Islamic Finder - Lectures Khutbas: Education

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Missing Salat (Namaz, Prayer)

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From Nawfal Ibn Mu`aawiyah, radhiallahu anhu, that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: "Whoever missed the prayer, then it is as if he had lost his family and his wealth." (Ibn Hibban in his Sahih and it occurs in Saheehut-Targheeb 576) 
 
How would you feel, O Muslim brother, if you were to lose your precious son? How would you feel if you lost your wife? What pain would you feel if you lost your family? What would your grief be like if you lost both your family and your wealth? Indeed it would be an agonizing blow and terrible grief that a person should lose his family and wealth. Losing his family with whom he lived with and experienced such joy. 
 
The spacious earth would seem constricted for one who lost his family. He would experience distress, grief and agony. Then how about one who in addition lost his wealth? Fresh and sweet wealth which Allah made a support for us, how would you feel if that occurred, too? Then know that one who misses the prayer has indeed suffered a huge loss. (End of the chapter) 
 
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Summarized notes from the chapter on "The excellence of the prayer and its wiping away of sins and evil deeds": 
 
1. Allah wipes away sins through the five daily prayers. 
2. Prayer is an expiation of what is committed between them, as long as major sins are avoided. 
3. Sins destroy a person and ignite a fire for him which he must extinguish with prayers. 
4. The Muslim may reach the station of the sincere, the truthful and the martyrs through prayer, Zakat and fasting. 
5. Prayer's excellence over other actions. 
6. Allah the Most High blessed the companion by entering him into Paradise before his brother, the martyr, and that was because he performed more prayers than him. 
7. Prayer is a light which will make the way clear for the servant in this life and the Hereafter. 
8. The way to achieve companionship of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) in Paradise is to increase in performance of prostration and prayer. 
9. Performance of two Rak'ahs (units) would be more beloved to a deceased person than the world and all that it contains. 
10.Turning with one's heart to Allah in the prayer fully and sincerely, causes the Muslim to be as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him (i.e. free from sin). 
 
 
By: Shaikh Husayn al Awaaishah</div>

Missing Salat (Namaz, Prayer)

From Nawfal Ibn Mu`aawiyah, radhiallahu anhu, that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: "Whoever missed the prayer, then it is as if he had...

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

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Further reading .. Links for your pleasure .. InshaAllah with Allah's mercy we will all enter Paradise http://khutbahbank.org.uk/v2...

Tuesday, December 01, 2015

Contemplation in Man’s Creation

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The Qur’an urges Muslims to contemplate the universe to discover the facts of God’s 
existence. One of the ways that make man attain knowledge is through observation. Man is one of the witnesses and observers of the events in the universe. The universe is a book full of meanings that is waiting to be read. Many verses draw our attention to this, such as ‘Behold what is in the heavens and the earth!’ [11:101] 
 
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>The Qur’an also says, ‘We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth…’ [41:53] and says, ‘Do they not look at the sky above them? How We have made it and adorned it, and there are no flaws in it?’ and says, ‘Look, then, to the signs of God’s mercy —how He restores life to the earth after its death...’ [3] This calls our attention to man’s duty of observation. However, not everyone can make that observation. As indicated in the verse, there are many signs [things full of lessons] in the heavens and earth which people pass by and turn [their faces] away from them. The Qur’an also says, ‘Then do they not look at the camels – how they are created? And at the sky – how it is raised? 
 
And at the mountains – how they are erected? And at the earth – how it is spread out? [88: 17:20] 
Looking is different from seeing. Everyone looks at the universe but not everyone can see the secrets and the meanings in it. The verse ‘You see them looking towards you, yet they do not see.’ [5] indicates the difference between looking and seeing. 
 
The ones who see things that others cannot see, achieve the secrets of the book of the universe. If man gazes at the universe carefully, he can take an example and a lesson from everything. People, who have life in their hearts and contemplate the universe to discover a sign, can take a lesson from everything. Those who see everything as meaningless and go on their way in the darkness of disbelief are deprived of those wide and ample meanings. 
 
Dear brothers and sisters: 
Among the greatest signs that indicate God’ existence is the creation of the human body. The human body is the most complicated machine in the world. We see with it, hear with it, breathe with it, walk and run with it, and sense pleasure with it. Its bones, muscles, arteries, veins and internal organs are organized with marvellous design, and when we examine this design in detail we find even more amazing facts. Every part of the body, though each may seem to be so different from another, is made up of the same material: cells. Cells, each of which is one thousandth of a millimetre, are the structural units that form our body and everything in it. Some of these cells unite to form bones, others to form nerves, the liver, the inner layer of the stomach, the skin or the cornea of the eyeball. Each has the size and shape that exactly meet the requirement of that part of the body. Therefore, the Qur’an urges Muslim to look and contemplate the creation of this body. The Qur’an says, ‘And in yourselves; then will you not see? [51:21] 
 
God sometimes refers to the wonders of the earth and the sky in the Qur’an, and sometimes to the mysteries of the creation of living things as the various signs of His existence. One of the most important signs is His wondrous creation of human beings. In many verses, as a lesson to human beings, God advises them to turn and look at their own creation. He explains in detail how human beings come to be and what stages they pass through. In Surah 56, He tells of human creation: We created you, so why do you not confirm the truth? Have you thought about the sperm that you ejaculate? Is it you who create it or are We the Creator? [56: 57-59] 
 
The following verse reminds human beings that Almighty God is ‘the Best of Creators’. The Qur’an says, ‘And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators. [23:12-14] 
 
Dear brothers and sisters: 
It is your duty to think about how you came to exist, and to be grateful to God Who created you. Do not forget that the Lord Who created your body once and will create it once again when you die and will demand a reckoning. This is very easy for God, the Owner of eternal power. However, those who forget their creation and deny God and the Day of Judgement are heedless in the extreme. 
 
In the Qur’an, God reveals the following about such people: ‘Does not man see that We created him from a drop, yet there he is, an open antagonist! He makes likenesses of Us and forgets his own creation, saying, "Who will give life to bones when they are decayed?" Say "He Who made them in the first place will bring them back to life. He has total knowledge of each created thing.’ (36: 77-79) 
 
The Qur’an also confirms the stages of the human creation in another Surah and responds to those who deny resurrection. The Qur’an says, ‘O People, if you should be in doubt about the Resurrection, then [consider that] indeed, We created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then from a clinging clot, and then from a lump of flesh, formed and unformed – that We may show you. And We settle in the wombs whom We will for a specified term, then We bring you out as a child, and then [We develop you] that you may reach your [time of] maturity. 
And among you is he who is taken in [early] death, and among you is he who is returned to the most decrepit [old] age so that he knows, after [once having] knowledge, nothing. And you see the earth barren, but when We send down upon it rain, it quivers and swells and grows [something] of every beautiful kind. [Hajj 5] 
 
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Although all creation was created from one source, they are different in color, language, thought, and minds. The Qur’an confirms these facts and regards them as signs of His saying, ‘And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge.’ [30:22] 
 
God has also created people different in talents, skills, ages, provision, and made them on different levels. This reflects the wisdom and power of God. It also makes us reflect and contemplate in this power. 
 
Dear brothers and sisters: 
Allah has also created every organ in the body with purpose and made a job for this organ. Among the most important organ in the body in terms of goodness or corruption is the heart. The various limbs of the body are subservient to the heart, so whatever the heart decides upon, that action appears upon the limbs. So if the heart is good then the actions of the limbs are good, and if the heart is corrupt then the actions of the limbs are also corrupt. 
 
That is why the Prophet [pbuh] him said, ‘There is a piece of flesh in the body if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and that is the heart. [al-Bukhari] So, it is important to make and keep the heart pure, since it affects the rest of us. Thus we should look for ways to purify and preserve our hearts from being stained. 
 
It is important to ponder over and contemplate the creation of the universe, the heaven, the earth, the mountains, animals, seas, oceans...etc. It is also important to contemplate the creation of our body to see the greatness, power, wisdom of God. Sincere and deep contemplation will increase our faith, and belief in the oneness and greatness of God. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators. 
 
Finally I ask Allah to guide us all 
 
Sh. Khalifa Ezzat 
May 21, 2010 – Jumada At-Thani 7, 1431 
 
http://iccuk.org/page.php?section=religious&page=khutbas</div>

Contemplation in Man’s Creation

Dear brothers and sisters: The Qur’an urges Muslims to contemplate the universe to discover the facts of God’s existence. One of the ways...

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

The Power of Words

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My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam, 
Our khutbah today is about The Power of Words. No matter who we are, no matter where we live, or what we do in our daily lives, we all depend on the proper use of words, to convey our thoughts and feelings to one another…. Certainly the more articulate and wise we are in the use of words, the more effective we can be in our society. 
 
Whatever we choose to do as a career, we can certainly do it better by mastering the skill of good communication. But we must understand the power of words, and we must harness that power, in order to serve our wider responsibilities, and to serve Allah. Never be careless about words. Words are vital instruments. Words are the means by which we can study our past and leave a legacy for the future. It is the means chosen by Allah to reveal His message and to preserve it for future generations, for all time to come. 
 
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Words can be weapons. Words can wound, humiliate and inflict pain far greater than physical violence. Words can be used to inflame passions, to arouse anger, to declare war and to destroy. But just as potent as they are as weapons, Words can also heal wounds and make peace. They can be soothing to those in grief, they can offer hope to those in despair. Indeed, well-chosen words have a power and a beauty that can project well beyond one lifetime. Think of the great works of literature that still enrich our lives today, centuries after they were written. 
 
Islam is pre-eminently, a faith founded on the power of words. It is very significant that the prophetic mission of RasoolullaAaSallal lahi ‘alayhi wasallam, began with just one word, “Iqra’!" “Read!" 
 
 
The development and growth of Islam is due to the persuasive power of the Word of Allah, as it touched the hearts and minds of those seeking enlightenment, throughout the ages. 
 
The first verses to be revealed to Prophet Muhammad, declared the Power of the Divine Word: 
 
“Iqra’ bismi rabbi kallathee khalaq 
 
Khalaqal insana min ‘alaq 
 
Iqra’ warab bukal akram 
 
Allathee ‘al-lama bil qalam. 
 
Al-lamal insaana maa lam ya’lam… 
 
“Read, in the Name of your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) who created! 
 
Read, and your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) is most Gracious, 
 
He Who taught Man the use of the Pen; 
 
Taught Man that which he did not know.” 
 
Throughout the literature of Qur’an and Hadith, the Believers are urged to use words wisely in their relations with all people. Sura An-Nahl, sets this out eloquently in verse 125, 
 
“Ud’u ila sabili rabbika bil hikmati wal mou’eedatil hasanah…" 
 
“and invite to the path of your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer), using wisdom and beautiful preaching.” 
 
Wisdom and beautiful preaching, rather than words of anger or abuse, is what the Holy Qur’an prescribes. This is the only way we can hope to win the hearts and minds of others, to the way of Islam. 
 
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Who can forget the moment when Sayyidina ‘Omar first heard the words of Al-Qur’an? He had just been told that his sister had joined the Muslims, so in an angry rage he went over to her house, with his sword in hand. Then, just as he passed her open window, he heard the words of Allah being recited. These words carried such beauty and persuasive power, that it stopped an angry and aggressive man, in his tracks. As he stood and listened, it slowly melted his heart, and aroused such a deep desire within him, to identify and accept the Author of those beautiful verses. When he heard that these were the revealed words of Allah, he immediately went out to find Rasulullah, and to announce his acceptance Islam. 
 
Dear brothers and sisters, let us also, like Sayyidina ‘Omar, allow the beautiful words of Allah to tame our hearts and the desires within us, and to transform us into the noble Ambassadors of Allah, which is our Divine destiny. 
 
innallaha wa malaaikata yusallona alan nabi. Ya ay yuhal latheena amanu sallْoalayhi wasalli mْ tas leema. Allahumma salli ala Muhammad, wa ala ali Muhammad, kama salayta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali Ibrahim. Allahumma barik ala Muhammad, kama barakta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali ibrahim. Fil ala meen, innaka hameedun majeed. 
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam, 
 
Last year I heard a khutbah in South Africa, where a Sudanese brother used the term, Heart-to-heart missile. He was describing the power of sincere advice. When we find ourselves deeply moved by inspiring words, these words can touch our hearts in a special sort of way that changes our lives dramatically. It feels like being struck by a missile … in this case, a heart-to-heart missile. When this happens, we instinctively want to share the good news with our loved ones. And when they are affected in the same way, then they also, are hit by a heart-to-heart missile. 
 
We’ve heard of Cruise missiles, Scud missiles, and Patriot missiles, air-to-air and surface to air missiles. Sometimes they hit their targets, sometimes they don’t. A Sincere word, loving advice, the heart-to-heart missile never misses its target. In order to benefit, we must ensure that our hearts are pure, and soft, and receptive to guidance, then we can be targets for heart-to-heart missiles. And the more we purify our hearts, and allow ourselves to be influenced by good advice, the more Allah smiles on us, and gives us the honor to fulfill His Divine Plan. 
 
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Dear brothers and sisters, when we open our hearts to the influence of the Noble Qur’an, the Word of Allah will grow within us and make us strong. And when we strengthen our Faith, Iman, we can more effectively fight on the information battlefield. 
 
Today we hear terms like info-warrior, and the battle for hearts and minds. Yes, indeed there is a war of ideas, there is an information jihad out there, and we must do our best to present the message of Islam truthfully, powerfully and effectively. 
 
History teaches us that no power on earth can resist an idea whose time has come. In the 7th Century, Islam was the idea whose time had come. Islam saved mankind. Neither the Romans nor the Persians could stop it. Today, at the dawn of the 21st century, Communism lies dead and buried, and Islam remains the only real challenge to Secular Materialism. Today, Islam is the idea whose time has come. 
 
In many ways, the war of ideas, the battle for hearts and minds, is much more important than any military conflict. Military campaigns are won and lost, territories change hands over and again, but ideas endure. And in the realm of ideas, Islam will always triumph. Truth ultimately prevails over falsehood. This is borne out in the words of Al-Qur’an: 
 
“Wa qul ja-al haqqa wazahaqal batil. Innal batilla zahooqaa[n].” 
 
“Truth has come, and falsehood has perished; Falsehood by its nature, is bound to perish.” 
 
But dear brothers and sisters, although the ultimate victory of Islam is guaranteed by Allah, you and I must still work hard, to earn the good pleasure of our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer). Our place in al-Jannah is by no means guaranteed. You and I will be judged by our words and deeds, by our intentions and actions. 
 
In the information jihad, the most powerful weapons are not guns and missiles, but wise words and good actions. 
 
It is not enough for us to know Islam well. We Muslims must also become effective and influential communicators. We must master communications technology and psychology. Those of us who are gifted communicators, like our teachers, broadcasters, writers, poets and artists, must refine their skills till they attain a level of excellence ...then we must transmit the message of Islam in a beautiful, powerful and effective manner. 
 
Our dear Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.), was a communicator without equal. When he spoke, it was with absolute sincerity. His thoughts, and words and deeds were of the same substance. There was no contradiction in his personality. Armed with the Message of Truth from Allah, he was an information-warrior, and a military leader, a strategist and a statesman of exceptional brilliance. He commanded implicit obedience from his devoted followers, and even his enemies regarded him with deep admiration and respect. 
 
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One English writer who admired him greatly was Thomas Carlyle, who wrote these words 80 years ago in his book, (On Heroes and Hero Worship, and the Heroic in History, London, 1918). 
 
“… These Arabs, the man Muhammad, and that one century. It is as if a spark had fallen, one spark on a world of what seemed black unnoticeable sand, but lo, the sand proves explosive powder, blazes heaven high from Delhi to Grenada: I said: the Great Man was always as lightning out of heaven; the rest of the men waited on him like fuel, and then they too would flame … How one man single-handedly could weld warring tribes and wandering bedouins into a most powerful and civilised nation in less then twenty years….” . 
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam, 
 
Let us pray to Allah, subhanallahu ta ‘Ala, to help us become like the fuel that flamed with the light of Islam, many centuries ago, when Muslims led the world from darkness into light. Despite the material prosperity we see around us today, we do indeed live in an age of spiritual darkness. Modern man has a spiritual hunger that only Islam can satisfy. Dear Muslims, let us not fail in our duty, to hold up the light of Islam, in our thoughts, in our words, and in our actions. 
 
Let us also make a special prayer for those who are busy with exams at this time. Whether it be GCSE’s, A-levels, or university examinations. It can be a stressful time for them and for their families. May Allah in His infinite mercy and wisdom, help those who are writing exams, to achieve excellent results. May Allah guide us all in the correct use of words, in our exams, in our speech, in our work, our homes and in our relations with one another. May Allah guide us all, to use the right word, in the right place, at the right time. 
 
Ameen! 
 
By Sheikh Arshad Gamiet 
Royal Holloway College/Univ. of London /UK. 
2nd June 2000</div>

The Power of Words

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam, Our khutbah today is about The Power of Words. No matter who we are, no matter where we live, or ...

Monday, November 02, 2015

Questions and Answers About Islam Religion

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What is Islam? 
Islam is not a new religion. It is the same truth that God revealed to all His prophets throughout history. Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness that should not be associated with acts of violence against the innocent. The Quran is the record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. 
 
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The Meaning of Islam 
 
Islam is derived from the Arabic root "Salema": peace, purity, submission and obedience. In the religious sense, Islam means submission to the will of God and obedience to His law. 
 
Everything and every phenomenon in the world is administered totally by God-made laws, ie. they are obedient to God and submissive to his laws, they are in the State of Islam. Man possesses the qualities of intelligence and choice, thus he is invited to submit to the good will of God and obey His law, ie, become a Muslim. 
 
Submission to the good will of God, together with obedience to His beneficial Law, ie, becoming a Muslim, is the best safeguard for man's peace and harmony. 
 
Islam dates back to the age of Adam and its message has been conveyed to man by God's prophets and messengers, including Abrahim, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. 
 
Islam's message has been restored and enforced in the last stage of the religious evolution by God's last prophet and messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him - pbuh) 
 
The word Allah in the Arabic language means God, or more accurately, The One and Only Eternal God, Creator of the Universe, Lord of all lords, King of all kings, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. The word Allah to mean God is also used by Arabic speaking Jews and Christians. 
 
Islam Questions and Answers 
 
Why Islam ? - <a href="http://www.whyislam.org/submission/concept-of-god-submission/who-is-allah/" target="_blank">click here</a> 
 
What is Islam ? - <a href="http://whatsislam.com/" target="_blank">click here</a> 
 
Islam Questions & Answers Articles - <a href="http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/" target="_blank">click here</a> 
 
Islam Questions & Answers Videos - <a href="http://www.islamreligion.com/videos/" target="_blank">click here</a> 
 
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New Muslims Online Classes 
Muslim Now is the new Muslim department of iERA dedicated to welcome, empower and provide education for New Muslims - <a href="http://www.muslimnow.com/" target="_blank">click here for more information www.muslimnow.com</a>. Existing Muslims should also take note of this course material so that they may better communicate Islamic practices to new Muslims and non Muslims. It highly recommended for New Muslims to visit the local Mosque for one on one training (ask for it). 
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Download Quran in PDF 
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<li>Quran in English by Yusuf Ali - Download and/or read online <a href="http://islamtomorrow.com/downloads/Quran_YAli.pdf" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
<li>Quran in English by M. Pickthall - Download and/or read online <a href="http://islamtomorrow.com/downloads/QuranPikhtal.pdf" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
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Read Quran Online 
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<li>Quran in English and Arabic - <a href="http://www.quranful.com/" target="_blank">click here</a></li>
<li>Quran in English and Arabic - <a href="http://sahih-bukhari.com/Pages/Quran/Quran.php" target="_blank">click here</a></li>
<li>Quran in English, French, Chinese, Spanish and more - <a href="http://quran.com/1" target="_blank">click here</a></li>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Beginners Q and A</h3>
What is Islam? 
Islam is not a new religion. It is the same truth that God revealed to all His prophets throughout history. Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness that should not be associated with acts of violence against the innocent. 
 
Who are Muslims and what do they believe? 
There are an estimated 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide. No more than 20 percent of Muslims live in the Arabic-speaking world. The country with the largest Muslim population is Indonesia. Muslims believe in One, Unique, and Incomparable God. They believe in the Day of Judgement and individual accountability for actions. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets beginning with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus. God’s eternal message was reaffirmed and finalized by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on them all). One becomes a Muslim by saying, “There is no deity but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God.” By this declaration, the person announces faith in all of God’s messengers. 
 
What is the Quran? 
The Quran is the record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. It was memorized by Muhammad and then dictated to his companions. The text of the Quran was cross-checked during the life of the Prophet. The 114 chapters of the Quran have remained unchanged through the centuries. 
 
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What are the “Five Pillars” of Islam? 
 
1. The Declaration of Faith: This consists of the two sentence declaration described above. 
 
2. Prayer: Muslims perform five obligatory prayers each day. Islamic prayers are a direct link between the worshiper and God. Islam has no hierarchical authority or priesthood. A learned Muslim chosen by each congregation leads the prayers. 
 
3. Zakat: One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God and that wealth is held in trust by human beings. Zakat, or charitable giving, “purifies” wealth by setting aside a portion for those in need. This payment is usually two and a half percent of one’s capital. 
 
4. Fasting: Every year in the Islamic lunar month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from first light until sunset. The fast is another method of self-purification. 
 
5. Pilgrimage: A pilgrimage to Mecca, or Hajj, is an obligation for those who are physically or financially able. 
 
What about Muslim women? 
Under Islamic law, women have always had the right to own property, receive an education and otherwise take part in community life. Men and women are to be respected equally. The Islamic rules for modest dress apply to both women and men equally. (Men cannot expose certain parts of their bodies, wear gold or silk, etc.) If a particular society oppresses women, it does so in spite of Islam, not because of it. 
 
What is Jihad? 
“Jihad” does not mean “holy war.” Literally, jihad means to strive, struggle and exert effort. It is a central and broad Islamic concept that includes struggle against evil inclinations within oneself, struggle to improve the quality of life in society, struggle in the battlefield for self-defense (e.g., – having a standing army for national defense), or fighting against tyranny or oppression. 
 
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Islam is a Code of Life 
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Spiritual Life</li>
<li>Intellectual Life</li>
<li>Personal Life</li>
<li>Family Life</li>
<li>Social Life</li>
<li>Economical Life</li>
<li>Political Life</li>
<li>International Life</li>
</ol>
1. Spiritual Life 
 
Islamic prescription: Prayer, fasting, charity giving, pilgrimage, love for God and His Messenger, love for truth and humanity for the sake of God, hope and trust in God at all times and doing good for the sake of God. 
 
2. Intellectual Life 
 
Islamic prescription: True knowledge based on clear proofs and indisputable evidence acquired by experience or experiment or by both. The Quran points to the rich sources of knowledge in the whole universe. 
 
Islam demands faith in God on the basis of knowledge and research and leaves wide open all fields of thought before the intellect to penetrate as far as it can reach. 
 
3. Personal Life 
 
Islamic prescription: Purity and cleanliness, a healthy diet, proper clothing, proper behavior and good healthy sexual relations within marriage. 
 
4. Family Life 
 
Islamic prescription: A family is a human social group whose members are bound together by the bond of blood ties and/or marital relationship and nothing else (adoption, mutual alliance, common law, trial marriage. . . . etc.) 
 
Marriage is a religious duty on all who are capable of meetings its responsibilities. Each member of the family has rights and obligations. 
 
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5. Social Life 
 
Islamic prescription: Man/Woman is ordained by God to extend his/her utmost help and kindness to other family members, relations, servants and neighbors. No superiority on account of class, color, origin or wealth. 
 
Humanity represents one family springing from one and the same father and mother. The unity of humanity is not only in its origin but also in its ultimate aims. 
 
6. Economical Life 
 
Islamic prescription: Earning one's living through decent labor is not only a duty, but a great virtue as well. Earning is man's private possession. The individual is responsible for the prosperity of the state and the state is responsible for the security of the individual. 
 
The Islamic economic system is not based on arithmetical calculations alone but also on morals and principles. Man comes into this world empty-handed and departs empty-handed. The real owner of things is God alone. Man is simply a trustee. 
 
7. Political Life 
 
Islamic prescription: The sovereignty in the Islamic State belongs to God; the people exercise it by trust from Him to enforce His laws. 
 
The ruler is only an acting executive chosen by the people to serve them according to God's law. The State is to administer justice and provide security for ALL citizens (Muslims and Non-Muslims). 
 
Rulers and administrators must be chosen from the best qualified citizens. If an administration betrays the trust of God and the people, it has to be replaced. 
 
Non Muslims can administer their personal life of marriage, divorce, foods and inheritance according to the Islamic law or to their own religious teachings. They may pay Zakah (Islamic tax) or a different tax "Tributes" "Jizyah". They are entitled to full protection and security of the state including freedom of religion. 
 
8. International Life 
 
Islamic prescription: Man has a common origin, human status and aim. Other people's interests and rights to life, honor and property are respected as long as the rights of Muslims are intact. Transgression is forbidden. War is only justified if the state security is endangered. During war destruction of crops, animals and homes, killing non-fighting men, women, children and aged people are forbidden. 
 
Summary: Islam is a total submission to God and His laws. 
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Fear not the path of truth for the lack of people walking on it. 
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Articles of Faith 
 
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1. A Muslim believes in One God, Supreme and Eternal, Infinite and Mighty, Merciful and Compassionate, Creator and Provider. </div>
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God has no father nor mother, no sons nor daughters. He has not fathered anyone nor was He fathered. None equal to Him. He is God of all mankind, not of a special tribe or race.</div>
 
God is High and Supreme but He is very near to the pious thoughtful believers; He answers their prayers and helps them. He loves the people who love Him and forgives their sins. He gives them peace, happiness, knowledge and success. 
 
God is the Loving and the Provider, the Generous and the Benevolent, the Rich and the Independent, the Forgiving and the Clement, the Patient and the Appreciative, the Unique and the Protector, the Judge and the Peace. God's attributes are mentioned in the Quran. 
 
God creates in humans the mind to understand, the soul and conscience to be good and righteous, the feelings and sentiments to be kind and humane. If we try to count His favours upon us, we cannot, because they are countless. 
 
In return for all the great favours and mercy, God does not need anything from us, because he is Needless and Independent. 
 
God asks us to know Him, to love Him and to enforce His Law for our own benefit and our own good. 
 
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2. A Muslim believes in all the Messengers and Prophets of God without any discrimination.</div>
 
All messengers were mortals, human beings, endowed with Divine revelations and appointed by God to teach mankind. The Holy Quran mentions the names of 25 messengers and prophets and states that there are others. These include Noah, Abrahim, Ishmael, Isaac, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. Their message is the same and it is Islam and it came from One and the Same Source; God, and it is to submit to His will and to obey his law, ie, to become a Muslim. 
 
3. A Muslim believes in all scriptures and revelations of God, as they were complete and in their original versions. 
 
Revelations were given to guide the people to the right path of God. The Quran refers to the books revealed to Abrahim, Moses, David, Jesus and Muhammad. 
 
Today, the books before the Quran do not exist in their original form. They are lost or corrupted or concealed. Weakness in the early period of Judaism and Christianity are partly responsible. 
 
Today the Quran is the only authentic and complete book of God. No scholar has questioned the fact that the Quran today is the same as it was more than 1400 years ago. Muslims till today memorize the Quran word by word as a whole or in part. 
 
God who revealed the Quran is protecting it from being lost, corrupted, or concealed. 
 
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4. A Muslim believes in the angels of God. 
 
They are purely spiritual and splendid beings created by God. They require no food or drink or sleep. They have no physical desires nor material needs. 
 
Angels spend their time in the service of God. Each charged with a certain duty. Angels cannot be seen by the naked eyes. Knowledge and truth are not entirely confined to sensory knowledge or sensory perception alone. 
 
5. A Muslim believes in the day of Judgement. 
 
This world as we know it will come to an end and the dead will rise to stand for their final and fair trial. Everything we do, say, make, intend and think are accounted for and kept in accurate records. They are brought up on the day of Judgement. 
 
People with good records will be generously rewarded and warmly welcomed to God's Heaven. People with bad records will be fairly punished and cast into Hell. 
 
The real nature of Heaven and Hell are known to God only, but they are described by God in man's familiar terms in the Quran. 
 
If some good deeds are seen not to get full appreciation and credit in this life, they will receive full compensation and be widely acknowledged on the Day of Judgement. 
 
If some people who commit sins, neglect God and indulge in immoral activities seem superficially successful and prosperous in this life, absolute justice will be done to them on the Day of Judgement. 
 
The time of the Day of Judgement is only known to God and God alone. 
 
6. A Muslim believes in "Qadaa" and "Qadar". 
 
"Qadaa" and "Qadar" means the Timeless Knowledge of God and His power to plan and execute His plans. God is not indifferent to this world nor is He neutral to it. 
 
God is Wise, Just and Loving and whatever He does must have a good motive, although we may fail sometimes to understand it fully. 
 
We should have strong faith in God and accept whatever He does because our knowledge is limited and our thinking is based on individual consideration, whereas His knowledge is limitless and He plans on a universal basis. 
 
Man should think, plan, and make sound choices, but if things do not happen the way he wants, he should not lose faith and surrender himself to mental strains or shattering worries. 
 
7. A Muslim believes that the purpose of life is to worship God. 
 
Worshipping God does not mean we spend our entire lives in constant seclusion and absolute meditation. To worship God is to live life according to His commands, not to run away from it. 
 
To worship God is to know Him, to love Him, to obey His commands, to enforce His laws in every aspect of life, to serve His cause by doing right and shunning evil and to be just to Him, to ourselves and to our fellow human beings. 
 
8. A Muslim believes that humans enjoys an especially high ranking status in the hierarchy of all known creatures. 
 
Humans occupies this distinguished position because he alone is gifted with rational faculties and spiritual aspirations as well as powers of action. 
 
Humans are not a condemned race from birth to death, but a dignified being potentially capable of good and noble achievements. 
 
9. A Muslim believes that every person is born "Muslim". 
 
Every person is endowed by God with spiritual potential and intellectual inclination that can make him a good Muslim. 
 
Every person's birth takes place according to the will of God in realization of His plans and in submission to His commands. 
 
10. A Muslim believes that every person is born free from sin. 
 
When the person reaches the age of maturity and if he is sane, he becomes accountable for all his deeds and intentions. Man is free from sin until he commits sin. 
 
There is no inherited sin, no original sin. Adam committed the first sin, he prayed to God for pardon, and God granted Adam pardon. 
 
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11. A Muslim believes that man must work out his salvation through the guidance of God. 
 
No one can act on behalf of another or intercede between him and God. 
 
In order, to obtain salvation a person must combine faith and action, belief and practice. Faith without doing good deeds is as insufficient as doing good deeds without faith. 
 
12. A Muslim believes that God does not hold any person responsible until he has shown him the Right Way. 
 
If people do not know and have no way of knowing about Islam, they will not be responsible for failing to be Muslim. Every Muslim must preach Islam words and in action. 
 
13. A Muslim believes that faith is not complete when it is followed blindly or accepted unquestioningly. 
 
Man must build his faith on well-grounded convictions beyond any reasonable doubt and above uncertainty. 
 
Islam insured freedom to believe and forbids compulsion in religion. (one of the oldest synagogues and one of the oldest churches in the world are in Muslim countries). 
 
14. A Muslim believes that the Quran is the word of God revealed to prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel. 
 
The Quran was revealed from God on various occasions to answer questions, solve problems, settle disputes and to be man's best guide to the truth. 
 
The Quran was revealed in Arabic and it is still in its original and complete Arabic version until today. It is memorized by millions. 
 
15. A Muslim believes in a clear distinction between the Quran and the Traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. Whereas the Quran is the word of God, the Traditions of Prophet Muhammad (his teachings, sayings, and actions) are the practical interpretations of the Quran. 
 
Both the Quran and the Traditions of the Prophet Muhammad are the primary sources of knowledge in Islam.</div>
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Questions and Answers About Islam Religion

What is Islam? Islam is not a new religion. It is the same truth that God revealed to all His prophets throughout history. Islam is both...

Friday, October 23, 2015

Azan - Call to Pray Five Times a Day

The azan is the call given to announce that it is time for a particular obligatory Salah (ritual Prayer). Five times a day the azan is raised from mosques throughout the world. 
 
The person who gives the azan is called a muadhdhin. (refered to in English “muezzin”.) 
 
The azan begins with an affirmation of the supremacy of Allah (God). Then comes the shahadah (profession of faith), which consists of the profession of the Unity of Allah (God), the negation of shirk (polytheism), and the confirmation that Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him) is the Messenger of Allah (God). And after that, comes the call to the Prayer and to success — our eternal home in Paradise — which also implies our return to the Creator. Each line is repeated for emphasis. 
 
The words of the azan are as follows: 
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar.</li>
<li>Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar.</li>
<li>Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Ash-hadu alla ilaha illa-llah.</li>
<li>I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Ash-hadu alla ilaha illa-llah.</li>
<li>I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Ash-hadu anna Muhammadar-Rasulullah.</li>
<li>I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Ash-hadu anna Muhammadar-Rasulullah.</li>
<li>I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah, hayya ‘ala-s-Salah.</li>
<li>Hasten to the Prayer, hasten to the Prayer.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Hayya ‘ala-l-falah, hayya ‘ala-l-falah.</li>
<li>Hasten to real success, hasten to real success</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar.</li>
<li>Allah is the Greatest,Allah is the Greatest.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>La ilaha illa-llah</li>
<li>There is none worthy of worship but Allah.</li>
</ul>
In the azan for the Dawn Prayer (also commonly called the Fajr Prayer), the following words are added after Hayya ‘ala-l-falah: 
 
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>As-Salatu khairun min an-naum, As-Salatu khairun min an-naum.</li>
<li>Prayer is better than sleep, Prayer is better than sleep.</li>
</ul>
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">
Azan - Adzan - Adhan</div>
</div>

Azan - Call to Pray Five Times a Day

The azan is the call given to announce that it is time for a particular obligatory Salah (ritual Prayer). Five times a day t...

Friday, September 04, 2015

Knowledge and Learning

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All praise is due to Allah, Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the noble Messenger, his family and companions. 
 
Fellow Muslims! Knowledge and education occupy a great position in Islam. It is by knowledge that one increases one’s rank and wins valuable booty. “Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.” The Prophet Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoever takes a path in search for knowledge, Allaah will facilitate for him a path to Paradise.” (Muslim) 
 
Propagating knowledge is an obligation on everyone. It includes knowledge in all aspects of human life. the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Seeking for knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah)<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a> 
 
Brothers in faith! Each nation has goals and interests to achieve by its education. Nations strive to achieve lofty goals and objectives through their institutes of knowledge and education, the most prominent of which is inculcating in their growing generations the spirit of education, its concepts and types. 
An educationist was asked about the future of a nation and he replied, “Show me its educational system so that I can tell you about its future.” 
 
Therefore, learning and education in all their aspects are a great means for creating a generation that will believe in the concept of its nation and its values. They are also the vehicle of progress for the society as a whole. 
 
Fellow Muslims! Knowledge according to Islam is the guarantor of progress to any community by the permission of Allah. The only means that let it occupy a high position is its noble characters, virtues, development, civilization, reform and prosperity. 
 
In Islaam, knowledge has great goals that guarantee happiness for individuals and peace for societies in this world and the next. The Islaamic Ummah, being an Ummah of faith based on a divine message, aims at implementing Allaah’s law in this life in all its spheres. There is no wonder then that learning in all its forms becomes a tool for creating generations that will believe in what Islaam stands for and have faith in that true and pure creed that the message of Islaam preaches. 
 
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Islam encourages knowledge and learning and lays emphasis on education in its capacity as the basis and foundation through which correct concepts can be imbibed in men’s hearts about their Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer), and because of the effects that those concepts have like controlling one’s behavior and direction which consequently leads to victory and happiness for mankind. Allah says, 
 
“It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah.”  (Faatir 35: 28) 
 
Islam regards education as a tool for building a better society in all aspects of its life under the shade of complete adherence to the Way of Allah and criteria of rejection and acceptance laid down by His injunctions so that the life may be practically reformed. 
 
Allah told His Prophet (s.a.w.s.), 
“Say, (O Muhammad): ‘Verily, my Salaah (prayer), my sacrifice, my living and my dying are all for Allah, the Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of all the worlds. He has no partner.’”  (Al-An’aam 6: 162: 163) 
 
Education and learning in Islam are made to achieve goals that include – with Allah’s permission – producing generations that owe their thoughts and feelings to their Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) and follow the instructions of their religion in their cultural and imaginative life thereby making them proud of their faith, and making them direct their thoughts towards what will benefit them in their religious and worldly affairs. 
 
Brothers in Islam! Education in Islaam is a way of impressing noble concepts in the minds of young people so as to make them their guides in their behaviors and other aspects of their life. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  said, “I was sent only to perfect the noble characters.” 
 
Our religion encourages seeking for knowledge and awareness that provides good for individuals and communities and keep the life of this world moving in accordance to the will of Allaah. Allaah says, 
 
“And He has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth; it is all as a favour and kindness from Him.” (Al-Jaathiyah 45: 13) 
Therefore all aspects of knowledge that actualise  the concept of dignity of labour and inculcates sound ideas in the mind that leads to constructive deeds is one of the goals of Islam. Islam aims at producing a believing generation that works for its religion and its world and takes part in developing its Ummah and society within a framework of noble life full of honour, dignity and supremacy. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  said, “The strong believer is better than the weak one though in both of them there is good.” 
 
O teachers! O educators! Let these goals be the direction of all your attentions and let their actualisation in the Muslim youth be your aim. Create a youth that will owe his obligation to Islaam firstly and then to his country. 
Try your best to inculcate in their minds true allegiance and love for Islaam and for the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). Endeavour to let them know the realities of this religion. Teach them to hold fast to Islamic morals and noble conducts in their homes, schools, on the road, in the market place and in all fields of life. Those are your responsibilities and duties toward your Ummah; and know that, “Every one of you is a shepherd and each one of you will be held responsible for his flock.” 
 
Fellow Muslims! The enemies of Islam top their priorities with an education policy that will serve their interests and produce a generation that adopts their concepts and traditions and give them their allegiance. Allah says, 
 
“They wish that you reject faith as they have rejected (faith) and thus that you all become equal.” (An-Nisaa 4: 89) 
 
Enemies of Muslims plan to harm them and their religion by all means possible. One of their means of achieving that is that they storm the Muslim countries with educational systems that aim at depriving Muslims of allegiance to their religion and replaces their correct Islaamic concepts and traditions with secular ideas and an education that is based on freedom from religious obligations and neglecting of noble moral conducts.  These systems of education have infinite harm hidden in lack of regard for religion and exterminating its manners and qualities. 
 
Fear Allah, dear Muslims, keep to the path of your religion and endeavour to actualise its goals. Your affairs will be set right for you.  Your minds will be purified and you will live a happy life. 
 
Fellow Muslims! The best thing upon which one can exert his efforts and spend all his money and time is to seek for the knowledge of the Book of Allah; to learn it, reflect upon its meaning and understand it. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “The best among you is the one that learns the Qur’aan and then teaches it.” So, direct your children to learn the Qur’an and memorise it especially during this age that facilities for that are quite abundant. If you do that you will have commendable returns and happy results. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Allah raises some people with this Book and relegates others by it.” 
 
Let your endeavours be extended also towards teaching your children ahadeeth, the Prophet’s life history, his noble characters and his exalted virtues, for there is no good in any education that is devoid of those great concepts and lofty manners. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “When Allah wants good for someone, He gives him the understanding of the religion.” 
 
By Sheikh Husayn Aal-Sheikh 
Jumaadal-Aakhirah 12, 1422 (August 31, 2001)</div>

Knowledge and Learning

All praise is due to Allah, Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the noble Messenger, his f...

Monday, August 10, 2015

Qibla (Mecca) Direction Finder

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Qibla direction finder (direction to Mecca). 
 
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For your local Salat (Pray) time click <a href="http://www.islamicfinder.org/" target="_blank">www.IslamicFinder.org</a> 
 
Embed in your website the prayer direction towards the Ka'ba in Makkah at
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Qibla (Mecca) Direction Finder

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Monday, August 03, 2015

Effective Public Speaking in Islam

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Bismillah hir Rahmanir Rahiim 
Praise be to Allah I from Whom we ask help and pardon, and in Whom we take refuge from the evils within ourselves.  Verily, whoever Allah guides has no one who can lead him astray, and he whom He leads astray has no one to guide him. We testify that there is no god but Allah, and we testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. 
 
From the Islamic viewpoint, effective public speaking is the art and process of conveying the message of Islam (to others) with certain knowledge, wisdom and beautiful preaching for the pleasure of Allah. 
 
 
Allah, the Almighty, says: 
 
"Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and beware (of evil): if you do turn back, know you that it is Our Messenger's duty to convey (the Message) in the clearest manner."  (5:92) 
 
"Say (O Muhammad): This is my Way; I do invite unto Allah with a certain knowledge.  And whoever follows me (must also invite others to Allah, Oneness of Allah with sure knowledge). Glory to Allah!  And I am not of the polytheists."  (12: 108) 
 
"Invite (all) to the Way of your Rabb with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for your Rabb knows best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance."  (16:125) 
 
"Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says, `I am of those who bow in Islam?"  (41:33) 
 
From the above divine injunctions, we derive the following criteria of effective public speaking: 
 
First, public speaking must be one that pleases Allah the Almighty (i.e., according to the Quran and the Way/Sunnah of Allah's Messenger r) and therefore deserves His reward. 
 
Second, it must be done sincerely for the sole pleasure of Allah. 
 
Third, it is effective because it invites or calls people to Islam. 
 
Fourth, it is done with certain knowledge, wisdom and beautiful preaching. 
 
Fifth, the public speaker must be Muslim or righteous believers. 
 
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Note that public speaking which does not meet the above criteria is not considered effective from the Islamic point of view.  Thus, no matter how eloquent a speaker is, no matter how interesting his speech and no matter how people show their applause for his performance, the speech is considered a failure.  If the speaker learns excellence of speech just to gain fame and popularity instead of pleasing Allah I; and if he speaks nothing but forged speech instead of the Quran and the authentic Ahadith, the speaker gains nothing but punishment in the life Hereafter. 
 
Allah says: 
"There is the type of man whose speech about this world's life may dazzle you and he calls Allah to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies. When he turns his back his aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle.  But Allah loves not mischief.  When it is said to him Fear Allah he is led by arrogance to (more) crime.  Enough for him is Hell; an evil bed indeed (to lie on)!"   (2: 204-206) 
 
In line with the above Quranic Ayah (Verse) our Messenger r makes it very clear that learning the art of  speaking just to get the attention and praise of the public is a sin.  The same holds true in talking forged and/or evil speeches in the public.  Let us take admonitions in the following Ahadith  : 
 
Abu Hurairah t narrated that the Prophet r said: "On the Day of resurrection Allah will not accept repentance or ransom from him who learns excellence of speech to captivate thereby the hearts of men, or of people."   (Abu Dawud 4988) 
 
Abu Hurairah narrated t that the Prophet r said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)"  (Bukhari 3/127) 
 
Malik t  narrated that the Prophet r said, "Who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet. (i.e. abstain from dirty and evil talk, and should think before uttering)."  (Bukhari  8/157) 
 
Authentic knowledge of Islam and effective public speaking are taken as inseparable concepts in Islam.  Muslims who want to earn Allah's pleasure and eternal reward must strive to have authentic knowledge of Islam and be effective public speakers based on the Quran and the Sunnah.  Total personality development in Islam includes knowledge of the Quran and the authentic Sunnah (and or Ahadith  ) and effective public speaking. Effective public speaking requires that we must have authentic knowledge of Islam so that we become  righteous and that we practice what we say. 
 
Allah says: 
 
"Do you enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (to practice it) yourselves, and yet you study the scripture? Will you not understand?"  (2: 44) 
 
"O you who believe! Why say you that which you do not? Grievously hateful is it in the sight of Allah that you say that which you do not."  (61: 2-3) 
 
We Muslims must follow Allah's Messenger r  who has the best personality and who calls people to Islam.  We must follow the Prophet r because by doing so, we please Allah I and earn His ultimate reward. We must work hard to follow the Prophet r whose mission is to convey the Message of Islam. Let us help one another in enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.  The Almighty not only praises those Muslims (men and women) who enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong but also promises His Mercy to them: 
 
"You are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind.  You enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah..."   (3:110) 
 
"The Believers, men and women, are protectors, one to another. They enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil.  They observe regular prayers, pay zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger.  On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise."  (9:71) 
 
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Certainly, it is righteousness to have ample knowledge of Islam and be effective public speakers based on the Quran and the Sunnah by enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.  We Muslims must work for righteous deeds especially through effective speeches in conveying the Message of Islam so that we will be among those whom Allah I will admit in Paradise: 
 
"Truly, Allah will admit those who believe and work righteous deeds, to Gardens beneath which rivers flow. They shall be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and pearls; and their garments there will be of silk. For they have been guided (in this life) to the purest of speeches; they have been guided to the Path of Him Who is Worthy of (all) Praise." (22:23-24) 
 
Let us show our love and devotion to Allah I and earn His ultimate reward by following His Messenger r. We must remember that one way by which we show love to our Creator is by following the Prophet r.  Allah I tells us: 
 
Say: "If you do love Allah follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins for Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful."  (3:31) 
 
Let us follow the Prophet r in conveying Islam to others, as it is his very Sunnah.  To do this, we must have first of all the correct knowledge of Islam.  This is not only essential but also a divine commandment from Allah I, which we must do.   The Most High says: 
 
"Say (O Muhammad): 'This is my Way; I do invite unto Allah with a certain knowledge.  And whoever follows me (must also invite others to Allah, Oneness of Allah with sure knowledge). Glory to Allah!  And I am not of the polytheists.'"  (12: 108) 
 
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The above injunction implies that to be successful in our Dawah, we must have the correct knowledge of the Quran and the Sunnah.  These divine sources of knowledge develop us to have firm and sincere belief in  Allah I, His Book (the Quran), in His Messenger r and in Islam as a whole  and be able to do righteous deeds  for the pleasure of the Almighty.   In this way, we attain the ultimate success that Allah the Exalted promises to the Muslim believers: 
 
"But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness.  We shall soon admit them to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, to dwell therein forever.  Allah promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allah?"   (4:122) 
 
"The believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers practice regular charity and obey Allah and His Messenger.  On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power Wise. Allah has promised the believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss.  But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allah: that is the supreme success." (9:71-72) 
 
If you are interested to learn how to be an effective writer and public speaker or to know  more about Islam in order to  attain success, click on WISDOM. 
 
By Mamarinta Omar Mababaya and Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya 
<div>
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Compliments from 
Wisdom Enrichment Foundation (WEFOUND) 
http://www.wefound.org 
E-Mail Address:  wisdom@wefound.org 
 
"Our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)!  Accept (this service) from us. Verily, You are the All-Hearing, the All Knowing." (Quran 2:127) 
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Effective Public Speaking in Islam

Bismillah hir Rahmanir Rahiim Praise be to Allah I from Whom we ask help and pardon, and in Whom we take refuge from the evils within o...

Monday, July 06, 2015

The Crime of Concealing Knowledge

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Embracing and conveying the knowledge of revelation is an obligation and sacred trust upon the scholars and the inheritors of the Message. A great reward is promised for those who teach people the knowledge of revelation. Conversely, a severe punishment is prepared for those learned men who conceal and hide the revealed truth out of envy or for the sake of a worldly desire. Allah (s.w.t.) in His Noble Qur'an informs us about how previous nations deviated and warns us from following their path. Amongst the deviations of the People of the Book is that they used to conceal revealed knowledge for a cheap gain. Are Muslims today following their footsteps? 
 
159. Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidence and guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers. 
 
160. Except those who repent and do righteous deeds, and openly declare (the truth which they concealed). These, I will accept their repentance. And I am the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. 
[Surah 2, Al-Baqarah] 
 
 
The Occasion of Revelation 
 
These verses were revealed in response to the People of the Book when they were asked about Biblical prophecy of Muhammad (s.a.w). Ibn Abbas (r.a.a) narrates that Mu'aath bin Jabal and other companions asked some Jewish Rabbis about Muhammad as mentioned in their Book. They concealed Muhammad's description and did not inform of his forthcoming out of hatred and envy1. Allah (s.w.t) then revealed, "Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs .." 
 
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The General Meaning of the Verses 
 
Allah the Most High openly declares in these verses His abomination with those who conceal and obscure the clear signs and certain proofs regarding the truthfulness of Muhammad (s.a.w) and that he is the Messenger of Allah. Those who intentionally veil the expected prophecy and advent of Muhammad even though they are well aware of his characteristics which are mentioned in their books, "Those who follow the Messenger, Prophet who can neither read or write [i.e. Muhammad (s.a.w)] whom they find written with them in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)."2 They juggle the laws of religion and tamper with the Taurat and the Injeel and thus deserve expulsion from Allah's Mercy and warrant the curse of angels and mankind in all. 
 
On the other hand, everything in this world asks forgiveness for the true scholar, even the fish in the sea, as mentioned in a Hadith. The exception from Allah's curse are for those who repent and feel remorse from concealing religious knowledge, do righteous deeds by believing in Muhammad (s.a.w), and openly declare the revelation and truth of the Prophets which they concealed. Hence, the sign of a true and sincere repentance is doing righteous deeds and declaring the truth and acting upon it, followed by trust in Allah's Mercy and acceptance of the repentance. These repentant learned people will have their repentance accepted and the Most Merciful will inundate them with rivers of mercy and forgiveness. 
 
Although these verses were revealed in response to the scholars of the People of the Book, its theme comprehends all those who conceal the Words of Allah and distorts the laws of His Shari'ah. This implication is based on the scholarly principle, 'the lesson to be learned is derived from the generality of the expression and not from the particular occasion.' This interpretation is true and is further supplemented by the Prophet's articulation: "He who is asked about something he knows and conceals it, will have a bridle of fire put on him on the Day of Resurrection"3 Furthermore, the Sahabah who are the eloquent Arabs and the authoritative source in interpreting the Qur'an, understood the generality of these verses and that it also includes Muslims alike. Abu Hurairah (r.a.a) said: "Had it not been for two verses in the Qur'an, I would not have narrated a single Hadith, and the verses are: 'Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidence and guidance, which We have sent down ... (up to) ... the Most Merciful.'" [Bukhari] 
 
The Sacred Trust 
 
The wisdom and guidance that Allah (s.w.t) revealed and the divine laws and commands that He sent down are for the benefit of the entire humanity. Comprehending and conveying the knowledge of revelation is an obligation and sacred trust upon the Prophets, scholars and learned people. Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr (r.a.a), the Prophet (s.a.w) said, "Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single verse or a sentence (from the Qur'an or the Sunnah)." [Bukhari] Therefore, hiding and veiling the Truth from the people is an infringement on the essence of the Message that Allah has revealed to His prophets and messengers. It is also a betrayal of the duty that Allah has entrusted the scholars with, "(And remember) when Allah took a covenant from those who were given the Scripture to make it known and clear to mankind, and not to hide it." [3:187] For those reasons, Allah (s.w.t) has prepared severe punishment for those who conceal knowledge from people, aside from those who tamper with the Law of Allah and distort His Shari'ah. Indeed, concealing revealknowledge is a great crime and sin that deserves the Curse of Allah and exclusion from His Mercy. 
 
The verses clearly demonstrate how Islam devotes its followers to the dissemination of knowledge and enlightenment, in order to propagate the Message and extricate the Ummah from the iniquity of ignorance and misguidance. The dissemination of knowledge is an act of worship, while the concealment of it is a crime and sin. Unfortunately, today's Muslim Ummah did not learn the lesson from nations of previous scriptures, but on the contrary, followed the footsteps of the People of the Book, as foretold in numerous Ahadith. Widespread ignorance and corruption soon followed, as Allah's Messenger (s.a.w) said: "From among the portents of the Hour are (the following): 
 
- Religious knowledge will be taken away (by the death of religious sincere learned men). 
- (Religious) ignorance will prevail. 
- Drinking of alcoholic drinks (will be very common). 
- There will be prevalence of open illegal sexual intercourse."4 
 
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The compelling need for honest scholars of Islam who understand their times and who can sincerely declare the truth, is felt by all Muslims. Yet we observe many Sheikhs and learned Muslim figures garnish the falsehood of tyrant regimes and indulge in the adornments offered by at-Taghut, and so "they throw it (Allah's covenant entrusted to the scholars) away behind their backs, and purchased with it some miserable gain! And indeed worst is that which they bought." [3:187] The Muslims must not listen to or follow those so called 'Ulama' as-Sultan (court scholars), who while claiming to be scholars in the service of Islam, are dissolving the identity of falsehood and distorting the rulings of the Shari'ah to harmonise with the Taghut's desires and with the subverted condition of the Ummah. 
 
We ask Allah (s.w.t) to protect the scholars of this Ummah, the guardians of the Deen, from deviation and concealment of the truth. O Allah, we take refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being overpowered by men . 
 
Footnotes 
1. As-Seyooti, Ad-dorarr al-Manthoor, vol 1: p161. See Rawa'ii al-Bayaan (5th Ed.), vol 1: p148. 
2. There exists in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel), even after the original text has been distorted, clear prophecies indicating the coming of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w), e.g. In John 14:15-16, "If you love me, keep my commandments. And I shall pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter (i.e. Muhammad) that he may abide (i.e. his laws and way of life known as Shari'ah and the Qur'an) with you forever." See also, Deut. 18:18, 21:21; Psl. 118:22-23; Isa. 42:1-13; Hab. 3:3-4; Matt. 21:42-43; Jn. 26-28, 16:7-14. (The Interpretation of the Meanings of the Noble Qur'an, p256) 
3. Narrated by Abu Hurairah (r.a.a). Collected by Ahmad, Abu Dawood, at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah and al-Hakim. 
4. Bukhari. Ch 13: 71 What is said regarding the disappearance of the religious knowledge and the appearance of religious ignorance. 
 
By Br. Khalid El-Gharib - This article was published in the 23rd issue of Nida'ul Islam magazine (http://www.islam.org.au), April - May 1998 
 </div>

The Crime of Concealing Knowledge

Embracing and conveying the knowledge of revelation is an obligation and sacred trust upon the scholars and the inheritors of the Messag...

Wednesday, July 01, 2015

Islamisation of the Educational System

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All praise is due to Allaah. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, his household and companions. 
 
Fellow Muslims! I Implore you and myself to fear Allaah, for whoever fears Allaah, He will provide for him light, knowledge and His pleasure and fill his mind with confidence, peace and faith: 
 
“O you who believe! If you obey and fear Allaah, He will grant you a criterion (to judge between right and wrong) and will expiate for you your sins, and forgive you, and Allaah is the owner of the Great Bounty.”  (Al-Anfaal 8: 29) 
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“O you who believe! Fear Allaah and believe in His Messenger, He will give you a double portion of His Mercy and He will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight) and He will forgive you. And Allaah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Al-Hadeed 57: 28) 
 
Respect the limits of Allaah and keep to His commandments for you have a pursuer from Allaah and He has invigilators and reckoners over you. Learn lessons from those who were before you, before you become lessons for others and send forth good deeds for yourselves, you will find them with Allaah. 
 
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Brothers in Islaam! Every human civilisation has its period; it grows, blossoms and then vanishes. The Islaamic civilisation, however, is an everlasting civilisation; it does not degenerate not does it wane because it possesses an inner power by the permission of Allaah. It derives its power of existence from the perfect and favoured religion of Allaah. Allaah (s.w.t.) subhanahu wa ta’ala says, 
 
“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you and chosen Islaam for you as your religion.” (Al-Maa’idah 5: 3) 
 
As long as this ummah holds fast to its Islaam and helps its cause, its civilisation will continue growing and progressing and it will not know any weakness nor degeneration no matter how circumstances are: 
 
“So do not become weak against your enemies nor be sad and you will be superior (in victory) if you are indeed (true) believers.” (Aal-‘Imraan 3: 139) 
 
Equally, there is for every nation a civilisation in matters of its belief, religious rites, customs and social relations. Every respected nation forms for itself principles of education that guarantee a safe climate where it can prepare its young generations for its beliefs and concepts and create in them enthusiasm for them and the will to defend them. 
 
Brothers in Islaam! The talk about vitality, steadiness and progress in human civilisations attests to the fact that knowledge and its systems have their vigour, essence and impacts. This spirit is the reality of this knowledge and its deep effects. The knowledge that Islaam established bears within it the spirit of belief in Allaah and of fear in Him, belief in the unseen and belief in the Last Day. It is also full of noble characters and virtues. On the contrary, the system of knowledge that was laid down by paganistic nations such as the Greeks, Romans and others contain only the spirit of the period of ignorance and polytheism. The same can also be said of educational systems that are based on heresy, atheism, materialism and utter disregard for all that cannot be physically felt or bring forth any quick and mundane benefit. This spirit is inherent in their consciences, educational systems, ideologies, philosophies, poetry, narrations and literature. Educational systems of atheist nations and civilisations cannot be like the systems of a believing nation; it can never be suitable for it nor can it be compatible with it. 
 
Fellow Muslims! When this is so, what does the knowledge, education and awareness mean to a community which does not have a dignifying personality, a message, a creed in which it believes, fundamentals which it has affinity to spiritually and physically or a message that it adopts and calls others to? 
 
O Muslims! O educators! Every right-thinking Muslim who loves his religion, his ummah and his country will take an assessing look at the condition of education in many Muslim countries in the light of profits and losses that are being made by these educational policies which these Muslim countries use in their schools, institutions and universities. What is the proportion of the progress achieved to the spent efforts and money? What have our children and the youths gained there from? What is the horrible ideological anarchy, contradictory views and ideas, doubting in matter of religion, indifference towards obligatory acts, revolting against all morals and blind imitation of non-Muslims which are noticed in most of our youths? Why are many of them blind and in spiritual darkness? Why do they denounce themselves and believe in others? The reason for this is that Islaam has become dead in their hearts, they are carried away by other people’s products, they talk gibberish and walk in an effeminate manner. Education did not impress self-confidence in their hearts nor did it tell them of their position or strengthen their aspirations. It did not create in them any sense of responsibility. They are killed without war and their hearts and minds are preoccupied with the thoughts of materials and fashionable dress. 
 
Brothers in faith! Now is the time to take a serious stance and examine ourselves sincerely. We must admit the failure of the foreign educational systems. They have woefully failed to positively educate the individuals and the community. These imported educational systems actually carried out either  of these two things: promoted atheism or separated between religion and worldly matters. These are the fundamentals upon which their studies and theories are based hence taking care of only worldly matters and alienating religion from education. 
 
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O educationists! It should be clear to all that sciences, arts, systems and educational theories that appeared – and still are appearing – in the West, East or any other place in the world are merely human experiments in which their authors may be sometimes wrong or right. The useful aspects of those sciences may be taken after making sure that they are free from elements of atheism, corruption and scorning for virtues; one should then give them the touch of eeman before one uses them. 
 
“(Our religion is the religion of Allaah) and which religion can be better than Allaah’s” (Al-Baqarah 1: 138) 
 
It is illogical and unwise for this ummah to adopt these foreign sciences and theories wholly with all their elements of corruption that they contain. Rather, they should lead to increased eeman, piety and God-consciousness. 
 
“It is only those who have knowledge among his slaves that fear Allaah.” (35: 28) 
 
Allaah also says when describing some qualities of men of understanding: 
 
“… and think deeply about the creation of the heaven and the earth saying, ‘Our Rabb! You have not created (all) this without purpose. Glory be to You. Give us salvation from the torment of the fire.” (Aal-‘Imraan 3: 191) 
 
Brothers in faith! The issue of education is one of the major issues in Islaamic countries. It is an issue in its own right because the nation of Islaam is a special one in its nature, policy and goals. It is a nation that possesses a concept, creed, message and Jihaad; hence, education and learning should be subjected to its concepts, its creed and message and all types of education or learning that do not carry these meanings are regarded as betrayal to this ummah. 
 
In Islaam, education does not leave room for sheer human efforts and imported concepts and ideologies to control Muslims and divided them into progressive, reactionaries, socialists, capitalists or whatever. 
 
Education, dear brothers, should not be a commodity to be exported. It is rather a system that reflects the reality of a community and its features. Education should be a system that embodies the aims of the community. It should embody its firm belief, its language, its exemplary way of life and its history. 
 
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Muslims therefore need an educational system and policy that suits their nature and is compatible with their noble values in their belief, law, and spirit of jihad in order to regain their glory. 
 
It should be an education system upon which the life of the Muslim can be built and that can include all the classes of the Muslim society that will remain part of his life. 
 
Islaamic education system is the one that caters for all stages of one’s learning life from kindergarten to the highest degree and causes great change in society through reform, uprightness and regaining of the lost glory.  Islaamic education reforms the hearts and purifies the mind.  It recognises talents and human differences. 
 
Education in the Islaamic view means creating real men, refining their intellect, safeguarding manners and actualising the goal of all fields of knowledge  in order that man may be able to live his life in this world according to his noble goals and sublime objectives. 
 
Education is an undertaking by a Muslim to reform himself in matters of his belief, worship and conduct. It is an effort that one puts in order to achieve happiness in this world and the next. 
 
O educators! Whatever people say about happiness and its meaning, it is a sure fact that education in Islaam means to preserve those values upon which Islaam is built, to fight in that cause and transfer it sincerely to the coming generations. 
 
We Muslims know that there is a clear difference between disbelief and belief; religion and atheism; abiding by Islaamic injunctions and slackening in upholding them; the lawful and forbidden. We have lines of demarcation for all that. As for others, their creeds are unclear. Allaah (s.w.t.) says, 
 
“You (true believers in Islaamic monotheism) are the best of people ever raised up for mankind all that  is good and forbid all that is evil.” (Aal-Imaraan 3: 110) 
 
Fellow Muslims! Fellow educators! Now is the time to formulate an education system and policy in all Muslim countries that will be purely Islaamic in all its aspects. Knowledge should be  recorded and books authored in the spirit of Islaam and in such a way that nothing thereof will be contradictory to it.  (We need to organize) a system of education that will create eeaman and certainty.  If the Muslim ummah can do that it will be creating generations that will think Islaamically. This is in fact a huge responsibility but with energy and above that the permission of Allaah, it will be easy to carry out. Committees and commissions must be set up under the shade of Islaamic governments and their support to carry out these duties and it will be easy insha Allaah with sincerity and determination. Allaah (s.w.t.) says, 
 
“And say (O Muhammad) ‘Do deeds! Allaah will see your deeds and (so will) His Messenger and the believers. And you will be brought back to the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. Then He will inform you of what you used to do.” (At-Tawbah 9: 105) 
 
It is through the Islaamic education that a Muslim can become a productive member of his society and carry out the duty of succession he is assigned to perfectly; then, Allaah will increase him in power and grant him good enjoyment. Allaah (s.w.t.) says, 
 
“And seek the forgiveness of your Rabb (Cherisher and SUstainer) and turn to Him that He may grant you good enjoyment for a term appointed and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace.”  (Hood 11: 2) 
 
He also says, 
 
“Ask forgiveness of your Rabb and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain and add strength to your strength.”   (Hood 11: 52) 
 
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Islaamic education is rich in great concepts that encourage piety, mercy, altruism, forgiveness, brotherhood and strength. It recognises the rights of Allaah, rights of parents and that of the old and weak people and gives each his due right. Islaamic education promotes morals and ethics like manners of greeting, seeking permission to enter other people’s homes, talking, eating, seeking for knowledge, and visiting the sick. 
 
Islaamic education encourages setting good examples, mutual admonition, sincere acts of worship, seeking the truth, academic research and serious learning. It also protects from arrogance, hatred, jealousy, hypocrisy, self-delusion, love of this worldly life, following the desires, stinginess, etc. 
 
The path of education in Islaam is the straight path, the path of those on whom Allaah has bestowed His Grace of the Prophets, the Siddiqoon (those followers of the Prophets who were first to believe in them like Abu Bakr), the martyrs and the righteous. And how excellent these companions are. It is far from the path of those who have earned Allaah’s wrath and of those who have gone astray. 
 
The Glorious Qur’aan and the pure sunnah are the foundation of Islaamic education in all its stages and the first and foremost model is our Prophet Muhammad –(Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him. It is through him that Allaah taught us that knowledge should proceed sayings and deeds where He says, 
 
“So know that none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah, and ask forgiveness for your sins and also for the sins of believing men and women.” (Muhammad 47: 19) 
 
May Allaah provide for the Muslims, their leaders, educators and scholars the light of knowledge, pure conscience, honesty in sayings and deeds and adherence to the straight path of Allaah. 
 
By Sheikh Saalih bin Humayd, PhD 
Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Makkah Al Mukkaramah 
Jumaaddal-Aakhirah 12, 1422 (August 31, 2001)</div>

Islamisation of the Educational System

All praise is due to Allaah. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, his household and companions. Fellow Muslims! I Implore you ...

Thursday, June 25, 2015