Islamic Finder - Lectures Khutbas

Experience the journey to Mecca in 360 degrees

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Source: <a href="http://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/hajj360/index.html" target="_blank">http://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/hajj360/index.html</a><br />
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<b>What is Hajj?</b><br />
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The Hajj (/hædʒ/;[1] Arabic: حج‎ Ḥaǧǧ "pilgrimage") is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and can support their family during their absence.[2][3][4] It is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, and Sawm. The gathering during Hajj is considered the largest annual gathering of people in the world.[5][6] The state of being physically and financially capable of performing the Hajj is called istita'ah, and a Muslim who fulfills this condition is called a mustati. The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to God (Allah).[7][8] The word Hajj means "to intend a journey", which connotes both the outward act of a journey and the inward act of intentions.[9]<br />
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The pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to 12th (or in some cases 13th[10]) of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar and the Islamic year is about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian year, the Gregorian date of Hajj changes from year to year. Ihram is the name given to the special spiritual state in which pilgrims wear two white sheets of seamless cloth and abstain from certain actions.[7][11][12]<br />
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The Hajj is associated with the life of Islamic prophet Muhammad from the 7th century, but the ritual of pilgrimage to Mecca is considered by Muslims to stretch back thousands of years to the time of Abraham. During Hajj, pilgrims join processions of hundreds of thousands of people, who simultaneously converge on Mecca for the week of the Hajj, and perform a series of rituals: each person walks counter-clockwise seven times around the Ka'aba (the cube-shaped building and the direction of prayer for the Muslims), runs back and forth between the hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah, drinks from the Zamzam Well, goes to the plains of Mount Arafat to stand in vigil, spends a night in the plain of Muzdalifa, and performs symbolic stoning of the devil by throwing stones at three pillars. The pilgrims then shave their heads, perform a ritual of animal sacrifice, and celebrate the three-day global festival of Eid al-Adha.[13][14][15][16]<br />
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Pilgrims can also go to Mecca to perform the rituals at other times of the year. This is sometimes called the "lesser pilgrimage", or Umrah. However, even if they choose to perform the Umrah, they are still obligated to perform the Hajj at some other point in their lifetime if they have the means to do so.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hajj" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hajj</a></div>

Experience the journey to Mecca in 360 degrees

Source: http://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/hajj360/index.html What is Hajj? The Hajj (/hædʒ/;[1] Arabic: حج‎ Ḥaǧǧ "pilgrimag...

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Did you know .. First Islamic college in the USA was established in March 2015

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In March 2015, <b>Zaytuna College</b> (<a href="https://www.zaytuna.edu/" target="_blank">https://www.zaytuna.edu</a>), a liberal-arts school based in Berkeley, California USA, announced that it was formally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), one of the six official academic bodies responsible for the authorizing public and private colleges and universities in the United States.<br />
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<b>This is the first Islamic college in the USA.</b><br />
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“Today, Zaytuna’s accreditation roots this vision in a reality recognized within American higher education,” Hamza Yusuf, president of the college, said in a statement celebrating the announcement.<br />
The statement also added, “[Accreditation] helps ensure that Zaytuna successfully fulfills the objectives outlined in its curriculum, which grounds its students in both the Islamic and Western scholarly traditions.”<br />
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According to the school’s website, Zaytuna was founded in 1996 as an institute and briefly operated as an Islamic seminary before dedicating itself to becoming a Muslim liberal arts college in 2009. It welcomed its first freshman class in 2010, and conferred its first undergraduate degrees in 2014. It has a student body of around 30 students, and offers a B.A. in Islamic Law and Theology and courses in politics, astronomy, and American history, among others. In a video chronicling the school’s pursuit of accreditation, Colleen Keyes, vice president of academic affairs, explained that the school’s goal is “to prepare and educate students, who are morally committed spiritual, intellectual, and professional leaders who are grounded in the Islamic tradition and conversant with … modern society.”<br />
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Religiously-affiliated colleges are plentiful in the United States, but the vast majority are Christian, such as Liberty University, the University of Notre Dame, Kenyon College, or Boston College. There are a few Jewish higher education institutions such as Brandeis and Yeshiva University, and even some Buddhist schools, but there were no accredited American Muslim colleges until Zaytuna was recognized by WASC on Sunday. The school says it does not discriminate in admissions on the basis “of age, race, sex, religion, or national/ethnic origin in the admission of applicants.”<br />
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In its letter granting Zaytuna accreditation, WASC lauded the school for its “rigorous and high-quality learning experience, one that… can be viewed as an exemplar in the liberal arts tradition.”<br />
Zaytuna was co-founded by Hatem Bazian, who doubles as a senior lecturer at UC Berkeley, as well as Hamza Yusuf and Zaid Shakir, both prominent American converts to Islam. Yusuf, an influential Muslim scholar who was granted the title of Sheik at 28 in Mauritania, in West Africa, has been called “the most influential Islamic scholar in the Western world.” Similarly, Shakir who earned degrees from American University and Rutgers before pursing Islamic studies in Syria, was lifted up by Jewish magazine Tikkun as “one of the most thoughtful and dynamic teachers about the true nature of Islam in America today.”<br />
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All three men have been the subjects of minor controversy in decades past, but have become passionate defenders of moderate Islam in recent years, with Yusuf and Shakir often traveling together to give talks to Muslim students across America denouncing extremism. According to a 2006 New York Times profile of Yusuf and Shakir, they reportedly see Islam not as a monolithic entity, but a tradition that “is open to a diversity of interpretations honed by centuries of scholars.” The Times also reported that Yusuf hosted a popular TV reality show in the mid-2000s in which he bussed groups of Arabs across the United States to break down Arab stereotypes about Americans, introducing the travelers to people such as antiwar protesters demonstrating outside the Republican National Convention.<br />
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Administrators say that while being the first accredited Muslim school is an honor, they hope their success leads to greater acceptance of their style of Islamic education — and Muslims at large.<br />
“[Accreditation] gives our community its first accredited academic address in the United States,” Yusuf said. “And we hope, God willing, that there will be more such Muslim colleges and universities to come.”<br />
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<a href="https://www.zaytuna.edu/" target="_blank">https://www.zaytuna.edu</a> </div>
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Source: <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/education/2015/03/10/3632189/america-just-got-first-accredited-muslim-college/" target="_blank">http://thinkprogress.org/education/2015/03/10/3632189/america-just-got-first-accredited-muslim-college/</a> </div>
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Did you know .. First Islamic college in the USA was established in March 2015

In March 2015, Zaytuna College ( https://www.zaytuna.edu ), a liberal-arts school based in Berkeley, California USA, announced that it ...

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Rediscover the Adhan – a Call from Someone Special

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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 23.8px;">While we are busy in the hustle and bustle of everyday life; piles of paperwork, messy kitchens, tantrum-ing toddlers, traveling and errands; a crisp and serene Adhan fills the horizon with its sweetness. The voice of a Muedhin echoes five times a day to remind us of Allah. We tend to forget Him as He is not visible to our eyes but the Adhan acts as a wonderful reminder. Do not forget your creator; Allah is Ever – Present. Allah </span><a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 23.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: 300ms, 300ms, 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="SWT" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8174" height="28" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="23" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 23.8px;"> says in the Quran: “Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.” (Surah Taha, 20:14)</span></div>
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<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Listen Attentively to the Call</strong></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How would you feel if you call someone and they do not respond? They ignore you and go about as if they haven’t heard or care. What if it is someone who is indebted to your favors and love?</span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Someone is taking care of you 24/7 and all that you have and are is because of Him. Do you pay attention when He summons you? Won’t you go blushing and rushing forward if a representative of a president or a minister comes for you? Allah is the greatest of all kings. We should pay attention, and listen carefully to His call – the Adhan.</span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Although it is not obligatory, the scholars agree that it is recommended <sup class="footnote" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); font-size: 11px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/rediscover-adhan-call-someone-special/#fn-14339-1" id="fnref-14339-1" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: blue; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;">1</a></sup> to listen attentively to the Adhan and answer it in the way taught by Prophet Muhammad <a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/saw-e1435236304866.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="saw" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12633" height="22" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/saw-e1435236304866.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="22" /></a>. It is a virtuous act that carries great rewards – Paradise, forgiveness and the intercession of the Prophet <a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/saw-e1435236304866.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="saw" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12633" height="22" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/saw-e1435236304866.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="22" /></a>.</span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Allah’s Messenger <a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/saw-e1435236304866.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="saw" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12633" height="22" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/saw-e1435236304866.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="22" /></a> said, “Whoever after listening to the Adhan says, ‘Allahumma Rabba hadhihi-dda` watit-tammah, was-salatil qa’imah, ati Muhammadan al-wasilata wal-fadilah, wa b`ath-hu maqaman mahmudan-il-ladhi wa`adtahu’ [O Allah! Lord of this perfect call (perfect by not ascribing partners to You) and of the regular prayer which is going to be established, give Muhammad the right of intercession and illustriousness, and resurrect him to the best and the highest place in Paradise that You promised him (of)], then my intercession for him will be allowed on the Day of Resurrection”. </span><a href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/rediscover-adhan-call-someone-special/#fn-14339-2" id="fnref-14339-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: blue; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 18.7px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;">2</a></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Messenger of Allah <a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/saw-e1435236304866.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="saw" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12633" height="22" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/saw-e1435236304866.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="22" /></a> also informed us: “When the Mu’adhin says: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, then one of you should make this response: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest; (and when the Mu’adhin) says: I testify that there is no god but Allah, one should respond: I testify that there is no god but Allah, and when he says: I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, one should make a response: I testify that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger. When he (the Mu’adhin) says: Come to prayer, one should make a response: There is no might and no power except with Allah. When he (the Mu’adhin) says: Come to salvation, one should respond: There is no might and no power except with Allah, and when he (the Mu’adhin) says: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, then make a response: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. When he (the Mu’adhin) says: There is no god but Allah, and he who makes a response from the heart: There is no god but Allah, he will enter Paradise. <sup class="footnote" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); font-size: 11px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/rediscover-adhan-call-someone-special/#fn-14339-3" id="fnref-14339-3" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: blue; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;">3</a></sup></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It is stated in another hadith, ‘If anyone says on hearing the Mu’adhin:</span></div>
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<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="arabic_text_details arabic" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ رَضِيتُ بِاللَّهِ رَبًّا وَبِمُحَمَّدٍ رَسُولاً وَبِالإِسْلاَمِ دِينًا</span></strong>) I testify that there is no god but Allah alone. Who has no partner, and that Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger, (and that) I am satisfied with Allah as my Lord, with Muhammad as Messenger. and with Islam as din (code of life), his sins would be forgiven.’ <sup class="footnote" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); font-size: 11px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/rediscover-adhan-call-someone-special/#fn-14339-4" id="fnref-14339-4" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: blue; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;">4</a></sup></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The benefit of paying attention to the call is that we will hasten to answer it in the best way.</span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Now let’s take a look at the phrases that are repeated in the Adhan and their significance in our lives.</span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Allah u Akbar – Allah is the Greatest</strong></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Allahu Akbar” is the most repeated phrase in the Adhan and Salah. We affirm that Allah <a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="SWT" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8174" height="28" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="23" /></a> is the greatest more than thirty times in each Salah. He is greater than our desires, our activities, our family, our friends and all.</span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If I, despite hearing the adhan, keep chatting on my laptop or stay sleeping I should reconsider my position; do I really believe Allah is the <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">greatest</strong>? I know it is time for Salah but I forsake it in order to complete my office work or some college assignment. Is my work greater and more important than Allah?</span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">When we believe that someone is great, we turn to them in awe. we rush to fulfill their requests and don’t miss any opportunity to meet and talk to them. We ask for their advice and care for their pleasure. Similarly, the one who truly accepts Allah<a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="SWT" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8174" height="28" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="23" /></a> as the greatest will place Allah<a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="SWT" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8174" height="28" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="23" /></a> above all and will worry for what His pleasure lies in. Allah<a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="SWT" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8174" height="28" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="23" /></a> is the greatest and no person, no power or entity is near to being equal to Him. Our actions must reflect this strong belief in Allah<a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="SWT" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8174" height="28" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="23" /></a>. The adhan is not just anybody calling, it is the call of Allah<a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="SWT" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8174" height="28" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="23" /></a> for you.</span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I testify there is no god but Allah<a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="SWT" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8174" height="28" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="23" /></a></strong></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This phrase reinforces the Shahadah in our hearts and minds. We affirm that no one is worthy of my worship, complete obedience and submission other than Allah. Whenever I am faced with the demands of my heart, parents, siblings, spouse, family and society I first need to check with Allah; does this comply with His pleasure? It is only Him that I turn to, only Him that I supplicate for help and assistance and only His laws and Shariah that I follow. By saying ‘La’ we negate all deities beside Allah.</span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I testify that Muhammad <a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/saw-e1435236304866.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="saw" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12633" height="22" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/saw-e1435236304866.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="22" /></a> is the Messenger of Allah</strong></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Whenever a Messenger was sent to people, he was not sent just so that people would write about him, praise him, mention his noble acts in conferences and seminars and sing nasheeds about him. Rather, the purpose of sending messengers is that people obey them and follow their guidance. Allah<a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="SWT" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8174" height="28" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="23" /></a> says in the Quran:</span></div>
<blockquote style="background: 20px 24px / 24px 20px no-repeat rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px solid rgb(229, 229, 229); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 30px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 20px 20px 0px 60px; quotes: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“And We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed by permission of Allah.” (Surah Nisa, 4: 64)</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Five times a day the Adhan reminds us of our relationship with the final messenger – Muhammad <a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/saw-e1435236304866.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="saw" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12633" height="22" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/saw-e1435236304866.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="22" /></a>. We affirm; yes I have accepted you as my guide and will follow your footsteps throughout my life. I affirm that going against your teachings doesn’t befit me. The Adhan motivates us to get to know him, strengthen our relationship with him, understand his mission and strive to follow him.</span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Come towards success</strong></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Muedhin proclaims, ‘Hayya alas Salah; come towards prayer, Hayya alal Falah; come towards success.’ Do we believe that our success and salvation lies in Salah? When we believe that our success lies in a degree or a business opportunity we exhaust ourselves for its sake. We keep thinking about it, talking about it, planning for it and our whole life revolves around it. If a child gets a ‘C’ grade, the whole family will worry, but what about prayers? Do our efforts, thoughts, worries and plans reach the same degree? Shouldn’t we eagerly rush towards Salah to succeed in both the worlds?</span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Moreover, Adhan is a call to duty. Imagine a boss calling for someone, yet the employee does not answer for a whole week or a whole month. Won’t he be fired? Meanwhile, the slaves of Allah <a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="SWT" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8174" height="28" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="23" /></a> are being called upon five times every day and they don’t budge. Or if they do, they stand up with heavy hearts. Will these soldiers of Allah <a data-rel="fancybox" href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: black; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="SWT" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8174" height="28" src="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SWT.gif" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); height: auto; margin: 2px !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="23" /></a> be considered as loyal and faithful? A faithful servant will rush to respond to the call of his Master, whether he is sleeping, busy in a party, enjoying shopping or in a business meeting.</span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">From now onwards, let us listen closely to everything being said in the Adhan and respond to it with our hearts. May Allah aid us in praying the prayer He loves. Ameen!</span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This is the second article in the series ‘What do we say in our Salah?’ Click <span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: blue; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/what-do-we-say-in-our-salah/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: blue; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">here</a></span> for the first part. Click<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: blue; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/SALAH.pdf" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: blue; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;">here</a></span> to download a <span style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229 , 229 , 229); color: blue; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/SALAH.pdf" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: blue; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;">word-for-word translation of Salah</a>.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="footnotes" id="footnotes-14339" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: grey; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<li id="fn-14339-1" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">  http://islamqa.info/en/101582 <span class="footnotereverse" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/rediscover-adhan-call-someone-special/#fnref-14339-1" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: blue; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="↩" class="emoji" draggable="false" src="http://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/72x72/21a9.png" style="background: none !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; display: inline !important; height: 1em !important; margin: 0px 0.07em !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: -0.1em !important; width: 1em !important;" /></a></span></li>
<li id="fn-14339-2" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">  Bukhari: http://sunnah.com/bukhari/10/12 <span class="footnotereverse" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/rediscover-adhan-call-someone-special/#fnref-14339-2" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: blue; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="↩" class="emoji" draggable="false" src="http://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/72x72/21a9.png" style="background: none !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; display: inline !important; height: 1em !important; margin: 0px 0.07em !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: -0.1em !important; width: 1em !important;" /></a></span></li>
<li id="fn-14339-3" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">  Muslim: http://sunnah.com/muslim/4/14 <span class="footnotereverse" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/rediscover-adhan-call-someone-special/#fnref-14339-3" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: blue; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="↩" class="emoji" draggable="false" src="http://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/72x72/21a9.png" style="background: none !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; display: inline !important; height: 1em !important; margin: 0px 0.07em !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: -0.1em !important; width: 1em !important;" /></a></span></li>
<li id="fn-14339-4" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">  Muslim: http://sunnah.com/muslim/4/15 <span class="footnotereverse" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/rediscover-adhan-call-someone-special/#fnref-14339-4" style="background: transparent; border: 0px rgb(229, 229, 229); color: blue; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 300ms, background-color 300ms, opacity 300ms; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="↩" class="emoji" draggable="false" src="http://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/72x72/21a9.png" style="background: none !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; display: inline !important; height: 1em !important; margin: 0px 0.07em !important; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: -0.1em !important; width: 1em !important;" /></a></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
Source: <a href="http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/rediscover-adhan-call-someone-special/" target="_blank">http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/rediscover-adhan-call-someone-special/</a> </div>
</div>
</div>

Rediscover the Adhan – a Call from Someone Special

While we are busy in the hustle and bustle of everyday life; piles of paperwork, messy kitchens, tantrum-ing toddlers, traveling and er...

Thursday, February 25, 2016

"1st in Flight - 1st All Women Flight Crew" ... In the World

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<br />
Royal Brunei Airlines.<br />
<br />
RB's first ever female trio at the flight deck; Captain Sharifah Czarena, Senior First Officer Sariana and Senior First Officer Dk Nadiah in the flight deck prior to operating flight BI081 from Brunei to Jeddah wishes Brunei Darussalam a "Happy 32nd National Day" . We are the Nation's "Generation with a Vision"; we are the tomorrow.<br />
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<br />
The photo was taken before flight BI081 took off from Brunei to Jeddah.<br />
<br />
"1st in Flight -- 1st All Women Flight Crew"<br />
<br />
Muslims are accused of oppressing women - right?<br />
<br />
So how come The Very First All Woman Flight Trio - in the cockpit of this huge airliner - Of All Women are - MUSLIM WOMEN!<br />
<br />
By the way, the 1st Woman Deen of a university (Azhar in Cairo) was a Muslim woman over 1,000 years ago.<br />
<br />
Islam's women have always been at the forefront of medicine, science and technology even at the time of prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, over 1,400 years ago.<br />
<br />
Well the non-Muslims have only recently started giving women respect/rights (less than 100 years). However they do like Greek history (heritage), leaving out things like the men treating women as play things.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.worldbulletin.net/asia-pacific/169785/brunei-national-airlines-all-female-flight-crew" target="_blank">http://www.worldbulletin.net/asia-pacific/169785/brunei-national-airlines-all-female-flight-crew</a><br />
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"1st in Flight - 1st All Women Flight Crew" ... In the World

Royal Brunei Airlines. RB's first ever female trio at the flight deck; Captain Sharifah Czarena, Senior First Officer Sariana and ...

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Scoring Goals and Setting Goals

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<br />
“As-salámu 'alaikum wa rahmatul láhi wa barakátuh!”  [Wait for adhán]<br />
<br />
“A-úthu billáhi minash shaytánir rajeem.  Bismilláhir rahmánir raheem.<br />
<br />
Al hamdu lillahi nahmaduhu wanasta’eenahu, wanastagh-firuhu, wanatoobu ilayhi, wana’oothu Billaahi min shuroori an-fusinaa, wamin sayyi aati a’maalinaa.<br />
<br />
May- Yahdillahu fa huwal muhtad, wa may- yudlill falan tajidaa lahu waliyan murshida. Wa ash-hadu an Laa ilaaha ill-Alláh, wahdahoo laa shareeka lah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhoo warasooluh”<br />
<br />
All Praise is due to Alláh, We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our own evils and our own bad deeds.<br />
<br />
Anyone who is guided by Alláh, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him.<br />
<br />
I bear witness that there is no god but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad, sws, is His servant, and His messenger.<br />
<br />
My respected Brothers and Sisters in Islam,<br />
<br />
 Football fever is all around us these days. And those who know the game will tell you that it’s all about scoring goals. Our khutbah today is also about goals, but goals of a different kind. I want us to think about the goals we all strive for, throughout life: our lifetime goals.<br />
<br />
 Britain today is a country of many cultures. We speak different languages and our parents have come from many different parts of the world. Yet I am sure each one of us is likely to have some burning ambition, some clear objective or ideal that drives us forward through each day. It may be a deadline for our homework or coursework, it may be a forthcoming exam or a karate or Tae-kwondo grading session, or we may be working towards a particular career that we want to pursue after leaving school. Consciously or subconsciously, we all have short term, medium or long-term goals, which we hope to achieve before our life is over. The difference from soccer is that in real life, no one knows when the final whistle will blow. No one knows just how, when and where our life will end. Muslims are reminded to live each day as if it is our last day, and to pray every prayer as if it is our last prayer. We must therefore be totally focussed and sincere in what we do.<br />
<br />
In order to achieve any goal, there is nearly always an economic dimension. We need money to get things done. No matter how noble or generous we want to be, we still need some degree of financial independence for ourselves, in order to get what we want. This is simply in the nature of things. We may not want to be wealthy just for own sake, to show off and live a flashy lifestyle, but, in order to be more effective in society we must be able to stand on our own feet financially.<br />
<br />
Therefore, we need to work to earn money to do what we would like to do. The danger is that the means can sometimes become the end in itself. How many young people have not set out in life, with high ideals of making the world a better place for all, only to be distracted along the way? How many young have not become mere consumers, buying all the latest gadgets and fashionable clothes, enjoying all the material pleasures of life and forgetting that their life should really have a higher and nobler purpose? <br />
<br />
Many people work hard, get rich, and look back with a sense of pride in what they’ve achieved. It’s human. That pride then drives them to more effort that brings more wealth that brings more pride, and so on. But worldly success is meaningless if one does not aspire to a higher and nobler objective.<br />
<br />
 In Sura Al Imran, verse 14, Allah remind us:<br />
<br />
<b> "Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons; heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world's life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (to return to)."</b><br />
<br />
 Allah wants us to enjoy the fruits of our hard work. He wants us to work hard to enjoy a nice car and a nice home in a nice neighbourhood, but not so much as to distract us from worshipping him. Some religions teach that in order to grow spiritually, you must deny yourself the pleasures of this world. You may have to spend time in a monastery or become an ascetic. Islam is unique among all religions in that it teaches life fulfilment, not life denial. Islam teaches that the worlds of the body and the spirit should live in harmony, not conflict. In our daily prayers, we say:<br />
<br />
 Rabbanaa aatina fid dunya hasanatan wafil aakhirati hasanatan wa qinaa athaa ban naar.<br />
<br />
<b> “O my Lord, please grant me the best of this world, and the best of the hereafter, and save me from the torment of the fire.”</b><br />
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 We have to get our work/family/home/community/and leisure balance right.<br />
<br />
 Many of our parents came to Britain from other places, to find work and a better life. They have made a kind of Hegira, or Migration, just as Prophet Muhammad sws migrated from Makka to Madina. That first Hegira was for survival, because his life was in danger. We must make sure that our parents’ migration to Britain was not just for a better life for themselves and their children. We must make sure that our presence in this beautiful country will be a benefit to everyone who lives here. Our country has problems of delinquency, failed marriages, drug and alcohol abuse. We can and we should be working to put things right. Even if our parents’ migration was mainly economic, we can extend that purpose to include good citizenship, and being good and inspiring role models of what Islam can offer the modern world. That should be our intention. One hadith, narrated by Sayyidina Omar ibn al Khattab, says:<br />
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 "Actions are judged by their intention and everyone shall have only what  he intended. Therefore he who migrated for Allah and His messenger, his migration was for Allah and His messenger; and he whose migration was to achieve some worldly benefit or to take some woman in marriage, his migration will be judged that for which he intended."<br />
<br />
 My dear brothers and sisters, let us dedicate ourselves to the service of Allah. Whether our parents came here to study, to work, to run a business, to seek political asylum, or to enjoy a better life in general, let us make sure that our daily concerns always focus on improving ourselves, our neighbourhood and our environment. This will bring us nearer to Allah. Let us in our spiritual life, make the hejira, the migration, from what pleases us to what pleases Allah. It means, in essence, that we must aim to rise above our selfishness, our vanity and self-indulgence. We must try to fulfil the purpose which Allah decreed for us, which is, to be His Khaleefatullaah,  His ambassadors on earth.<br />
<br />
 Innalláha wa malaaikata yusallúna alan nabi. Yá ay yuhal latheena ámanu sallú alayhi wasalli mú tas leema. Allahumma salli alá Muhammad, wa ala áli Muhammad, kama salayta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali Ibrahim. Allahumma barik ala Muhammad, kama barakta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali ibrahim. Fil ála meen, innaka hameedun majeed.<br />
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 Sub' hanallahi wal hamdu lillah, wala hawla wala quwwata illah billah yu althi yual theem<br />
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 All Glory is for Allah, all Praise is for Allah; There is no power and no strength, except from Allah.<br />
<br />
 Dear Brothers and Sisters,<br />
<br />
 Let us all try to make our Goals in life, well-balanced and pleasing to Allah swt. Allah told His angels that He created us so that we can be his Ambassadors on earth. Remember you are all Ambassadors of Islam. As young students, your immediate goal is to do well at school so that you can do well in life generally after you leave school. All the time, you are being observed by others, and your behaviour is how people will judge all Muslims and their religion. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s also an opportunity to show how beautiful Islam is.<br />
<br />
<b>Here are a few tips to bear in mind:</b><br />
<br />
Islam teaches purity and cleanliness, in body, mind and spirit. Summer is coming, the days are hot. We all perspire, and it can be unpleasant to be near someone whose body or clothes aren’t clean. Make sure you always have a bath or shower every day, and wear clean clothes every day.<br />
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Islam teaches excellence. Don’t be satisfied with mediocrity, by just giving your minimum effort and getting average results. Prophet Muhammad sws and his noble Companions, the sahaaba, were not average people. They strived to be excellent human beings. They became role models for people throughout history. They were the best Ambassadors for Islam. We must study their lives for inspiration. We must work hard, and do well. We must try to be the best at what we do, in school subjects, hobbies, or sport.<br />
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Choose your friends wisely, Avoid bad company and do not be shy or embarrassed about being ‘different’. Prophet Muhammad said that if you spend 40 days in someone’s company, you become like them. Make sure you spend time with people who are a good influence on you.<br />
I will end this khutbah with a duah, a plea to Allah:<br />
<br />
“O my Lord, do not let our hearts deviate from the Truth now that we have been guided; but grant us Mercy from Your very Presence, for You are the Giver of bounties without measure.”<br />
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Rabbana la tuzigh quloobanaa, ba’da ith haday tanaa, wa hablanaa milla dunka Rahma. Innaka antal Wah-haab.<br />
<br />
Ameen.                 <br />
Aqeemus salaah!<br />
<br />
A short khutbah for Slough Grammar School 26th May 2006<br />
by Arshad Gamiet<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.khutbahbank.org.uk/Royal_Holloway_khutbahs/school%20khutbah%20scoring%20goals%20setting%20goals.htm" target="_blank">http://www.khutbahbank.org.uk/Royal_Holloway_khutbahs/school%20khutbah%20scoring%20goals%20setting%20goals.htm</a><br />
<br /></div>

Scoring Goals and Setting Goals

“As-salámu 'alaikum wa rahmatul láhi wa barakátuh!” [Wait for adhán] “A-úthu billáhi minash shaytánir rajeem. Bismilláhir rahmán...

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Why Islam and Why are you a Muslim

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<br />
All Praise is due to Alláh, We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our own evils and our own bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Alláh, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no god but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad, SAW, is His servant, and His messenger.<br />
<br />
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem!<br />
<br />
O You who believe, – Fear Allah, as He should be feared, and die not except as Muslims.<br />
Ya Ay-yuhal-latheena ‘aamanut taqul-laaha, wa qooloo qawlan sadeedaa. Yuslih-lakum a’maalakum wayaghfir lakum thunoobakum, wamay yu-til-laaha warasoolah, faqad faaza fawzan atheemaa.”<br />
<br />
O You who believe, – Be aware of Allah, and speak a straightforward word. He will forgive your sins and repair your deeds. And whoever takes Allah and His Prophet as a guide, has already achieved a mighty victory.<br />
<br />
Dear Brothers and Sisters,<br />
<br />
Most of you probably have been asked by someone on this question, “Are you a Muslim?”. And I believe 100%, all of you must be answer it steadily “yes, I am”. But, have you ever been asked by someone else about the following question, “Why are you a Muslim”? Or probably you may ever asked this question to yourself, “Why am I a Muslim?”. In more general question “Why Islam?”. Of course, this will make you stop answering that question immediately and start to think about it.<br />
<br />
For most of us, the answer might be “Oh, it’s easy. It’s because I was born and raised in a Muslim family”. But, is this the correct answer? Is this the answer that we really want? So, what happened if we weren’t born in a Muslim family? Are We still be a Muslim or not? Indeed, all of these questions are the questions that I asked myself almost a decade ago. But, as you can see, I am here right now, standing in front of you and I could say with dignity that “I am a Muslim and I am proud of it”.<br />
<br />
I am standing in front of you not to lecturing you about Islam and why you should choose Islam. But, at least, I could share my experience in my adventure of finding the answers. Before I proceed, it is better for us to really understand what Islam is about.<br />
<br />
The word Islam means voluntary “Submission”, “Surrender”, or “obedience” to the Will of God. It derives from the root word “salam”, meaning peace. Those who try to perform these actions are called”MU-islams” shortly Muslims and equivalently, here we can say it [Islam-ERs]<br />
<br />
Islam recognizes that human kind has free choice in whether to obey or disobey God, but ultimately we will be held accountable to God in the next life for the choices that we make in this life.<br />
<br />
God sent Prophets to teach mankind how to worship Him; starting with Adam a.s., including Noah a.s.,Abraham a.s., Moses a.s., Jesus or Isa a.s. and the last of the messengers, Muhammad (SAW). The Islamic position is that all of these prophets came with the same message, that there is no deity worthy of worship except the One True God, Allah.<br />
<br />
Islam recognizes the close relationship between the body and soul. Whereas the body originates from the earth and has a defined period of life on this earth, the soul originates from God and does not die.Islam encourages the individual to focus on keeping the soul healthy, through the remembrance,obedience and worship of God. Islam teaches that it is through the doing of good deeds and seeking the pleasure of God that souls find true happiness and peace. It is in this context that the word Islam derives from the root word ‘salam’, or peace.<br />
<br />
Now, after knowing what Islam is, we can start to answer the question “why Islam”. And the simple answer that came to me is “Islam gives me the purpose of life”. People everywhere are asking the questions; “What is the purpose of life?”, “Why are we here in this world?” and “Where are we going to go after we die?”. You might be amazed to learn, that Islam is providing clear and concise answers for these questions.<br />
<br />
Most of those who reflect or think about life in any detail will consider and ponder these questions.There are as many different answers to these questions. Some would hold that the purpose of life was to acquire wealth. But think carefully, suppose the purpose of life is to become wealthy, this means that there would be no purpose after becoming wealthy.<br />
<br />
A child of 5 years would obviously prefer a new toy to a deposit slip for a million dollars. A teenager does not consider millions of dollars in the bank as substitute for movies, videos, pizza and hanging out with his friends. A person in their 80s or 90s would never consider holding on to their wealth in place of spending it to hold on to or regain their health. This proves that money is not the main purpose at all for the stages of one’s life.<br />
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<br />
Meanwhile Islam can provide you the answer. In the Quran Surah Al Qasas 56, Allah defines that the only purpose for which He created mankind is to Worship Him.<br />
<br />
To a Muslim the whole purpose of life is “ibadah” or worship to the One True Almighty God on Terms and under His Conditions. The term “worship” to a Muslim includes any and all acts of obedience to Almighty Allah.Islam teaches us that this life is only a test or trial for the individual to show him his true nature. It is only natural that he would accept death as not so much an ending to everything but more as a beginning of the final and lasting life in the Hereafter.<br />
<br />
Before entering into either of the final lodging places i.e.; Heaven or Hell, there must be a Day of Judgment or showing of one’s true self to make them aware of their own nature and thereby understand what they have sent on ahead during the life here on the earth.<br />
<br />
Every person will be rewarded [or punished] according to their attitude, appreciation, and efforts during this stay on earth. None will be asked about the actions and beliefs of others, nor will anyone be asked regarding that which he was unaware of or incapable of doing.<br />
<br />
As the life here is considered as an examination for the individual, the death stage is considered as a resting period after the test. It could be easy for those who were faithful and dedicated or it could be grueling and horrible for the wicked.<br />
<br />
Reward and punishment will be in direct proportion to each person and it is only Allah alone who will be the Final Judge over us all.<br />
<br />
<b>So, in the teachings of Islam, the line of life and its purpose is logical, clear and simple:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>The first life is a test</li>
<li>The life in the grave is a resting or waiting place before the Day of Judgment</li>
<li>The Day of Judgment brings about the clear understanding of what will happen to the individual based on his own desires and actions</li>
<li>The Permanent or Afterlife will either be spend in luxurious splendor or miserable punishment.</li>
</ul>
<b>Following this clear understanding of life, the Muslim’s purpose is clear. First of all, he has no doubt in his mind that:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>he is only created by Allah</li>
<li>he is going to spend a period of time in this material world [called “Ad Dunyah”]</li>
<li>he knows he will die</li>
<li>he knows he will spend time in the grave, either pleasant or difficult depending on his own choice of attitude and actions</li>
<li>he knows he will be resurrected for the Day of Judgment</li>
<li>he knows he will be judged according to the most fair of standards by Allah the Almighty, the All</li>
</ul>
For a disbeliever, the purpose of this life is to collect and amass great wealth, money, power and position. Over indulging in eating, drinking, drugs, sex and gambling are a high priority to them. But all of this will not avail them anything good in the grave, on the Day of Judgment or in the Next Life.<br />
<br />
<b>Eventually he will be faced with the question:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Now what?</li>
<li>What’s Next?</li>
<li>Where am I going?</li>
<li>What will happen to me?</li>
<li>Eventually, he will come to know. For sure, he will come to know. But then what will the knowledge avail him?</li>
</ul>
Look how Islam solves the mystery of the puzzle of life. It provides the answers to the questions and concerns of the human beings on all levels and in every aspect. It is really quite simple. The purpose of life as understood by the Believing Muslim can be simply stated in only two (2) words: Obey God. Our only purpose and salvation lie in these two words.<br />
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<br />
<i>SECOND KHUTBAH</i><br />
<br />
“Soob’ hanallahi wal hamdu lillah, wala hawla wala quwwata illah billah yu althi yual theem”<br />
<br />
Dear Brothers and Sisters,<br />
<br />
In Al Quran surah al qasas verse 56 Allah says<br />
<br />
We have to bear in our mind that Allah doesn’t need you, Allah doesn’t need me, and Allah doesn’t need any of us. But, we do need Allah. If we decide not to choose Islam, it is not in Allah’s loss, it is our loss instead. Of course, there are thousands, hundred thousands, even million answers to question “Why Islam” and I have found mine. Now, it’s time for you to answer it by yourselves.<br />
<br />
There is a beautiful story about hidayah or guidance. It is about the end of life of Abu Talib, the paternal uncle of the Messenger of Allah and the closest person to him, for he used to protect and help him (SAW) and take his side, and he loved him very much since the messenger of ALLAH 8 years old – that is, naturally (as a blood relative), not in accordance with the Law (as a brother in faith).<br />
<br />
So when death approached him, and his time was near, prophet Muhammad (SAW) called him to believe in Allah (SWT) Alone, without partners and to enter into the fold of Islam. But what had been ordained for him overtook him, and he was plucked from his hand, remaining (until the end) one of the disbelievers – and the most complete Wisdom belongs to Allah (SWT).<br />
<br />
It is reported on the authority of Sa’eed Ibn Al-Masayyib that he heard from his father that he said:“When death approached Abu Talib, Allah’s Messenger (SAW), Abu Jahl & Abdullah Ibn AbiUmayyah Ibn Al-Mugheerah were with him, and so RasulALLAH (SAW) said: ‘O uncle! Say, La ilahaIllaAllah, a testimony by which I will intercede Allah on your behalf.’ But Abu jahl and Abdullah IbnAbi Umayyah said: ‘O Abu Talib! Will you reject the religion of ‘Abdul Muttalib?’<br />
<br />
Allah’s Messenger (SAW) continued to urge him upon it [to declare that none has the right to be worshiped but Allah (SWT)], while they repeated their question, until his final words, which were that he remained upon the religion of ‘Abdul Muttalib, and he refused to say: La ilaha IllaAllah. And so the Prophet (SAW) was really sad and crying while said: ‘By Allah I will continue to ask for forgiveness for you until I am forbidden to do so.’<br />
<br />
So Allah revealed: “It is not for the Prophet nor those who have believed to seek forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they were relatives after it has become clear to them that they are companions of Hellfire” (Qur’an At Tawbah 9: 113)<br />
<br />
And Allah (SWT) revealed concerning Abu Talib: Verily, [O Muhammad] you guide not whom youlike, but Allah, guides whom He wills. And He knows best those who are guided ” (The story was Narrated by Az-Zuhri)<br />
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,<br />
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Be grateful that you are here right now, be grateful that you are Muslim, be grateful that you have been chosen by ALLAH to get His guidance since it is the highest level of grace that human being could achieve.<br />
<br />
‘IBAADALLAH  INNALLAAHA YA-MURUU BIL ‘ADLI WAL IHSAAN WA IITAA-I DZIL QURBAA WA YANHAA ‘ANILFAHSYAA-I WAL MUNKARI WAL BAGHYI YAIZHZHUKUM LA’ALLAKUM TADZAKKARUUN (Sura16:90),<br />
<br />
“Surely Allah commands justice, good deeds and generosity to others and to relatives; and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, so that you may be reminded.”<br />
<br />
(FADZKURULLAAHA ‘AZHIIMI WA YADZKURKUM FASTAGHFIRULLAAHA YASTAJIBLAKUM WASYKURUUHU ‘ALAA NI’MATIL LATII WA LADZIKRULLAAHU AKBARU WA AQIIMISH SHALAH)<br />
<br />
Fadth kuroonee adth kurkum, wash kuroolee walaa tak furoon [2:152].<br />
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“and remember Me: I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not reject faith.”<br />
<br />
wala thikrul-Laahi akbar, Wal-Laahu ya’lamu maa tasna’oon.” [29:45].<br />
<br />
“and without doubt, Remembrance of Allah is the Greatest Thing in life, and Allah knows the deeds that you do.”<br />
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Aqeemus salaah!<br />
<br />
Source: http://www.scribd.com/doc/66775851/Friday-Khutbah-Why-Islam</div>

Why Islam and Why are you a Muslim

All Praise is due to Alláh, We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge i...

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Islam is Deen of Discipline

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In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.<br />
<br />
The regulation of man's conduct within one system of life is one of the most important reasons of success and stability. The absence of this regulation is one of the greatest crises a man suffers from in his life. This happens when man is left without guidance from Allah (S.W.T.) or without proper upbringing based on that divine guidance. Under these circumstances, man's life becomes miserable on this earth and he will be amongst the losers in the Hereafter.<br />
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The Noble Qur’an teaches us about the nations of people and individuals that were blessed with financial wealth, and physical strength, but they refused to live their lives according to the regulations of Allah (S.W.T.), so He destroyed them and their wealth. This happened in the past it is happening now, and sure it will happen in the future until the Day of Judgment.<br />
<br />
From the mercy of Allah (S.W.T.) is that He did not leave man without a system to regulate his conduct and behavior. So, He (S.W.T.) sent legislation to make man's life the best on this earth so that he will be happy in this life and in the Hereafter. Allah (S.W.T.) says about Qur'an in surat At-Takwir, (verse 27&28), which is translated as, "Verily, this (the Qur'an) is no less than a reminder to (all) the Alamin (mankind and jinn), to whomsoever among you wills to walk straight."<br />
<br />
Allah (S.W.T.) ordered His prophet (S.A.W.) and the believers to be disciplined based on Islam and taught them not to transgress: Allah (S.W.T) says in surat Huod, (verse 112), which is translated as, "So stand (O Muhammad) firm and straight (on Islam) as you are commanded and those who are with you (your companions) and do not transgress…" Ibn Abbas (R.A.) said: "There was no verse in the Qur'an harder on the prophet (S.A.W.) than this verse." For this reason, when the companions of the prophet (S.A.W.) said: "Your hair is getting gray early", he replied: " Surat Hood and its sisters made my hair gray.”<br />
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Allah (S.W.T.) ordered His prophet (S.A.W.) in another verse in surat Ash-Shuora, (verse 15), which is translated as, "So unto this (Islam) alone then invite (people) (O Muhammad) and stand firm and straight (on Islam) as you are commanded…"<br />
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Imam Muslim reported that a man said O Messenger of Allah; tell me something of Islam, which I will not ask anyone else about it. He (S.A.W.) said: "Say, I believe in Allah and then be steadfast.” Imam An-Nawawi said: "This hadith is one of the great ones that Islam is based on." To be steadfast is to abide by Islam and it is a high degree that shows complete belief and great strength. Omar (R.A.) said: "Steadfast is enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil and not deceit like the deceit of the fox." This means discipline according to the Islamic system.<br />
<br />
Islam teaches us how to regulate our behavior and conduct in all aspects of the Deen; in the Aqeedah, in the Ibadat, in human relations, and in the rules of Halal and Haram.<br />
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In the Aqeedah, We must believe what Allah (S.W.T.) requires us to believe without additions, deletions, or changes.<br />
<br />
In the Ibadat, Islam teaches us how to perform Ibadat. Islam did not leave the Ibadat to be performed according to someone's whims and desires. The person cannot worship Allah (S.W.T.) in whichever way he chooses, nor can he worship Allah (S.W.T.) whenever he wants. This is the best discipline. The prophet (S.A.W.) says: "Pray as you see me pray." He also said: "Take from me your rituals of Hajj.” Islam also clarified to us the rules of Zakah and fasting.<br />
<br />
If we take, as an example, Salah, which is a frequent Ibadah one that is performed 5 times a day, we will find it to be a set of specific acts that were handed down to us from the prophet (S.A.W.). So, it is not allowed for anyone to add to it, or delete from it. This teaches us to discipline our life because Ibadat is to follow and not to invent.<br />
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If we look into the prayer of Jama'ah (prayer in congregation) and its rules, we will find a great lesson of discipline. The Imam stands in front of the people, lines the people in straight rows. If he says Allah Akbar, they say Allah Akbar, and if he says Ameen, they say Ameen. If he bows down, they bow down. If he prostrates, they prostrate. If he stands up, they stand up. If he says Assalamu Alaikum, they say Assalamu Alaikum.<br />
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There are many authentic Ahadiths that order the Muslims to follow the Imam and order them not to differ with him during the prayers and not to perform any act of the prayer before he does. All this shows that Islam teaches us discipline and regulates our conduct, actions and behavior. This is one of many benefits we derive especially from the prayers. However, it does not end there, discipline involves all acts and worship.<br />
<br />
Islam also taught us to be precise with the time of all Ibadat. Allah (S.W.T.) did not order us to perform prayer only, but He (S.W.T.) ordered us to perform it at specific times in surat An-Nisa', (verse 103), which is translated as, "…Perform As-Salat. Verily, As-Salat (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed times." Jibreel clarified to the prophet (S.A.W.) the beginning time and the ending time of every prayer. If someone wanted to pray prayer only minutes before it is due, it will not be accepted. This is a great lesson. It occurs five times a day and teaches us discipline.<br />
<br />
The same thing applies to fasting. Allah (S.W.T.) ordered us to fast the month of Ramadan. The prophet (S.A.W.) told us how to begin fasting the month of Ramadan and how to end it. He also forbade us to start fasting the month of Ramadan before it is due and forbade us to fast the day of Eid. He specified to us that fasting is from dawn to sunset. The prophet (S.A.W.) commanded us to delay Souhoor (special meal before dawn) till sometime before dawn, and commanded us to break fast immediately after sunset. All of this injunctions aid to the disciplining process.<br />
<br />
The same thing applies to Zakah. If it is the Sadaqatal fitr (break fast charity), the prophet (S.A.W.) specified the time when it should be given away, and that it must be paid before the prayer of Eid. He also specified all the kinds of things from which we can give Sadaqatal fitr. If it is the Zakah of Money, he (S.A.W.) specified to us that it be once a year upon the rich. He also specified to us the amounts of Zakah prescribed for gold, silver, farm, animals and all kinds of monetary possessions. Islam specified to us whom Zakah should be given to. So, none of us can spend it as he wishes. This teaches us discipline.<br />
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As to the Udhiah (sacrificing animal), Islam specified its rules to us all. It is to be done after the Eid Salah, and if it is done before the Salah, it will not be accepted. This teaches us discipline.<br />
<br />
As to Hajj, it is an obligation that cannot be performed except within a certain period of time and in a specific place. If someone wanted to perform Hajj when it is not due or in a different place, it will not be accepted. This teaches us discipline.<br />
<br />
These examples show that Islam teaches us to discipline ourselves and to regulate our actions, sayings, conduct and behavior so that we become disciplined individuals, families, and societies within the system of Islam.<br />
<br />
Islam also taught us to abide by all its rules concerning human relations, and business transactions. Some of them are not allowed. They have conditions that must be met before they become valid. The same applies to the rest of the rules of Halal and Haram. This teaches us discipline.<br />
<br />
Islam also taught us to discipline ourselves through its political system that is followed by the Islamic state, starting from electing the ruler, his conditions, qualifications, responsibilities, to appointing governors, judges to their positions, responsibilities and how to terminate them and so on. All this teaches us discipline.<br />
<br />
Islam is the Deen of Allah (S.W.T.) and it is a complete way of life to all humanity. Whoever believes in it and acts accordingly will be raised to discipline his life and regulate his actions and stay away from chaos.<br />
<br />
So, it is a must on all of us, (old, young, parents, children, male, and female) to be disciplined and our conduct is to be regulated and also to call others to do the same.<br />
<br />
Friday speech delivered by Imam Mohamed Baianonie at the Islamic Center or Raleigh, NC on June 9, 2000<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.islam1.org/iar/imam/archives/2000/06/09/islam_is_deen_of_discipline.php#more" target="_blank">http://www.islam1.org/iar/imam/archives/2000/06/09/islam_is_deen_of_discipline.php#more</a><br />
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Islam is Deen of Discipline

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. The regulation of man's conduct within one system of life is one of the most i...

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

The Relationship Between Muslims and Non-Muslims

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In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.<br />
<br />
Today, our topic is about one of the most important Islamic topics because it answers many questions we often raise. This is a practical topic because we interact with Non-Muslims on a daily basis. We should understand the nature of the Muslim/Non-Muslim relationship, and its goals and guidelines.<br />
<br />
We touched upon this topic many times in the past. But today, we will talk about it again because of its importance. When we understand it clearly, it will affect our behavior and presence in this country, and it will guide our relationship with Non-Muslims.<br />
<br />
We must first ask ourselves, what is the Islamic goal behind our relationship with Non-Muslims?<br />
<br />
It is, “To convey the message of Islam to all people, to deliver it freely, to insure the freedom of religious beliefs, and to establish justice on earth within the system of Islam.”<br />
<br />
This goal is a divine obligation prescribed by Allah (S.W.T) upon us. He (S.W.T.) holds this Ummah responsible and accountable for establishing these goals. Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Al-Baqarah, what can be translated as, "Thus We have made you (Muslims), a just (and the best) nation, that you be witnesses over mankind, and the Messenger (Muhammad) be a witness over you…”(Verse 143)<br />
<br />
Allah (S.W.T.) also honored this Ummah when He made it the best Ummah to rise to perform this obligation. Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Al-Imran, what can be translated as, "You (Muslims) are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind, you enjoining what is good (Al-Ma'roof) and forbidding what is evil (Al-Munkar), and you believe in Allah…”(Verse 110)<br />
<br />
Each relationship with Non-Muslims, whether they are on the personal or state level, should be to achieve this goal. Islam orders us to strengthen this relationship with Non-Muslims and to eliminate anything that will weaken or make it harder to achieve this goal.<br />
<br />
The life of the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and the lives of his companions are full of great examples that promote good relationships with Non-Muslims. Islamic history is full of evidence that shows that Muslims have maintained good relations with Non-Muslims for many centuries. Because these Muslims dealt with others in good manners, they were able to conquer nations and lands. Muslims did not overcome these nations with the strength of weapons and large armies. Some lands were conquered without a single soldier—in fact, they were conquered by Muslim merchants who carried goods and good manners. These manners opened the minds and hearts of the people who came into Islam by the masses. Because of the good manners of these merchants, today we witness the largest Muslim populations in Indonesia and Malaysia.<br />
<br />
Peace, tolerance, compassion, and good relationships are the normal, and original state between Muslims and Non-Muslims. Islam promotes and protects this good relationship. Animosity and war are exceptions to this original state, when these exceptions do not exist, then we should return to the original peaceful state.<br />
<br />
Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Al-Mumtahinah, what can be translated as, "Allah does not forbid you (Muslims) to deal justly and kindly with those who have not fought against you in accounts of your religion and who do not drive you out from your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity.” (Verse 8)<br />
<br />
This great verse clearly states the normal and original state for a good relationship between Muslims and Non-Muslims. Allah (S.W.T.) did not prevent us (Muslims) from establishing good relationships with Non-Muslims. He clearly says that our relationships with Non-Muslims should be based on the best morals and justice with those who declared peace upon us and did not fight us.<br />
<br />
The Noble Quran uses the word, “Bir,” which is typically used to describe the highest relationship one could have with parents. The Quran also uses “Bir” to describe the type of relationship we should have with Non-Muslims. “Bir” includes all the good things that a relationship should have, and excludes all the bad aspects of a relationship. For that reason, Muslim scholars said that “Bir” is the foundation of the relationship between Muslims and Non-Muslims.<br />
<br />
This verse was revealed after the story of Asma’ and her mother. Imams Bukhari, Muslim and Ahmad reported that Asma’ the daughter of Abu Bakr (R.A.) said: “My mother came to me while she was still a polytheist, so I asked Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W.), “My mother, who is ill-disposed to Islam, has come to visit me. She wants something from me. Shall I maintain relations with her?” He (S.A.W.) replied, “Yes, maintain relations with your mother.”<br />
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After Imam At-Tabari mentioned various opinions for the explanations of this verse, his final conclusion was that: “The most correct opinion in understanding this verse is that Muslims should be just, fair, and have the best relationship with all Non-Muslims who ‘do not fight against us on account of our religion and do not drive us out of our homes.’ This includes people of all faiths and sects and the support of this correct opinion came from the story of Asma’ with her mother.”<br />
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Sayyid Qutb also attempts to explain this verse, saying that:<br />
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“Islam is a Deen of peace and a conviction of love. It is a system that has compassion to all people. It gathers all people (Muslim and Non-Muslim) under the banner of Allah like brethren in accord and love. There is no obstacle that prevents this from happening except an aggression from its enemies against it and its people. If those enemies show peace, Islam does not want animosity or to start it. Even when the enemies still show animosity, Islam always looks for ways to bring the relationship to normalcy through great conduct and justice.”<br />
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He continues: “Islam allows Muslims to seek accord and love with Non-Muslims who did not fight them for their religion and expel them from their lands.”<br />
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He continues: “Islam makes peace as the normal relationship between Muslims and Non-Muslims. This relationship is not distracted except with an aggression that must be dealt with, a breaching of truce, an obstacle in the face of delivering the message of Islam, shackling the freedom of religion. Other than that, the relationship is a relationship of peace, love, justice for all people.” {In the Shade of Al-Qur’an, 6:3544.}<br />
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From all that we have just heard, we should understand that the normal relationship between Muslims and Non-Muslims should be based on the best morality and justice, except with the exceptions mentioned. If we fail to establish this relationship, then we are committing aggression and injustice, and Allah (S.W.T.) does not love transgressors and unjust people.<br />
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There are many things that we can do to establish tolerance, compassion, and justice in relationships with Non-Muslims. Some of these things are:<br />
{See the book Fiqh of Muslim Minorities. By Khalid AbdulQader, from pages 574 to 591}<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Greeting, handshaking, hugging, and exchanging visits with them in their homes and places of worship. Also, welcoming them in our homes and our mosques.</li>
<li>Accepting their invitation, offering them a meal.</li>
<li>Offering congratulations in happy occasions like weddings, having a newborn, and etc…</li>
<li>Exchanging gifts with them, but not giving them gifts during their holidays.</li>
<li>Tashmeetu Al-Ates: If a non-Muslim sneezes and says, “Allah be praised” Then we should say, “May Allah guide you and make you in a good condition.”</li>
<li>Visiting their sick people, and asking Allah (S.W.T.) for their recovery and their guidance.</li>
<li>Offering condolences when they are struck by any disaster, tragedy, or death. But, do not ask for Allah’s mercy on their death.</li>
<li>Collaborating with them in all good things.</li>
</ul>
We must also pay attention to the following when we deal with Non-Muslims:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>We must not be pleased with their disbelief.</li>
<li>We must not give them support against a Muslim when that is done unjustly.</li>
<li>We must not imitate them in their rituals, or in what is considered specifically from their own characteristics like clothing, hairdos, etc…</li>
<li>We must not congratulate them on their holidays or their rituals with any statements that may give acceptance to their practices. Other statements are permissible.</li>
<li>We must not participate or give them gifts on their holidays.</li>
<li>We must not attend any event where there is blasphemy against Allah (S.W.T.) and His verses.</li>
</ul>
Lastly, bear in mind that everything I mentioned here is based on evidence from the Qur’an or the Sunnah of the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). If we keep these things in mind in our relations with Non-Muslims then we reflect a brighter picture of Islam and Muslims. This is the key to giving successful dawah.<br />
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<i>Friday speech delivered by Imam Mohamed Baianonie at the Islamic Center of Raleigh, NC on March 29, 2002</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.islam1.org/iar/imam/archives/2002/03/29/the_relationship_between_muslims_and_nonmuslims.php#more" target="_blank">http://www.islam1.org/iar/imam/archives/2002/03/29/the_relationship_between_muslims_and_nonmuslims.php#more</a></div>

The Relationship Between Muslims and Non-Muslims

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Today, our topic is about one of the most important Islamic topics because it answ...

Wednesday, February 24, 2016