Why do Muslims follow the lunar calendar instead of the solar calendar?here...

Question:



Why do Muslims follow the lunar calendar instead of the solar calendar?



Answer:



1. As per the Solar calendar, every year the months fall in the same respective seasons of that location. For example, the months of March, April and May in India will always have summer, while July, August, September will always have monsoons i.e. rains in western India. November, December and January will always have winter.



2. In the lunar calendar in different years the months fall in a different season.

The lunar calendar has about 11 days less than the solar calendar. Thus, every year, the month of the lunar calendar occurs 11 days prior to what it had occurred in the previous solar year. Thus, in a span of about 33 lunar years a human being will experience all the different seasons for one particular month of the lunar calendar. This is very important because the yearly activities of a Muslim are based on the lunar calendar. Certain months like Ramadhan and Hajj are very important to the Muslims. During Ramadhan a Muslim has to fast which includes abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. If the Islamic months were based on the solar calendar where the seasons were fixed, then people living in certain parts of the world would have Ramadhan in summer while in other parts of the world it would be winter. Some Muslims would have to fast for a longer period of time where the days are long while other Muslims would have to fast for shorter period of time where the!
days
are short. If the seasons did not change, then Muslims living in some parts of the world may feel that they are at a disadvantage throughout their lives.

By following the lunar calendar, every Muslim has a taste of fasting in different seasons and for a different time period, in a span of about 33 years of his life.

Why are all prayers and supplications not answered or fulfilled by Allah (SWT)?

Subject: Why are all prayers and supplications not answered or fulfilled by Allah (SWT)?

A. 1. You may dislike a thing which is good for you (2:216)

The reply to this question is given in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Baqarah chapter 2 verse 216:

“But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows, and you know not.”

2. Praying for a motor cycle.

There may be a very pious person who prays to Allah (SWT) for a motor cycle but the prayer is not answered. Allah knows very well that if the person acquires a motor cycle he will have an accident and get crippled. The Qur’an rightly says you may love a thing which is bad for you but Allah knows and you know not.

3. Businessman misses flight due to traffic jam.

Suppose a rich businessman is supposed to catch a flight in order to click a deal which would fetch him billions of rupees. While going to the airport to catch the flight, there was an unusual traffic jam on the road, which prevented him from reaching the airport on time. The businessman misses the very flight and sorrowfully says “This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my life.”

While returning back home he hears on the radio that the very flight that he was supposed to catch has crashed and all the passengers have died. The businessman happily says: this is the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life.

Allah knew best that the life of the businessman was much more precious than the billions of rupees that he had lost. You may dislike a thing which is good for you, but Allah knows and you know not.

4. Surah Shura-chapter 42 verse 27.

The Qur’an mentions in Surah Shura chapter 42 verse 27

“If Allah were to enlarge the provision for His Servants, they would indeed transgress beyond all bounds through the earth; but He sends (it) down in due measure as He pleases. For He is with His servants well-acquainted, watchful.”

5. Surah Baqarah chapter 2 verse 186.

It is mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah Baqarah chapter 2 verse 186

“When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me:”

6. Surah Ghafir chapter 40 verse 60.

It is mentioned in Surah Ghafir chapter 40 verse 60

“And your Lord says: “Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer): but those who are too arrogant to serve Me will surely find themselves in Hell – in humiliation!

7. Allah answers your prayer by not answering.

Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an that “you call on Me and I will answer the prayer”. These verses of the Qur’an are not falsified when your prayers are not answered. In fact Allah (SWT) in His Divine Wisdom answers your prayers by not granting you what you with your limited and finite knowledge had asked for.

8. Unbelievers and impious people have luxury.

Some people wonder how is it that several unbelievers and impious people lead a luxurious life. They worship false gods and pray to them for wealth. Since these people worship false gods yet, Allah (SWT) answers their prayers and gives them wealth which further leads them away from Allah (SWT) and thus in the long run it is harmful for them.

9. Believers remember Allah whether rich or poor.

A true believer is a person who, irrespective of whether he is rich or poor, remembers Allah (SWT).
Allah (SWT) has described such people in Surah Al Noor chapter 24 verse 37

“By men whom neither traffic nor merchandise can divert from the remembrance of Allah nor from regular prayer, nor from the practice of regular Charity: their (only) fear is for the Day when hearts and eyes will be transformed (in a world wholly new)-“


10. A True believer always says Alhamdullillah.

A true believer is a person who irrespective of what ever happens says, ‘Alhamdulillah’. Praise be to Allah. Even when he goes in loss he says Alhamdullillah, because he has faith in Allah that if Allah permitted the loss to be incurred it has to be beneficial in the long run. In short he has faith in Allah, that whatever happens, happens for the good.

And Allah Knows Best.

European people are writing, "Love, love." everywhere, - "Love".

European people are writing, "Love, love." everywhere, - "Love". It means that it is the most important thing for them. But they are not asking for real Love, and how they can reach to that endless Love oceans.
....Everyone's soul is asking to reach endless beauty oceans.
Only one drop of the beauty oceans of your Lord is divided between all peoples. So, from that drop how much can reach a beautiful girl or a handsome person? How much?
So much that you can be drunk, by just part of that one drop from the endless beauty oceans that are waiting, and expecting you to reach it, and to come into it, and to swim, and to drink, and to be drunk, in it.


You can reach out to the love of your Lord through your wife, And she can reach it through you ---- Because we are asking through her love The real Love of ALLAH Almighty. And it is the most perfect teaching for mankind
To make a relationship from that love and to jump to your Lord's Love.

But people are not taking enough care about that love and not allowing the Divine Love Springs to come out from their hearts. - They are running after some imitation love, for a temporary love that is only coming and going for some occasions, - coming and giving people that love which belongs to our physical desires. It is only temporary and is quickly disappearing, and the quickly arriving satisfaction is going to be less and less, and then it is finishing. .. commonly the interest of mankind is going to be for that love which is going to be less and less and less, and then finishing. Drying up. Physical desires love is going to be less and less and finally to be dry. (ST26)

You may love a young lady for her youth, and when that youth departs you love her no more. That is false love. Sometimes we may have both kinds of love simultaneously, but usually the physical overpowers the spiritual so that it is never allowed to appear. But to reach the ultimate goal of human life we are in need of permanent love, and it is only the Lord of the universe Who can grant it.

But Divine love, that is settled and based through the hearts of mankind. It is not becoming less. As long as you are looking after it, you should find it increasing, giving more, and being more tasteful, and finding it never ending.
This is because your physical being is going to finish, but your real being is never going to finish. Your physical being is a temporary being, but your spiritual being is a permanent one. Therefore that which belongs to your physical being from love is going to finish. But that which belongs to your spiritual being is never ending, is permanent.
You are free to choose between the two. And you are free to look for the one or the other as you like. If you like it to finish, then follow your physical desires and their love. If you are interested in Eternal Love. Everlasting love, then look after your spiritual love - Are you doing so?

When you increase in the love of the permanent life, the eternal life, then ALLAH Almighty gives to your heart from His Divine Lights, and darkness goes away; because the more the love of this life gets into your heart, the more darkness gets in also. In darkness all bad thoughts and fears grow, and dissatisfactions and unhappiness grow in your heart because darkness makes them grow. But if darkness goes away from our heart, then it is lighted everywhere. No more trouble or unhappiness can be in your heart. Lights, divine lights give you satisfaction and peace, and as much as those lights grow in your heart so much peace and happiness and satisfaction will grow in our heart, and hope will grow each day.

Why is building of temples and churches and the propagation of any religion other than Islam not allowed in Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia?

Question:
Why is building of temples and churches and the propagation of any religion other than Islam not allowed in Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia?

Answer:

1. Example of selecting a Maths teacher:

Suppose you are a principal of a school and you have to select a Mathematics teacher. It is obvious that you will interview the candidates. If one teacher says that 2 + 2 = 3, the other says 2 + 2 = 4 and the third says 2 + 2 = 5 whom will you select? Since you know mathematics is logical, you will never select or allow a person to teach mathematics who doesn’t even know the basics of arithmetic that 2 + 2 = 4.

2. Where religion is concerned Muslims are experts:

Similarly in the field of religion, Muslims are the best and Qur’an clearly mentions in Surah Ale Imran, Chapter 3, verse 19 (3:19):

“The Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His will)”. [Al-Qur’an 3:19]

It is further mentioned In Surah Ale Imran Chapter 3, verse 85 (3:85)

“If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).” [Al-Qur’an 3:85]

3. No other religious scripture claims that its religion alone is true.

There is no other religious scripture on the face of the earth besides the Qur’an which says that only its religion is true, correct and acceptable to Almighty God, and that all the other religions are false and hence not acceptable to Almighty God.

If you are a school principal who knows Maths, you will never allow a person to teach Maths in your school who does not know Maths. Similarly Muslims, who are experts in the field of religion and know that Islam is the only true religion, will not allow anyone in the country of Saudi Arabia to preach any other religion besides Islam. Muslims also know that what the true concept of Almighty God i.e. Allah (SWT) is, and thus we will not permit anyone to build, in the country of Saudi Arabia, a place of worship where they worship anyone besides Allah (swt).

And Allah Knows Best.

"Twenty Five Thousand Tents Maybe More" Now Available on DVD

August 21, 2008
For Immediate Release

"Twenty Five Thousand Tents Maybe More" Now Available on DVD

Al-Awda's Media Center is pleased to announce that you can now order the film "Twenty Five Thousand Tents Maybe More" on DVD. This documentary by Samer Salameh and Ala'a al-Sadi, two young Palestinian film makers from Yarmouk Camp in Syria, premiered at the Sixth Annual International Al-Awda Convention in May 2008. It powerfully documents the lives of Palestinians currently stranded in al-Tanaf detention camp in a no man's land on the Iraq Syria border. It explores the lives of Palestinians who first found refuge in Iraq with the Zionist occupation of Palestine and the expulsion of its people in 1948. Following the US invasion and occupation of Iraq in 2003, they have been forced to flee and find refuge elsewhere once again. This profoundly moving and instructive film gives voice to the suffering and heroism of Palestinians as they tell of personal experiences, the hardships they endure, what led them to flee Iraq, as well as their aspirations and hopes for ! the future.

For the first time on DVD, this documentary film makes it possible for the world to see the effect of Western attempts to conquer West Asia, and the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in their struggle to survive and return to their homeland Palestine.

Background

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 34,000 Palestinians lived in Iraq before the American invasion in 2003. Since then, about 19,000 have left the country because of harassment, threats of deportation, abuse by the media, arbitrary detention, torture and murder. Palestinian neighborhoods such as al-Hurriyya and al-Baladiyyat in Baghdad have been bombarded and attacked regularly since 2003. Nearly three thousand Palestinians who were forced to flee are now stranded in detention camps along the Syria Iraq border. For further information on the current situation of these Palestinians, please see this factsheet http://al-awdacal.org/iraq-facts.html

Order your copy

To order your copy of this outstanding DVD, simply go to http://al-awdacal.org/cdvd.html and follow the instructions. Minimum donation $20.00 plus $5.00 shipping per copy. All proceeds directed to help alleviate the suffering at al-Tanaf.

Until Return

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Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
Tel: 760-918-9441
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Al-Awda, The Palestine Right to Return Coalition (PRRC) is dedicated to advocacy for the restoration of all Palestinian human, national, legal, and historical rights with particular emphasis on the right of Palestinians to return to their homes and lands of origin. PRRC is a not for profit tax-exempt educational and charitable 501(c)(3) organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the United States of America. Under IRS guidelines, your donations to PRRC are tax-deductible. To donate, please go to http://www.al-awda.org/donate.html and follow the instructions.

BEST FAST

(119) Narrated Abdullah bin 'Amr: The news of my fasting was mentioned to the Prophet . So he entered upon me and I put for him a leather cushion stuffed with palm-fibres. The Prophet sat on the floor and the cushion was between me and him. He said to me, "Isn't it sufficient for you (that you fast) three days a month?" I said, "O Allah's Apostle! (I can fast more than this)." He said, "You may fast) five days a month." I said, "O Allah's Apostle! (I can fast more than this)." He said, "(You may fast) seven days." I said, "O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "Nine." I said, "O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "Eleven." I said, "O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "No fasting is superior to the fasting of (the Prophet David) which was one half of a year, and he used, to fast on alternate days. (See Hadith No. 300, Vol 3) (Book #74, Hadith #294) BUKHARI



(102) Narrated 'Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-As: My father got me married to a lady of a noble family, and often used to ask my wife about me, and she used to reply, "What a wonderful man he is! He never comes to my bed, nor has he approached me since he married me." When this state continued for a long period, my father told the story to the Prophet who said to my father, "Let me meet him." Then I met him and he asked me, "How do you fast?" I replied, "I fast daily," He asked, "How long does it take you to finish the recitation of the whole Quran?" I replied, "I finish it every night." On that he said, "Fast for three days every month and recite the Qur'an (and finish it) in one month." I said, "But I have power to do more than that." He said, "Then fast for three days per week." I said, "i have the power to do more than that." He said, "Therefore, fast the most superior type of fasting, (that is, the fasting of (prophet) David who used to fast every alternate day; and finish the
recitation of the whole Qur'an In seven days." I wish I had accepted the permission of Allah's Apostle as I have become a weak old man. It is said that 'Abdullah used to recite one-seventh of the Qur'an during the day-time to some of his family members, for he used to check his memorization of what he would recite at night during the daytime so that it would be easier for him to read at night. And whenever he wanted to gain some strength, he used to give up fasting for some days and count those days to fast for a similar period, for he disliked to leave those things which he used to do during the lifetime of the Prophet. (Book #61, Hadith #572) BUKHARI



In Ramadhan we don’t have much choice, if we are able to fast we must, and many people have told me how exited they are to starve themselves, so I was thinking about it and what exactly are we starving. Well, our desires are being fed and full filled each day and one of the most often desire which we regularly feed our naffs/desires with is eating in many cases. You feel like eating this so u go get it or make it, u feeling hungry so u go satisfy your desires. Fasting forces us to attack our desires in many ways and helps you control your naffs for the sake of Allah. With the shaytaan chained up in this holy month we have the opportunity to recognize the sicknesses in our hearts, replace them with good, and build habits that will keep us closer to Allah insha Allah and much more...



Ramadhan is very powerful for self correction and such. To do a few days a month outside of Ramadhan is hard and roughing it out when your body is use to eating most of the month is a good attack on your naffs, but there is no non-obligatory fast better than the fast of Dawoud A.S. To eat 1 day and fast the next is a constant reminder to your desires who is boss. You feed it, then starve it, and so on...



May Allah give us the ability to increase and intensify our good, and protect us from slipping into evil insha Allah

The Qur’aan and Modern Science: Compatible or Incompatible?-I. ASTRONOMY

CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE: ‘THE BIG BANG’

The creation of the universe is explained by astrophysicists in a widely
accepted phenomenon, popularly known as the ‘Big Bang’. It is supported by observational and experimental data gathered by astronomers and
astrophysicists for decades. According to the ‘Big Bang’, the whole universe was initially one big mass (Primary Nebula). Then there was a ‘Big Bang’
(Secondary Separation) which resulted in the formation of Galaxies. These
then divided to form stars, planets, the sun, the moon, etc. The origin of the universe was unique and the probability of it occurring by ‘chance’ is zero.

The Qur’aan contains the following verse, regarding the origin of the
universe: “Do not the Unbelievers see That the heavens and the earth
Were joined together (as one Unit of Creation), before We clove them
asunder?” [Al-Qur’aan 21:30]

The striking congruence between the Qur’aanic verse and the ‘Big Bang’ is
inescapable! How could a book, which first appeared in the deserts of Arabia 1400 years ago, contain this profound scientific truth?

THERE WAS AN INITIAL GASEOUS MASS BEFORE THE
CREATION OF GALAXIES

Scientists say that before the galaxies in the universe were formed, celestial
matter was initially in the form of gaseous matter. In short, huge gaseous
matter or clouds were present before the formation of the galaxies. To
describe initial celestial matter, the word ‘smoke’ is more appropriate than
gas. The following Qur’aanic verse refers to this state of the universe by the
word dhukhan which means smoke.
“Moreover, He Comprehended In His design the sky, And it had been
(as) smoke: He said to it And to the earth: ‘Come ye together, Willingly or unwillingly.’ They said: ‘We do come (Together), in willing
obedience.’” [Al-Qur’aan 41:11]
Again, this fact is a corollary to the ‘Big Bang’ and was not known to the
Arabs during the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). What then, could have been the source of this knowledge?

If you really want to Disobey Allah……..!

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

It is reported that a man once went to Ibrahim bin Adham and said, “O Abu Ishaq, I continually wrong my own self, and I turn away from everything that invites me to improve my way of life.”

Ibrahim said. “If you can fulfill five conditions, the sinning will never harm you, and you can fulfill your desires as much as you want.”

“Tell me those conditions,” exclaimed the man.

“As for the first, if you want to disobey Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala then do not eat from His sustenance,” said Ibrahim.

“What then will I eat, for everything on the earth is from His sustenance?” said the man.

“Listen,” said Ibrahim. “Are you being sensible when you eat from His sustenance while you are disobedient to Him?”

“No,” said the man. “What is the second condition?” he asked, somewhat nervously.

“If you want to disobey Allah, then do not live in any of His lands,” said Ibrahim.

“This is even worse than the first. All that is in the East and West belong to Him. So where then will I live?”

“Listen,” said Ibrahim. “If you insist on disobeying Him while you eat from His sustenance and live in His lands, then at least look for a spot where He cannot see you, and disobey Him there.”

“O Ibrahim!” exclaimed the man, “How can I do that, when He even knows the deepest secrets that are in the breasts of men? What is the fourth condition?” he asked, downright despondently.

“When the angel of death comes to take your soul, then say to him, ‘Give me some respite, so that I can repent sincerely and perform good deeds.’”

“When the time comes, the angel will not accept that plea from me,” said the man.

“Listen,” said Ibrahim. “If you cannot put off death in order to repent, then how do you expect to be saved?”

“Tell me the fifth condition,” said the man.

“When the guardians of Hell-Fire come to take you away on the Day of Resurrection, don’t go with them.”

“They won’t let me go!” exclaimed the man.

“Then how do you expect to be saved?” asked Ibrahim.

“Stop, stop! That is enough for me,” said the man. “I ask Allah to forgive me, and I indeed repent to Him.” From that day onwards, he dedicated his life to the worship of Allah (Azza wa Jall).

Source: Stories of Repentance –Complied by Muhammad Abduh Mughawiri

O Allah we seek protection in Your Forgiveness from Your Punishment. Ameen!

Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

Ramadaan Virtues

Ramadaan is one of the twelve Arabic months. It is a month which is venerated in the Islamic religion, and it is distinguished from the other months by a number of characteristics and virtues, including the following:

1 – Allaah has made fasting this month the fourth pillar of Islam, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): "The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month…" [al-Baqarah 2:185]

and it was narrated in al-Saheehayn (al-Bukhaari, 8; Muslim, 16) from the hadeeth of Ibn 'Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Islam is built on five (pillars): the testimony that there is no god except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; establishing prayer; paying zakaah; fasting Ramadaan; and Hajj to the House (the Ka'bah)."

2 – Allaah revealed the Qur'aan in this month, as He says in the verse quoted above (interpretation of the meaning): "The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)…" [al-Baqarah 2:185]

And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "Verily, We have sent it (this Qur'aan) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree)." [al-Qadr 97:1]

3 – Allaah has made Laylat al-Qadr in this month, which is better than a thousand months, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "Verily, We have sent it (this Qur'aan) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree).

And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is?

The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allaah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).

Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] by Allaah's Permission with all Decrees,

(All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allaah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn" [al-Qadar 97:1-5]

"We sent it (this Qur'aan) down on a blessed night [(i.e. the Night of Al-Qadr) in the month of Ramadan — the 9th month of the Islamic calendar]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship]" [al-Dukhaan 44:3]

Allaah has blessed Ramadaan with Laylat al-Qadr. Explaining the great status of this blessed night, Soorat al-Qadr was revealed, and there are many ahaadeeth which also speak of that, such as the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There has come to you Ramadaan, a blessed month which Allaah has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived." Narrated by al-Nasaa'i, 2106; Ahmad, 8769. classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 999.

And Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever spends Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will be forgiven his previous sins." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1910; Muslim, 760.

4 – Allaah has made fasting Ramadaan and spending its nights in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward a means of forgiveness of sins, as was proven in al-Saheehayn (al-Bukhaari, 2014; Muslim, 760) from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever fasts Ramadaan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." And al-Bukhaari (2008) and Muslim (174) also narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever spends the nights of Ramadaan in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven."

The Muslims are unanimously agreed that it is Sunnah to pray qiyaam at night in Ramadaan. Al-Nawawi said that what is meant by praying qiyaam in Ramadaan is to pray Taraweeh, i.e., one achieves what is meant by qiyaam by praying Taraaweeh.

5 – In this month, Allaah opens the gates of Paradise and closes the gates of Hell, and chains up the devils, as is stated in al-Saheehayn (al-Bukhaari, 1898; Muslim, 1079), from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah who said that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "When Ramadaan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up."

6 – Every night Allaah has people whom He redeems from the Fire. Imam Ahmad (5/256) narrated from the hadeeth of Abu Umaamah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "At every breaking of the fast, Allaah has people whom He redeems." Al-Mundhiri said: there is nothing wrong with its isnaad; and it was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 987.

Al-Bazzaar (Kashf 962) narrated that Abu Sa'eed said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Allaah has people whom He redeems every day and night – i.e., in Ramadaan – and every Muslim every day and night has a prayer that is answered."

7 – Fasting Ramadaan is a means of expiation for the sins committed since the previous Ramadaan, so long as one avoids major sins. It was proven in Saheeh Muslim (233) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "The five daily prayers, from one Jumu'ah to the next and from one Ramadaan to the next are expiation for (sins committed) in between, so long as you avoid major sins."

8 – Fasting in Ramadaan is equivalent to fasting ten months, as is indicated by the hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim (1164) narrated from Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaari: "Whoever fasts Ramadaan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be like fasting for a lifetime." Ahmad (21906) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever fasts Ramadaan, a month is like ten months, and fasting six days after al-Fitr will complete the year."

9 – 'Umrah in Ramadaan is equivalent to Hajj. Al-Bukhaari (1782) and Muslim (1256) narrated that Ibn 'Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to a woman among the Ansaar, "What kept you from doing Hajj with us?" She said, "We only had two camels that we used for bringing water." So her husband and son had gone for Hajj on one camel, and he left the other for them to use for bringing water." He said, "When Ramadaan comes, go for 'Umrah, for 'Umrah in Ramadaan is equivalent to Hajj." According to a report narrated by Muslim, "… is equivalent to doing Hajj with me."

10 – It is Sunnah to observe i'tikaaf (retreat for the purpose of worship) in Ramadaan, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) always did that, as it was narrated in the hadeeth of 'Aa'ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to spend the last ten days of Ramadaan in i'tikaaf until he passed away, then his wives observed i'tikaaf after him." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1922; Muslim, 1172.

11 – It is mustahabb in the sense of being strongly recommended in Ramadaan to study the Qur'aan together and to read it a great deal. You may study the Qur'aan together by reciting it to someone else and by having someone else recite it to you. The evidence that this is mustahabb is the fact that Jibreel used to meet the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) every night in Ramadaan and study the Qur'aan with him. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6; Muslim, 2308.

Reading Qur'aaan is mustahabb in general, but more so in Ramadaan.

12 – It is mustahabb in Ramadaan to offer iftaar to those who are fasting, because of the hadeeth of Zayd ibn Khaalid al-Juhani (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever gives iftaar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the fasting person's reward in the slightest." Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 807; Ibn Maajah, 1746.

Source: Islamqa
Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

Today ISLAM is the world's fastest growing religion - Even after Sept. 11, 2001.

From Sheik Yusuf Estes,
National Chaplain
Islam Tomorrow.com
Alexandria, VA - USA

Salam Alaykum:

We received an email asking about the increase in the number of people "reverting to Islam." Good Question!

This gives me the excuse to do something that I have wanted to do for a long time. I have wanted to write on the subject of "Reverts to Islam in Modern Times" and the message that it carries to all of us as Muslims and non-Muslims.

BACK TO ISLAM?
Reverts to Islam In Modern Times - by Yusuf Estes


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"Revert" As Opposed to "Convert"
I like to use the word "revert" as opposed to the word "convert" as it more suits the occasion of a person returning back to his natural condition at birth. The baby is born in true surrender, submission, obedience and peace with his Creator. And this is the desirable position of the Muslim, to be in peace and submission to the Will of Allah (God in English). Instead of thinking in terms of "converting" people over to Islam, it is better understood that they are simply returning back to their natural state at birth. And this is from the teachings of our beloved prophet, Muhammad, peace be upon him. (Muslims should always say "Peace be upon him/them" when referring to any of the prophets).

Like A Baby
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: "Every child is born on the "fitrah" (natural inclination) of "Islam" (surrender, submission and peace to the Creator on His Terms). And it is their parents who raise them up to be Jews, Christians or fire worshippers."

Dr. Ted Campbell who is the professor of religion at the seminary school in Maryland and I were both sharing the speakers platform last year in Maryland University. At the closing of a very nice interfaith dialog there came a strange question for both of us. Noah, the moderator said: "This last question is for both speakers: "Why are each of you in your religion?"

Dr. Campbell took his position in front of the microphone and then looked around the room as he thought about the question. I will never forget his words. He said: "I guess I would have to say that I am a Methodist because, well because, my parents raised me that way. As a Methodist."

He was right.

That is what we know as Muslims. However, as I mentioned in my answer to the same question: "And then some are brought back to their original state as a baby." They are "reverted" to Islam by the Mercy of Allah.


Actual or Factual Numbers of American Muslims
Many people are claiming that twice as many, or three times or four times, or even ten times as many people are coming into Islam as they did prior to the events of September 11. Who could possibly know the numbers? We are not even sure how many Muslims live here in America. I have heard the numbers range from around 3,000,000 all the way up to 11,000,000. I'm sure that only Allah Knows for sure how many Muslims there are in America.


Rate of "Reversion"
Actually, I can't give accurate statistics before or after the September events. I have heard from some "experts" that Islam was the fastest growing religion in the world prior to the September 11 events. I have no reason to doubt it either. In the many mosques around the United States and in the many countries that I have been fortunate enough to visit I have found thousands who have entered into Islam. The Anglican Church of England expressed concern that if something does not change in the trend of new Muslims in England that the Muslims will out number the Anglicans by the year 2010. The number one name of the birth certificates for new born boys in England was not John, or Michael, or William. It is "Muhammad." In Mexico, Sweden, Denmark and Canada I have witnessed so many coming into Islam that I cannot count them all. Everywhere I go I meet new Muslims. Prisons, universities and even in the military I have personally seen thousands who came to Islam. This is all before the events of September 11.


More Exposure to the Message
What I feel comfortable saying is that more and more people are being to exposed to Islam all over the world. Whether or not the picture they are receiving is painted correctly or not is not as important a factor as is the fact that at long last many people on this planet are looking at Islam as something very real. Therefore, when they ask about Islam some of the information is stimulating feelings inside of the people. Naturally we are going to see those who are stimulated to be against Islam. At the same time you have to understand that there are a number of people who will take the position that you cannot always believe everything in the news media. These are the ones whom Allah guides to inquire and learn more.


Allah is the Only Guide
It is only Allah who Guides the people and it is only Allah who Misguides. The biggest problem in the past used to be the lack of interest in Islam. People were not interested in talking about Islam or any religion for that matter, even their own. Now the problem is the lack of correct knowledge of Islam. There simply was not anything about Islam out there. Then came the events of the 1970s with the actions of some of the Iranians when they hijacked airplanes and we saw on the news, men prostrating on the ground outside the airplanes. We in the West learned a new word; "Shi'ism". People said this is some strange religion (Islam). What is going on? Then came the 1980s and we saw acts of terrorism that occurred in Palestine and the words "fundamentalist" and "Muslim" became associated together. At the very beginning of the next decade we saw something take place in Iraq and Kuwait. Again religion is brought into the picture. Not a pretty picture, but a picture. Midway through the 1990s we saw big actions taking place everywhere in the world. The Trade Center in New York, airplanes, embassies, attacks and counter attacks. All along we are hearing something about "Islam" and "Moslems." Still not very positive to say the least. Then what occurred in September brought out more information, although distorted, about this religion of the East.


President Says "Islam is Peace"
Every home, every business, every place on earth became exposed to this religion called: "Islam." The president of the United States went on television at a time when everyone who had a TV set was watching to see what the United States Commander in Chief was going to say about the events of September 11, and what US was going to do. His message contained a lot of threats and promises about what the Americans were going to do to those who committed these horrific acts of terrorism. But the words that stick in my mind are the words that introduced Islam to a lot of people around the world who had never heard of Islam before in their lives. The words of President G. W. Bush when he said: "Islam is a religion of peace." Every single place on earth that could receive the broadcast signal from the TV towers or the satellites orbiting the earth got the message. And for those who were not so fortunate as to have a TV set, it was simultaneously broadcast on every radio station in the world. And for those who might have slept through the broadcast, it was rebroadcast over and over. And then for those who did not speak English of course there was translation. And then the written word took over where the broadcasting left off. There was not a newspaper in the world except that it carried something of the meaning of what Mr. Bush said on that occasion. It was a historical speech. One that will go down in the books of history as the retaliation of a nation against terrorism. He said it. "ISLAM IS A RELIGION OF PEACE."


Divide Muslims
Now we know that Mr. Bush is not promoting Islam by any stretch of the imagination. However, he still could not afford to say something derogatory against all the Muslims in the world by attacking Islam. That would then unite all the Muslims against America (at least most of them).

In fact it was to the advantage of the Americans to make statements that would help divide the Muslims over the situation existing in Afghanistan and the situation that was sure to occur. By making this statement, he left the door open for the Muslims who did not want to see any problem between the materialism of the West (which they personally enjoyed or would like to enjoy) and the sacrificing of those who were willing to stand up against the tyranny and oppression of the Western society and all that comes along with it.

So the strategy was to say things that made certain Muslims look bad while at the same time not exactly attacking Islam. This led up to the next desirable situation for shayton: Divide the Muslims against each other. So, now we had "mainstream Muslims" and "fundamentalist Muslims" and "terrorist Islam" and "modern Islam." It worked too. The Muslims did the thing that the non-Muslims could never have done. The Muslims defeated themselves. Anytime that Muslims fight Muslims and Muslims kill Muslims, then Allah's Protection is lifted from them and they will loose. That is what happened.


People Want to Know
Still in the midst of all of this negative propaganda and bad press, non-Muslim people were curious to learn more of this "cult" of Islam, its people and their beliefs. Books about Islam and Muslims were disappearing off the shelves of the bookstores faster than they could replenish them. Unfortunately almost every single book was written either by a non-Muslim or authors from the various deviant sects of Muslims. So the people were still not getting the real message of the true Islam.

Websites, chat rooms, email and message boards became alive with information (and misinformation) about Islam, Muslims, Quran, Muhammad, peace be upon him. Some people wanted to know the truth, others wanted to hide it. Discussions and arguments about what Islam is about and what Muslims do were very common place. This was the most exposure that these subjects had ever had in the world at one time.


Open Communication Between Muslim & Non-Muslim
The good news came when the various dialogs between the Muslims and Christians began to take place. When the non-Muslims began to enter the masjids and sit with the Muslims and shared together in discussions and shared together enjoying the food and traditions of other cultures an amazing thing began to happen. They opened their minds and their hearts to the true message of the submission and surrender and obedience to the One True God, Allah -- in Islam.


Back to Islam
Since September 11th, I have seen a huge increase in the interest of people wanting to know about Islam and at the same time a marked increase in the "dawah" (invitation) to Islam on the part of the Muslims around the world. This is how the people are coming to Islam. The same way people have come to Islam for 1,400 years. By learning the true message and being with real Muslims. Those who are inclined to "revert" back to the natural state of baby-like submission and peace with Allah, are finding their way back to Islam.


Many New Muslims
Islam today, is growing faster than ever. It is the Will of Allah, for only He Guides. The people want to know. The interest is keen. The materials are available in more simple terms in many languages. The Muslims are starting to carry the responsibility of sharing the message of the true "Peace With God in Islam."

Islam In Every Home
Somewhere in the middle of all of this is occurred to me an expression of our prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. When he said what might translate to English as:

"The Last Day will not come until Islam has entered every house on earth, whether it is made of animal skins or from the earth."

And now it has.


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Learn more about priests and preachers entering ISLAM, like me -- visit:

http://IslamTomorrow.com/yusuf.asp

May Allah guide all of us to all Truth, ameen.

Salam Alaykum,
Yusuf Estes - National Muslim Chaplain
Alexandria, VA - USA

Why are two witnesses who are women, equivalent to only one witness who is a man ?

Question:Why are two witnesses who are women, equivalent to only one witness who is a man ?

Answer:It is not true that two female witnesses are always considered as equal to only one male witness. It is true only in certain cases. There are about five verses in the Qur’an that mention witnesses, without specifying male or female. There is only one verse in the Qur’an, that says two female witnesses are equal to one male witness. This verse is Surah Baqarah, chapter 2 verse 282. This is the longest verse in the Qur’an and deals with financial transactions. It says:
"Oh! ye who believe!
When ye deal with each other,
in transactions involving future obligation
in a fixed period of time
reduce them to writing and get two witnesses
out of your own men and if there are not two men,
then a man and two women, such as ye choose,
for witnesses so that if one of them errs
the other can remind her."
[Al-Qur’an 2:282]
This verse of the Qur’an deals only with financial transactions. In such cases, it is advised to make an agreement in writing between the parties and take two witnesses, preferably both of which should be men only. In case you cannot find two men, then one man and two women would suffice.
For instance, suppose a person wants to undergo an operation for a particular ailment. To confirm the treatment, he would prefer taking references from two qualified surgeons. In case he is unable to find two surgeons, his second option would be one surgeon and two general practitioners who are plain MBBS doctors.
Similarly in financial transactions, two men are preferred. Islam expects men to be the breadwinners of their families. Since financial responsibility is shouldered by men, they are expected to be well versed in financial transactions as compared to women. As a second option, the witness can be one man and two women, so that if one of the women errs the other can remind her. The Arabic word used in the Qur’an is ‘Tazil’ which means ‘confused’ or ‘to err’. Many have wrongly translated this word as ‘to forget’. Thus financial transactions constitute the only case in which two female witnesses are equal to one male witness.
However, some scholars are of the opinion that the feminine attitude can also have an effect on the witness in a murder case. In such circumstances a woman is more terrified as compared to a man. Due to her emotional condition she can get confused. Therefore, according to some jurists, even in cases of murder, two female witnesses are equivalent to one male witness. In all other cases, one female witness is equivalent to one male witness. There are about five verses in the Qur’an which speak about witnesses without specifying man or woman.
While making a will of inheritance, two just persons are required as witnesses. In Surah Maidah chapter 5 verse 106, the Glorious Qur’an says:
"Oh you who believe!
When death approaches any of you,
(take) witnesses among yourself when making bequests."
[Al-Qur’an 5:106]
two just persons of your own (brotherhood)
or other from outside if you are journeying
through the earth and the chance of death befalls you."
[Al-Qur’an 65:2]
Two persons endued with justice in case of talaq.
"Four witnesses are requiredin case of charge against chaste women,
[Al-Qur’an 24:4]
There are some scholars who are of the opinion that the rule of two female witnesses equal to one male witness should be applied to all the cases. This cannot be agreed upon because one particular verse of the Qur’an from Surah Noor chapter 24, verse 6 clearly equates one female witness and one male witness:
"And those who launch a charge
against their spouses, and have (in support)
no evidence but their own -
their solitary evidence can be received."
[Al-Qur’an 24:6]
Hazrat Ayesha (RA) hadith narrated of one witness
Many jurists agree that even one witness of a woman is sufficient for the sighting of the crescent of the moon. Imagine one woman witness is sufficient for one of the pillars of Islam, i.e. fasting and the whole Muslim community of men and women agree and accept her witness! Some jurists say that one witness is required at the beginning of Ramadaan and two witnesses at the end of Ramadaan. It makes no difference whether the witnesses are men or women.Some incidents require only female witness and that of a male cannot be accepted. For instance, in dealing with the problems of women, while giving the burial bath i.e. ‘ghusl’ to a woman, the witness has to be a woman.
The seeming inequality of male and female witnesses in financial transactions is not due to any inequality of the sexes in Islam. It is only due to the different natures and roles of men and women in society as envisaged by Islam.