"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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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.

Malcolm X's Letter from Makkah

Malcolm X's (al-Hajj, Malik al-Shabazz)

Letter from Makkah 20/03/2004

The following is Malcolm X's (al-Hajj, Malik al-Shabazz) letter to his assistants in Harlem during his pilgrimage to Makkah in April of 1964:

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

I have been blessed to visit the holy city of Makkah; I have made my seven circuits around the Ka'aba, led by a young Mutawwaf (guide) named Muhammad; I drank water from the well of the Zamzam. I ran seven times back and forth between the hills of mount al-Safa and al-Marwa. I have prayed in the ancient city of Mina, and I have prayed on mount Arafat.

There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blondes to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and non-white.

America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem. Throughout my travels in the Muslim world, I have met, talked to, and even eaten with people who in America would have been considered white - but the white attitude was removed from their minds by the religion of Islam. I have never before seen sincere and true brotherhood practiced by all colors together, irrespective of their color.

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

During the past eleven days here in the Muslim world, I have eaten from the same plate, drunk from the same glass, and slept on the same rug - while praying to the same God - with fellow Muslims, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was the whitest of white. And in the words and in the deeds of the white Muslims, I felt the same sincerity that I felt among the black African Muslims of Nigeria, Sudan and Ghana.
We were truly all the same (brothers) - because their belief in one God had removed the white from their minds, the white from their behavior, and the white from their attitude.

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

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

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

Never have I been so highly honored. Never have I been made to feel more humble and unworthy. Who would believe the blessings that have been heaped upon an American Negro? A few nights ago, a man who would be called in America a white man, a United Nations diplomat, an ambassador, a companion of kings, gave me his hotel suite, his bed. Never would I have even thought of dreaming that I would ever be a recipient of such honors - honors that in America would be bestowed upon a King - not a Negro.

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.

Sincerely,al-Hajj, Malik al-Shabazz (Malcolm X)

* Taken from The Autobiography of Malcolm X, co-authored by Alex Haley.Editor's Note: The compassion, selflessness, brotherhood, and generosity that Malcolm encountered in Makkah during his Hajj opened his heart to the true spirit of Sunni Islam. He writes in his autobiography, "Because of the spiritual enlightenment which I was blessed to receive as the result of my recent pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah, I no longer subscribe to sweeping indictments of any one race. I am now striving to live the life of a true Sunni Muslim. I must repeat that I am not a racist nor do I subscribe to the tenets of racism. I can state in all sincerity that I wish nothing but freedom, justice and equality, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all people."

Muslim Council of Britain

Date: 03 March 2008

Press Release

Condemnation of Gaza Mass Killings British Muslims Appalled At Miliband's Selective

The Muslim Council of Britain is deeply concerned that Britain is continuing to adopt a policy of partisan support for Israel despite its atrocious behaviour in Gaza this week where it has killed over 100 Palestinians including several children as young as six months old.

"The Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, explicitly says that he condemns the use by some Palestinian groups of poor quality home made rockets, yet inexplicably he seems to refrain from condemning the far more serious military firepower deployed by Israel against Gaza's civilian population. This is blatantly one-sided and does our image in the international community and across the Muslim world no favours whatsoever.� said Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari.

He further adds : �The actions of Israel's military machine has been condemened by the UN Secretary general and even drew censure from the US State Department. Instead, our government should be insisting on the requirement for Israel to abide by all relevant UN resolutions and withdraw from the occupied Palestinian territories, dismantle its illegal Jewish settlements and honour the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes. If we are serious about wanting peace, we must act as honest brokers, not partisan bystanders. " Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain.

Issued by the Muslim Council of Britain

[ENDS]Notes to Editors:
The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK's largest Muslim umbrella body with over 500 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools.
Media enquiries should be addressed to the MCB Media Office on 0845 26 26 786 or 07956 353 738. Email: media@mcb.org.uk.

LooK...I'm a MuSLiM GirL...

Mu'minah Tammy Appel
www.CONVERTSTOISLAM.com

I had heard so many stories, about the Muslim women...being oppressed,

I decided that I would find out for myself and so, as one of them I dressed.

I put on some loose and baggy clothes...and then reluctantly covered my hair

I looked at that stranger in the mirror...and thought to myself...who's going to care?

Bravely and undaunted, I ventured out of my room wondering, who I would meet

The very first person I ran into...was my son, who said... "mom, you look like a geek"

I replied... "look, I'm a Muslim girl...do you like it, because this is going to be the new me"

My son became so upset, and said... "you just better make sure my friends don't see"

I looked him in the eyes...and said... "why, I'm still the same mom that you've always known

I've been here since you were a baby, a toddler too...and I will be until you're grown"

I was dismayed and upset...and feeling rather unnerved by the reaction of my son

Becoming very uncertain...not nearly as confident now...I decided I better get this done.

I wandered outside, and awkardly started in the direction of my car...

When all of a sudden...I heard a peircing scream coming from my neighbor afar

With my heart in my throat, as quickly as I could manage...I ran over to her side

"Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jones...whatever is the matter and why are you trying to hide?"

Suddenly it dawned on me, as she looked at me with horror and revulsion in her eyes

I felt so crushed, when she said... "you're a terrorist...you're one of those Muslim spys"

I desperately tried to ease her mind...assuring her over and over again...to no avail

I didn't matter what I tried to tell her, so certain was she...that I belonged in jail.

Feeling rather shaken by that silly scene, I decided I would just go to my mom's place

Where I wouldn't have to worry...none of those embarrassing events would I have to face.

I barged into my parents house, shouting... "mom, mom - look at me...I'm a Muslim girl"

Well, the shock and alarm in my mother's face...sent my dad in a panic and a whirl

"Are you crazy?" they said... "or are you just plain stupid and out of your everloving mind

In a mental hospital is where you belong...if not...in a prison is where you will wind."

I started to cry and say... "please, please just relax...why are you taking this so hard"

My dad wrapped his arms around my mom...glared at me and shouted... "get out of my yard"

I left my parents house crying...feeling sympathetic to all the Muslims...and so ashamed

Of the way my family and good neighbors, reacted to my little game

I soon came to the conclusion, oppression of Muslim women did not even exist

The only oppression that I could see, were in those...of whom, my change...they did resist

For tell me, does it really matter on the type of clothing or covering a woman wears

For underneath all those layers of clothing, I am still the same woman that cares!

Poison Your Mother-in-Law ...

A long time ago in China, a girl named Li-Li got married and went to live with her husband and mother-in-law. In a very short time, Li-Li found that she couldn't get along with her mother-in-law at all.

Their personalities were very different, and Li-Li was angered by many of her mother-in-law's habits. In addition, she criticised Li-Li constantly.

Days passed days, and weeks passed weeks. Li-Li and her mother-in-law never stopped arguing and fighting. But what made the situation even worse was that, according to ancient Chinese tradition, Li-Li had to bow to her mother-in-law and obey her every wish.

All the anger and unhappiness in the house was causing Li-Li's poor husband great distress.

Finally, Li-Li could not stand her mother-in-law's bad temper and dictatorship any longer, and she decided to do something about it.

Li-Li went to see her father's good friend, Mr. Huang, who sold herbs. She told him the situation and asked if he would give her some poison so that she could solve the problem once and for all. Mr. Huang thought for a while, and finally said, Li-Li, I will help you solve your problem, but you must listen to me and obey what I tell you. Li-Li said, "Yes, Mr. Huang, I will do whatever you tell me to do."

Mr.Huang went into the back room, and returned in a few minutes with a package of herbs.

He told Li-Li, "You can't use a quick-acting poison to get rid of your mother-in-law, because that would cause people to become suspicious. Therefore, I have given you a number of herbs that will slowly build up poison in her body.

Every other day prepare some delicious meal and put a little of these herbs in her serving. Now, in order to make sure that nobody suspects you when she dies, you must be very careful to act very friendly towards her. Don't argue with her, obey her every wish, and treat her like a queen."

Li-Li was so happy. She thanked Mr. Huang and hurried home to start her plot of murdering her mother-in-law.

Weeks went by, and months went by, and every other day, Li-Li served the specially treated food to her mother-in-law. She remembered what Mr.Huang had said about avoiding suspicion, so she controlled her temper, obeyed her mother-in-law, and treated her like her own mother. After six months had passed, the whole household had changed.

Li-Li had practiced controlling her temper so much that she found that she almost never got mad or upset. She hadn't had an argument with her mother-in-law in six months because she now seemed much kinder and easier to get along with.

The mother-in-law's attitude toward Li-Li changed, and she began to love Li-Li like her own daughter. She kept telling friends and relatives that Li-Li was the best daughter-in-law one could ever find. Li-Li and her mother-in-law were now treating each other like a real mother and daughter.

Li-Li's husband was very happy to see what was happening.

One day, Li-Li came to see Mr. Huang and asked for his help again. She said, "Dear Mr. Huang, please help me to keep the poison from killing my mother-in-law! She's changed into such a nice woman, and I love her like my own mother. I do not want her to die because of the poison I gave her."

Mr. Huang smiled and nodded his head. "Li-Li, there's nothing to worry about. I never gave you any poison. The herbs I gave you were vitimans to improve her health. The only poison was in your mind and your attitude toward her, but that has been all washed away by the love which you gave to her."


Treatment of Mothers-in-LawsBy Dr. Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi
Excerpt from: The Muslim Woman and her Husband.


Note: Although the article below is written in reference to the wife treating her mother-in-law.
The advices are also applicable to the husband in his treatment to his mother-in-law as well.

One of the ways in which a wife expresses her respect towards her husband is by honouring and respecting his mother.

The Muslim woman who truly understands the teachings of her religion knows that the person who has the greatest right over a man is his mother, as one notes in many Ahaadeeth. So she helps him to honour and respect his mother, by also honouring and respecting her. In this way she will do herself and her husband a favour, as she will be helping him to do good deeds and fear Allah Ta'ala, as commanded by the Qur'an. At the same time, she will endear herself to her husband, who will appreciate her honour and respect towards his family in general, and towards his mother in particular. Nothing could please a decent, righteous and respectful man more than seeing strong ties of love and respect between his wife and his family, and nothing could be more hateful to a decent man than to see those ties destroyed by the forces of evil, hatred and conspiracy. The Muslim family which is guided by faith in Allah Ta'ala and follows the pure teachings of Islam is unlikely to fall into the trap of such jahili (ignorant) behaviour, which usually flourishes in communities today.

A Muslim wife may find herself being tested by her mother-in-law and other in-laws, if they are not of good character. If such is the case, she is obliged and would be meritorious to treat them in the best way possible, which requires a great deal of cleverness, courtesy, diplomacy and repelling evil with that which is better. Thus she will maintain a balance between her relationship with her in-laws and her relationship with her husband, and she will protect herself and her marriage from any adverse effects that may result from the lack of such a balance.

The Muslim woman should never think that she is the only one who is required to be a good and caring companion to her spouse, and that nothing similar is required of her husband or that there is nothing wrong with him mistreating her or failing to fulfill some of the responsibilities of marriage. Islam has regulated the marital relationship by giving each partner both rights and duties. The wife's duties of honouring and taking care of her husband are balanced by the rights that she has over him, which are that he should protect her honour and dignity from all kinds of mockery, humiliation, trials or oppression. These rights of the wife comprise the husband's duties towards her: he is obliged to honour them and fulfil them as completely as possible.

One of the Muslim husband's duties is to fulfill his role of qawwam (maintainer and protector) properly. This is a role that can only be properly fulfilled by a man who is a successful leader in his home and family, one who possesses likeable character and qualities. Such a man has a noble and worthy attitude, is tolerant, overlooks minor errors, is in control of his married life, and is generous without being extravagant. He respect s his wife's feelings and makes her feel that she shares the responsibility of running the household affairs, bringing up the children,and working with him to build a sound Muslim family, as Islam wants it to be.