Assalam alaikum Don’t be surprised that more and more questions are coming to you as you ponder upon things, matterfact, it is a sign that you possible are among those that reflect on your surroundings and that’s a very good thing. Alhamdulilah you have questions, for questions is the thing that cures ignorance, but questions should be directed to the proper people who have the knowledge, but in any case…in regards to your new questions… this is what I know. “However, I was of the impression that the body and the soul in this state were two separate entities”- in regards to this impression of yours… The scholars have differed regarding this same issue. Some scholars believe that the torment or the pleasure is felt only by the body, whereas, other scholars believe it is felt by both the body and the soul. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah discusses these issues in his monumental Majmu al-Fatawa. He mentions, the only correct view is that of ahl al-sunnah wa al-jummah, who unanimously agree that the torment or pleasure of the grave is experienced by both the body and the soul. One of the proofs used to explain this is, the fact that the soul is returned to the body for questioning. Also, the prophet (saw) was also shown the torment of the sinful believers in the grave- both their bodies and the souls received various punishments. The soul may feel one of these two states (pleasure or torment) while it is either separated from or connected to the body. But what about those bodies the burn or some tragedy occurred where their physical bodies are no longer in existence? Do they also experience a physical torment or pleasure even though the body is gone? (sorry, I posed more questions, just trying to think ahead and be proactive) Well in short, Ibn Qayyim speaks about this and he says, “It should be known that the torment of the grave is the torment of the barzakh, thus, everyone who dies and deserves to be punished must taste his portion thereof, whether he is buried or not” and he basically continues, and to paraphrase his work, he says…whether the deceased has been eaten by a wild beast or burnt in a fire until he became ashes, blown up in the sky as scattered, or drowned in the sea, the designated punishment would reach his body (and soul), just as it reaches those in their graves. How? Sometimes it’s not proper to ask how and why, unless necessary, but we know that everything is easy for Allah, so our questions rest at that. So if the soul as you said is placed back into its previous body, then wouldn’t this constitute real existence?-in regards to this comment It would seem that if the soul was placed back in the body, than that is existence right? Not necessarily. For example, those who are placed in the fire of Hell for eternity, although their bodies will vanish (and be recreated), nor will they experience death nor will their existence in the fire be considered life. So if that’s not considered life, what is? But don’t get me wrong, it is existence, but since the barzakh is placed behind the person, than that existence can not be compared to that of the worldly life. That existence is over, but a new journey awaits him. And Allah knows best

Assalam alaikum Don’t be surprised that more and more questions are coming to you as you ponder upon things, matterfact, it is a sign that you possible are among those that reflect on your surroundings and that’s a very good thing. Alhamdulilah you have questions, for questions is the thing that cures ignorance, but questions should be directed to the proper people who have the knowledge, but in any case…in regards to your new questions… this is what I know. “However, I was of the impression that the body and the soul in this state were two separate entities”- in regards to this impression of yours… The scholars have differed regarding this same issue. Some scholars believe that the torment or the pleasure is felt only by the body, whereas, other scholars believe it is felt by both the body and the soul. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah discusses these issues in his monumental Majmu al-Fatawa. He mentions, the only correct view is that of ahl al-sunnah wa al-jummah, who unanimously agree that the torment or pleasure of the grave is experienced by both the body and the soul. One of the proofs used to explain this is, the fact that the soul is returned to the body for questioning. Also, the prophet (saw) was also shown the torment of the sinful believers in the grave- both their bodies and the souls received various punishments. The soul may feel one of these two states (pleasure or torment) while it is either separated from or connected to the body. But what about those bodies the burn or some tragedy occurred where their physical bodies are no longer in existence? Do they also experience a physical torment or pleasure even though the body is gone? (sorry, I posed more questions, just trying to think ahead and be proactive) Well in short, Ibn Qayyim speaks about this and he says, “It should be known that the torment of the grave is the torment of the barzakh, thus, everyone who dies and deserves to be punished must taste his portion thereof, whether he is buried or not” and he basically continues, and to paraphrase his work, he says…whether the deceased has been eaten by a wild beast or burnt in a fire until he became ashes, blown up in the sky as scattered, or drowned in the sea, the designated punishment would reach his body (and soul), just as it reaches those in their graves. How? Sometimes it’s not proper to ask how and why, unless necessary, but we know that everything is easy for Allah, so our questions rest at that. So if the soul as you said is placed back into its previous body, then wouldn’t this constitute real existence?-in regards to this comment It would seem that if the soul was placed back in the body, than that is existence right? Not necessarily. For example, those who are placed in the fire of Hell for eternity, although their bodies will vanish (and be recreated), nor will they experience death nor will their existence in the fire be considered life. So if that’s not considered life, what is? But don’t get me wrong, it is existence, but since the barzakh is placed behind the person, than that existence can not be compared to that of the worldly life. That existence is over, but a new journey awaits him. And Allah knows best

Assalam alaikum Haneefah, thats a good question about the soul. I have this book called "Mysterious of the Soul" by Abu Mustafah and the book basically covers all the different stages of the soul. The book basically states (in regards to your question)...at the time of death, angels start to descend down from the heavens (and if he is pious) with a casket from Junnah. Quickly presuing those angels, is the Angel of Death in which he removes the soul of the person. After the soul has departed from the body, it is wrapped in a cloth by the angels and placed in the casket and taken up to the heavens...and as it ascends, many angels are drawn to the scent of the soul and ask who it is and thus the angels respond by saying, this is so and so (may Allah make us among those). When the soul reaches the Thrown of Allah, Allah asks the angels to return the soul to the earth (and this stage basically explains the ayaat from surah Taha, in which Allah informs us that we have been created from the earth and to the earth we shall return, and once again, we shall be raised up from it). At that point (as the author indicates, using strong evidence from the authentic hadeeths to support his work) the soul is returned to the earth (to the body which would be in the grave) and awaits its visit from Munkar and Nakeer (may Allah protect us from them). Through time, the human body desolves into the earth, except one particular bone, and from that bone, Allah,The Most High, will resurrect us from it. Im sorry that I had to skip some stages but I am in a rush...so inshallah next time I will provide the proofs from the book. And Allah knows best

Assalam Alaikum "So brothers, my advice: accompany your future wives to the labour room, assuredly, you will begin to view women from a completely different perpective"-Haneefah So sister, my question to you is...what about those sister that push their husbands away (I understand that the pain becomes unbearable)when in the last stages before giving birth, do I (as a husband) stand by her side despite maybe her grabbing and swearing at me for the pain that I have caused her? Or should I obey her wishes and give her some space? Not all women are the same nor do all women require the source of pain (the man) to be around right? Mantra...thats funny cause a person also gave me something similar to the example that was given to you...lol. What can I say about chastity, other than...its overlooked, when in reality, its a sign of eman. And Allah knows best

Assalam Alaikum Thanks brother for posting this reminder of our beloved Maryam (may Allah have mercy on her and her offspring). Indeed she was the selected woman from among the creation and inshallah (when and if) Allah blesses me with a daughter, I intend to name her Aqsaa...lol (hopefully, her mother agrees and if not, than Im a have to find a way to convince her) but inshallah....I intend to share stories and lesson with her and what better example to use (from among the women) than Maryam. In regards to the pain of giving birth....so your saying it hurts eh? How much? Im sure you dont know the answer since we on the same side of the fence...but its just a question that I add in mind...that no book can give me an answer to. And Allah,The Most Great, knows best

Cynical, So you saying that you thought I was a women...Kay La. This was a question proposed by a bother, than I felt the information was useful but a dangerous question to ask. Really tho, what good can come out of asking a question such as this? (but than again, I remembered a hadeeth from the Prophet (saw) in which he was repoted to have said,...asking questions in a cure from arrogance) so in that case, I thanked the brother for asking this question. And Allah knows best

Assalam Alaikum, Mantra.....you call that food for thought....damn...I just pictured that whole situation and ahhh....NO THANK YOU. Its amazing. Our sisters go through soo much and in our heads (well when were not thinking of salat or watching sports) we over-look their strength. And Allah knows best

Assalam alaikum Brother Jacay, you sure do know how to start debates, lol...but thanks for starting this discussion cause I needed a sisters view on the whole cooking issue for my book, "The Journey Behind The Hijab" (available soon in Islamic Stores across the country, inshAllah). To be fair, it’s easy for us brothers to demand a wife that knows how to cook and clean and keep us entertained, but really....let’s be realistic. I’m sure the sisters can do all that and more, but she's gonna feel like she's not valued and stuff, so beware of the sister who feels her man doesn’t appreciate her (beware of the conversations that will take place in which you, as a man, wont be able to find the words that will save you). Instead brothers, I got the solutions to the problems that will arise with your future or present wife and I came to this conclusion after hearing a man brag about his 40+ marriage and right there, right than, it hit me. As men we love to watch sports and share our knowledge to trade this player for that player, but yet, we are heedless of our responsibilities...it’s funny, but it’s true. So brothers, lets use our “General Manger” abilities and agree to terms that will satisfy both parties. When it comes to cooking, agree that you will cook and learn how to cook the meals in which she desires, in return you......you request… well whatever you what, but be fair. But brothers, lets not inform the sisters of this new method in our dealing with our “hijabi’s”, for if they come across this knowledge, we may find ourselves misunderstood and in return the problem between you and your wife may have just gotten even bigger. And Allah knows best

Assalam alaikum... Here is my ideal life, if only Allah had decreed it for me, but in any case… Alhamdullilah, Allah has blessed me by making me a Muslim and favoring me with the remembrance of My Lord. My Ideal Life with my Ideal Companions: Part 1 The neighboring house belonged to Umar ibn al-Khattaab and I would sit and patiently wait for him to come out, before I gave him my salaams and watched him as he walked off and about. I would spend my mornings in the hot fields of Medina, learning from the warrior himself, Khalid Ibn Al-Walid. I would follow my intense training by traveling to the southern part of the city, to the house of Anas Ibn Malik. He would teach us about adaab and share stories from the Prophet (saw). Our hearts over-taken with light and our eyes with tears, We wished we were among those whom the Prophet placed under his care. From the distance, we would hear the call of the adaan by Bilal, whose heart was firm with solid emaan. On arrival to the masjid, the lines were formed, and the salat had began. It was Abu Bakr who led us and read from the beautiful words of the Quran. After the salat, we would sit and remember Allah with the exception of a few Bedouins, who would up and run. I would look around for Ibn Abaas, he was indeed my best of friends. I would stare at him in amazement, as I witnessed his growing knowledge of the Quran After the sunnah salat and the departure of our khaleefah Abu Bakr, and the ever fearful Umar ibn al-Khattaab, I would sit in the company of Ali, Zayd, Ibn Umar and Ibn Abaas as we would listen to Ibn Mas’ood talk about the pleasures of Junnah. This ever-close to our heart topic, would cause those whom Allah had blessed to depart and to their needs from their wives. While those who were left behind, sat and sought from the Great Bounty belonging to Allah. And Allah knows best

Assalam alaikum my sister, Well...although at first I wanted to respond by telling you that it is against the Law of Allah to date, let alone, kiss a brother. But after reading the pages and pages of response....lol....I wont bash you but instead I will advice myself and than you, that sometimes it is better for us to be patient (I know it is so hard to observe patience when the haraam is so easy...but I SWEAR BY ALLAH, that will be better for us on the most important Day) and perhaps if we go about things the correct way, than Allah will grant us that which we will be pleased with. If you kissed him before, dont worry about it (what is done is done) just repent and seek whatever you desire from the bounty of Allah, may He be Exalted. And Allah knows best P.S. next time you speak to him, say to him "lets get married" and his response will tell you how much he respects you.

Fartun sis, That happens all the time. People jumping to conclusions and thinking and assuming different things. Why? Could it be that they are jelous? Or maybe they are in shock? Well, maybe the next time you come across this, take the time and ask them WHY they assume different of you. And Allah knows best

Assalam alaikum I’m glad you enjoyed the conference, it was a positive feeling overall. In regards to the lady yelling and interrupting to sheik, well what can I say…she like us, feels very passionate about the companions of the beloved Prophet (saw). I don’t know her personally and therefore it wouldn’t be correct if I assumed and labelled her as apart of another creed, so I will play it safe and say, she defended (in her mind) a companion (although the sheik didn’t say anything wrong) from being spoken wrongly about. Hayam sister, about the text written by Martin Lings, I heard some positive and also negatives. For the positives, the English (vocabulary and grammar) used in the text is spectacular. Unlike the Sealed Nectar that won a first prize (and the actual text that won a first prize is the Arabic form of the text) which is criticized for its weak use of the English language (I have the book and I’m currently reading it and for my part, I agree) but alhamdulilah it’s available to us to benefit and increase our knowledge from inshAllah. The negatives of the book are a few and they are, as Yasir Qadhi commented and spoke about this book, he said, “ The Seerah” by Marin Lings is very good but I hesitate, matterfact, I can not recommend it because it contains some very serious errors and deviations” and he continues by saying, “he (Lings) inserted few things that are highly controversial and has no bases in the seerah for example, the Prophet (saw) left a statute of Mary holding Isa in the Kaabah (which as he says, is boarder line shirk and the Prophet (saw) never did such a thing)”. But basically he says that the book is amazing for English students as long as they are aware of a handful of things that should be watched out for while reading this book. But keep us informed on your discovers and may Allah protect us. And Allah knows best

Assalam alaikum I personal believe that in every incident (in particular, this clash between our brothers in Somalia and their counter parts) there is a lesson to be learned by those who are patient. Khalaf brother, don’t believe for one second that they (ICU) have lost because a territory has been taken away, rather look at it from the broader perspective and realize that every affair in the believers life is good. Now, many of us have studied and examined the battle of Uhud during the time of the Prophet (saw) and at first glance (when we first read or hear about it) we label that as a loss that the Muslim army had experienced, but the many lessons were drawn out by the Sahaaba and the scholars of later generations, and thus they have concluded the defeat (as it appears) to be a victory. At the same Khalaf, I do understand that the ICU have done some wrong and if they probably can do it all over again, would change some things, but is that not life? Don’t we have to learn from our mistakes? The one thing that I reflect upon is that, when the battlefield was in Afghanistan (that was not our battle, as some said) and than in Iraq (once again, it was not our battle) but now, when it has reached us and our land, what is our response? Rather, why are we engaged in debates and are overtaken by confusion? And Allah knows best

Alhamdulilah that Allah blessed many muslims to attend the RIS this year and in saying that, I would like to hear the different feelings and opinions that yall may have had about the conference. So did yall like it? What was your favourite part of the weekend? And Allah knows best

And perhaps if we (as believers) stand together and remain firm on this relgion and not pick and chose (and Im talking to myself) from the different fatwa's we hear, maybe than will Allah grant us bravery and even more, taqwa that is equal to the amount that a great man such as Khalid bin Al-Waleed was granted. I ask Allah to forgive us and to grant us patience in this time of fitnah,Ameen. And Allah knows best

I must be in a dream. I haven't felt a buzz in the city (like the one we are experiencing about the RIS) since the Raptors beat the Knicks in game five of their '03 playoff run. When its all said and done...all Im left to say is....why not? Why shouldnt there be a buzz? I wonder tho, will the muslims of our city be as enthusiastic if lets say, ummm...that Mayor Miller loses his next election and that post is taken over by a Muslim (maybe even a somali muslim). Well I guess we will have to wait and see. I hope everyone that attends the event the best of wishes and may Allah answer all your dou'aas, Ameen. And Allah knows best.

Assalam alaikum Now why does it seem like everybody is ganging up against Taliban? He does make some solid points. I think the answer lies in all our comments...I mean just look at how much attention this topic is drawing...and with all the knowledge available to us (ie, the internet,books,people with knowledge,etc) we are using our personal opinions to gather more support for our natural thoughts (funny use of words, but hopefully you get my point). How many people used a source to justify their answers...well anyways Seeker, Im not really suprised that you found a fatwa that allows those who follow the Sunni school of thought to marry Shi'ites (nowadays, look hard enough and you can find anything), but my question is....why commit yourself to a matter (ie, marriage) to a sect that is viewed by many as those "outside the fold of Islam"?. Its fact that they commit much shirk and many of those who have knowledge have labelled them as Mushriks (also mentioned above by Lieutenant Xalane), so why take the chance? Its better to be safe than sorry, to be silent (to stay away from the issue all together) rather than to be questioned on The Day, when our hearts will be at our throats. True or false? And Allah knows best

Thanks for sharing that clib with us. Indeed, death is chasing each and everyone of us, but how many us are ready to depart or in other words, sign out? Im working towards that state myself and may Allah save us from the fitnahs of life and death. And Allah knows best

Lazy, your ex probably stole your stuff, while you were swearing at your tv because A.I didnt feel like passing the ball (I dont blame him, who is he suppose to pass to, C-Webb?, oh HELL no). I mean, really...look at the opportunity that you gave him. But dont worry, I got the solution to that problem... Stop watching ball all together,lol. And Allah knows best And Allah knows best

Assalam alaikum A similar question was posted on Islamqa.com and the (very knowledgable) shiek responded by saying, Answer: Praise be to Allaah. We Sunnis wish all people well, and we ask Allaah to guide all those who are misled and to reward all those who obey Him. We hope that Allaah will guide those Raafidis… The differences between the Ahl al-Sunnah (Sunnis) and the Raafidis are very great and are fundamental. For example, the Raafidis say that the Qur’aan was altered, and they condemn most of the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) and think that they went astray; they exaggerate about their imaams and worship them, and give them precedence over the Prophets and angels; they go on pilgrimages to mashhads (shrines) and graves, where they do all kinds of actions of shirk, associating others in worship with Allaah. They also believe in hypocrisy (as a tenet of faith) and call it taqiyah (dissimulation), and they believe in al-badaa’(the notion that Allaah “changes His mind”), al-raj’ah (the Return, i.e., the raising of the dead to life again for some time in the same form as they were before) and absolute infallibility of their imaams, and in prostrating on a handful of clay… We advise you to read "Al-Khutoot al-‘Areedah" by Muhibb al-Deen al-Khateeb [this book is available in English – Translator], or Mukhtasar al-Tuhfat al-Ithna’ ‘Ashariyyah by al-Dahlawi, or Fikrat al-Taqreeb bayna Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Shee’ah by Naasir al-Qaffaari. And we advise you not to think of marrying this man… Whoever gives up something for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will compensate him with something better. We ask Allaah to make you strong and grant you a good life in this world and in the Hereafter. (I hope his answer can bring light to the confusion you may have had) And Allah knows best

Well the short answer to your comment Khayr is that, Islam is a religion of equality, that's of course if your examining from the rewards aspect. A man and a women get rewarded equally for the action that is equal in sencerity and thats because Allah is Just, and the religion of Allah is Just. But from what I read, it is more correct to say the religion is a religion of Justice. It seems like the words "justice" and "equality" are words that seem simple to understand, but many people view them from different angles, and depending on the angle you prefer, your answer may be correct. And Allah knows best

They say, there are two sides to every story and one side of the story can not be bashed without actually looking into the facts. However, Somalis and Arab, fall under one main category and that is, Muslims. Why are you trying to bring light to a topic that will create more animosity between the hearts of the believers? Even if what you are saying is true, so what? If the Arabs are being attached in Mecca and Medina, are you going to sit at home and say, "forget those Arabs, they did me and my people wrong, so let them fight there own battle and die"...because honestly, I believe pride for my religion, is greater than pride for my land. And Allah knows best

Assalam A field day with me eh? Well, in that case I better bring a clear mind and an open heart, not to mention a paper and a pen, so I can benefit from the knowledge of those who live in my time. By the way, is the retreat after the actual conference? Is the concert that they hold apart of the retreat? Your brother in Islam And Allah knows best

Deep and meaningful articles and it is an amazing event for the Muslims of the world to wake up and realize we can be next on the list so lets not take our deen for granted (inshallah). Allah is in no need of us, whereas we are in great need of Him, the Mighty,the Great. And Allah knows best.

Assalam alaikum...and welcome back Tami,afterall you did post the topic and than were found to be missing in Action. Firstly, I value the opinions and the knowledge of Shaykh Abdallah Bin Bayah and as I mentioned in one of my pervious comments, "we could never pay the right amount of money, to sit in his and similar modern day scholars company" (may Allah have mercy on them and us). After reviewing the first seven points from your notes, that relate to the question I was asking, you still haven't made it clear whether he found it permissible to sit with people who share a different aqeedah. In regards to his advice that we should not argue about topics such as this, Al-Barbahaaree mentioned a similar remark in his book when he said, "Debating, arguing and disputing are innovations which throw doubt into the heart, even if the person reaches the truth and the Sunnah" (most people read this sentence from his book and take it face on, without actually understanding the deep meaning behind it), so inshallah my intention is not to debate nor argue about such an issue, but rather, I simply dont want to act in haste and thus enter into anything without actually asking and seeing (seeing as in,researching and reading about the topic):And the main questions that I would keep in mind would be, did any of the Companions of the Prophet (saws) speak about this issue or any of the pervious scholars? So if I find a narration from them about such a topic, I will try to cling to it, and I simply do not want to go beyond that. Unless I missed reading a point from your notes, did he or did he not advice us not to sit and listen to the speech of the different people? Im sorry about the question, and dont mean to come off ignorant or anything, I just want to know what the scholar or our time said in plain english (or should I say Arabic). And Allah knows best