The Messenger's duty is only to preach the clear Message. (Al-Nur, 47-54)

Obedience to the messenger should come from deep within the heart and with full commitment. The believers should acknowledge that the decision of the messenger is righteous and, accordingly, never have any doubts about their obedience. This is an extremely important issue, since obeying reluctantly is described in the Qur'an as a sign of disbelief:

"But no, by the Lord, they can have no (real) Faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance to Your decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction. (An-Nisa, 65)

Obedience is a sure sign of one's faith in God and his total willingness to be a servant to Him. This is surely the only way to man's salvation. As God states in Surat' Al-Anfal, 24: "O you who believe! Give your response to God and His Messenger, when He calls you to that which will give you life." The messenger calls man to his eternal salvation. In another verse God states that the Messenger summons the believers to salvation, freedom, contentment and avoidance of evil.
In verse 157 of Surah Al-Araf God says:

"I will show mercy to those.......who follow the messenger, the Ummi whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures),- in the law and the Gospel;- for he commands them to do what is just and forbids them to do what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); he releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honour him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him, who will prosper." (Al-Araf,157)

The believers' victory over unbelievers is also dependent on their obedience to the Messenger and those charged with authority among them. In response to their obedience, God supports believers and grant them a glorious victory. The reverse is also true. In case of disobedience, they lose their power over unbelievers. God relates such an incident that took place in the prophet's time. in the following verse:

God did indeed fulfil His promise to you when, with His permission you were about to annihilate your enemy, until you flinched and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed it after He brought you in sight (of the booty) which you covet. Among you are some that hanker after this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then He diverted you from your foes in order to test you, but He forgave you, for God is full of grace to those who believe. (Al-Imran, 152)

Salvation can be achieved only through obedience. Those who do not obey the Messenger and follow a path other than the one leading to righteousness, will eventually go to Hell. God makes this fact plain in the Qur'an as follows:

If anyone contends with the Messenger even after guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that becoming to men of faith, We shall leave him on the path he has chosen, and consign him to Hell, what an evil refuge! (An-Nisa, 115)]]>
Surely, such a high standard of moral values pertaining to believers is in sharp contrast to that of unbelievers. Sincerity and trustworthiness throw into sharp relief the insincere and hypocritical nature of the unbelievers. Likewise, the generous, brave and modest attitude of believers is very different from the arrogant, ruthless and selfish behaviours of unbelievers. One feature which clearly distinguishes between these two groups- that is, between believers and unbelievers - is a sense of loyalty, or its absence. In its real sense, unbelievers can never remain true, solely due to the fact that they are motivated by self-interest: It often takes them just a matter of moments to turn away from a lifelong friend or a close relative. Likewise, they easily give up struggling or fighting for something they think as right.

However, the believers assume a totally different attitude. The criteria they apply to their deeds and lives plainly manifest themselves in the verse. Say:

"Truly, my prayer and my devotions, my life and my death, are (all) for God, the Cherisher of the Worlds." (Al-anam 162)

Consequently, those who have faith are considerate in their behaviours, aiming to attend the will of God, and remain committed to their people and purpose at any cost. On account of minor benefits, they never leave the righteous path and they demonstrate an unshakable and unswerving loyalty to believers and especially to the leader of believers. God describes the loyalty shown by the believers in the Qur'an as follows:

Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with God: of them some have been true to their vows to the very end, and some still await their end: but they have never changed (their determination) in the least. (Al-Ahzap, 23)

Loyalty keeps all believers who fight for their faith directed towards one goal. This attribute, the essential characteristic of determination, is vital for any community of believers that is steadfast. A believer would fail to keep his self-respect if even once he demonstrated a minor neglect in his loyalty. Once one loses self-respect completely, one gradually approaches a point where one loses faith. Subsequently, things deteriorate very quickly and the backslider starts to behave in just the way an unbeliever or a hypocrite does. This is because unfaithfulness encourages a person to commit other significant kinds of deception. He first of all transgresses by trying to hide his disloyalty from other believers. Then he starts telling lies, making a sustained effort to deceive them. After a while, his 'talent' for telling lies, makes him feel that he can really dupe believers and starts to adopt a way of living based on deriving unfair benefits from them. This indicates a state of mind in which the deceiver feels no love for believers. In this mood, he seeks the pleasure of people rather than of God. That is why he strives after high prestige. He perceives anything likely to damage this prestige as a serious threat to his being and strives to protect himself by telling more lies. Meanwhile, as believers begin to detect his lies, he displays more of the traits of a hypocrite. At this point, he tries to exculpate himself. But this effort, turns him entirely into the type of a person who does not hesitate to form alliances with unbelievers and hypocrites.

The aforementioned sequence of events is striking in the sense that it reveals how certain disloyal kinds of behaviour, which are assumed to be minor and insignificant, can cause the individual to drift into unbelief. The truthful believers, on the other hand, steadfastly persevere in righteousness till the day of their death, since they owe their obedience to nobody but God. This fact is noted in the following verse:

He who obeys the Messenger, obeys God: But if any turn away, We have not sent you to watch over their (evil deeds). (An-Nisa, 80)

Being truthful is one of the most important subjects that a believer should be sensitive to. While informing us about hypocrites who are ever ready to escape from their obligations, God bids us give our attention to the pledge they take in the Qur'an about not turning their backs and accordingly states that such people bear a heavy responsibility.

And yet they had already sworn to God not to turn their backs in flight, and a covenant with God must (surely) be answered for. (Al-Ahzap, 15)

A pledge made to God is indeed a heavy responsibility. Hence, God commands the believers:

Nor sell the covenant of God for a miserable price: for with God is (a prize) far better for you, if you only knew. (An-Nahl, 95)

No doubt, the most significant sign of loyalty is obedience. Obedience is an essential attribute of believers, as stated in the Qur'an. It is actually the key to earning the mercy of God, to attaining Heaven and gaining a victory against unbelievers.

And obey God and the Messenger, so that you may obtain mercy. (Al-E-Imran, 132)

Those are limits set by God: those who obey God and His Messenger will be admitted to Gardens with rivers flowing beneath, to abide therein for ever and that will be the supreme achievement. (An-Nisa, 13)

You who believe! Obey God, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to God and His Messenger, if you do believe in God and the Last Day. That is best, and most suitable for final determination. (An-Nisa,
59)

We sent forth messengers, to be obeyed, by men in accordance with the will of God. If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come to you and asked God's forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found God indeed Forgiving and Most Merciful. But no, by the Lord, they can have no real faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against Your decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction. (An-Nisa, 64-65)

All who obey God and the messenger shall dwell in the company of those whom God has favoured with His Grace: the prophets who teach, the sincere lovers of Truth, the witnesses who testify, and the Righteous who do good. Ah! what a beautiful companionship! (An-Nisa, 69)

Under all circumstances, believers should be committed to obedience for all time. Hypocrites, too, can be obedient, but only when the conditions are not so tough and demanding. However, in times of difficulty and trouble, only true believers persevere in their obedience. In the Qur'an, God informs us that hypocrites living in the time of the Prophet find the fight for faith to be difficult. However, they join believers in their struggle when they find that it means "immediate gain and an easy journey".

Go forth, whether unarmed or well-equipped and strive and struggle, with your goods and your persons, in the cause of God. That is best for you, if you but knew. If there had been immediate gain in sight, and the journey easy, they would all without doubt have followed you, but the distance was long, and weighed on them. They would indeed swear by God, "If we only could, we should certainly have come out with you:" They would destroy their own souls; for God knows that they are certainly lying. (At-Tawba, 41-42)

One of the main attributes of believers is to maintain their obedience in every situation and under all circumstances. The Qur'an informs us about the different attitudes of believers and hypocrites.

They say, "We believe in God and in the messenger, and we obey." but even after that, some of them turn away: they are not (really) believers. When they are summoned to God and His messenger, in order that He may judge between them, behold, some of them decline (to come). But if the right is on their side, they come to him with all submission. Is there a disease in their hearts? or do they doubt, or are they in fear, that God and His Messenger will deal unjustly with them? No, indeed, it is they themselves who do wrong. The answer of the believers, when summoned to God and His Messenger, in order that He may judge between them, is no other than this: they say, "We hear and we obey." it is such as these who will attain felicity. It is such as obey God and His Messenger, and fear God and do right, who will win (in the end), They swear their strongest oaths by God that, if only you would command them, they would leave (their homes). Say: "Do not swear Obedience is (more) reasonable; truly, God is well acquainted with all that you do." Say: "Obey God, and obey the Messenger: but if you turn away, he is only responsible for the duty placed on him and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be rightly guided. The Messenger's duty is only to preach the clear Message. (Al-Nur, 47-54)

Obedience to the messenger should come from deep within the heart and with full commitment. The believers should acknowledge that the decision of the messenger is righteous and, accordingly, never have any doubts about their obedience. This is an extremely important issue, since obeying reluctantly is described in the Qur'an as a sign of disbelief:

"But no, by the Lord, they can have no (real) Faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance to Your decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction. (An-Nisa, 65)

Obedience is a sure sign of one's faith in God and his total willingness to be a servant to Him. This is surely the only way to man's salvation. As God states in Surat' Al-Anfal, 24: "O you who believe! Give your response to God and His Messenger, when He calls you to that which will give you life." The messenger calls man to his eternal salvation. In another verse God states that the Messenger summons the believers to salvation, freedom, contentment and avoidance of evil.
In verse 157 of Surah Al-Araf God says:

"I will show mercy to those.......who follow the messenger, the Ummi whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures),- in the law and the Gospel;- for he commands them to do what is just and forbids them to do what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); he releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honour him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him, who will prosper." (Al-Araf,157)

The believers' victory over unbelievers is also dependent on their obedience to the Messenger and those charged with authority among them. In response to their obedience, God supports believers and grant them a glorious victory. The reverse is also true. In case of disobedience, they lose their power over unbelievers. God relates such an incident that took place in the prophet's time. in the following verse:

God did indeed fulfil His promise to you when, with His permission you were about to annihilate your enemy, until you flinched and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed it after He brought you in sight (of the booty) which you covet. Among you are some that hanker after this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then He diverted you from your foes in order to test you, but He forgave you, for God is full of grace to those who believe. (Al-Imran, 152)

Salvation can be achieved only through obedience. Those who do not obey the Messenger and follow a path other than the one leading to righteousness, will eventually go to Hell. God makes this fact plain in the Qur'an as follows:

If anyone contends with the Messenger even after guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that becoming to men of faith, We shall leave him on the path he has chosen, and consign him to Hell, what an evil refuge! (An-Nisa, 115)]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=533 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:55:36 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=533

---

Summer Intensive: Understanding the Source

8 Days Fiqh Course for SISTERS ONLY

A 8 day challenging Intensive course for Sisters Only, analysing critically various topics pertaining to Fiqh. This course under the guidance and instruction of Shaykh Suliman Ghani, will primarily focus on the following areas:

·Factors affecting Fiqh

·Reasons for differences

·Compilation of Fiqh

·The Development of Fiqh

·The Sources of Islamic Law

·The Various Schools of Thoughts

·The Chapters of: Tahara, Salat, Fasting, Clothing, Marriage, Gender Issues, Dealing with Non Muslims

· Set Q/A Session daily

This is an excellent course before Ramadan and will give students every opportunity to prepare for the blessed month.

The Course will be followed by an examination and successful students will receive certificates. The Prize ceremony will occur in a Sisters Only Barbecue event. Don’t MISS OUT!

Course Instructor

Shaykh Suliman Ghani

Shaykh Suliman Ghani, born into a noble family from S.Africa. He completed his Hifz whilst young, and pursued his Islamic Studies in Pakistan. Having studied there for a period of 3 years, Allah had blessed him to be accepted at Al Azhar university, where he studied for 2 years. In this period, the Shaykh was able to gain many authorisations (Ijazas) in Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh etc. The Shaykhs hunger for knowledge had not stopped there. Having studied at Al Azhar, he later travelled to the University of Medina where he stayed for an additional 4 years graduating from the faculty of Hadith. After this the Shaykh picked up his MA in Islamic Studies from SOAS, London. Currently Shaykh Suliman Ghani resides in London, where he is a lecturer in Arabic, Islamic studies and is supervisor of Balham Mosque Madrasah. He is also one of the Imams of Tooting Islamic Centre.

Details

Cost: £50 (Course Material Provided)

Date: Monday 13th July- Thursday 16th July 2009
Monday 20th July- 23rd July 2009

Time: 8:30 a.m to 12:30pm

Venue: Shahjalal Poplar Mosque- Opposite Tower Hamlets College

25 Hale Street, Poplar, London E14 OBF (1 min from Poplar DLR)

Tube Lines: DLR

Buses: 108, D8, D6, 15

Online Payment: http://www.alburujpress.com

Email: alburujpress@gmail.com

Contact on: 07732071529/ 07932909897


LIMITED SPACES SO BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT]]>

---

Summer Intensive: Understanding the Source

8 Days Fiqh Course for SISTERS ONLY

A 8 day challenging Intensive course for Sisters Only, analysing critically various topics pertaining to Fiqh. This course under the guidance and instruction of Shaykh Suliman Ghani, will primarily focus on the following areas:

·Factors affecting Fiqh

·Reasons for differences

·Compilation of Fiqh

·The Development of Fiqh

·The Sources of Islamic Law

·The Various Schools of Thoughts

·The Chapters of: Tahara, Salat, Fasting, Clothing, Marriage, Gender Issues, Dealing with Non Muslims

· Set Q/A Session daily

This is an excellent course before Ramadan and will give students every opportunity to prepare for the blessed month.

The Course will be followed by an examination and successful students will receive certificates. The Prize ceremony will occur in a Sisters Only Barbecue event. Don’t MISS OUT!

Course Instructor

Shaykh Suliman Ghani

Shaykh Suliman Ghani, born into a noble family from S.Africa. He completed his Hifz whilst young, and pursued his Islamic Studies in Pakistan. Having studied there for a period of 3 years, Allah had blessed him to be accepted at Al Azhar university, where he studied for 2 years. In this period, the Shaykh was able to gain many authorisations (Ijazas) in Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh etc. The Shaykhs hunger for knowledge had not stopped there. Having studied at Al Azhar, he later travelled to the University of Medina where he stayed for an additional 4 years graduating from the faculty of Hadith. After this the Shaykh picked up his MA in Islamic Studies from SOAS, London. Currently Shaykh Suliman Ghani resides in London, where he is a lecturer in Arabic, Islamic studies and is supervisor of Balham Mosque Madrasah. He is also one of the Imams of Tooting Islamic Centre.

Details

Cost: £50 (Course Material Provided)

Date: Monday 13th July- Thursday 16th July 2009
Monday 20th July- 23rd July 2009

Time: 8:30 a.m to 12:30pm

Venue: Shahjalal Poplar Mosque- Opposite Tower Hamlets College

25 Hale Street, Poplar, London E14 OBF (1 min from Poplar DLR)

Tube Lines: DLR

Buses: 108, D8, D6, 15

Online Payment: http://www.alburujpress.com

Email: alburujpress@gmail.com

Contact on: 07732071529/ 07932909897


LIMITED SPACES SO BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=531 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:00:16 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=531
Please sign the petitionn against Muslim pilgrims getting scammed: http://petitions.tigweb.org/pilgrimwatch]]>
Please sign the petitionn against Muslim pilgrims getting scammed: http://petitions.tigweb.org/pilgrimwatch]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=525 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:34:47 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=525
HE LIKED A GIRL WORKING IN A CD SHOP VERY MUCH. BUT HE DID NOT

TELL HER ABOUT HIS LUV. EVERYDAY HE WENT TO THE CD SHOP AND

BOUGHT A CD ONLY TO TALK TO HER. AFTER A MONTH HE DIED.

WHEN THE GIRL WENT TO HIS PLACE AND ASKED ABOUT HIM,

HIS MOM TOLD THAT HE DIED AND TOOK HER TO HIS ROOM....................................
.

SHE SAW ALL THE CD'S UNOPENED ............... THE GIRL CRIED N CRIED N FINALLY DIED.

YOU KNOW Y SHE CRIED?




ÇOZ SHE HAD KEPT HER OWN LUV LETTERS INSIDE THE CD PACKS.

SHE ALSO LUVED HIM.............


moral of the story: if u love someone......tell him/her directly don't wait for

destiny to play the role.. if u pass this message to every one in ur list ur love

will come true………

____________________________________]]>
HE LIKED A GIRL WORKING IN A CD SHOP VERY MUCH. BUT HE DID NOT

TELL HER ABOUT HIS LUV. EVERYDAY HE WENT TO THE CD SHOP AND

BOUGHT A CD ONLY TO TALK TO HER. AFTER A MONTH HE DIED.

WHEN THE GIRL WENT TO HIS PLACE AND ASKED ABOUT HIM,

HIS MOM TOLD THAT HE DIED AND TOOK HER TO HIS ROOM....................................
.

SHE SAW ALL THE CD'S UNOPENED ............... THE GIRL CRIED N CRIED N FINALLY DIED.

YOU KNOW Y SHE CRIED?




ÇOZ SHE HAD KEPT HER OWN LUV LETTERS INSIDE THE CD PACKS.

SHE ALSO LUVED HIM.............


moral of the story: if u love someone......tell him/her directly don't wait for

destiny to play the role.. if u pass this message to every one in ur list ur love

will come true………

____________________________________]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=524 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:17:20 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=524 As salamo alaikome........

I hope this newbie thread finds all my Muslim brothers and sisters in good health. I just wanted to introduce myself new to this site and relatively new to Islam as of this year.

I was introduced to the Quran last year in June and read it twice before finally taking my shahada when I visited Morocco this year (March). Since I am a new Muslimah I have tons of quesitons but I will leave that for another day in another part of the forum. I just wanted to introduce myself and say SALAM!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sister Isra*]]> As salamo alaikome........

I hope this newbie thread finds all my Muslim brothers and sisters in good health. I just wanted to introduce myself new to this site and relatively new to Islam as of this year.

I was introduced to the Quran last year in June and read it twice before finally taking my shahada when I visited Morocco this year (March). Since I am a new Muslimah I have tons of quesitons but I will leave that for another day in another part of the forum. I just wanted to introduce myself and say SALAM!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sister Isra*]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=523 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:28:11 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=523 ]]> ]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=522 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:27:00 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=522 ]]> ]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=521 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:21:17 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=521
Do you think the results were falsified in favour of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?

Today there is a rally by the opposition in favour of Mir-Hossein Mousavi. He plans to appear at it, even though the rally is ILLEGAL! This is a real sign of potential revolution and the supreme council will be worried that the wind of change may spread.

Already the Supreme Leader has called for an investigation into the allegations of electoral fraud. But this process could take ten days - and I don't think the opposition supporters are willing to take 10 days.

So is Iran in trouble? Has democracy been corrupted? Will another revolution sweep Iran or will the authorities brutally clamp down on the opposition supporters to stamp out their support? ]]>
Do you think the results were falsified in favour of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?

Today there is a rally by the opposition in favour of Mir-Hossein Mousavi. He plans to appear at it, even though the rally is ILLEGAL! This is a real sign of potential revolution and the supreme council will be worried that the wind of change may spread.

Already the Supreme Leader has called for an investigation into the allegations of electoral fraud. But this process could take ten days - and I don't think the opposition supporters are willing to take 10 days.

So is Iran in trouble? Has democracy been corrupted? Will another revolution sweep Iran or will the authorities brutally clamp down on the opposition supporters to stamp out their support? ]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=518 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 05:16:29 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=518
I retorted by saying: ‘Subhana Allah! Didn’t the unlettered Bedouin come to Allah’s Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and learn all about Islam just by staying in his company for a day or even less? And didn’t that very same Bedouin carry the message of Islam to the desert folks, and in turn become their guide and teacher? Don’t you remember how our Prophet explained the whole religion in three brief sentences? He spoke about: Iman, Islam and Ihsan (man’s realization of his relation to Allah). So, why can’t we explain the whole religion in an hour nowadays?

Thus, what is Islam? How does one become a Muslim?

Every creed, whether it is based on truth or falsehood; every society, good or bad and even every party, whether its intentions are noble or not, operates on the basis of certain principles and percepts that define their goal and chart out their course of action. These principles and precepts are put together in the form of a constitution that guides all members and followers.

Whoever wants to become a member of such an organization will, at the outset, study its principles and guidelines. If he finds that they satisfy his conscious thinking and subconscious mind, and believes in their ultimate validity, then he will apply for membership to that organization. Thus, he becomes one of its members and supporters. From then on, he has to obey its laws, to pay the membership fee, and prove in due course his sincerity to the principles and precepts of the organization. This means that he has to remind himself of those principles and avoid doing anything that contradicts them. In fact, he has to set the best example of one who adheres to those principles and as an ardent supporter of them, in word and in deed.

Thus, membership to a society means:

Knowledge about its system; Adherence to its regulations;

To conduct oneself in everyday life in accordance with those principles and regulations.

These are accepted conventions which are all applicable to Islam. Whoever wants to embrace Islam has to, at the outset accept its intellectual principles firmly and fully. He will thus have developed the faith in himself.

The principles that he has to accept can be briefly stated as follows:

This material world is not the be-all and end-all of existence and this worldly life is only a stage of life. Man existed even before he was born and will continue to exist after death: he did not create himself but he had been created before he could know himself.

The inanimate objects around him did not create him because he is a rational being whereas they are not.

Everything in this universe has been created from nothingness by one God, Allah the Al-mighty.

Allah, subhanahu watala, is the only One Who grants life and causes death. It is He Who has created everything, and if He wishes He will destroy and obliterate it.

Allah (SWT) has no resemblance with any of His creation. He is the infinitely pre-existent, the eternal, the omnipotent and the omniscient.

He is fully just and His justice cannot be assessed on the norms of human justice.

It is He Who has laid down the rules, which we call the laws of nature.

He has created everything according to a well-defined measure since eternity. Thus, all the phenomena of activity and inactivity, consistency and inconsistency that take place in animate and inanimate beings have been clearly defined and demarcated.

Man has been bestowed with the power of intellect with which he can think and decide on whatever matters that are subject to his disposal and he has been granted the power of reasoning with which he can make his own choice and will-power by which he can achieve what he wants.

Allah, (SWT) has created an eternal life beyond this temporary life, wherein the welldoers will be rewarded with a life in paradise and the evildoers will be punished and exist in Hell-fire.

This God is one only: Allah. He has no partner to be worshipped with Him; no intermediary can take us nearer to Him to plead on our behalf without His permission. Thus, He and only He is to be worshipped in all sincerity and purity. He has created all the material beings that we can see and feel. He has also created unseen beings, some animate and others inanimate, which we cannot see. Among the unseen beings are the angels, who have been created for absolute good, and then, the Satans, who have been created as totally evil beings. Apart from these, there is a third category of unseen beings who have in them both the elements of good and evil; they are at once virtuous and wicked i.e. the Jinn. And from amongst human beings Allah (SWT) selects certain people to whom the Shari’a is revealed so that they can guide humanity to it. Such people are the Prophets and Messengers.

This Shari’a is contained in all the books revealed from the Heavens. Every successive book abrogates or amends the preceding book; the Holy Qur’an is the last of these books. All the books that preceded it were either distorted or got lost and forgotten. The Holy Qur’an has remained intact.

The last of these Prophets is Muhammad Ibn ‘Abullah, an Arab of the Quraish tribe. With him came an end to all the Divine Messages and Religions. There is no Prophet after him.

The Holy Qur’an is the constitution of Islam. Whoever endorses the fact that it is has been revealed by Allah and believes in completely is a Mu’min (believer). Iman in this sense is something that can only be seen by Allah the Almighty because human beings cannot penetrate into human hearts and know what is in them. Therefore it is essential, in order to be accepted in the fold of Islam, that one should declare his faith by pronouncing the two statements of faith, namely ‘I bear witness that there is no god except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger. The moment one pronounces this statement of faith, he/she becomes a Muslim, who is entitled to all the rights enjoyed by Muslims and he also agrees to perform all the duties enjoined upon him by Islam.

These duties are the prescribed forms of worship. They are only a few and easy to perform and do not require much effort nor exertion. They are as follows:

First: One has to perform the prescribed Salah at Dawn-2 Rak’as, Midday-4, Later afternoon-4, After sunset-3, and at night-4 Rak’as during which one has communion with his Lord. One asks for His goodness and seeks refuge in Him from His punishment. Before offering Salah one has to perform Wudu (washing of the hands up to the elbows, face, rubbing head and washing feet) or take a bath if he is in a state of ritual impurity.

These are the obligatory times of Salah (prayers), the performing of which will not, on the whole, take more than half an hour everyday. There is no particular place or person required for the performance of Salah neither does it need any intermediary between a Muslim and his Lord.

Second: In the month of Ramadan of every year, Muslims have to change their normal daily routine of meals: breakfast is eaten before dawn and then meal is taken after sunset, and during the day they abstain from food and water and sexual intercourse. It is the month of self-purification for every Muslim in body and soul. It is also the month which represents the human desire to do good, to be generous and to reflect the brotherhood of man in the material life.

Third: A Muslim has to render 2.5% of his wealth as Zakah to the poor and needy. He has to do this yearly whenever a certain amount of saved money remained with him after his own needs and those of his family have been met. This financial support comes as a great source of comfort to the poor, the sick and the needy. It thus helps to alleviate poverty and to establish a form of social security.

Fourth: Islam has devised certain periodical gatherings for Muslims. Every day they get together five times in order to offer Salah in a congregation. This gathering is similar to a quarter meeting, which is held five times a day like school teaching hours. That is the congregational Salah through which Muslims can reap the reward of virtue.

There is no disruption of work for anyone, whatever the career. Those who miss the congregation, can offer Salah at home even though they will deprive themselves of the reward of performing Salah in a congregation.

Then there is the weekly congregation on Fridays for Jum’a Salah. It lasts less than one hour and it is compulsory for all male Muslims to attend.

Besides the above, there are mass congregations held twice a year on the occasion of the Two Eids. Attendance is not compulsory and they last less than an hour.

Finally, there is the annual world congregation known as Hajj. It is a kind of mammoth public gathering, held once a year in a certain place and time. This congregation, in fact, provides guidance in all aspects: spiritual, physical and intellectual. A Muslim is required to partake in it only once in his lifetime if he can afford.

These are the acts of ‘Ibadah enjoined upon every Muslim, male or female.

Apart from the above, abstention from certain action is also considered as ‘Ibadah. These are actions which are deployed by all sensible people and condemned as evil actions. They are such as: killing without a valid reason, encroachment and aggression on others; all forms of injustice, all intoxicants which affect the brain, Zina, since it destroys honour and dignity and violates the sanctioned forms of blood relationship; Riba, utterance of lies cheating, betrayal and deserting military service which seeks to further the cause of Allah; and above all, disobedience to one’s parents and making false oath and producing false witness. These are some of the vile deeds that are condemned by all sensible persons.

However, if a Muslim fails to do some of his duties or commits some actions that are not permissible, and then, repents and seeks pardon from Allah, verily He will pardon him. But, if he does not repent, he shall still be considered a Muslim–but a disobedient one who will be punished in the next world. This punishment will however, be only temporary and will not be equal to that of a Kafir.

As for a Muslim who denies some of the basic beliefs of Islam or expresses doubts regarding them, or refuses to perform a duty enjoined upon him and ignores Islamic regulations, or even renounces one single word of the Holy Qur’an, he will be considered as an apostate deprived of his Islamic identity. Apostasy is a crime in Islam. It is like the crime of high treason in contemporary law. And the punishment for it is death if the apostate does not give up his wrong beliefs and repent.

A Muslim may not perform some of the duties or he may commit some impermissible acts but if he acknowledges what is enjoined upon him and what is not permissible for him, he will still continue to be a Muslim i.e. a disobedient Muslim. As regards faith, it is something to be accepted in totality and therefore a denial of any aspect (of it) is deemed as a denial of the whole. Thus, if one accepts 99% of the faith and refuses 1%, one is considered a Kafir.

A Muslim may be a hypocrite like a person who joins a political party or a society, attends its meetings, duly pays the subscriptions and does all that is required of a member, but refuses its principles and remains unconvinced. He has joined the party only for the purpose of spying or creating disorder in that organization. Such a Muslim is a hypocrite. He pronounces the two statements of faith. Hypocrisy is defined as: outward profession of the faith and concealment of disbelief. He also performs the forms of ‘Ibadah but remains unconvinced about them in his inner self. Such a person has no salvation from Allah’s punishment although, in our eyes, he may be considered a Muslim. People judge the outward appearances whereas Allah the Almighty alone is aware of what is hidden in the hearts and innermost beings.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) said: "A hypocrite can be recognized in three ways: failure to keep his promise, lying and betraying anyone’s trust".

If a person believes in the intellectual principles of Islam, he becomes a true Muslim. And these intellectual principles are:

-Having sheer belief in the Tawhid;

-Belief in the Revealed Books;

-Belief in Prophets and Messengers;

-Belief in the hereafter;

-Belief in Destiny;

-Expression of the two statements of Faith;

-Performance of the obligatory Salah;

-Fasting in the month of Ramadan;

-Payment of Zakah;

-Performance of Hajj;

-Abstention from all that is forbidden by Muslim consensus. But he will not reap the fruits of Iman nor be blessed by its bounty or be a complete Muslim unless he adapts the life style of a true Muslim.

Our Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaho alaihi Wasallam) has summed up the characteristics of a true Muslim in one eloquent sentence which states the essence of faith and action in a nutshell: "You should worship Allah as though He is watching you: If you do not see Him, He sees you". This is the essence of Islam. It enjoins upon every Muslim to be God-conscious in all his actions, seen or unseen, serious or non-serious. Verily Allah (SWT), is watching us constantly and is aware of our every move. Therefore, every person who is God-conscious will not embark on any act of disobedience nor will he despair because he will realize that Allah is with him. Thus, a person who is fortified with such a consciousness will not cringe for help from anybody, because he will ask of Allah what he needs. And if a person commits an act of disobedience to Allah – it is human nature to disobey–he shall repent his action and Allah will pardon him.

__________________]]>
I retorted by saying: ‘Subhana Allah! Didn’t the unlettered Bedouin come to Allah’s Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and learn all about Islam just by staying in his company for a day or even less? And didn’t that very same Bedouin carry the message of Islam to the desert folks, and in turn become their guide and teacher? Don’t you remember how our Prophet explained the whole religion in three brief sentences? He spoke about: Iman, Islam and Ihsan (man’s realization of his relation to Allah). So, why can’t we explain the whole religion in an hour nowadays?

Thus, what is Islam? How does one become a Muslim?

Every creed, whether it is based on truth or falsehood; every society, good or bad and even every party, whether its intentions are noble or not, operates on the basis of certain principles and percepts that define their goal and chart out their course of action. These principles and precepts are put together in the form of a constitution that guides all members and followers.

Whoever wants to become a member of such an organization will, at the outset, study its principles and guidelines. If he finds that they satisfy his conscious thinking and subconscious mind, and believes in their ultimate validity, then he will apply for membership to that organization. Thus, he becomes one of its members and supporters. From then on, he has to obey its laws, to pay the membership fee, and prove in due course his sincerity to the principles and precepts of the organization. This means that he has to remind himself of those principles and avoid doing anything that contradicts them. In fact, he has to set the best example of one who adheres to those principles and as an ardent supporter of them, in word and in deed.

Thus, membership to a society means:

Knowledge about its system; Adherence to its regulations;

To conduct oneself in everyday life in accordance with those principles and regulations.

These are accepted conventions which are all applicable to Islam. Whoever wants to embrace Islam has to, at the outset accept its intellectual principles firmly and fully. He will thus have developed the faith in himself.

The principles that he has to accept can be briefly stated as follows:

This material world is not the be-all and end-all of existence and this worldly life is only a stage of life. Man existed even before he was born and will continue to exist after death: he did not create himself but he had been created before he could know himself.

The inanimate objects around him did not create him because he is a rational being whereas they are not.

Everything in this universe has been created from nothingness by one God, Allah the Al-mighty.

Allah, subhanahu watala, is the only One Who grants life and causes death. It is He Who has created everything, and if He wishes He will destroy and obliterate it.

Allah (SWT) has no resemblance with any of His creation. He is the infinitely pre-existent, the eternal, the omnipotent and the omniscient.

He is fully just and His justice cannot be assessed on the norms of human justice.

It is He Who has laid down the rules, which we call the laws of nature.

He has created everything according to a well-defined measure since eternity. Thus, all the phenomena of activity and inactivity, consistency and inconsistency that take place in animate and inanimate beings have been clearly defined and demarcated.

Man has been bestowed with the power of intellect with which he can think and decide on whatever matters that are subject to his disposal and he has been granted the power of reasoning with which he can make his own choice and will-power by which he can achieve what he wants.

Allah, (SWT) has created an eternal life beyond this temporary life, wherein the welldoers will be rewarded with a life in paradise and the evildoers will be punished and exist in Hell-fire.

This God is one only: Allah. He has no partner to be worshipped with Him; no intermediary can take us nearer to Him to plead on our behalf without His permission. Thus, He and only He is to be worshipped in all sincerity and purity. He has created all the material beings that we can see and feel. He has also created unseen beings, some animate and others inanimate, which we cannot see. Among the unseen beings are the angels, who have been created for absolute good, and then, the Satans, who have been created as totally evil beings. Apart from these, there is a third category of unseen beings who have in them both the elements of good and evil; they are at once virtuous and wicked i.e. the Jinn. And from amongst human beings Allah (SWT) selects certain people to whom the Shari’a is revealed so that they can guide humanity to it. Such people are the Prophets and Messengers.

This Shari’a is contained in all the books revealed from the Heavens. Every successive book abrogates or amends the preceding book; the Holy Qur’an is the last of these books. All the books that preceded it were either distorted or got lost and forgotten. The Holy Qur’an has remained intact.

The last of these Prophets is Muhammad Ibn ‘Abullah, an Arab of the Quraish tribe. With him came an end to all the Divine Messages and Religions. There is no Prophet after him.

The Holy Qur’an is the constitution of Islam. Whoever endorses the fact that it is has been revealed by Allah and believes in completely is a Mu’min (believer). Iman in this sense is something that can only be seen by Allah the Almighty because human beings cannot penetrate into human hearts and know what is in them. Therefore it is essential, in order to be accepted in the fold of Islam, that one should declare his faith by pronouncing the two statements of faith, namely ‘I bear witness that there is no god except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger. The moment one pronounces this statement of faith, he/she becomes a Muslim, who is entitled to all the rights enjoyed by Muslims and he also agrees to perform all the duties enjoined upon him by Islam.

These duties are the prescribed forms of worship. They are only a few and easy to perform and do not require much effort nor exertion. They are as follows:

First: One has to perform the prescribed Salah at Dawn-2 Rak’as, Midday-4, Later afternoon-4, After sunset-3, and at night-4 Rak’as during which one has communion with his Lord. One asks for His goodness and seeks refuge in Him from His punishment. Before offering Salah one has to perform Wudu (washing of the hands up to the elbows, face, rubbing head and washing feet) or take a bath if he is in a state of ritual impurity.

These are the obligatory times of Salah (prayers), the performing of which will not, on the whole, take more than half an hour everyday. There is no particular place or person required for the performance of Salah neither does it need any intermediary between a Muslim and his Lord.

Second: In the month of Ramadan of every year, Muslims have to change their normal daily routine of meals: breakfast is eaten before dawn and then meal is taken after sunset, and during the day they abstain from food and water and sexual intercourse. It is the month of self-purification for every Muslim in body and soul. It is also the month which represents the human desire to do good, to be generous and to reflect the brotherhood of man in the material life.

Third: A Muslim has to render 2.5% of his wealth as Zakah to the poor and needy. He has to do this yearly whenever a certain amount of saved money remained with him after his own needs and those of his family have been met. This financial support comes as a great source of comfort to the poor, the sick and the needy. It thus helps to alleviate poverty and to establish a form of social security.

Fourth: Islam has devised certain periodical gatherings for Muslims. Every day they get together five times in order to offer Salah in a congregation. This gathering is similar to a quarter meeting, which is held five times a day like school teaching hours. That is the congregational Salah through which Muslims can reap the reward of virtue.

There is no disruption of work for anyone, whatever the career. Those who miss the congregation, can offer Salah at home even though they will deprive themselves of the reward of performing Salah in a congregation.

Then there is the weekly congregation on Fridays for Jum’a Salah. It lasts less than one hour and it is compulsory for all male Muslims to attend.

Besides the above, there are mass congregations held twice a year on the occasion of the Two Eids. Attendance is not compulsory and they last less than an hour.

Finally, there is the annual world congregation known as Hajj. It is a kind of mammoth public gathering, held once a year in a certain place and time. This congregation, in fact, provides guidance in all aspects: spiritual, physical and intellectual. A Muslim is required to partake in it only once in his lifetime if he can afford.

These are the acts of ‘Ibadah enjoined upon every Muslim, male or female.

Apart from the above, abstention from certain action is also considered as ‘Ibadah. These are actions which are deployed by all sensible people and condemned as evil actions. They are such as: killing without a valid reason, encroachment and aggression on others; all forms of injustice, all intoxicants which affect the brain, Zina, since it destroys honour and dignity and violates the sanctioned forms of blood relationship; Riba, utterance of lies cheating, betrayal and deserting military service which seeks to further the cause of Allah; and above all, disobedience to one’s parents and making false oath and producing false witness. These are some of the vile deeds that are condemned by all sensible persons.

However, if a Muslim fails to do some of his duties or commits some actions that are not permissible, and then, repents and seeks pardon from Allah, verily He will pardon him. But, if he does not repent, he shall still be considered a Muslim–but a disobedient one who will be punished in the next world. This punishment will however, be only temporary and will not be equal to that of a Kafir.

As for a Muslim who denies some of the basic beliefs of Islam or expresses doubts regarding them, or refuses to perform a duty enjoined upon him and ignores Islamic regulations, or even renounces one single word of the Holy Qur’an, he will be considered as an apostate deprived of his Islamic identity. Apostasy is a crime in Islam. It is like the crime of high treason in contemporary law. And the punishment for it is death if the apostate does not give up his wrong beliefs and repent.

A Muslim may not perform some of the duties or he may commit some impermissible acts but if he acknowledges what is enjoined upon him and what is not permissible for him, he will still continue to be a Muslim i.e. a disobedient Muslim. As regards faith, it is something to be accepted in totality and therefore a denial of any aspect (of it) is deemed as a denial of the whole. Thus, if one accepts 99% of the faith and refuses 1%, one is considered a Kafir.

A Muslim may be a hypocrite like a person who joins a political party or a society, attends its meetings, duly pays the subscriptions and does all that is required of a member, but refuses its principles and remains unconvinced. He has joined the party only for the purpose of spying or creating disorder in that organization. Such a Muslim is a hypocrite. He pronounces the two statements of faith. Hypocrisy is defined as: outward profession of the faith and concealment of disbelief. He also performs the forms of ‘Ibadah but remains unconvinced about them in his inner self. Such a person has no salvation from Allah’s punishment although, in our eyes, he may be considered a Muslim. People judge the outward appearances whereas Allah the Almighty alone is aware of what is hidden in the hearts and innermost beings.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) said: "A hypocrite can be recognized in three ways: failure to keep his promise, lying and betraying anyone’s trust".

If a person believes in the intellectual principles of Islam, he becomes a true Muslim. And these intellectual principles are:

-Having sheer belief in the Tawhid;

-Belief in the Revealed Books;

-Belief in Prophets and Messengers;

-Belief in the hereafter;

-Belief in Destiny;

-Expression of the two statements of Faith;

-Performance of the obligatory Salah;

-Fasting in the month of Ramadan;

-Payment of Zakah;

-Performance of Hajj;

-Abstention from all that is forbidden by Muslim consensus. But he will not reap the fruits of Iman nor be blessed by its bounty or be a complete Muslim unless he adapts the life style of a true Muslim.

Our Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaho alaihi Wasallam) has summed up the characteristics of a true Muslim in one eloquent sentence which states the essence of faith and action in a nutshell: "You should worship Allah as though He is watching you: If you do not see Him, He sees you". This is the essence of Islam. It enjoins upon every Muslim to be God-conscious in all his actions, seen or unseen, serious or non-serious. Verily Allah (SWT), is watching us constantly and is aware of our every move. Therefore, every person who is God-conscious will not embark on any act of disobedience nor will he despair because he will realize that Allah is with him. Thus, a person who is fortified with such a consciousness will not cringe for help from anybody, because he will ask of Allah what he needs. And if a person commits an act of disobedience to Allah – it is human nature to disobey–he shall repent his action and Allah will pardon him.

__________________]]> http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=517 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 02:56:06 -0400 http://www.allahhuakbar.com/showthread.php?tid=517 Two hydrogen atoms were walking down the street. One atoms said, "I lost an electron."
"You sure?"
"I'm positive"

_________________]]> Two hydrogen atoms were walking down the street. One atoms said, "I lost an electron."
"You sure?"
"I'm positive"

_________________]]>