Showing posts with label islam. Show all posts

Showing posts with label islam. Show all posts

Personal Ethical Conduct

The necessity of obtaining factual-information

So ask the people of the message if you do not know. (16:43)

Striving for the Purification of the Soul

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good. (21: 69)

Equality in Punishment( Purity)

O people, those before you gone astray, for if some notable stole, they let him go, and if a poor man did, they penalize him. By Allah, if Fatima, Muhammad's daughter stole, Muhammad most assuredly cut off her hand". Related by al Bokhary

Knowledge of the rules of ethics and behavior

you who have believed, do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and greet their inhabitants. That is best for you; perhaps you will be reminded. (24:27)

Listening attentively and following instructions

So give good tidings to My servants (17) Who listen to speech and follow the best of it.(39:17-18)

Inculcating obedience in one's children

Tell the boy to pray when he reaches the age of seven; when he becomes ten years old, beat him if he doesn't'.

Related by Abu Dawood

Righteousness

Say, O [Muhammad], "I am only a man like you to whom it has been revealed that your god is but one God; so take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness." And woe to those who associate others with Allah - (41:6)

On the authority of Abu AmrI said: O Messenger of Allah tell me something about Islam which I can ask of no one but you. He said: Say: I believe In Allah-and thereafter Be upright
Source : http://www.aussiemuslims.com/

Islam: a religion of peace and justice

Islam is a religion of peace in the fullest sense of the word. The Quran calls its way "…The ways of peace…" [Quran: 5:16] It describes reconciliation as the best policy [Quran: 4:128], and states that God abhors any disturbance of peace [Quran: 2:205]

The root word of Islam is 'Silm', which means peace. So the spirit of Islam is the spirit of peace. The first
verse of the Quran breathes the spirit of peace; it reads: "In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate."

This verse is repeated in the Quran no less than 114 times. It shows the great importance Islam attaches to such values as Mercy and Compassion. One of God's names, according to the Quran, is As-Salaam, which means Peace. Moreover, the Quran states that the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) was sent to the world as a mercy to mankind. [Quran: 21:107]

A perusal of the Quran shows that most verses of the Quran (and also the Hadeeth) are based on peace and kindness, either directly or indirectly. The ideal society, according to the Quran is Dar As-Salaam, that is, the house of peace [Quran: 10:25]
The Quran presents the universe as a model, which is characterised by harmony and peace [Quran: 36:40] When God created heaven and earth, He so ordered things that each part might perform its function peacefully without clashing with any other. The Quran tells us that "It is not allowable [i.e., possible] for the sun to reach the moon, nor does the night overtake the day, but each, in an orbit, is swimming." [Quran: 36:40] For billions of years, therefore, the entire universe has been fulfilling its function in total harmony with His divine plan.

According to Islam, peace is not simply an absence of war. Peace opens doors to all kinds of opportunities which are present in any given situation. It is only in a peaceful situation that planned activities are possible. It is for this reason that the Quran says: "…And settlement is best…" [Quran: 4:128] Similarly, Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) has observed: "God grants to gentleness (Rifq) what He does not grant to violence ('Unf). [Abu Daawood]

According to Islam, peace is the rule and war is only an exception. Even in defensive war we have to analyse its result; if the result is doubtful, Muslims should avoid war. Stray acts of aggression are not enough for Muslims to rush into war. They have to assess the whole situation and adopt a policy of avoidance when war is not certain to achieve a positive result.

In actual fact, the mission of all the Prophets from Aadam (Adam) to 'Eesaa (Jesus), may Allaah exalt their mention, was one and the same - of establishing the ideology of monotheism in the world, so that man might worship the One God alone. As we know, there came a large number of Prophets in ancient times but the message of monotheism remained at the initial stage; it could not culminate in revolution.

In ancient times, the system of monarchy was entrenched throughout the world. The kings, in order to secure their political interests, adopted the course of religious persecution. These kings suppressed all religious movements that were different from the state religion. They would nip all 'apostasy' in the bud since they saw religion as a matter of affirming one's loyalty to the state. If a person adhered to a religion other than the state religion, he was regarded as a rebel.

That is why in ancient times, prophetic movements could go no further than the state of Da'wah, or invitation to Islam. No sooner would a movement based on monotheism arise than the coercive political system would be activated to pull it out by its roots. The reason for the absence of any historical record of Prophets (besides the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention )) in antiquity is traceable to the intense opposition of these coercive political systems.

All the Prophets of ancient times, historically speaking, were like mythical beings, rather than real human beings accepted as historical figures. Prophet 'Eesaa (Jesus) may Allaah exalt his mention was the last link in the chain of these persecutions faced by the preachers of monotheism. Then God decreed the abolition of this coercive political system, even if it entailed the use of force in order that the age of religious persecution might be brought to an end forever, and replaced by the age of religious freedom. This Divine plan was brought to completion through the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and his companions may Allaah be pleased with them all. This is the command given in the Quran: "Fight them until there be no fitnah [i.e., persecution] and [until] the religion [i.e., worship], all of it, is for Allaah…" [Quran: 8:39]

Therefore, Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) received special divine succour in the form of a powerful team consisting of one hundred thousand individuals. Equipped with this team, the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) waged war to end this coercive system of religious persecution, and it was in Arabia that it was first of all overthrown. Then within a very short span of time, they advanced to abolish the coercive system established by the Sassanid and Byzantine empires.

In the wake of this Islamic action, the coercive system was abolished forever in the major part of the inhabited world of the time. This war waged by Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and his companions was not a war as is commonly understood, but rather a divine operation, which was carried out by people who possessed a high standard of moral character.

However, this operation was certainly only temporary in nature. Its goal was to put an end to the age of religious persecution and usher in the age of religious freedom. This end was fully achieved during the early period of Islam, the age of the pious Caliphs. Afterwards the time came to keep the sword in its sheath and engage in Da'wah work, that is, the call to God, which was the real and permanent goal of Islam.

It is no exaggeration to say that Islam and violence are contradictory to each other. The concept of Islamic violence is so obviously unfounded that, prima facie it stands rejected. The fact that violence is not sustainable in the present world is enough to convince one that violence, as a principle, is quite alien to the scheme of things in Islam. Islam claims to be an eternal religion and such a religion cannot afford a principle in its scheme which will not be sustainable in later periods of human history. An attempt to bracket violence with Islam amounts to casting doubts upon the very eternity of the Islamic religion.

No wonder then that the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) so earnestly used to entreat his Lord in his daily prayer: "O God, you are the original source of Peace; from You is all Peace, and to You returns all Peace. So, make us live with Peace; and let us enter paradise: the House of Peace. Blessed be You, our Lord, to whom belongs all Majesty and Honour!"

Summarised from: "The Man Islam Builds", by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
source : http://www.islamweb.net/

How should Muslims respond when Islam is insulted?

A global nasheed artist and songwriter, born in Pakistan and living in Canada. He offers vibrant imagery with the innocence of a child-like observer and the wisdom of an elderly man through his unique musical style.

As Muslims, we need to understand that there will always be some individuals or groups of people who intend to hurt Islam and try to instigate and harass Muslims and good people in general. It has always been this way in the history of humanity. We can look no further than our beloved prophet Muhammad (S). How did he respond when he was targeted and made the centre of ridicule and torture? Our prophet (S) always incorporated the peaceful element and only in matters where there was no other choice did he defend Islam and himself with force.

There were many incidences where he was persecuted and ridiculed but he responded with love and harmony. There was an incident when he noticed that a lady, who would usually throw rubbish at him whilst he would pass her residence, was absent and no longer carrying out her daily practice. A few days passed and so the Prophet (S) decided to visit her and found that she was ill and bedridden. He made Dua for her and she was astonished that a man whom she hated and harassed would care for her well-being and pray for her. This led to her embracing Islam.

On another occasion the prophet (S) helped an old lady transport her belongings out of the city of Madinah to a neighbouring city. She said that she wanted to get away from a man named Muhammad, who was leading the Arabs astray and away from their forefathers’ polytheism practices. He carried the weight of her belongings the entire distance and politely listened to her criticisms and harsh words for him. In the end she found out that he was the very same man who had helped her the entire distance and had not said a word in his defence. She was amazed at his patience and she too, accepted Islam after this experience.

If the man who was entrusted and chosen by Allah to spread the word of Islam to the entire world could be so bearing and forgiving, then that should be suffice for all of us, as Muslims. We should be patient and in turn we should educate people and their misconceptions with morality and with our own actions of peace and morality too. At Taif, the prophet (S) had the choice to have Taif destroyed by the will of Allah but he chose to have it protected and forgiven for maybe it would be a place where Islam would flourish and that is exactly what happened. We have numerous examples of how Allah and Muhammad (S) are merciful and show love and peace even though the transgressors are ruthless.

We need to acknowledge the wrong done by whomever and then we need to act accordingly to that wrong. We do that with love, knowledge and fairness. I believe that is how the Prophet (S) and any personality that stood for justice, morality and peace dealt with difficult and testing times. In the end, Allah always comforted the matter with peace and the vibrant uprising of growth and understanding.

Shaykh Shady Al-Suleiman:

An Islamic scholar from a Palestinian family who is heavily active and involved with the Muslim youth in Australia, his country of residence. He obtained an Ijaza with Sanad (complete chain back to the Prophet (S)) in Pakistan and then spent 6 years in Damascus, Syria to continue his Islamic and Arabic studies.

Laws have been set, laid down and legislated under and against anyone who is Anti-Semitic. which means that you are not allowed to attack Jews or any Jewish beliefs because you would be inciting hatred towards 17 million Jews around the world. But what makes it ok for people to incite hatred to 1.5 billion Muslims around the world?

For people who commit such a criminal act, by attacking our beloved prophet (S) and by humiliating him, there are two messages which should be made clear. The first is that the Muslims are not going to remain silent. Rather, they will defend their beliefs.

The second is that the more insults and attacks the Muslims face, the more the Muslims will want to support one another as well as the prophet (S), increase their love for him, follow his teachings and imitate him. People are free to do whatever they wish, but we should also remember that Allah is watching their every move and there are 1.6 billion Muslims around the world who will not take insults so lightly and will most likely react in different ways.

Reacting in ways which break the laws of the country is wrong. We must remember that we are allowed to let our voices be heard and we do have the right to speak out and defend the prophet Muhammad (S).

Khalid Yasin:

An American convert from Christianity to Islam who spent the last thirty-five years of his life removing misconceptions and distortions about Islam and Muslims and illuminating the Earth with a message of truth.

There are many people who do not have the true knowledge to make the right estimations regarding Islam and Muslims because of their ignorance. They have no idea of the love that 1.6 billion Muslims have for Allah and his messenger. So how can we blame them and hold them responsible for their ignorance? Those Muslims who did not expound, who did not clarify and who did not indicate towards the teachings of Islam are those who should be held responsible. Had the rest of the world known, they would have gained a better insight and would not have such dislike or hatred instilled in their hearts. I encourage all young Muslims whether they are in school or working to talk to people in their neighbourhood about the Quran, but first start off by understanding what the Quran is. They should talk about the prophet (S) and Islam but should first learn more about who the prophet (S) is and what Islam is really about.

I would advise all the non-Muslims to look up the name Muhammad ibn Abdullah in their search engines and see if they can find a human being whose life has been more documented in detail than his. They will not to be able to find such a person. They can compare the prophet Muhammad (S)’s life with 100 great inventors, historians and leaders and they will find, without a doubt, irrefutable evidence that his behaviour was the most profound. He was an example through his many roles, as a father, husband, leader, brother and merchant. Take a look at the character of the prophet (S) during every aspect of his life; during war, oppression, starvation, leadership, legislation and adjudication.

Yasir Qadhi:

An influential cleric who completed his primary and secondary education in Saudi Arabia. He is currently the Dean of Academic Affairs at AlMaghrib Institute and his expertise lies in Theology.

When the prophet Muhammad (S) was ridiculed and mocked by his own people, Allah comforted him by reminding him of the prophets who had come before him who had also faced such difficulty and struggles in spreading the word of Islam.

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf:

A prominent American scholar who travelled the Muslim world and studied for ten years in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Africa. He is the co-founder of Zaytuna College which has established an international reputation for presenting a classical picture of Islam in the West.
During the prophet (S)’s life, the rulers and the people of the desert areas were rude to him and showed him bad manners. But he (S) never returned their rudeness with rudeness. He returned their bad manners with good character and this is what he has taught us to do. When we see people who are not following the religion of Islam, we should pray that they are guided. The prophet (S) said: ‘None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself’. (Bukhari). This love encompasses the Jews and the Christians and we shouldn’t hate those who haven’t come into the fold of Islam and neither should we desire their destruction. The prophet (S) also said: ‘He who does not show mercy (to others) will not be shown mercy (by Allah)’. Hence, as Muslims we should have compassion for those who do not have hope in Allah.

Shaykh Habib Ali Al Jifri:

Born in the city of Jeddah from parents who are both descendants of Imam Hussein, the son of Ali (R). He has strong connections with many centres and academies involved with international dialogue in religions and civilisations.

Let’s learn how to look with the eye of mercy to the people who hurt us the most. Even when blood was pouring from the blessed body of the messenger of Allah (S), he wanted Allah to guide those who hadn’t been guided even though they harmed him and his people. Despite the damage and aggression they showed him, his heart pounded with mercy whilst dealing with them.

Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad:

A British Muslim thinker, professor and translator who has written about the interaction between Islam and secular issues. A former student and at present, a lecturer at Cambridge University.

The response of some young, untrained souls is to jump up and down, mouthing nonsense about Islam being in danger. The message of Islam was the final message of Allah, so how can it be in danger? Allah would never let this happen. In the past, Islam has been persecuted in many ways and through the will of Allah it has always prevailed. Muslims should be brave and not yell on the streets. We should abide by the Quranic principle of ‘push with something better’. If we did this, then the enmity between Muslims and non-Muslims would lessen to a great degree. If we are to push the ugliness with something beautiful, then we need to have patience in order to succeed. Yelling and screaming and giving the media the reaction and image that they want to associate with Islam is simply playing into their hands and we shouldn’t allow ourselves to get into their hands.

Ibrahim Hooper:

A convert to Islam who is the National Communications Director and spokesperson for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil rights and advocacy organisation.

I think the best way to respond to controversy between Muslims and non-Muslims is to step up efforts to promote mutual understanding between faiths and to boost interfaith dialogue. People want to create divisions so the best response would be to create unity between faiths.

Nouman Ali Khan:

He has dedicated himself to a seven-year-long project of conducting a linguistic and literary focus Quranic Tafseer series in English. He is also the founder of Bayyinah Institute.

Many times Allah has mentioned that all of us, without a doubt will be tested in our wealth and our own selves. Sometimes our wealth and our worldly possessions will be in danger and sometimes we will be in danger. We will feel threatened, a loss of people and the trials will be felt, financially and socially. We’ll also hear many painful words from those who do not believe.

Ask yourself if this is happening today? Are we hearing painful things from those lost communities? Are they saying horrendous things about the book of Allah, the messenger of Allah and the Muslims in general?

They’ll come out to say that all Muslims are terrorists. But as Muslims we do not believe in crimes against innocent people, so how can all Muslims be terrorists? They’ll say unbearable things about Allah’s messenger (S) and they’ll make us listen to what they say.

Now that we have heard the things that the non-Muslims have said, how should we respond? This is when we need to be harsh and tough upon ourselves. We have become emotional puppets and the non-Muslims know exactly how we are going to respond and they do certain things to provoke us. Some Muslims burn a couple of cars, take part in protests and scream and yell. However, we should be acting in a calm, collected and calculated fashion, just like the messenger (S) did.

Allah Almighty says that being patient by controlling our emotions, holding back ourselves and fearing Allah are some of the noblest of acts that we can do. Our patience speaks volumes and our yelling and screaming is more detrimental. In addition to being patient we should have Taqwa in Allah (God-consciousness).

We talk about how important it is for our Masaajid to represent the teachings of our religion and to educate the local community, but it is also the responsibility of every Muslim to represent the teachings of Islam in their vicinity, amongst their co-workers, business partners, friends, and neighbours. We need to educate the people and remove the fear that Shaytan has placed inside them of our religion.

Shaytan also did this during the life of the messenger (S). The people of Quraysh would say – don’t listen to this man, you’ll go crazy if you do, if you listen to his words, your family will be destroyed, and he’ll do magic on you. So, the people who haven’t embraced Islam will continue to fear Islam. We can’t blame the population for this because this is the work of Shaytan. We need to do a better job and clarify our religion and the message which was sent to us.
Source : http://www.therevival.co.uk/

Beauty tips for my sisters !!!!!

* To beautify your eyes : Lower your gaze towards strange men ...
This will make your eyes pure and shiny...
{24:31} : ...And tell to the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* To have attractive lips...
Speak with kidness towards your family and sisters in Islam...
And speak only the truth and essential matters...
As the Prophet(pbuh) said :"whoever believes in ALLAH(swt) and the last day should speak GOOD WORDS or REMAIN SILENT.[Al Bukharî and Muslim]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* To have blushy cheeks...
Keep your Haya(modesty, shyness)...
As the Prophet(pbuh) said :" Haya doesn't produce but GOODNESS". [Al Bhukharî and Muslim]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* To look fresn and radiant...
Always smile and be cheerful to your family and sisters in Islam...
Adullah Ibn Haarith radiallahu anhu reports :" I didn't see anyone smiled and more than Rasulullah(pbuh). [ Shamaa-il Tirmidhi]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* To remove impurities from your face and hands...
Makes a lot of istighfar...
And always take wudu(whenever you break it)...
Insha'allah it will clear you from your past sins...
As ALLAH(swt) mentioned in {2:222} :" Truly ALLAh(swt) loves those who repent, and HE love those who cleanse themselves".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* To have beautiful hair and skin...
Guard it from the sight of strange men...
By covering it up...
As the Prophet(pbuh) said :" Any woman who takes off clothes in other than her husband's house( to show off unlawful purpose), has broken ALLAH(swt)'s shield upon her".
[Abu Dawud and Al-Tirmidhi]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* As for jewelleries...
Beautify your hands with humbleness...
And don't hesitate to to lend a helping hand to those in need...
As the Prophet(pbuh) said :" ALLAH(swt) has revealed to me that you must be humble, so that no oppresses another and boasts over another". [Abu Dawud]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* As for diet...
Share your food with others...
As the Prophet(pbuh) said :" Food for one is enough for two and food for two is enough for threeand food for three is enough for four". [Ahmad, Al-Tirmidhi, An Nasaa'I and Ibn Majah]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* To have healthy mind and body...
Constantly pray to ALLAH and remember HIM...
Be quick to forgive people who hurt your feelings...
Be patient when enduring calamities...
And thanks ALLAh(swt) because the reward for patience is abundance...
As the Prophet(pbuh) said : Musa the son of Imran, once asked : Oh my Lord ! Who is the most honourable of your servants ?! and He replied, the person who forgives even when he isn't in a position power".
[Baihaqi]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Sisters,
Insha'allah if you follow these advices...
You will be beautiful in the outside and inside...
As the Prophet(pbuh) said :" The world is an ornament, and the best ornaments of all are righteous women".
[Muslim]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope that you will all follow this, insha'allah !!!

Source : http://abi-shameena.blogspot.in/

1000 sunnah per_day_and_night

1000 sunnah per_day_and_night from Xenia Y

What is Shirk (Polytheism) and its manifestations (in Islam)?

What is Shirk (Polytheism) and its manifestations (in Islam)?

What is Shirk?

Shirk basically is polytheism, i.e. the worship of others along with Allah. It also implies attributing divine attributes to any other besides Allah.. It particularly implies associating partners in worship with Allah. or to believe that the source of power, harm or blessings is from others besides Allah.

Types of Shirk

There are three types of Shirk, namely:

(1) Ash-Shirk-al-Akbar, i.e. major Shirk

(2) Ash-Shirk-al-Asghar, i.e. minor Shirk

(3) Ash-Shirk-al-Khafi, i.e. inconspicuous Shirk.

Ash-Shirk-al-Akbar (The major Shirk):
The major and serious polytheistic form, it has four aspects:

(a) Shirk-ad-Du’â, i.e. invocation.This aspect implies invoking, supplicating or praying to other deities besides Allah.

Almighty Allah says:

"And when they embark on a ships they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him only, but when He brings them safely to land, behold, they give a share of their worship to others," (Quran – V.29:65)

(b) Shirk-al-Niyyah wal-Iradah wal-Qasd. This aspect implies intentions, purpose and determination in acts of worship or religious deeds not for the sake of Allah but directed towards other deities.

(c) Shirk-at-Tâ’a. This aspect implies rendering obedience to any authority against the Order of Allah.

Almighty Allah says:

"They (Jews and Christians) took their Rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allah (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allah), and (they also took as their lord) Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary), while they (Jews and Christians) were commanded (in the Torah and the Gospel) to worship none but One Ilâh (God i.e., Allah), Lâ ilâha illâ Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). Praise and Glory be to Him, (far above is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him)." (Quran – V.9:31).

Once, while Allah’s Messenger (SAW) was reciting the above Verse, ‘Adi bin Hatim said, "O Allah’s Prophet! They do not worship them (rabbis and monks)." Allah’s Messenger said, "They certainly do. They (i.e. Rabbis and monks) made legal things illegal, and illegal things legal, and they (i.e. Jews and Christians) followed them; and by doing so they really worshipped them."(Narrated by Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Jarir). (Tafsir At-Tabari, Vol.10, Page No. 114).

(d) Shirk-al-Mahabbah. This implies showing the love which is due to Allah Alone, to others than Him.

Almighty Allah says:

"And of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah). They love them as they love Allah. But those who believe, love Allah more (than anything else). If only those who do wrong could see, when they will see the torment, that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is Severe in punishment." (Quran – V. 2:165)

(2) Ash-Shirk-al-Asghar Ar-Riyâ’ (The minor Shirk, i.e. acts performed to show off)

Any act of worship or any religious deed done in order to gain praise, fame or for worldly purposes, falls under this minor form.

Almighty Allah says:

"Say (O Muhammad SAW ) : ‘I am only a man like you, it has been inspired to me that your Ilâh (God) is One Ilâh (God i.e Allah). So whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.’ " (Quran – V. 18:110)

(3) Ash-Shirk-al-Khafi (The inconspicuous Shirk).

This type implies being inwardly dissatisfied with the inevitable condition that has been ordained for one by Allah; conscientiously lamenting that had you done or not done such and such or had you approached such and such you would have had a better status, etc.

The Noble Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

"Ash-Shirk-al-Khafi in the Muslim nation is more inconspicuous than the creeping of black ant on black rock in the pitch-darkness of the night." And this inconspicuous Shirk is expiated by saying thrice the following sentences within a day and a night: "O Allah! I take Your refuge from that I should ascribe anything as partner in Your worship, being conscious of that, and I beg Your pardon for that sin which I am not aware of."
Major and Minor Shirk – A Clarification

The texts of the Quran and Sunnah indicate that shirk and the ascribing of rivals to Allah sometimes puts a person beyond the pale of Islam and sometimes does not. Hence the scholars divided shirk into two types which they call shirk akbar (major shirk) and shirk asghar (minor shirk). There follows a brief description of each type:
1 – Major shirk

This means ascribing to someone other than Allah something that belongs only to Allah, such as Lordship (ruboobiyyah), divinity (uloohiyyah) and the divine names and attributes (al-asma’ wa’l-sifaat).
Major Shirk may sometimes take the form of beliefs

Such as the belief that there is someone else who creates, gives life and death, reigns or controls the affairs of the universe along with Allah.

Or the belief that there is someone else who must be obeyed absolutely besides Allah, so they follow him in regarding as permissible or forbidden whatever he wants, even if that goes against the religion of the Messengers.

Or they may associate others with Allah in love and veneration, by loving a created being as they love Allah. This is the kind of shirk that Allah does not forgive.

Or the belief that there are those who know the Unseen as well as Allah. It is also shirk to believe that there is someone who bestows mercy in a manner that is befitting only for Allah, so he shows mercy as Allah does and forgives sins and overlooks the bad deeds of his worshippers.
Major Shirk may sometimes take the form of words

Such as those who make dua or pray to someone other than Allah, or seek his help or seek refuge with him with regard to matters over which no one has control except Allah, whether the person called upon is a Prophet, a wali (“saint”), an angel or a jinn, or some other created being. This is a kind of major shirk which puts one beyond the pale of Islam.

Or such as those who make fun of religion or who liken Allah to His creation, or say that there is another creator, provider or controller besides Allah. All of these are major shirk and a grave sin that is not forgiven.
Major Shirk may sometimes take the form of actions

Such as one who sacrifices, prays or prostrates to something other than Allah, or who promulgates laws to replace the rulings of Allah.
2 – Minor shirk

This includes everything that may lead to major shirk, or which is described in the texts as being shirk, but does not reach the extent of being major shirk.

This is usually of two types:

1 – Being emotionally attached to some means which have no basis and for which Allah has not given permission, such as hanging up “hands”, turquoise beads, amulets, etc on the grounds that they offer protection or that they ward off the evil eye. But Allah has not made them the means of such protection, either according to shareeah or according to the laws of the universe.

2 – Venerating some people or things in a way that does not go so far as ascribing lordship to them, such as swearing by something other than Allah, or saying, “Were it not for Allah and So and so,” etc.

The scholars have stipulated guidelines to distinguish major shirk from minor shirk when shirk is mentioned in the texts of sharee’ah. These guidelines include the following:

(i) – When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) states clearly that this action is minor shirk, such as in al-Musnad (27742) where it is narrated that Mahmoud ibn Labeed said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The thing that I fear most for you is minor shirk.” They said: “O Messenger of Allah, what is minor shirk?” He said: “Showing off, for Allah will say on the Day when people are recompensed for their actions: ‘Go to those for whom you were showing off with your deeds in the world, and see what reward you find with them.’” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 951.

(ii) – When the word shirk is used in the texts of the Quran and Sunnah in the indefinite form [without the definite article al-]. This usually refers to minor shirk, and there are many examples of this, such as when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Incantations, amulets and love spells are shirk.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 3883; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 331.

(iii) – If the Sahaabah understood from the texts of sharee’ah that what was meant by shirk here was minor shirk, not major. Undoubtedly the understanding of the Sahaabah carries weight, because they are the most knowledgeable of the people (after the prophet) concerning the religion of Allah, and the most knowledgeable as to the intent of the Lawgiver. For example, Abu Dawood (3910) narrated from Ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Tiyarah (superstitious belief in omens) is shirk, tiyarah is shirk,” three times, and there is no one among us but (will have some of that) but Allah will rid him of it by means of tawakkul (putting his trust in Allah). The words “there is no one among us…” are the words of Ibn Mas’ood, as was explained by the prominent scholars of hadeeth. This indicates that Ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him) understood that this was minor shirk, because he could not have said, “There is no one among us…” referring to major shirk. Moreover, major shirk cannot be eliminated by means of tawakkul, rather it is essential to repent there from.

(iv) – If the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) interpreted the words shirk or kufr in a manner which indicates that what is meant is a minor form thereof and not the major form. For example al-Bukhaari (1038) and Muslim (74) narrated from Zayd ibn Khaalid al-Juhani that he said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) led the morning prayer for us at al-Hudaybiyah following rainfall during the night. When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) finished, he turned to face the people and said to them: “Do you know what your Lord has said?” They said: “Allah and his Messenger know best.” He said: “This morning one of My slaves became a believer in Me and one a disbeliever. As for him who said: ‘We have been given rain by the grace of Allaah and His mercy,’ that one is a believer in Me, a disbeliever in the stars; and as for him who said: ‘We have been given rain by such-and-such a star, that one is a disbeliever in Me, a believer in the stars.’”

Minor shirk may sometimes take the form of outward actions, such as wearing talismans, strings, amulets and the like, and other words and deeds. And sometimes it may be hidden, like a little bit of showing off.
Minor Shirk may also take the form of beliefs

Such as the belief that something may be a cause of bringing benefit or warding off harm, when Allah has not made it so; or believing that there is barakah (blessing) in a thing, when Allah has not made it so.
Minor Shirk sometimes takes the form of words

Such as when they said, “We have been given rain by such and such a star,” without believing that that the stars could independently cause rain to fall; or swearing by something other than Allah, without believing in venerating the thing sworn by or regarding it as equal with Allah; or saying, “Whatever Allah wills and you will,” and so on.
Minor Shirk sometimes takes the form of actions

Such as hanging up amulets or wearing a talisman or string to dispel or ward off calamity, because everyone who attribute powers to a thing when Allah has not made it so either according to sharee’ah or according to the laws of the universe, has associated something with Allah. This also applies to one who touches a thing seeking its barakah (blessing), when Allah has not created any barakah in it, such as kissing the doors of the mosques, touching their thresholds, seeking healing from their dust, and other such actions.

Soruce and References:

1. Dr. M. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali, Ph.D., Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan - Islamic University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwara. Source: Noble Quran – English Translation of the meanings and commentary

2. Islamqa.info

– End

Courtesy
http://www.iqrasense.com/about-islam/what-is-shirk-polytheism-in-islam.html

" It takes a lot more courage and a lot more strength to stay a Muslim than to become a Muslim."

Lady GaGa Fan - My Convert Story Islam

Women in Islam

At a time when the rest of the world, from Greece and Rome to India and China, considered women as no better than children or even slaves, with no rights whatsoever, Islam acknowledged women's equality with men in a great many respects. The Quran states:

"And among His signs is this: that He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest and peace of mind in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Certainly, herein indeed are signs for people who reflect." [Noble Quran 30:21]

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manners and kindest to his wife." [Abu Dawud]

Muslims believe that Adam and Eve were created from the same soul. Both were equally guilty of their sin and fall from grace, and Allah forgave both. Many women in Islam have had high status; consider the fact that the first person to convert to Islam was Khadijah, the wife of Muhammad, whom he both loved and respected. His favorite wife after Khadijah's death, Ayshah, became renowned as a scholar and one of the greatest sources of Hadith literature. Many of the female Companions accomplished great deeds and achieved fame, and throughout Islamic history there have been famous and influential scholars and jurists.

We might also mention that while many in the West criticize Islam with regard to the treatment of women, in fact a number of Muslim countries have had women rulers and presidents. To name a few: Turkey; Bangladesh and Pakistan.

With regard to education, both women and men have the same rights and obligations. This is clear in Prophet Muhammad's saying:

"Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every believer." [Ibn Majah]

This implies men and women.

A woman is to be treated as God has endowed her, with rights, such as to be treated as an individual, with the right to own and dispose of her own property and earnings, enter into contracts, even after marriage. She has the right to be educated and to work outside the home if she so chooses. She has the right to inherit from her father, mother, and husband. A very interesting point to note is that in Islam, unlike any other religion, a woman can be an imam, a leader of communal prayer, for a group of women.

A Muslim woman also has obligations. All the laws and regulations pertaining to prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, doing good deeds, etc., apply to women, albeit with minor differences having mainly to do with female physiology.

Before marriage, a woman has the right to choose her husband. Islamic law is very strict regarding the necessity of having the woman's consent for marriage. The groom gives a marriage dowry to the bride for her own personal use. She keeps her own family name, rather than taking her husband's. As a wife, a woman has the right to be supported by her husband even if she is already rich. She also has the right to seek divorce and custody of young children. She does not return the dowry, except in a few unusual situations.

Despite the fact that in many places and times Muslim communities have not always adhered to all or even many of the foregoing in practice, the ideal has been there for 1,400 years, while virtually all other major civilizations did not begin to address these issues or change their negative attitudes until the 19th and 20th centuries, and there are still many contemporary civilizations which have yet to do so.

Rewarded both Places if Pure of Shirk

Rewarded both Places if Pure of Shirk

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Allah does not deal unjustly with the believer with regard to his Hasanaat. He gives him things in return for it in this world and will reward him for it in the Hereafter.” [Muslim]

A believer is rewarded for his/her good deeds in this world as well as in the Hereafter. This is the case for those who truly believe in Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) and submit to His commands. Many of the Kuffar in all ages, including the Prophet’s time, believed in Allah but they did not obey Him or follow His Messenger. In order for your good deeds to be rewarded your beliefs and deeds need to be pure of Shirk.

Shirk (associating others with Allah) cancels out good deeds. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) says: “If you join others in worship with Allah, (then) surely, (all) your deeds will be in vain.” [Quran: Surah 39, Ayat 65]

Shirk is of four types:

1. Shirk in Allah’s Lordship. Tawheed is to believe that Allah is the Creator, Sustainer and Cherisher of all that exists. For example, believing that “nature” or “natural law” operates independently or outside of His Will and Control is to do Shirk in Allah’s Lordship (make “nature” a God along with or in place of Allah.)

2. Shirk in Allah’s Names and Attributes; to believe that anyone or anything shares any of Allah’s attributes, e.g. to believe that anyone besides Allah is “Knower of the Unseen” – as Shiah claim about their Imams.

3. Shirk in Allah’s Sole Right to Legislate; to believe that anyone has the right to make laws against what Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) has legislated or outside of the limited spheres in which Allah has allowed us to legislate e.g. modern parliaments make laws on the basis of what the majority allow disregarding what Allah has allowed or forbidden.

4. Shirk in Allah’s Right to Alone be Beseeched for Help; to pray to any entity other than Allah, such as to idols, or pious people in graves, or at shrines.

This hadith has been sent by dailyhadith.adaptivesolutionsinc.com
Surah Al-Fatiha
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful (1)
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, (2)
The Beneficent, the Merciful. (3)
Owner of the Day of Judgment, (4)
Thee (alone) we worship; Thee (alone) we ask for help. (5)
Show us the straight path, (6)
The path of those whom Thou hast favoured. Not (the path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray. (7)

Tie Your Camel

Anas (radi Allahu anhu) reported that a person asked Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam), “Should I tie my camel and have Tawakkul (trust in Allah for her protection) or should I leave her untied and have Tawakkul.” Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) replied, “Tie her and have Tawakkul.” (Hasan) [Jami At-Tirmidhi]

Tawakkul means to put in one's best efforts to do what Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) expects one to do and then leave the results to Allah's will. Tawakkul comes from conviction in qada wa qadar, one of the six pillars of eeman: What Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) has written for me must come to pass.

Tawakkul in Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) includes tawakkul in His provision of rizq. 50,000 years before the creation of the universe, what provisions would come to me were written down in Lawh Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet). Our test in this world is of the means we choose to earn these provisions. Do we adopt halal means and work seeking the pleasure of Allah (subhana wa ta’ala); or do we resort to haraam, not trusting the rizq to come to us through halal means?

To seek one's livelihood is the way of the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam). Even he did not sit at home waiting for provision to fall out of the sky. But he (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) also said not to kill oneself in trying to earn more and more; since only that which is ordained for us will come to us.
Source : http://dailyhadith.adaptivesolutionsinc.com/

What is music and why is it so important to us?

Music in Islam by Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr.Tahir-ul-Qadri [ Sahih Bukhari & Muslim] * MUST WATCH * 1. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/music

-The science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity.

-Vocal, instrumental, or mechanical sounds having rhythm, melody, or harmony

2. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/music?s=t

-An art of sound in time that expresses ideas and emotions in significant forms through the elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, and color.

-The tones or sounds employed, occurring in single line (melody) or multiple lines (harmony), and sounded or to be sounded by one or more voices or instruments, or both.

3. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/music

-The art of arranging sounds in time so as to produce a continuous, unified, and evocative composition, as through melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre.

-Vocal or instrumental sounds possessing a degree of melody, harmony, or rhythm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANGFytWNQ5s

Introduction to Arabic, Ottoman & Persian Calligraphy
by Elisabeth Kvernen

This video introduces the viewer to Arabic script calligraphy in the Arab, Ottoman and Persian traditions. It discusses the unique features of the Arabic alphabet, and gives an overview of the process of learning calligraphy. The video is featured on the website CalligraphyQalam.com.
http://vimeo.com/3259164
Is Music Haram in Islam? (Dr Zakir Naik) +Sheikh Bilal Philips on Music in Islam
"Say (O Muhammad), "I have no power to benefit myself, or harm myself. Only what God wills happen to me. If I KNEW THE FUTURE, I would have increased my wealth, and no harm would have afflicted me. I am no more than a warner, and a bearer ...of good news for those who believe." 7:188

"Say (O Muhammad), "I am not different from other messengers, I have NO IDEA what will happen to ME OR TO YOU. I ONLY follow what is revealed to me. I am NO MORE than a profound warner." 46:9

Those who really appreciate music and the beautiful voices that God created, are more appreciative of God's creations and closer to God than those who prohibit what God did not and see evil in every beautiful creation of God.

"Say, "Who proh...ibited the nice things God has created for His creatures, and the good provisions?" Say," such provisions are to be enjoyed in THIS life by those who BELIEVE. Moreover, the good provisions will be exclusively theirs on the Day of resurrection." We thus explain the revelations for people who know." 7:32 (QURAN)

MUSIC AND SINGING WERE NEVER PROHIBITED BY GOD. They are part of the most beautiful creations of God. As long as they do not call on the people or encourage them to commit sins, they are for the TRUE BELIEVERS TO ENJOY while remembering God with every beautiful note or rhythm. Those who prohibit what God never did in the Quran will be surprised on the Last Day when the messenger of God will complain to God from them, See 25:30.

Is it time yet to wake up and follow the QURAN, instead of following the man-made law
Chapter 24: Young women can sing and play the tambourine at weddings and similar occasions Narrated by Ar-Rubai 'bint Mua'auwith: The Prophet (SAWS) came to me after consummating his marriage with me and sat on my bed as you (the sub-narrator) are sitting now, and young girls were beating the tambourine and singing and mourning for my father, who had been killed on the battle of Badr. Then one girl said: "There is a prophet (SAWS) among us who knows what will happen tomorrow. " The Prophet (SAWS) said (to her), "Do not say this, but still say what you said before."

"Do not make them run away (from Islam)"

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 3 :: Hadith 69

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

The Prophet said, "Facilitate things to people (concerning religious matters), and do not make it hard for them and give them good tidings and do not make them run away (from Islam)."

Do not impose on people more than they can bear, lest they should turn you down and say to you : “we heard and we disobey”, as the Prophet (PBUH) said : “When I order you a matter, keep that which you may bear”(5).

Hadith no: 68
Narrated / Authority Of: Ibn Masud
The Prophet used to take care of us in preaching by selecting a suitable time, so that we might not get bored. (He abstained from pestering us with sermons and knowledge all the time).

“Call unto thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation and argue with them in a way that is best”, (the ants : 125).

Moderation In Islam

Moderation:

The best of all dealings is the one which is moderate.
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported by Baihaqi.
They are the losers, those who make the religion hard and tough. They imperil themselves who enforce tough practices of Islam. They destroy themselves, those who are extremes.
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported by Ibn Masud in Sahih Muslim.
Make things easy and convenient and don’t make them harsh and difficult. Give cheer and glad tidings and do not create hatred.
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) in Riyadh us-Saleheen, Volume 1:637.
---------------------------------------
Islam, the Religion of Ease and Moderation

Allah, the most Glorified and Most High, is the sole creator of ALL mankind and therefore knows his nature more intricately than any of mankind.

Allah, has therefore chosen for us a religion best suited to the nature of mankind, a religion that goes neither to the Extremes of hardship nor of laxity, but instead provides a middle path; in other words, a religion of ease.

Allah, most high stated in the Quran:

"Allah intends for you ease, and does not want to make things difficult for you" [2:185];

"Allah does not want to place you in difficulty" [5:6].

Such easiness is well explained in the hadeeth reported by Abu Hurairah, radiya Allahu 'anhu, that the Prophet, salla Allaahu 'alaihe wasallam, said, "Religion is easy..." [Bukhari], he also said; "The best of your religion, is the easiest." [Ahmad]

The easiness of this religion was put into practise by the best of humanity, the one who came to deliver the message, as Allah, subhanahu wata'aala, said;

"Verily there has come unto you a Messenger from amongst yourselves, it grieves him that you should suffer any difficulty, he is anxious for you, for the believers he is full of pity and merciful" [10:128]

Therefore a middle way is always taken. Patience is one of the greatest virtues a Muslim can have.

"And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives, that would truly be from the things recommended by Allah.'' (42:43)

The Messenger of Allah (

) said,"Allah shows compassion only to those among His slaves who are compassionate".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:The Messenger of Allah (

) said, "The strong man is not one who is good at wrestling, but the strong man is one who controls himself in a fit of rage.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

"Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish." (Al-A`raaf 7:199)

Source : http://www.turntoislam.com

Nisaar Y. Nadiadwala – The Impact of Touhid on a Muslim’s Life…

Nisaar Y. Nadiadwala – The Impact of Touhid on a Muslim’s Life…:

Ibn Kathir has narrated a noteworthy incident in his master piece, Al Bidaya wal Nihaya vol 4, page number 445, Arabic edition.:

Zaid bin Dasina and 9 other people were deputed by the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessingsbe upon him), to go around Medina and spy if any unusal thing was happening. On their way they were confronted by Banu Lahyan, a Pagan tribe. There was a fight, 8 Muslims were kiled and two, including Zaid and Khubaiab were arrested. They wer taken to the market of Makkah and sold. The buyer was Saffan bin Ummaya , the most hostile enemy of Islam.

The men remained captive under Saffwan and one day Saffwan bin Umayya took his men to the outskirts of Makkah to get some entertainment while torturing Khabbab and Zaid to death.

Abu Sufiyan, who was not yet a Muslim, also joined them. The scene was frightening, like a butcher’s place where animals are kept for slaughter.

The men were told that they were to be killed and all the preparation was done.

The two men did not fear.

Abu Sufiyan noticed it and tried to confirm the courage of the two. He asked Zaid: “Would you now desire that Muhammed bin Abdullah (referring to the Prophet peace be upon him) was here in your place and you were a free man with your family?” Zaid did not hesitate to reply : “By Allah! Even if a thorn would prick the Prophet’s body for my freedom, I would not accept the bargain”!!!

Abu Sufiyan was taken aback and he acknowledged : “By Allah! I have never seen a man more loved by his people than Muhammed (peace be upon him )“.

Once there was a famine during the rein of Umar bin Alkhattab r.a. and there was an acute shortage of food grain. The Khalifa got the news that a caravan of Uthman bin Affan r.a. was reaching Madina and it carried food grain. So the Khalifa called upon Uthman r.a. and asked him if he is willing to sell all his food grain to the Government which in return will pay him and distribute the food grain to the masses.

Uthman r.a. said: ” O Ameerul Mom’mineen.. I have Already struck the deal with a better bargain…”

Umar felt bad for missing out a deal in favour of people.So he asked who bought your goods.

Uthman replied: “I struck a deal with Allah and has decided to give away all the food grains to be distributed free”!!!

Uthman found that the offer given by Allah was far better and beneficial than what was offered by his Khalifa!!!

What was the thing that made Zaid, Uthman and hundreds of sahaba r.a.a. ready to die or spend everything for the sake of the religion they had accepted?

It was Touhid, the monotheism of Islam.

Muslims have failed to realised what impact can Touhid can mark on our pyshcology, emotions, economy, personality, relations and business as well.

A believer in Allah is not afraid of :

1. Poverty , so he spends in good cause instead of being a miser : “Shaytan threatens you with poverty and bids you to conduct immodesty and Allah promises you His forgiveness and bounties and Allah cares for all… (Surah alBakarah verse 269)

2. Death , so he prepares for his death : “O Righteous soul ! Be in satisfaction and come back to your Lord well pleased with you and you well pleased unto Him.. (Surah al Fajr : 27,28)

3. Hardships so he bears with Patience : ”Allah is with those who are patience..Those who when a calamity befalls upon them say Indeed we are from Allah and to Him we shall return..”Surah Bakarah verse 153

4. Speaking truth so he stands up for justice :

5:8

يا أيها الذين آمنوا كونوا قوامين لله شهداء بالقسط ولا يجرمنكم شنآن قوم على ألا تعدلوا اعدلوا هو أقرب للتقوى واتقوا الله إن الله خبير بما تعملون

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah , witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

Touhid makes you brave, couragous, independant of people, generous , honest, kind and grateful because it is Touhid that gives a belief on the day of Judgement, hell and heaven and a hope of reward and fear of punishment .. If you don’t possess these qualities then your Emaan is weak, work on it..

Author : Nisaar Nadiadwala speaks and writes on Islam and Muslims. He can be reached at nisaar_yusuf@yahoo.com

Source : http://xeniagreekmuslimah.wordpress.com/

World of Islam

Click here to read the Chronology of Islam
From
6th Century (500-599) C.E.
to
20th Century (1900-1992) C.E.

World of Islam

A Brief History of Islam

Aftermath of the Colonial Period

World of Islam

The Spread of Islam

From the oasis cities of Makkah and Madinah in the Arabian desert, the message of Islam went forth with electrifying speed. Within half a century of the Prophet's death, Islam had spread to three continents. Islam is not, as some imagine in the West, a religion of the sword nor did it spread primarily by means of war. It was only within Arabia, where a crude form of idolatry was rampant, that Islam was propagated by warring against those tribes which did not accept the message of God--whereas Christians and Jews were not forced to convert. Outside of Arabia also the vast lands conquered by the Arab armies in a short period became Muslim not by force of the sword but by the appeal of the new religion. It was faith in One God and emphasis upon His Mercy that brought vast numbers of people into the fold of Islam. The new religion did not coerce people to convert. Many continued to remain Jews and Christians and to this day important communities of the followers of these faiths are found in Muslim lands. Moreover, the spread of Islam was not limited to its miraculous early expansion outside of Arabia. During later centuries the Turks embraced Islam peacefully as did a large number of the people of the Indian subcontinent and the Malay-speaking world. In Africa also, Islam has spread during the past two centuries even under the mighty power of European colonial rulers. Today Islam continues to grow not only in Africa but also in Europe and America where Muslims now comprise a notable minority.

General Characteristics of Islam

Islam was destined to become a world religion and to create a civilization which stretched from one end of the globe to the other. Already during the early Muslim caliphates, first the Arabs, then the Persians and later the Turks set about to create classical Islamic civilization. Later, in the 13th century, both Africa and India became great centers of Islamic civilization and soon thereafter Muslim kingdoms were established in the Malay-Indonesian world while Chinese Muslims flourished throughout China.

Please Click To Read more World Of Islam

Source : http://www.barkati.net/english/

Why do people misunderstand Islam? Azhari Channel

In this short excerpt (Arabic/English), Idris Tawfiq talks about three main reasons why people in the West misunderstand Islam.

Please click here to see The Beauty Of Islam - Priest embraces Islam!

Great women of Islam

Great women of Islam

View more documents from Xenia Y

by Xenia Y

greatwomenofislam-120125153114-phpapp01.pdf View Download

Quranic Way of Life :: The Best Way to Live life

In The name of Allah,The Most Merciful,The Most gracious

Quranic Way of Life :: The Best Way to Live life

quran al kareem

Many non-muslim claims Quran is book of terrorism,creates hates.

Geert Wilders,the Dutch MP says its book of violence…nauzbillah…but i’m sure he never read quran and he is Just a Lier….becoz The Facts are totally different,and this post will proove this…InshahAllah….

If You will Apply the guidance of Quran in your life,you can live the Best life,you will be loved by ALLAH (God) and indeed peoples too…

below are the few lessons you can apply in your life to live the BEST LIFE !

Some of the lessons from Quran that apply to our general living!

1. Respect and honor all human beings irrespective of their religion, colour, race, sex, language, status, property, birth, profession/job and so on [17/70]

2.Talk straight, to the point, without any ambiguity or deception [33/70]

3. Choose best words to speak and say them in the best possible way [17/53, 2/83]

4.Do not shout. Speak politely keeping your voice low. [31/19]

5.Always speak the truth. Shun words that are deceitful and ostentatious [22/30]

6. Do not confound truth with falsehood [2/42]

7.Say with your mouth what is in your heart [3/167]

8. Speak in a civilized manner in a language that is recognized by the society and is commonly used [4/5]

9. When you voice an opinion, be just, even if it is against a relative[6/152]

10. Do not be a bragging boaster [31/18]

11. Do not talk, listen or do anything vain [23/3, 28/55]

12. Do not participate in any paltry. If you pass near a futile play, then pass by with dignity [25/72]

13. Do not verge upon any immodesty or lewdness whether surreptitious or overt [6/151].

14. If, unintentionally, any misconduct occurs by you, then correct yourself expeditiously [3/134].

15. Do not be contemptuous or arrogant with people [31/18]

16. Do not walk haughtily or with conceit [17/37, 31/18]

17. Be moderate in thy pace [31/19]

18. Walk with humility and sedateness [25/63]

19. Keep your gazes lowered devoid of any lecherous leers and salacious stares [24/30-31, 40/19].

20. If you do not have complete knowledge about anything, better keep your mouth shut. You might think that speaking about something without full knowledge is a trivial matter. But it might have grave consequences [24/15-16]

21. When you hear something malicious about someone, keep a favorable view about him/her until you attain full knowledge about the matter. Consider others innocent until they are proven guilty with solid and truthful evidence [24/12-13]

22. Ascertain the truth of any news, lest you smite someone in ignorance and afterward repent of what you did[49/6]

23. Do not follow blindly any information of which you have no direct knowledge. (Using your faculties of perception and conception) you must verify it for yourself. In the Court of your Lord, you will be held accountable for your hearing, sight, and the faculty of reasoning [17/36].

24. Never think that you have reached the final stage of knowledge and nobody knows more than yourself. Remember! Above everyone endowed with knowledge is another endowed with more knowledge [12/76]. Even the Prophet [p.b.u.h] was asked to keep praying, “O My Sustainer! Advance
me in knowledge.” [20:114]

25. The believers are but a single Brotherhood. Live like members of one family, brothers and sisters unto one another [49/10].

26. Do not make mockery of others or ridicule others [49/11]

27. Do not defame others [49/11]

28. Do not insult others by nicknames [49/11]

29. Avoid suspicion and guesswork. Suspicion and guesswork might deplete your communal energy [49/12]

30. Spy not upon one another [49/12]

allah_quran

31. Do not backbite one another [49/12]

32. When you meet each other, offer good wishes and blessings for safety. One who conveys to you a message of safety and security and also when a courteous greeting is offered to you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous or (at least) of equal courtesy [4/86]

33. When you enter your own home or the home of somebody else, compliment the inmates [24/61]
34. Do not enter houses other than your own until you have sought permission; and then greet the inmates and wish them a life of blessing, purity and pleasure [24/27]

35. Treat kindly
” Your parents
” Relatives
” The orphans
” And those who have been left alone in the society [4/36]

36. Take care of
” The needy,
” The disabled
” Those whose hard earned income is insufficient to meet their needs
” And those whose businesses have stalled
” And those who have lost their jobs. [4/36]

37. Treat kindly ” Your related neighbours, and unrelated neighbours ” Companions by your side in public gatherings, or public transportation. [4/36]

38. Be generous to the needy wayfarer, the homeless son of the street, and the one who reaches you in a destitute condition [4/36]

39. Be nice to people who work under your care. [4/36]

40. Do not follow up what you have given to others to afflict them with reminders of your generosity [2/262].

41. Do not expect a return for your good behaviour, not even thanks [76/9]

42. Cooperate with one another in good deeds and do not cooperate with others in evil and bad matters [5/2]

43. Do no try to impress people on account of self-proclaimed virtues [53/32]

44. You should enjoin right conduct on others but mend your own ways first. Actions speak louder than words. You must first practice good deeds yourself, then preach [2/44]

45. Correct yourself and your families first [before trying to correct others] [66/6]

46.Pardon gracefully if anyone among you who commits a bad deed out of ignorance, and then repents and amends[6/54, 3/134]

47. Divert and sublimate your anger and potentially virulent emotions to creative energy, and become a source of tranquility and comfort to people [3/134]

48. Call people to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful exhortation. Reason with them most decently [16/125]

49. Leave to themselves those who do not give any importance to the Divine code and have adopted and consider it as mere play and amusement [6/70]

50. Sit not in the company of those who ridicule Divine Law unless they engage in some other conversation[4/140]

51. Do not be jealous of those who are blessed [4/54]

52. In your collective life, make rooms for others [58/11]

53. When invited to dine, Go at the appointed time. Do not arrive too early to wait for the preparation of meal or linger after eating to engage in bootless babble. Such things may cause inconvenience to the host [33/53]

54.Eat and drink [what is lawful] in moderation [7/31].

55. Do not squander your wealth senselessly [17/26]

56. Fulfill your promises and commitments [17/34]

57.Keep yourself clean, pure [9/108, 4/43, 5/6].

58. Dress-up in agreeable attire and adorn yourself with exquisite character from inside out[7/26]

59. Seek your provision only by fair endeavour [29/17, 2/188]

60. Do not devour the wealth and property of others unjustly, nor bribe the officials or the judges to deprive others of their possessions [2/188]

May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala make us from those who hear the advice and put it into action! Ameeen

Jazak Allah Khair for reading.
King

slave of ALLAH!

by: KING-slave of ALLAH
Thanks to http://islamgreatreligion.wordpress.com/