Capturing the Elusive Muslim Unity

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Cn2LCJIZ7tqpKH8AI5Pm3wzLdVPz4EQZck639UrreCIULQV-7JDG7qRLslHxwoAcB2fc5j0xIZWsx7RsoNuiMqsoSE8_Tk1K22dM1PcEJ3ChZvlFkxhiSxED6xRQZ2ZKsOx1X61s9Vow/s1600/muslims-praying-malaga-spain-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Cn2LCJIZ7tqpKH8AI5Pm3wzLdVPz4EQZck639UrreCIULQV-7JDG7qRLslHxwoAcB2fc5j0xIZWsx7RsoNuiMqsoSE8_Tk1K22dM1PcEJ3ChZvlFkxhiSxED6xRQZ2ZKsOx1X61s9Vow/s1600/muslims-praying-malaga-spain-01.jpg" width="640" /></a>We have been talking about the need for unity among us for so long and yet unity never comes and strength never follows. In fact, it seems that the more we talk about unity, the more we get divided. Is it not time that we ask ourselves why unity so alludes us despite the fact we talk about it and our din stresses it?<br /> <br /> There are two main reasons why unity eludes us and therefore there are two main ways we can achieve it. The two reasons are:<br /> <br /> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>    Unrealistic idea of unity</li> <li>    Unsound organization</li> <li>    Unrealistic idea of unity</li> </ul> <br /> We often think of unity as the absence of differences and disputes. That is unrealistic because human communities can never be without differences and disputes and Muslims are no exception. Instead of thinking of unity as absence of differences and disputes, unity should be thought in terms of effective ways of managing differences and disputes. This is the guidance that the Book of Allah provides us. Thus Allah says:<br /> <br />     And obey Allah and his Rasul and do not dispute, for then you will be weak in hearts and your strength (rih) will depart. And be steadfast; surely Allah is with the steadfast (sabirin) (8:46).<br /> <br />     O believers! Obey Allah and obey the Rasul and those in charge among you. And if you dispute in any thing, refer it to Allah and the Rasul if you believe in Allah and the last day. This is better and more suitable in the end (4:59).<br /> <br />     Notice that in one ayah Allah says, la tanaza‘u (do not dispute). Perhaps the view of unity as having no dispute is based on an exclusive focus on this ayah. But let us also keep in my mind the second ayah that says fa in tanaza‘tum fi shay` (if you dispute in any thing). This ayah accepts that disputes will arise and gives guidance to resolve them.<br /> <br />     Thus we should view disputes as undesirable and at the same time unavoidable. Therefore unity requires being prepared to deal with disputes when they arise, which means creating procedures to resolve them. Allah gives the general principle of resolving disputes: refer them to Allah and the Rasul (sall allah ‘alayh wa sallam).<br /> <br />     This principle was simple to apply in the time of the Rasul (salla allah ‘alay hi wa sallama) – the believers could go to him and ask for the decision. Now its application requires creation of suitable institutions.<br /> <br />     It requires courts with judges having knowledge of, and commitment to, Islam. The judges must be independent, not controlled by the governing authorities. Notice that Allah first says:<br /> <br />     “Obey God and obey the Rasul and those in authority among you”.<br /> <br />     Then when there is a dispute the ayah simply says:<br /> <br />     “refer it Allah and the Rasul”<br /> <br />     Those in authority are not mentioned. This has two implications:<br /> <br />     a)      Disputes can be between those in authority and other Muslims.<br /> <br />     b)      Judgment in the dispute should be independent of those in authority.<br /> <br />     In Muslim countries this means independent judiciary while in North America less formal but still very credible and trusted procedure for dispute resolution may suffice. For example, in each organization a committee could be created whose job is to resolve differences in the light of what Allah and the Rasul (sall allah ‘alayh wa sallam) have taught us. If we do not find resolution of a dispute in what Allah and the Rasul (sall allah ‘alayh wa sallam) have taught us, then you can be sure that its resolution can be found by the simple of use of ‘aql, of which God has given us plenty, if only we use it. This use of ‘aql may sometimes require professional knowledge and experience.<br /> <br />     Recently, the Government in Ontario decided to create Islamic courts to resolve family disputes. This is a welcome development, but unfortunately some individuals, even those who call themselves Muslims, have opposed the idea despite the fact that other communities have similar courts and despite the fact that the proposed Islamic courts would not have the final say. Referring disputes to Allah and the Rasul (sall allah ‘alayh wa sallam) is a commandment of Allah and if we reject it in principle then we are no longer Muslims. Notice that when Allah says that refer your disputes to him and to the Rasul (salla allah ‘alay hi wa sallama) he adds:<br /> <br />     “if you believe in Allah and the last day”<br /> <br />     That is, basic Islamic belief makes it necessary that we should refer disputes to Allah and the Rasul (sall allah ‘alayh wa sallam).<br /> <br />     Some individuals even reject the whole Shari‘ah. They say that they want Islam but not the Shari‘ah. But the Shari ‘ah is part of what the Rasul (sall allah ‘alayh wa sallam) has brought, as Allah says:<br /> <br />     Then we put you [O Prophet] on a shari‘ah in the matter. So follow that and do not follow the vain desires of those who do not know (45:18).<br /> <br />     What the Rasul (sall allah ‘alayh wa sallam) has brought, if used with the ‘aql Allah has given us can lead us to the best in this dunya and the best in the akhirah. So let us follow that and not be distracted from it by anything.<br /> <br />     Our unity can be and should be achieved only on the basis of complete acceptance in principle of all that the Rasul (sall allah ‘alayh wa sallam) has brought including the Shari‘ah. Allah says:<br /> <br />     And hold fast to the rope of Allah and do not get divided (3:103).<br /> <br />     Rope of Allah is the kitab allah and the authentic Sunnah of the Rasul (sall allah ‘alayh wa sallam). Holding fast to that rope is, at the very least to accept the principle that we should live by, judge by, and resolve disputes by what Allah and the Rasul (sall allah ‘alayh wa sallam) teach us, including the Shari‘ah.<br /> <br />     Dear Brothers and sisters! It is kufr to reject Shari‘ah in principle because Shari‘ah is part of what the Rasul (sall allah ‘alayh wa sallam) has brought. Many Muslims are wary of takfir, that is, declaring some ideas kufr and some of their proponents as kafir and indeed we should be extremely careful in such declarations. Yet we should not go to the other extreme and start accepting even the kind of errors that undermine the very foundations on which our din and our ummah is founded. There are some things that cannot and must not be accepted under any circumstances. For example, we should never accept the idea of another prophet after the Prophet Muhammad and we should never accept rejection in principle of any part of what he has brought.<br /> <br />     We can differ about interpreting and implementing Shari‘ah. We can also differ whether a particular hadith or sunnah is authentic or not. But if we are Muslims we cannot reject Shari‘ah. This is a basic principle in Islam, but alas, it is a sign of the times that even this needs to be repeated.<br /> <br />     In the interpretation and implementation of Shari‘ah there is indeed a great deal of room for improvement. The ummah needs to produce scholars and thinkers who can thoroughly review the work of earlier ‘ulama`, fuqaha` and muhaddithun and build on their work by correcting and improving it where necessary. And while this process of correction and improvement continues we also need to learn how not to let differences of interpretation cause debilitating divisions among us. In this connection some general principles may be quickly mentioned. In matters of truth and falsehood, moral right and moral wrong, we should follow what we, or the scholars whom we trust, consider right and at the same time show respect for other sincere opinions. In case of other matters, relating to rules of ritual acts we should not insist on any position but rather facilitate the formation of consensus. We should reject those scholars who create divisions among Muslims on the basis of faru‘iyat (minor details related to rituals.)<br /> <br />     Unsound organization<br /> <br />     The second cause of our disunity is the way our societies and associations are organized. We violate almost every Islamic principle of organization, which makes us prone to divisions and personal conflicts.<br /> <br />     Islam gives the following principles of organization that we need to apply in our countries and Islamic centers and associations etc.<br /> <br />     a)         Participation of the people involved, through a shura or consultation process suitable for the type of task an organization is engaged in, as Allah says:<br /> <br />     Their affair is (by) consultation among them (Qur'an 42:38).<br /> <br />     This shura must be as inclusive as possible, as the words “among them” bayna hum make clear. Inclusive shura brings life-giving energy and ideas to an association, or group or country. Absence of a genuinely inclusive shura results in alienation and increases mistrust, which then brings divisions and/or indifference, indifference being sometimes even worse than divisions.<br /> <br />     b)        Accountability (muhasabah) of all people charged with various responsibilities, no matter what their position or what their relation with us. Allah says:<br /> <br />     O you who believe! Stand out firmly for right as witnesses to Allah even if it be against yourselves, your parents, or your kin ... (4:135, 5:8, 9:71 etc).<br /> <br />     This accountability should not be limited only to finances but also extend to performance of duties. For very small organizations this accountability could be informal but it should become more and more formal as the organization becomes bigger and bigger, e.g. through regular audits and evaluations of performance. Moreover, devious or poor performance should have consequences. There should be creditable procedures for relieving persons from their responsibilities in case of incompetence, misuse of authority, and serious violation of rules.  This is because the larger interests of an organization should take precedence over an individual’s feelings and concerns.<br /> <br />     c)         Obeying those in position of authority (ul al-amr), when the authority is acquired by a due process and is exercised to carry out the task assigned.<br /> <br />     Obey Allah and obey the Rasul (sall allah ‘alayh wa sallam) and those in charge (4:59).<br /> <br />     Without such obedience there will be chaos. This obedience, however, will not come naturally if creditable processes of shura and muhasabah are not there. Without shura and muhasabah obedience can be obtained only by the use of brute force, which would on the surface create stability but under the surface generate stagnation and divisions, as we can see with our eyes throughout the Muslim world as well as in Muslim organizations here in non-Muslim countries.<br /> <br />     d) Avoiding waste (israf) of every type of resource. Allah says:<br /> <br />     Surely, he does not like the wasteful (7:31, 17:26-27, 25:67 etc).<br /> <br />     At the same time we should spend enough resources to do a task well. So Allah says about believers:<br /> <br />     When they spend they are neither extravagant nor niggardly but take a medium course. (25:67)<br /> <br />     e)      All members of an organization and not just a few should spend their time, energy and money to make the organization work. Infaq fi sabil allah is for all believers and not just for a few:<br /> <br />     Say to the believers that they establish salah and they, out of what we have given them, spend openly and secretly before there comes a day when there is no trading and no befriending. (14:31)<br /> <br />     Our various organizations in Canada are far from realizing their full potential. This is because some or all of the above Islamic principles of organization are ignored. What we need to do is to apply the above principles in all our existing organizations. In addition to smaller organizations concentrating on specific tasks we also need large organizations that represent Muslims in cities, provinces as well as the whole country. At present there exist such organizations but they have not made any genuine and successful effort to involve a really significant number of Muslims.<br /> <br /> Dear Brothers and Sisters! The Book of Allah provides us guidance in every matter,<br /> explaining everything (16:89).<br /> <br /> So let us turn to it and reflect upon it and pay attention to all that it says.<br /> <br /> By: Dr. Ahmad Shafaat<br /> <br /> Source: http://www.islamicperspectives.com/Unity.htm<br /> Based on a Friday khutbah delivered on July 30, 2004 </div>

Capturing the Elusive Muslim Unity

We have been talking about the need for unity among us for so long and yet unity never comes and strength never follows. In fact, it seems ...

Read more »

Extolling the Quran and Sunnah

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7d7PWOyhOXLdGFGZmkCbdVyTA_j4ZF0lK1t84i_SNFjEQuVanHXJKAMeBU0tDJcOx5GrbRRI78JbGopT3DNeI_7o2dcj51qS2j3ZtfYPH35f_B5wArZSYM4R7QFy7a9BN8bpzRo327_c/s1600/128-Sheikh_Zayed_Mosque12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7d7PWOyhOXLdGFGZmkCbdVyTA_j4ZF0lK1t84i_SNFjEQuVanHXJKAMeBU0tDJcOx5GrbRRI78JbGopT3DNeI_7o2dcj51qS2j3ZtfYPH35f_B5wArZSYM4R7QFy7a9BN8bpzRo327_c/s640/128-Sheikh_Zayed_Mosque12.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> All praise is due to Allaah, may peace and blessings of Allaah be upon His Prophet (s.a.w.s.), his household and companions.<br /> <br /> Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah as He should be feared and be conscious of Him in private and in public.<br /> <br /> “O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him, and speak always the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allaah and His Messenger has indeed achieved a great  achievement.” (Al-Ahzaab 33:70-71)<br /> <br /> Brothers in Faith! These days, Islaamic societies are being relentlessly attacked by Christianisation campaigns, impudent temptations and open war through misleading mass media controlled by callers to evil and corruption in order to Westernise these societies  and to divert them from their religion and path.<br /> <br /> Indeed, the unbelieving nations live a disgraced life, suffer in infected sludge and move in moral and religious darkness. While some are alcoholics, others are addicted to music and another large number of them are enslaved by their lust. Their statutes are full of oppressive and unjust laws which they use to decide matters relating to their lives, chastity and properties. Allah (S.W.T.) says: “And he for whom Allaah has not appointed light for him there is no light.” (24:40)<br /> <br /> However, it is very saddening that some Islaamic societies have been affected by this westernisation so much so that it has attacked their established concepts,  changed their customs, weakens their strength and destroys many aspects of their lives. Allaah says:<br /> <br /> “And they will never cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion if they can.” (Al-Baqarah 2:217)<br /> <br /> Brothers in Islaam! There will be no religious stability nor actualisation of Divine promise or safety from retribution and calamities except by holding fast unto the Book of Allaah which He revealed to His Messenger Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (s.a.w.s.); for that is real protection, the astounding evidence and the ever-illuminating light. It is a revelation that whenever it was revealed to the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  it weighed heavily on him, he would lower his head, his face would become morose and his forehead would sweat profusely. Aa`ishah said: “I have seen while he was been revealed to on a very cold day ad when the revelation ended, his forehead would sweat profusely.” He, himself, used to say: “Sometimes, revelation comes to me like a clattering of bell and that is the most trying experience I get when the revelation is being revealed to me. It would then leave me until I have comprehended the revelation.”<br /> <br /> The Qur’aan is a great sign and a weighty Word. Allaah commanded His Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  to hold fast unto it and never deviate from it. He says<br /> <br /> “Then We put you on a (plain) way of (Our) commandment. So follow you that and follow not the desire of those who know not.”  (Al-Jaathiyah 45:18)<br /> <br /> The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  himself informed his nation that the only guidance lies in clinging unto the Qur’aan when he said: “I am leaving for you two things if you hold fast to them you will never get astray: The Book of Allaah and my Sunnah.”<br /> <br /> His companions used to receive the Revelation with honour and acceptance. They would abide by its commandments, surrender to its judgment and guidance without hesitation or preference to other options. Ibn Buraydah narrated from his father that he said: “While we were sitting at our drinking place on the sand and we were three or four persons with a jug with us and drinking liquor for it was then lawful, then I left for the place of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  and greeted him. The verse that prohibited alcohol drinking was then revealed:<br /> <br /> “O you who believe! Intoxicants, Gambling, Al-Ansab (i.e. animals that are slaughtered on stone-altars for idols) and Arrows (that are used for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of the Satan’s handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that in order that you may be successful. Satan wants  only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allaah and from Salaah (the Prayer). Will you then not abstain?”  (Al-Maa`idah 5: 90-91)<br /> <br /> I afterwards went to my companions and read the verse to them. One of them was holding his alcohol in his hand having drank some and the rest was still in his cup, but he turn the cup just below his upper lip. They all poured away what was in their jug and said: “We abstain, Our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)! We abstain, Our Rabb!”<br /> <br /> The verse was revealed when they were holding their cups in their hands and it was the command of Allaah that prevented them from reaching their lips. Those who were holding cups of alcohol broke them and those who have taken a mouthful coughed it out. Containers of alcohol were broken in al-Madeenah. Such is the commandment of Allaah. One should have no option except to submit and surrender to it.<br /> <br /> Also, when Allaah revealed the verse: “O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies.” (Al-Ahzaab 33:59 ) the Ansaar women came out as if there were  sieves on their heads because of their garments.”<br /> <br /> Ibn `Abbaas also narrated another incident of the companions total submission to the commandments of  Allaah and His Messenger. He said: “The Messenger of Allaah saw a golden ring in the hand of a man so he pulled it off and threw it away and then said: “Will one of you knowingly take a burning charcoal and put it in his hand!” When the Messenger of Allaah left the scene, the man was told: ‘Take your ring and make use of it (in something else)’. The man replied: “No, by Allaah! I will never take it since the Messenger of  Allaah has thrown it away.” (Muslim)<br /> <br /> Fellow Muslims! The only safe way and protection from the trials and temptations of this age is fast adherence to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger and then the path of the righteous predecessors of this Ummah. That is the only way out of tribulations. Jundub bin Abdullah Al-Bajalee told the people of Basrah about the two revelations (the Qur’aan and Sunnah): “Hold fast unto the Qur’aan for it   is the guidance during the day and light during the night. Take them into practice however hardship and poverty that may cause you. When any calamity befalls you sacrifice for it your money rather than your religion. If the calamity is beyond what your money can bear, sacrifice your blood for it, for the actual deprived person is the one deprived of his religion. There is no poverty after entrance into Hellfire.”<br /> <br /> Hudhayfah bin Yamaan told Aamir bin Mitr: “What will be your position if people take a single way and the Qur’aan takes another way?, which of the ways will you follow? He answered “I will be with the Qur’aan, die with it and be resurrected with it.”<br /> <br /> Brothers in Faith! Hold fast unto this revelation sincerely you will be shown its effects in your deeds, sayings dealings and all your affairs and you will live a prosperous life and die for your religion and loyalties.<br /> <br /> Let each and every one of us present himself before the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah and see whether he is among the obedient ones or among the negligent ones. Let everyone beware and reform himself. Hassan Al-Basree said: “May Allaah have mercy on a slave who places himself and his deeds in front of the Book of Allaah, if his deeds are in accordance with the Book of Allaah he praises Allaah and asks Him for increase and if the deeds are contradictory to the Book of Allaah he rebukes himself and amends immediately.”<br /> <br /> Fellow Muslims! You have in your possession an infinite treasure that is the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah but yet where are those who follow  their injunctions? Where are those who submit themselves to them? Where are those who answer their call?<br /> <br /> The Glorious Qur’aan has given us admonitions, warned us as the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  also warned against falling in the abyss of ignorance and disobedience. Were these admonitions useful for us? Everyday we pass on evenings and mornings a threat that frightens the hearts; are we heedful to this threat?<br /> <br /> Abu Dardaa narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  said, “We were with the Messenger of Allaah one day , when he cast a look at the sky and said: This is a time in which knowledge will be withdrawn from people so much that they will not be able to withhold any thereof. Ziyaad bin Lubayd Al-Ansaaree then asked,“O Messenger of Allaah! How can it be withdrawn from us while we recite the Qur’aan, for by Allaah, we read it as well as our wives and children.’ The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  answered, ‘O Ziyaad! I have been counting you among the knowledgeable people of Al-Madeenah! Are these not Jews and Christians reading the Torah and Gospel with working with anything thereof?”  (Ibn Maajah)<br /> <br /> Some scholars commented on this hadeeth and said, “As their recitation of their book did not benefit them because of their non-practising of their injunctions, so also will be you.”<br /> <br /> Fellow Muslims! Attacking the texts of Qur’aan and Sunnah by dishonouring and desecrating them or feeling that it cannot fulfil the needs of ever-changing life or subjugating it or twisting it in order to make it fit the modern age in matters that some irreligious people wrongly feel that Islaam is the obstacle to their progress likes issue of equating women with men in every aspect of life, taking usury, perpetrating forbidden acts, exterminating the concept of enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil and vice, giving the disbelievers opportunity to damp their ideological wastes in the name of literature, art, freedom of opinion and other issues that the texts of Islaamic law has decided on as clearly and broadly as daylight. This attack may lead to this ummah losing its identity, honour and religion which Allaah favours it with.<br /> <br /> It is then incumbent on us, fellow Muslims,  to honour the two revelations (i.e. the Qur’aan and Sunnah) in such a way that will prevent us from disobeying them or befriending those who deny them or keeping silent when they are attacked or laughed at what they contain. Whoever insults Allaah or His Messenger or dishounours them or says or does anything that explicitly ridicules them or makes jest with the religion (of Islaam), or dishonour the Qur’aan or desecrate it has become a disbeliever in what is revealed to the Messenger of Allaah and went out of the Fold of Islaam. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  said, ‘Whoever apostates, kill him!”   (al-Bukhaaree)<br /> <br /> Dear Muslim! Fear Allaah as regards your religion into which He guided you and with which is by abstaining from all that contradict it or contaminated it., You should carry out your duty towards it in all your affairs in order to be saved from the threat that is in this verse,<br /> <br /> “And if you tune away (from Islaam and the obedience to Allaah), He will exchange you for some other people and they will not let your likes.” (Muhammaad 47: 38) <br /> <br /> Brothers in faith! Fear Allaah, be conscious of Him and do not disobey Him. “O you who believe, fear Allaah and be always with the truthful.”<br /> <br /> Brothers in Islaam! The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  was compassionate  with his ummah. He is full of pity, kind and merciful to them. He feared for them ignominy and disgrace; and sins and disobedience. Abu Hurayrah (r.a.) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.s.) said, “The likeness of me and my ummah is like that of a man who kindled a fire, then when it lighted all around him butterflies and other flying insects keep on falling into it, while the man keeps on preventing them from falling into it. But they overpower him and fall into the fire. Such is the likeness of me and you. I am preventing you from falling into the fire and saying, ‘Come away from the fire.’ But you overpower me and insist on falling into it.”   (Muslim)<br /> <br /> Such is how the ignorant and the disobeying men with their sins and lusts will fall into hellfire on the Last Day in spite of the Prophet’s efforts in preventing them from doing so. They therefore will fall into fire because of their weak intelligence, just as the butterflies fall into the fire of this world, for both are striving to destroy themselves out of ignorance. So beware and be on guard before a day comes in which no good will it do to a person to believe then, if he believed not before not earned good through his faith.<br /> <br /> Brothers in Islaam! Hold fast unto the rope of Allaah, even if people leave it and escape to Allaah from temptation of this age. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  said, “Verily, in front of you are days of patience. Being patient in those days will be like holding a live coal. Whoever does good deed then will have the reward of fifty men who work as he does.” The companions asked, “The reward of fifty men among them?”  He answered, “The reward of fifty men among you!” <br /> <br /> By Sheikh Salaah Al-Budayr<br /> Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Madina Al-Munawarra<br /> Rajab 4, 1422 (September 21, 2001)</div>

Extolling the Quran and Sunnah

All praise is due to Allaah, may peace and blessings of Allaah be upon His Prophet (s.a.w.s.), his household and companions. Fellow Mu...

Read more »

Al Jazeera TV English Live Stream

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="video-container"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dp6W0ZcYwE4" width="560"></iframe> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlfxCDl-Ktek2k30z8laOqyfw3MIPEW7SoOm2DpeAIN-2WodB76yqXnQ2X-UKXmGEt3LD6I43OJFRaqPTxNWMZ6cdYkXCjutjDj4zNkJS-1TceaEepCc2EpMSSUp3wOc-HSJctJU-WtE-/s1600/lies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="625" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlfxCDl-Ktek2k30z8laOqyfw3MIPEW7SoOm2DpeAIN-2WodB76yqXnQ2X-UKXmGEt3LD6I43OJFRaqPTxNWMZ6cdYkXCjutjDj4zNkJS-1TceaEepCc2EpMSSUp3wOc-HSJctJU-WtE-/s640/lies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NviHyhrKBg/WVKORwVR7uI/AAAAAAAAIyg/cCyLvwnY0YwY2b6_vqbRvMdHX802i6wJQCLcBGAs/s1600/hitler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NviHyhrKBg/WVKORwVR7uI/AAAAAAAAIyg/cCyLvwnY0YwY2b6_vqbRvMdHX802i6wJQCLcBGAs/s640/hitler.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /></div>

Al Jazeera TV English Live Stream

Read more »

Eid Photos

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: left;"> <b style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">Hadith</b><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"> no: 69  </span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;" /><b style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">Narrated / Authority of:</b><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"> Abdullah bin Umar</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;">Umar bought a silk cloak from the market, took it to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Take it and adorn yourself with it during the Eid and when the delegations visit you." Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) replied, "This dress is for those who have no share (in the Hereafter)." After a long period Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) sent to Umar a cloak of silk brocade. Umar came to Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) with the cloak and said, "O Allah's Apostle! You said that this dress was for those who had no share (in the Hereafter); yet you have sent me this cloak." Allah's Apostle said to him, "Sell it and fulfill your needs by it."</span><br /> <i><br /></i> <i>click image to enlarge</i></div> <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgki7mUZVbNY1eArWcj1F1tbbdFE233R5rfg2mZeTIb3_0t70sZJRVnQLvQOYsBGk8Aqi3Kv50QlzM_YO49aL_X6SPQ5cjsWw5fGkLDjOoD5QAy6jEV9ngmuEux58COcsJeLaLWhyR55TFF/s1600/eid-15-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgki7mUZVbNY1eArWcj1F1tbbdFE233R5rfg2mZeTIb3_0t70sZJRVnQLvQOYsBGk8Aqi3Kv50QlzM_YO49aL_X6SPQ5cjsWw5fGkLDjOoD5QAy6jEV9ngmuEux58COcsJeLaLWhyR55TFF/s640/eid-15-2017.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCh2lpxT5zgYK2FM19Z0Xo7ym6krw8l6let8im1AEywyXEtNTCuWyeyH-J7UGstMFJBmww5Ip7rcbD0S1egQJdfH_s95ct7-LU4cEicPgXWi4oAf1dhp1fnIlmXS9s1BD4nsB_eGcuP3Us/s1600/indian-muslims-offer-prayers-at-a-mosque-in-the-premises-of-the-taj-mahal-in-agra-india-monday-june-26-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCh2lpxT5zgYK2FM19Z0Xo7ym6krw8l6let8im1AEywyXEtNTCuWyeyH-J7UGstMFJBmww5Ip7rcbD0S1egQJdfH_s95ct7-LU4cEicPgXWi4oAf1dhp1fnIlmXS9s1BD4nsB_eGcuP3Us/s640/indian-muslims-offer-prayers-at-a-mosque-in-the-premises-of-the-taj-mahal-in-agra-india-monday-june-26-2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTBgw-3Mzdzhv4pfgx5c-qEYj9gNnI8qgQCWRy1YM350fNFI5XSalKTMyrd1GdNL0RepYWJTCQvXNRondpKukDir_vqIN1qC9C3TlAwNmUqrkRCeSZ6Mf86og8BRNukr0oLw1DhkgEsoH/s1600/eid+raytoh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTBgw-3Mzdzhv4pfgx5c-qEYj9gNnI8qgQCWRy1YM350fNFI5XSalKTMyrd1GdNL0RepYWJTCQvXNRondpKukDir_vqIN1qC9C3TlAwNmUqrkRCeSZ6Mf86og8BRNukr0oLw1DhkgEsoH/s640/eid+raytoh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aOZIYB_RkfU/WVKFfueZ-lI/AAAAAAAAIxc/SBm2a6RHVQko3d5dUQ8PBw2Gt9zdIOmYACLcBGAs/s1600/eid-21-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aOZIYB_RkfU/WVKFfueZ-lI/AAAAAAAAIxc/SBm2a6RHVQko3d5dUQ8PBw2Gt9zdIOmYACLcBGAs/s640/eid-21-2017.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P065V2uRa48SShRnefMJCJlPyFkXogqWsqmZvpmQ_fucLHqLhO1N_FpsMzl-_PktEby5N6EAmrSlVMnIrGsAjg0DGw4PedZ9fVgTpzFWPgeqSOXlCODUdaIIKAUvR3yqy3GR97UmkW5y/s1600/eid-16-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P065V2uRa48SShRnefMJCJlPyFkXogqWsqmZvpmQ_fucLHqLhO1N_FpsMzl-_PktEby5N6EAmrSlVMnIrGsAjg0DGw4PedZ9fVgTpzFWPgeqSOXlCODUdaIIKAUvR3yqy3GR97UmkW5y/s640/eid-16-2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70dtkkAHe4T4GkpZfjy9sP-rMxHz9NjKBiuIbLA_oKlPB3byw1338CSVIYJwmz595Mesmb3lOD0fbHtzaA1Yrlq9x4SQpjVuqucLIyfhXMBQ-zqiMmTDbSQ3jAVVYSjWk-h-k1W_KmBZM/s1600/eid-17-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70dtkkAHe4T4GkpZfjy9sP-rMxHz9NjKBiuIbLA_oKlPB3byw1338CSVIYJwmz595Mesmb3lOD0fbHtzaA1Yrlq9x4SQpjVuqucLIyfhXMBQ-zqiMmTDbSQ3jAVVYSjWk-h-k1W_KmBZM/s640/eid-17-2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yheFPv1NBs/WVKFg615TDI/AAAAAAAAIxo/MZJi0081VbcEsYizNghir5fgRHGo2rjRgCLcBGAs/s1600/eid-24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1320" height="372" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yheFPv1NBs/WVKFg615TDI/AAAAAAAAIxo/MZJi0081VbcEsYizNghir5fgRHGo2rjRgCLcBGAs/s640/eid-24.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPZMw5E-dhk/WVKFhqV_K-I/AAAAAAAAIxs/8JLWNFFACAQJB_WcC3FlzxM__MhEbyOHwCLcBGAs/s1600/eid-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1600" height="412" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPZMw5E-dhk/WVKFhqV_K-I/AAAAAAAAIxs/8JLWNFFACAQJB_WcC3FlzxM__MhEbyOHwCLcBGAs/s640/eid-25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dK_KDGQ-v1gGfzHGeKjnL607ciQGvPGLTDMq_LrU1y2kskzq_udoIH0IdfuxQOeybSomIktIP1CdSbzIjzG6w0CwhOL7VspbhWt1wLMoL_YJfNOf3W9Hjkf5098is1VmeF-z-xn7ZXB6/s1600/eid-111.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dK_KDGQ-v1gGfzHGeKjnL607ciQGvPGLTDMq_LrU1y2kskzq_udoIH0IdfuxQOeybSomIktIP1CdSbzIjzG6w0CwhOL7VspbhWt1wLMoL_YJfNOf3W9Hjkf5098is1VmeF-z-xn7ZXB6/s640/eid-111.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HfvtB2gYGPg/WVKFaYl0gqI/AAAAAAAAIw8/ohUKfytA4Y8rw0nWe6RPBiLrWyQRsjE4QCLcBGAs/s1600/eid-112.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="940" height="394" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HfvtB2gYGPg/WVKFaYl0gqI/AAAAAAAAIw8/ohUKfytA4Y8rw0nWe6RPBiLrWyQRsjE4QCLcBGAs/s640/eid-112.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkqesjLTOwY/WVKFkWEYJNI/AAAAAAAAIxw/kpGiWxD75UcPR7JwHJBiUkW_WfsPo31ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/eid-al-fitr-palestine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkqesjLTOwY/WVKFkWEYJNI/AAAAAAAAIxw/kpGiWxD75UcPR7JwHJBiUkW_WfsPo31ZwCLcBGAs/s640/eid-al-fitr-palestine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LP_fQMz89p8/WVKFlPLAOkI/AAAAAAAAIx4/pb0zs6yJ0GMwLEn9cxxFNyc4ljQGd-cuwCLcBGAs/s1600/eid-al-fitr-prayers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LP_fQMz89p8/WVKFlPLAOkI/AAAAAAAAIx4/pb0zs6yJ0GMwLEn9cxxFNyc4ljQGd-cuwCLcBGAs/s640/eid-al-fitr-prayers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPg1r42IDw6FAhc3z7rH01cyNVeSDOWBU88HxZk2sRj4ln-Odx6v-NX55RrJo0PufRKSGaIP7L484x9fF77T07ms9ZzzwBFNMtIme4dVL2CEldjAZ1VHuBzHQ4UidfNu0AekiWU5cS_6x3/s1600/eid-al-fitr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1180" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPg1r42IDw6FAhc3z7rH01cyNVeSDOWBU88HxZk2sRj4ln-Odx6v-NX55RrJo0PufRKSGaIP7L484x9fF77T07ms9ZzzwBFNMtIme4dVL2CEldjAZ1VHuBzHQ4UidfNu0AekiWU5cS_6x3/s640/eid-al-fitr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeX6h-GhHKA/WVKFmZ6AoyI/AAAAAAAAIyA/kgH_FouIznQC25tTef0jwBXq4-ooLdPOQCLcBGAs/s1600/eid-ul-fitr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1400" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeX6h-GhHKA/WVKFmZ6AoyI/AAAAAAAAIyA/kgH_FouIznQC25tTef0jwBXq4-ooLdPOQCLcBGAs/s640/eid-ul-fitr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyVlo25uswdGRf0PIfyyHTNc6UVYBuODRQPfei4tNpYHFqHTnyySeVsvNsb0XqdTpLB_orpOh9sIVzdtBCywEkWSdxbWjQnndnCg7G70ZvjiS_KQ_npMzWWRN1vEOOr5uKhKvjyuW3IHi/s1600/muslims-pray-in-baidoa-somalia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1300" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyVlo25uswdGRf0PIfyyHTNc6UVYBuODRQPfei4tNpYHFqHTnyySeVsvNsb0XqdTpLB_orpOh9sIVzdtBCywEkWSdxbWjQnndnCg7G70ZvjiS_KQ_npMzWWRN1vEOOr5uKhKvjyuW3IHi/s640/muslims-pray-in-baidoa-somalia.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /> <br /></div>

Eid Photos

Hadith  no: 69   Narrated / Authority of:  Abdullah bin Umar Umar bought a silk cloak from the market, took it to Allah's Apostle and ...

Read more »

Eid al-Fitr: Saudi Arabia declares Sunday first day

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibypuPg91jcj1RjWFxXKL7r1pmJ41gZd09JrFUOf4o4FSeA8mRVetxqdOLYgOy21ElssQO1jF50GA_P4JCXAnY7IVEBcaw1-4xyH_aJh_qSeGYGJHumCedbfZcceWHBg8NgzoAiYYw71kq/s1600/eid.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="621" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibypuPg91jcj1RjWFxXKL7r1pmJ41gZd09JrFUOf4o4FSeA8mRVetxqdOLYgOy21ElssQO1jF50GA_P4JCXAnY7IVEBcaw1-4xyH_aJh_qSeGYGJHumCedbfZcceWHBg8NgzoAiYYw71kq/s640/eid.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> Eid al-Fitr, which means "festival of breaking the fast", marks the end of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan.<br /> <br /> Majority of the world is celebrating Eid on Sunday.<br /> <br /></div>

Eid al-Fitr: Saudi Arabia declares Sunday first day

Eid al-Fitr, which means "festival of breaking the fast", marks the end of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. Maj...

Read more »

Beauties of Islam Women In Islam by Sheikh Yusuf Estes

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://archive.org/embed/BeautiesOfIslamEqualitiesOfMenAndWomenInIslamSheikhYusufEstes" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="100%"></iframe> <br /> <br /> The Prophet (pbuh) has said that Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty1. It is for this that the whole of Allah's creation has been designed and created according to the highest heavenly standard of splendor and order impossible to be ever emulated by anyone. According to Ibn al-'Arabi, who epitomized the Sufi speculative ontological thought, the divine beauty through which God is named "Beautiful", and by which He described Himself as loving beauty, is in all things.<br /> <br /> There is nothing in existence but beauty, for God created the cosmos only in His image, that is, in the image of His infinite beauty. Hence all cosmos with all its objects and events is beautiful..<br /> <br /> Allah says on this: "Such is the Creation of Allah: now show Me what is there that others besides Him have created..." (Luqman 31:11). <br /> <br /> "...(Such is) the artistry of Allah, Who disposes of all things in perfect order..." (al-Naml 27:88). <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B46GnHbq2xA/VpWlbHP1thI/AAAAAAAADx8/d-0P4rCXOhU5kjCjLJ2mStc2NCjIVv95QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/trees-rays-of-light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="480" height="1" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B46GnHbq2xA/VpWlbHP1thI/AAAAAAAADx8/d-0P4rCXOhU5kjCjLJ2mStc2NCjIVv95QCPcBGAYYCw/s200/trees-rays-of-light.jpg" width="1" /></a></div> <br /></div>

Beauties of Islam Women In Islam by Sheikh Yusuf Estes

The Prophet (pbuh) has said that Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty1. It is for this that the whole of Allah's creation has bee...

Read more »

Islam and Water Conservation

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVzxmTaj3U89YC1ZKJe6CftoJFYxV0JFEniaB1f8Ig6FeqBtRkOTlOJnu3tP8iMAG9s_jXoiTpCgN3eLv_WK_9wlJBXQEhSTMMzBoI1XOZnLCTQlRe0-_U9ew-cSvRJcvy9fhXrr0D8Ot/s1600/allah-and-039-s-name-on-sea-water-walpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="787" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVzxmTaj3U89YC1ZKJe6CftoJFYxV0JFEniaB1f8Ig6FeqBtRkOTlOJnu3tP8iMAG9s_jXoiTpCgN3eLv_WK_9wlJBXQEhSTMMzBoI1XOZnLCTQlRe0-_U9ew-cSvRJcvy9fhXrr0D8Ot/s640/allah-and-039-s-name-on-sea-water-walpaper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Over the last year water scarcity and water crisis have become a concern in many part of South Africa (and the world). Areas in the Karoo water had import water from other areas. Drought threatened the Southern Cape. The Western Cape received a below average rainfall for the first time in five years. <br /> <br /> Water is being wasted at an alarming rate everyday. We use large quantities of water to wash our cars, spend more than half an hour washing ourselves and waste when taking wu’du when only a small quantity would have sufficed. All sectors of society do not realize the importance of conserving a resource that is decreasing in availability every year. <br /> <br /> In general, South Africa is a dry country. Water restrictions are becoming the norm in an effort to ensure that the country has sufficient water supply throughout the year. <br /> <br /> However, people are still wasting water. Water resources need to be managed in an integrated manner to ensure that everyone can benefit from it, now and in the future. This means that water needs to be used efficiently and fairly and at the same time, we need to protect out water resources. <br /> <br /> Three-quarter’s of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, little wonder it has been called the Blue Planet. Of this, 94% is in the form of salt water and 6% can be found in rivers, springs, wetlands, underground aquifers and glaciers <br /> <br /> As Muslims we need to reflect on the wonders of Allah (TA) and on the great Mercy Allah (TA) shown us by providing us with sustenance in the form of water for without water, we cannot grow crops nor perform our daily ablutions nor provide our animals with water. <br /> <br /> Allah speaks about the importance of water in the Quran. Allah (TA) says: And we send down water from the sky (rain) in (due) measure, and We gave it lodging in the earth, and verily, We are able to take it away. (Surah al-Mu’minun 23:18) <br /> <br /> Allah mentions His innumerable blessings to His servants, whereby He sends down rain in due measure, meaning, according to what is needed, not so much that it damages the lands and buildings, and not so little to be insufficient for crops and fruits, but whatever is needed for irrigation, drinking and other purposes <br /> <br /> All living species are dependant on water. Water is a life-sustaining and purifying resource. According to the Quran the origin of every living thing is in water <br /> <br /> And We have made from water every living thing. (Surah al-Anbiya 21:30) <br /> <br /> Allah sends the water as sustenance to his creation. Subsequently man and beast will benefit from the vegetation as stated in the Holy Quran: "It is He Who sends down water from the sky; and with it We produce vegetation of all kinds… " (Qur'an, 6:99). The precipitation is a blessing and provision for the servants of Allah, it is a relief and means of survival for His creatures and it is a mercy for His creation. <br /> <br /> Water fulfils many functions in our society. Water is the mainstay of human society - early civilisations were concentrated in river basins, such as the Nile, Ganges, Tigris and Euphrates river basins. Water is used by households, industry, agriculture and also forms the habitat for marine and freshwater plants and animals, an important food source for many societies. Water is thus the basis of life and plays an indispensable role in the sustenance of all life on this earth. <br /> <br /> It is a matter of fact that life on earth will not be possible without the presence of water. Man only realizes the value of water when there is a shortage. The Quran describes how water resuscitates the earth. "And Allah sends down water from the skies, and gives therewith life to the earth after its death…" (Qur'an, 16:65) <br /> <br /> Without the rain the earth is lifeless. When the rain comes the earth becomes alive. Plants start to grow, flowers begin to bloom, man and animals can quench their thirst and benefit from the plants. A whole life cycle starts to bloom. <br /> <br /> Man does not appreciate the preciousness and the benefits of water. If the water would have been salty, sour, bitter it would have been unfit for drinking purposes as well as for the growing of plants. The Dead Sea in the Middle East is a good example where no plant or animal life is possible due its high salt content. Allah says in the <br /> <br /> Quran: "See you the water which you drink? Do you bring it down (in rain) from the cloud or do We? Were it Our Will, We could make it saltish. Then why do you not give thanks?" (Qur'an, 56:68,69,70). <br /> <br /> In the life of a Muslim, water also has a socio-religious function in that it is used for ritual purification. Cleanliness of one’s person and one’s surroundings is stressed in Islam. Allah says in the Quran: <br /> <br /> And it is He Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, Going before His Mercy (rain); And We send down pure water from the sky. (Surah al-Furqaan 25: 48) <br /> <br /> Every living species on the earth must have a right to water. The supply and preservation of fresh water was always regarded as of fundamental importance since the time of the Prophet (SAW). This can be deduced from the following hadith: “All Muslims are partners in three things: water, herbage and fire and to sell it is prohibited.” (Ibn Maja :1990).The rulers must make provisions for people to have access to water. <br /> <br /> In Islam it is not permissible to withhold excess water where there are others who have need of it. The Prophet (SAW) declared: “Excess water should not be withheld so that the growth of herbage may be hindered” (Muslim:1993 :Vol3A: 38 no. 1566). <br /> <br /> If water is withheld then it will hinder the growth of herbage which is important for the fodder of animals. Excess water should also not be withheld from usage by animals (An-Nawawi:1995:193-194). <br /> <br /> Unfortunately, despite the value of this great blessing, we seldom express our gratitude but rather take it for granted and overuse, pollute and waste this precious resource. Extravagance in using water is forbidden; this applies to private use as well as public, and whether the water is scarce or abundant. The Prophet (SAW) emphasized the proper use of water without wasting it. <br /> <br /> When the Prophet (SAW) saw Sa’d performing wudu he said : “What is this? You are wasting water.” Sa’d replied: Can there be wastefulness while performing ablution? The Prophet (SAW) replied: “Yes even if you perform it in a flowing river.” (Ibn Maja : 1990 : Vol. 1: 147:no.425). <br /> <br /> In addition to encouraging water conservation, the Prophet SAW) himself set the example; for instance it is narrated by Anas: The Prophet (SAW) used to take a bath with one Sa’a (one Sa’a equals five mudds equals 2.4 litre) of water and used to take ablution with one Mudd (2/3 litre) of water.( Bukhari:1986: Vol.1:135 no.201). <br /> <br /> Imam Al-Ghazzali said that if one were to have a bath one should not keep pouring water continuously, but should restrict oneself to the amount needed Al-Ghazzali, The Revival of Islamic Sciences, vol. 1, p. 139 The Muslim scholars understood from this the importance of water conservation and they have discussed it in their writings. (Abu Bakr al-Jaza'iri, Minhaj Al-Muslim Dar Al-Shuruq: 1991, p. 267 <br /> <br /> Wise use of our natural resources, keeping in mind the preservation of the common good, is thus a key principle of natural resource management in Islam. The basic principles that relate to natural resource management in Islam have been outlined in a book entitled, Environmental Protection in Islam. This book was produced for the World Conservation Union and set out the principles as follows: -The Creator is the real owner of everything in the universe – humans are only trustees who are answerable for our actions. Thus we are accountable for our use of all resources, including water; -There should be no damage or infliction of damage to any other being. We should not abuse the rights of any other being while securing our access to water, or any other resource; -Humans have a right to benefit from environmental resources, however if they inflict damage to that resource, then they are held liable to repair the damage as the rights of the whole society has been violated ; -The benefit of a thing is in return for the liability attached to it. A good example to provide here is the construction of dams which holds benefit in the supply of water, yet it also has liabilities attached to it. Thus, careful consideration of alternatives is required to reach a decision on a particular action; -The ruling authority must secure the common good and eliminate injuries to society. There is an onus on the authority to manage water resources and to protect the interests of the society as whole; -All acts are evaluated in terms of their consequences as social goods or benefits and social detriments and evils. Thus, planners, administrators and designers must strive for achieving the common good of all created beings. <br /> <br /> Another principle applied to the use of water resources is: “whatever fulfills and helps to achieve the basic necessities of our live is itself a necessity.” By misusing water, a vital resource, through pollution or misuse, we are in fact tampering with its function as the source of life, leading to disease, sickness or even death of life itself. <br /> <br /> These principles formed the basis of water law in most Muslim societies, which were largely located in dry areas. The use of these principles, based on guidance from the Qur’an and the Sunnah, defined water rights in Islam. <br /> <br /> Water was generally regarded as common property, to be shared, allocated and managed for the collective benefit of all. This was put into practice by such great leaders as Sayyedinaa Uthmaan (RA) the third Khaliph, who established a precedent by purchasing a well and making it freely available for public use. <br /> <br /> Water is most often regarded as public (rivers, springs and wells). However, where a private landowner invests labour into digging a well on his/her property, the rights to that water rests with the landowner. However, a number of conditions still govern this private use, for example in times of stress, water should be shared. There is thus strong disapproval of practices where water is controlled for individual benefit, thereby causing hardship and shortages for others. Water is thus regarded as a public concern and practices that result in pollution, wastage and misuse of water is not permitted. <br /> <br /> The principles of the shari’ah no longer forms the basis for water laws in Muslim countries. Up to 1926, many countries under Ottoman rule applied the Turkish law (known as the Mejelle or Ottoman Civil Code) which incorporated shari’ah principles. In Turkey, these laws were replaced by new water laws based on the Swiss Civil Code, thus repealing all shari’ahbased laws. Many other countries followed suit. <br /> <br /> In a semi-arid region such as the Middle East, where the majority of watercourses are shared with other countries, co-operation in water resources management is critical. It has been said that the next war in the Middle East will be fought over water, not politics. Water therefore plays a crucial role in Middle Eastern politics, particularly in the Tigris-Euphrates river basin which supplies water to Turkey, Syria and Iraq and the Jordan River, supplying water to Israel and a number of Arab countries. <br /> <br /> The value and importance of shari’ah principles, which formed the basis of water rights in many Muslim societies, has much to contribute to creating a co-operative water management system. Similarly, it lays the foundation for the wise use of natural resources by the individual. In our lives, water fulfils a vital function. We need to transform our understanding of the lessons and teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah into action. <br /> <br /> Practical tips to incorporate wise use of water in our everyday lives:  Use water sparingly;  Check for leaks and dripping taps;  Water gardens in the cool of the evening or early morning to reduce evaporation;  Recycle washing water onto your garden; Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth;  Have shallow baths or a quick shower; Install water-saving devices or simply place a brick in your cistern to reduce the amount of water (toilets flush away about 11 litres of water); If possible, plant indigenous plants which are adapted to the local environment as these require less water;  Use water sparingly when performing wudhu (ablution) or ghusl (purification bath); Encourage mosques in your area to install water-saving taps or to investigate ways of recycling wudhu water e.g. for use in gardens;  Report any signs of leakages or pollution to your local authority;  And never dump waste in rivers, seas or wells. <br /> <br /> We need to teach our children to use water sparingly. To think of the water that was wasted that could have been used by others. The rivers, streams and dams in our country cannot continue to supply us with water if we continue to have blasé attitudes about water and to think only of ourselves and not of the people dying of thirst across the world. <br /> <br /> Sh. Dr. Muhammad Ridwaan Gallant The Environmental Desk of the Muslim Judicial Council./SAFCEI </div>

Islam and Water Conservation

Over the last year water scarcity and water crisis have become a concern in many part of South Africa (and the world). Areas in the Ka...

Read more »

Sister Salima: Coming Back to Islam (Story of a Revert)

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2bPHx8lTaag/WUqheA31-OI/AAAAAAAAIq0/C69MAr83jm0Wj-7mcpkRjKaTRggye-7VgCLcBGAs/s1600/never-miss-paryer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="606" height="290" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2bPHx8lTaag/WUqheA31-OI/AAAAAAAAIq0/C69MAr83jm0Wj-7mcpkRjKaTRggye-7VgCLcBGAs/s640/never-miss-paryer.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> I do believe that everyone is born a Muslim in the sense that at birth we are aware of a covenant with Allah. There is no ego in an infant; he hardly knows he is separate from anyone else or the environment in which he finds himself. But so soon that is lost, once the senses are overloaded with impressions from the world around us. A developing child is then influenced first by the creed, or lack of any, that is passed down to him by his parents, and afterwards by beliefs of his peers and sometimes going on further by people of other cultures or nations and even other times. This is the story of how I stumbled along lost on various paths for half a century and then, through the Grace and Mercy of Allah, was able to return to the true way. <br /> <br /> My parents were Roman Catholic. My father never went to church in the time that I knew him, and refused to discuss religion at all in any way with anyone. My mother was a 'practicing' Catholic, very firm in her belief that hers was the one true religion. I was extremely devout as a child and when I was eleven years old I asked for a Bible for my birthday. Fast becoming disillusioned, I am sure I never managed to read the entire book, but certainly made it through the new testament and a good portion of the old testament. Even at the age of eleven I was able to see so many discrepancies and contradictions; what I was reading did not seem as though it could have come from beyond the realm of the human mind. I was so disappointed that I turned away from faith altogether and for years refused to believe in any reality other than what I saw in front of me. I thought of myself as an atheist. <br /> <br /> As time went on I knew I was missing something in life and took time to study many other religions. I was turned away from Islam by the misconceptions held by the society in which I lived, those being that Islam is steeped in violence, Islam is rigid, dogmatic, archaic and outdated, etc etc. I did not find any faith that seemed to relate to me, so went on through my life for years looking for some guide that would help me to find direction and fulfillment in a life that seemed empty. Eventually I discovered, during my life experience and through the Beneficence of Allah, so many of the Signs that He has given us. I became aware of the Power and the Glory of Allah. Slowly I was being brought back full circle but couldn't see what was happening and continued to deny and resist it at every step of the way. I began to look into philosophy, psychology and other self help subjects since I felt I was not advancing towards living according to my ideal. I felt especially drawn to sufism, but there was no structure there, no real help for living in this world among other people, some of whom will have like moral values, some who differ, and others who will oppose all morals. My primary or core belief gave me the same moral standards as a Muslim who follows his faith. My life in the community would be acceptable according to Muslim standards, but in my heart I was unable to meet my own expectations. I can see so many errors that need to be corrected in my personality, my lifestyle, my outlook…and so much room for improvement in powers or faculties such as intuition, concentration…………….and I had been trying to make those changes for a long, long time using various methods. Experience helps as a teacher of course, and doubtless any benefits come always with the grace and mercy of Allah. But I wasn’t making progress fast enough for my liking. Whatever practices or rituals I tried from time to time always fell by the wayside sooner or later, even those that seemed to be having good effects. I had never felt the need of an outward form of religion. I was able to conceive of a formless god, but unable to form the notion of a personal god. It didn’t seem necessary… I did read the Qur-an, but a version without commentary, and I think that the time was not yet right that I should be able to see, because it did not make any impression on me. <br /> <br /> www.rochdaledawah.co.uk 1 Since I felt I never had been among people of like kind in America, I decided to leave when I retired. I came to India, and at once felt that I could relate to the disposition and emotional makeup of the people who live here. But as time went on, I realized my thinking and lifestyle still did not fit in with the people around me. The first people who invited me into their lives in India were Hindu, and in two years I eventually met Jain and Christian people, but they too were not 'like me'. <br /> <br /> After I moved to Ratlam I began to meet Muslim people. I felt that they shared my values and decided I wanted to live in a Muslim neighbourhood. Everyone was aware of my interest in Islam which had already been going on for ten years, and would ask me 'then why don't you embrace Islam? What is stopping you?' and the only excuse I had was that I was afraid I wouldn't be able to follow all that was expected of a Muslim. It is one thing for someone who is born a Muslim to backslide, but for someone who has studied the faith and chosen it, to follow it imperfectly seemed unforgivable. I did not want to make a commitment I was unable to keep. But I could recognize a different community existing within society that must have been created by following the teachings of Islam. Could I also be transformed? <br /> <br /> I was very comfortable in my new home from the beginning. Because of my interest in it, a nephew of the family I rented from gave me a Quran, and this time when I read it I believe Allah opened my heart to Islam. It was a very good translation with extensive commentary and I read every word. The longer I read the more I realized there were no discrepancies-nothing seemed like a mistake, no lies. All the things that I found in the Bible to object to were not in the Quran. Many of the same stories that I couldn't believe in the Bible were different and in the Quran they made sense. <br /> <br /> From that time when I first was able to appreciate and understand the Quran I have never stopped reading it. As soon as I finish I begin again. It gives me a sense of being close to Allah, and is like a personal conversation with Him; it is a great source of comfort. But beyond that, it is truly a miracle. Once I thought a book written so long ago could not possibly have any relevance to living in our time, and of course a book written by any human hand could not do so. But the Quran is an effective guide showing how to live in this world no matter to what country or what period of history you might transport it. The fact that it has existed for so long without being changed or corrupted is another evidence of its miraculous nature. I also know that if Allah so wills, people will read it and not see the truth, because that happened to me the first time. <br /> <br /> It was very easy to become a part of the new household where I lived. When Ramazan came I fasted along with everyone else, but I was really unprepared for the profoundness of the experience. How easy it sounds, but how difficult it is in practice. It is plain to see the value in this pillar of Islam, and how it serves as a way of renewing the faith and sharpening the spirit of brotherhood. I could see how it added strength to the will and softens the ego. It prevents a sense of complacency from setting in and adds a new dimension to the routine practice of namaz. <br /> <br /> So now that my eyes were at least half open, I told myself that I could live as a Muslim and believe the things they believe without actually being a 'by the book' orthodox Muslim. But little by little the family that took me in began to teach me more about what is expected, the simple things they have incorporated into their everyday life without any difficulty since childhood. I was now 60 years old and I remembered when I taught myself Hindi almost five years earlier how difficult it was. How could I now memorize and learn to recite something in Arabic? How could I keep to the discipline involved in praying five times a day when I had not formally prayed at all in half a century? <br /> <br /> But I tried-and found as long as I was sincere and persistent, I was able to remember, that too seeming to be a miracle. Within about two weeks I had succeeded in memorizing all the prayers and began doing proper namaz five times a day. This has become a foundation to my life and made my weak will and unruly ego behave as I had always wanted but not been able to manage. Namaz is self-perpetuating; it was a very easy habit to form and I am determined never to let it be lost to me. <br /> <br /> There is a growing percentage of people in America today who realize that their single ideal of freedom of the individual has left their lives spiritually and morally bankrupt. They are looking for something new, far removed from any kind of religion that will satisfy unrealistic expectations. Muslims share many ideals, values…..with Americans. I am speaking of those whom I have met, and from reading the Quran and other literature I can see that these things are consciously taught and reinforced in their lives since childhood and a part of their scripture. Americans seem to have come to their current state of evolution unintentionally...and there are notable differences as well. I find that Americans and Muslims are both honest, independent, fearless, respectful of others, conscientious of property rights and tolerant. However, Muslims also have the admirable qualities of dignity, humility, consideration, co-operation and accountability. <br /> <br /> How to bring the truth of Islam to those people who really need it yet resist it most vehemently? Dr. Israr Ahmed recognized the problem and knew the answer, and I quote from his article, Islamic Renaissance-The Real Task Ahead: “The very mental constitution of these people compels them not to appropriate passionately anything that does not satisfy the test of reason and critical inquiry. They cannot attain the deeper levels of religious life without first untying the intellectual knots of their minds. These are the people who constitute the intellectual minority of a society and who command leadership over its ideology and policy. A change and indeed a total revolution in their viewpoint and way of thought is therefore of paramount importance.” <br /> <br /> The Qur-an most certainly will satisfy anyone's sense of logic, and it is arguments based on that which will pique the interest of even the most resistant culture. However, having intellectual understanding and even true conviction is not enough; Allah Himself has told us what we need to do and without it we cannot follow our true nature. Now that I have embraced Islam, I feel that I belong to a community of like minded people. All across the world I am aware that there are Muslims in other countries and cultures, but we share among us one common thread that ties us together forever. I do now know that the Qur-an is a guide for living in this world and can be used in any country within any government and law system. I also know that the qualities of self discipline, integrity, humility, patience, a sense of self worth and dignity as well as a high regard for all life, among many other concepts that become part of the nature of a Muslim who follows his deen correctly, are the greatest hope, perhaps the only hope for a lasting world peace.<br /> <br /> Written by Sister Salima </div>

Sister Salima: Coming Back to Islam (Story of a Revert)

I do believe that everyone is born a Muslim in the sense that at birth we are aware of a covenant with Allah. There is no ego in an infa...

Read more »