http://adly.net/articles.htm The woman’s voice is not ‘awrah in principle, for women used to complain to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and ask him about Islamic matters. They also did that with the Rightly-Guided Khaleefahs (may Allaah be pleased with them) and the rulers after them. And they would greet non-mahram men with salaams and return greetings, and NONE of the imams of Islam denounced them for that. But it is not permissible for a woman to speak in a soft or alluring voice, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allaah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner” [al-Ahzaab 33:32] because men may be tempted by that, as is indicated by this aayah. And Allaah is the source of strength. From Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wa’l-Iftaa, 6/83. End of the Fatwa. Sheikh Qaradawee Said : The Qur'an, , specifically mentions that those seeking information from the Prophet's wives were to address them from behind a screen (33:53). Since questions require an answer, the Mothers of the Believers offered fatwas to those who asked and narrated hadiths to whomever wished to transmit them. Furthermore, women were accustomed to question the Prophet (SAW) while men were present. Neither were they embarassed to have their voices heard nor did the Prophet prevent their inquires. Even in the case of Omar when he was challenged by a woman during his khutba on the minbar, he did not deny her. Rather, he admitted that she was right and he was wrong and said: "Everybody is more knowledgeable than Omar." Another Qur'anic example of a woman speaking publicly is that the daughter of the Shaykh mentioned in the Qur'an in 28:23. Furthermore, the Qur'an narrates the coversation between Sulayman and the Queen of Sheba as well as between her and her subjects. All of these examples support the fatwa that women are allowed to voice their opinion publicly for whatever has been prescribed to those before us is prescribed to us, unless it was unanimously rejected by Islamic doctrine. Thus, the only prohibition is the female talking softly and flirting in a manner meant to excite and tempt the male. This is expressed in the Qur'an as complacent speech which Allah mentions in 33:32: "O consorts of the Prophet! Ye are not like any of the other women: If ye do fear Allah, be not too complaisance of speech, lest one in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire: but speak ye a speech that is just." What is prohibited then is alluring speech which entices those whose diseased hearts may be moved with desire and that is not to say that all conversation with women is prohibited for Allah completes the verse: "...but speak ye a speech that is just." (33:32) Finding excuses to silence women is just one of the injustices certain scholars and imams attempt to inflict upon women. More details: Narrated Abu Said: A woman came to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Men (only) benefit by your teachings, so please devote to us from (some of) your time, a day on which we may come to you so that you may teach us of what Allah has taught you." Allah's Apostle said, "Gather on such-and-such a day at such-and-such a place." They gathered and Allah's Apostle came to them and taught them of what Allah had taught him. (Bukhari Volume 9, Book 92, Number 413) Another famous incident related to the response that a woman gave to Omar in a Mosque in the case of Al-Mahwar. Omar changed his opinion and accepted hers openly saying: "The woman was right and Omar was wrong.". Ibn Kathir mentioned it in the Tafsiir of Surat An-Nisaa2 and said that its isnaad was jayyid. Women They asked about issues related to their religion that many women today would be embarrassed to ask. Aisha praised the Ansaari women saying that the shyness did not stop them from understanding their religion. They asked about the major ritual impurity, sexual maturity, washing, the period, sexual maturity as well as other such things. It was not enough for women to attend. They wanted the prophet to themselves and asked him to make one day for them where men would not outnumber them. So the prophet dedicated a day for them and gave them wisdom and commandments We find that Moses - while he was at the peak of his youth and strength - talking to the two girls, the daughters of the old Sheikh. He asked them questions and they answered without being guilty or embarrassed. He helped them gallantly. One of them goes to him later, sent by her father, to invite him to go with her to her father. Then one of them suggests to her father that he make use of him because of what she saw in him of strength and honesty Let us read what came in Surat Al-Qasaas (verses 23-26): (And when he arrived at the watering (place) in Madyan, he found there a group of men watering (their flocks), and besides them he found two women who were keeping back (their flocks). He said: "What is the matter with you?" They said: "We cannot water (out flocks) until the shepherds take back (their flocks): and our father is a very old man." So he watered (their flocks) for them; then he turned back to the shade, and said: "O my Lord! truly am I in (desperate) need of any good that Thou dost send me!" Afterwards one of the (damsels) came (back) to him, walking bashfully. She said: "My father invites thee that he may reward thee for having watered (our flocks) for us." So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said: "Fear thou not: (well) hast thou escaped from unjust people." Said one of the (damsels): "O my (dear) father! engage him on wages: truly the best of men for thee to employ is the (man) who is strong and trusty.") In talking: women should not talk seductively (Al-A7zaab 32) (O Consorts of the Prophet! ye are not like any of the (other) women: if ye do fear (Allah), be not too complaisant of speech, lest one in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire: but speak ye a speech (that is) just. From all that mentioned above ,it is clear that THE VOICE OF WOMEN IS NOT AWRAH And All the Ulamaa of Al Salaf agreed about that. And ALLAH KNOWS BEST Shaykh ABU ATTAYYEB Moustafa Morsy

Sorry about that........ Try this one http://adly.net/index.html press continue, then skip into......the taped lectures........then click on the second sheik Shaykh Muhammad S Adly.....then video.....that's it, u can click on one of the video's to watch the sheik do the proper way of wudu... hope it works this time....it will......I checked myself

.......it's a video of how to perform wudu and salat the correct way.... http://adly.net/adlytvideos.htm..............

Brothers and sisters there is no limit to topics of choice....Anyone can talk about anything if they like, useless is so not the word to use in kayre's case. He didn't mention that the girl was christian at first. However when u think about it, what difference does it make because the same thing happens with in somali communities....Just for the record gay somali's do exist in Canada probably in other places too. It's okay to be concerned about someone even if their christian because they are human......when you say "Let me guess your concerned about a christian girl who had an illegitimate kid.....That's just unkind of u.....Because there is nothing wrong with being concern about christians because they are human and god made them aswell, plus she could become muslim any day so have sympathy....don't wish others ill treatment Somali's did use to have b/f and g/f but from what am told it wasn't to this extent and the majorty didn't involve having "X" and having kids. Now that we live in the west we've improved in some areas however we are still lacking incorporating religion with in the oursleves...Somali's value culture and tribalism more than religion ( not all people but some) and this is what makes us the way we are. The point of having b/f and g/f in North America is to have "X". God says that when u're alone with a boy the third is satan, and if god is telling us this am sure it's true and for people who think I can handle it " No u can't"....I've heard of cases where a guy had his brother live with his wife and him, " The wife ended up having an affair with her husbands brother" because they were alone all the time.........It's like people who drink alcohol, when they drink the feel like they're are more prettier and out going and become talkative that's because of the alcolol and how it messes with their brain...Then they think oh an ok....I can drive ( yet the can't) they feel okay yet they are not okay. Anyways I am writing too much........Speak or forever keep ur peace......lol,

Tuujiye u really wanna know my pet peeves People who have things against 1) naag buuq badan 2) naag dhiig ku dhicirabo 3) naag saaxiibo badan 4) naag nin u eg 5) naag timo jareer leh basically u are my biggest pet peeve..... I don't have pet peeves against women or men...However I sometimes pray that people change their manners rather than hate them or the way they are...

Nice come back Nur, O Jay knows not to mess with u anymore.....I think that was just all imagination allthough..There are 72 different types of muslim. So if people can disagree with in islam when they have a book of life to follow it's not strange for others to create and make new religions. What is wrong with the way muslims are now...I mean what's so good about democracy. I don't think democracy is what muslims all over the world need but rather Islam. I mean if people followed it, we wouldn't be dying because your community would be giving to each other generously, people wouldn't kill each other cause they know where they'll end up if they do. Stealing would have a punishment rather than a time of luxury for some in a cell for a time that will pass quickyly. What's with e-Nur is that a company and how come I never hear about it........or are u planning to make it one one...And are u a sheik, what country do u live and do u teach quran......What made u want to learn Quran and how did u.....I mean some people want to learn it but it's kinda hard...How did u make it easy for ur self..Did u learn Arabic first then learn quran..? Reply soon........

I wasn't specific enough eh...... I only wanted info on Plant Genetic Manipulation. My project had nothing to do with Animal or human's OG.......Plus it's not good for plants either.I have a feeling Gnetic Manipulation has something to do with America trying kill people lol....... Anyways thanks OG what u told me was what I needed thanks to the rest of u aswell........It's over with, I handled my business early in the morning......I even found a good website so that helped me too. Thanks cheers

I have searched everywhere and can't find the answer, help me......someone What is the cost of Genetic Manipulation ( in terms of weather it's expensive or cheap, and wheather it is a one-time cost or a cintinued cost, and whether it yields a good return)... If u know a good website with the answer let me know............Please respond soon....... thanks

I have searched everywhere and can't find the answer, help me......someone What is the cost of Genetic Manipulation ( in terms of weather it's expensive or cheap, and wheather it is a one-time cost or a cintinued cost, and whether it yields a good return)... If u know a good website with the answer let me know............Please respond soon....... thanks

khayr is not wishing the girl a bad life just expressing his thoughts about how people get married and have babies fast.. which is weird because that most likly means she married the guy after realizing she was pregnant. If u all have people who have done this kinda thing then I understand why ur so densive but khyre being a religious person is probably just shocked...... But then again khayr, you should really mind ur own buisness . It's not nice to talk about other people's lifes because it's between them and allah...Plus if u know something like that u should keep it to your self and not gossip or tell others about it, because allah says "if u do something bad, hide ur shame and so should others.

I am a sister, who usually logs in to Paltalk and then goes to the Islamic rooms so that I may gain some knowledge related to our religion. Sometimes while I am in one of those Islamic rooms in Paltalk,a muslim brother(looking for a wife) in the room asks me to have a private written chat with him so that we get to know one another. Some of the questions he asks me are: where i live, my age, whether i am married(by the way I am not married), if I am planning to get marry, whether I live with my parents, and so on. My problem is, I don't know whether I am allowed(Islamicly) to give non-muharim brother those kinds of informations which related to me. Is it really SIN to talk to a brother in writing ??. Answer : Praise be to Allaah. There is nothing wrong with a Muslim woman making use of the internet and entering the Paltalk website for that purpose, so long as that does not lead to anything that is forbidden in Islam, such as talking privately with men. That is because talking to men may turn into chat which usually leads temptation. Hence it is essential to be strict and avoid that, seeking the pleasure of Allaah and fearing His punishment. How often have these conversations lead to bad results, and even caused people to fall in love, and have led some to do things that are even more serious than that. The Shaytaan makes each of them imagine attractive qualities in other, which leads them to develop an attachment that detrimental to their spiritual welfare and worldly affairs. Sharee’ah blocks all the ways that may lead to fitnah (temptation, trial), hence it forbids softness of speech and does not allow a man to be alone with a non-mahram woman. Undoubtedly these private chats are not regarded as khulwah in the sense that he people involved cannot see one another, but they are one of the greatest causes of fitnah as is well known. What has happened to you is the best testimonial to the truth of what we are saying, because it is difficult for a man to ask these personal questions of a believing woman, unless he uses these means that are being used in a bad way. Fear Allaah, and do not speak to non-mahram men. This is safer for your religious commitment and purer for your heart. You should note that marriage to a righteous man is a blessing from Allaah, and a blessing cannot be acquired by means of sin. Shaykh Ibn Jibreen (may Allaah preserve him) was asked: What is the ruling on correspondence between young men and women, if this correspondence is free from immorality and love? He replied: It is not permissible for any man to correspond with a woman who is not his mahram, because of the fitnah (temptation) involved in that. A person may think that there is no fitnah, but the Shaytaan will keep trying until he tempts him. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded those who heard of the Dajjaal to keep away from him, and said that a man may approach him as a believer, but the Dajjaal will keep trying until he leads him astray. Correspondence between young men and women involves a great deal of fitnah and danger, so we must avoid it, even though the questioner says that this correspondence is free from immorality and love. From Fataawa al-Mar’ah, compiled by Muhammad al-Musnad, p. 96. Undoubtedly correspondence via chat rooms is more dangerous than correspondence by mail, but both are bad. And Allaah knows best.

They are not all being blamed it says some of you....It does not say all of you....... A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you.

Does anyone know how the splitting of the moon came about.....and who did it.? What's the purpose of stars in the sky? Where does Satan sleep? What should u do if a fly falls inside your drink? If you see Prophet muhamed in a drea is it really him?

Why are there more women in hell than men? Answer : Praise be to Allaah. It was narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that women will form the majority of the people of Hell. It was narrated from ‘Imraan ibn Husayn that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I looked into Paradise and I saw that the majority of its people were the poor. And I looked into Hell and I saw that the majority of its people are women.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3241; Muslim, 2737) With regard to the reason for that, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about it and he explained the reason. It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I was shown Hell and I have never seen anything more terrifying than it. And I saw that the majority of its people are women.” They said, “Why, O Messenger of Allaah?” He said, “Because of their ingratitude (kufr).” It was said, “Are they ungrateful to Allaah?” He said, “They are ungrateful to their companions (husbands) and ungrateful for good treatment. If you are kind to one of them for a lifetime then she sees one (undesirable) thing in you, she will say, ‘I have never had anything good from you.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1052) It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) went out to the Musalla on the day of Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Fitr. He passed by the women and said, ‘O women! Give charity, for I have seen that you form the majority of the people of Hell.’ They asked, ‘Why is that, O Messenger of Allaah?’ He replied, ‘You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religious commitment than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you.’ The women asked, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, what is deficient in our intelligence and religious commitment?’ He said, ‘Is not the testimony of two women equal to the testimony of one man?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Is it not true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?’ The women said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘This is the deficiency in her religious commitment.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 304) It was narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said: “I attended Eid prayers with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). He started with the prayer before the khutbah, with no adhaan or iqaamah. Then he stood up, leaning on Bilaal, speaking of fear of Allaah (taqwa) and urging us to obey Him. He preached to the people and reminded them. Then he went over to the women and preached to them and reminded them. Then he said, ‘Give in charity, for you are the majority of the fuel of Hell. A woman with dark cheeks stood up in the midst of the women and said, ‘Why is that, O Messenger of Allaah?’ He said, ‘Because you complain too much and are ungrateful to your husbands.’ Then they started to give their jewellery in charity, throwing their earrings and rings into Bilaal’s cloak.” (Narrated by Muslim, 885) Our believing sisters who learn of this hadeeth should behave like those Sahaabiyaat who, when they learned of this, did good deeds which would be the means, by Allaah’s leave, of keeping them far away from being included in that majority of the inhabitants of Hell. So our advice to the sisters is to strive to adhere to the rituals and obligatory duties of Islam, especially prayer, and to keep away from that which Allaah has forbidden, especially shirk in its many forms which are widespread among women, such as seeking one's needs from someone other than Allaah, going to practitioners of witchcraft and fortune-tellers, etc. We ask Allaah to keep us and all our brothers and sisters far away from the Fire and the words and deeds that bring one close to it.

Why are there more women in hell than men? Answer : Praise be to Allaah. It was narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that women will form the majority of the people of Hell. It was narrated from ‘Imraan ibn Husayn that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I looked into Paradise and I saw that the majority of its people were the poor. And I looked into Hell and I saw that the majority of its people are women.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3241; Muslim, 2737) With regard to the reason for that, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about it and he explained the reason. It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I was shown Hell and I have never seen anything more terrifying than it. And I saw that the majority of its people are women.” They said, “Why, O Messenger of Allaah?” He said, “Because of their ingratitude (kufr).” It was said, “Are they ungrateful to Allaah?” He said, “They are ungrateful to their companions (husbands) and ungrateful for good treatment. If you are kind to one of them for a lifetime then she sees one (undesirable) thing in you, she will say, ‘I have never had anything good from you.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1052) It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) went out to the Musalla on the day of Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Fitr. He passed by the women and said, ‘O women! Give charity, for I have seen that you form the majority of the people of Hell.’ They asked, ‘Why is that, O Messenger of Allaah?’ He replied, ‘You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religious commitment than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you.’ The women asked, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, what is deficient in our intelligence and religious commitment?’ He said, ‘Is not the testimony of two women equal to the testimony of one man?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Is it not true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?’ The women said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘This is the deficiency in her religious commitment.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 304) It was narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said: “I attended Eid prayers with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). He started with the prayer before the khutbah, with no adhaan or iqaamah. Then he stood up, leaning on Bilaal, speaking of fear of Allaah (taqwa) and urging us to obey Him. He preached to the people and reminded them. Then he went over to the women and preached to them and reminded them. Then he said, ‘Give in charity, for you are the majority of the fuel of Hell. A woman with dark cheeks stood up in the midst of the women and said, ‘Why is that, O Messenger of Allaah?’ He said, ‘Because you complain too much and are ungrateful to your husbands.’ Then they started to give their jewellery in charity, throwing their earrings and rings into Bilaal’s cloak.” (Narrated by Muslim, 885) Our believing sisters who learn of this hadeeth should behave like those Sahaabiyaat who, when they learned of this, did good deeds which would be the means, by Allaah’s leave, of keeping them far away from being included in that majority of the inhabitants of Hell. So our advice to the sisters is to strive to adhere to the rituals and obligatory duties of Islam, especially prayer, and to keep away from that which Allaah has forbidden, especially shirk in its many forms which are widespread among women, such as seeking one's needs from someone other than Allaah, going to practitioners of witchcraft and fortune-tellers, etc. We ask Allaah to keep us and all our brothers and sisters far away from the Fire and the words and deeds that bring one close to it.

Where can I go to download power point? If anyone know's please reply soon.. Bye thanks

Beautiful convert story.... Mashallah.......May allah increase her knowlege in Isalm.

Lets say your not wearing a turban and ur making wudu at home... Is it okay to just wipe a little bit of water on the front of your head and not go all the way back and come back frontward again.....? Then do the ears.

it's simple.....Girls who are dark don't really get that much attention....Not that they don't get any it's just not as much compared to light skin girls. However I still think they shouldn't change their skin colour.....I wonder if it's wrong because god created them with dark skin and they change it..... They don't have enough confidence to be in their own natural skin so they think perhaps they'll gain confidence or popularity among guys or even girls. Thats just my opinion......lets disagree to agree

Wiping over the turban only. Said 'Amru ibn Umayyah, "I saw the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, wipe over his turban and shoes." (Related by Ahmad, al-Bukhari and Ibn Majah). Bilal reported that the Prophet, upon whom be peace, said, "Wipe over your shoes and head covering." (Related by Ahmad.) 'Umar once said, "May Allah not purify the one who does not consider wiping over the turban to be purifying."Many hadith have been related on this topic by al-Bukhari, Muslim and others. Most of the scholars agree with them. Thanks to all of you. check out..... http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/law/fiqhussunnah/fus1_02.html

It's okay if u don't remember the title of the book...Maybe u can write the steps and someone else can agree with proof....

I find it weird that some muslims do wudu differently? There is only one way and if somone knows the perfect way plz state it with proof that is...... I mean what if someone made wudu their whole life the wrong way, would that mean they'd have to go to hell?

I Hate All Arabs Reflections of Old Have you ever walked into a convenience store and wanted to shoot the guy behind the counter? That's a trifle harsh, but an arresting way to begin an article nevertheless. It was one of those stunningly cold January evenings, when it got so frigid it felt someone had left ice cubes in my shoes and forgot to tell me. But the weather deterred neither myself nor the thousands of others who'd gathered for a Palestine peace march. When we’d yelled till our voices had withered to nothing – to remain so for a while – and then we wandered the frozen wasteland (Shala, Soraya and I), until finally some nice Pakistani driver offered us a (free) ride all the way uptown (he was dropping me off at my apartment and then taking the sisters to meet their other sister. I think). But once out, I didn't go into my apartmenr right away. Instead, I went to a nearby convenience store: there was nothing my throat needed more than a cup of steaming chai. I entered wearing my kaffiyeh, bunched up around my neck, partly to show solidarity with Palestinians and just as much to protect me from the bitter cold (For those who don't know, the kaffiyeh is the checkered, red and white or black and white, Arab scarf). Anyone who wears a kaffiyeh in public these days is usually assumed to be: 1) an Arab, 2) a Muslim, or 3) a terrorist. Good thing for me, I thought, that the owner of this convenience store was Muslim – the Quran stickers on his cash register gave it away. After I placed my order for chai, he smiled awkwardly and asked, “Are you Arab?†No, I replied. There was only one meaningful question he could ask thereafter, so I answered it for him: My parents are from Pakistan. That's good. He smiled, and I smiled too, until he clarified: I hate all Arabs. They never do anything for Islam. Soon it was only he who was smiling, and me stifling the urge to gently lift the lid off my scalding cup of tea and douse him with it. But this did not seem the Muslim thing to do. As tired I was, I was in no mood for an argument. Stumbling up to my apartment, I didn’t reflect on his words until I'd kicked off my shoes and tossed off my coat. For anyone who's been blessed to hear a bunch of Muslims engage in any sort of discussion, certain trends emerge and hold over long periods (basically, my lifetime). With some reflection, I was able to ascertain that the convenience store owner's sentence regarding Arabs and their perceived failure vis-à -vis Islam revealed everything that is wrong with the Ummah. Well, maybe not every single thing, but enough to fill up an essay. Again, his claim, if you are too lazy to scan backwards a paragraph: I hate all Arabs. They never do anything for Islam. Let’s analyze it bit by bit. 1. “I hate…†There's half your problem. Why are Muslims so negative? The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was faced with hurdles, challenges and accusations we will never have to face. Yet he said: I have not come to condemn humanity, but rather, as a mercy to it. In his day, there were a lot of obtuse people. Though some of these people tried to kill him, and tortured and beat his followers – all of which would put the average person in a rather sour mood – he did not lash out at them in hatred. Meanwhile, my brother at the convenience store was talking about his fellow believers. And he hated them. Let's say a fellow Muslim throws his Islam aside as so much baggage. Should you hate him? I'd think, rather, that we should show concern for this person by actively trying to help him and always remembering him in our prayers. But it is a sad and true fact that it is a thousand times easier to hate than it is to help. Muslims talk about unity, but unless we have an attitude that encourages unity, we will never see it. Certainly, generalizing about 270 million people in such negative terms is not going to get us closer together anytime soon. 2. “I hate all Arabs.†Let me be flatly honest. There are some Arabs who loathe Pakistanis. I can recall more than one person in Saudi Arabia who, on discovering that I was of Pakistani origin, looked at me as if I’d just vomited on him. I can also tell you, as a Pakistani, I am often quite baffled and distressed to see that while Pakistanis often rally against wars on the Arab world, very few such rallies do (or even can) take place when threats come against Pakistan. Does that indicate some deeper bias or indifference, unbecoming of decent humans? But I can also tell you, as someone of Pakistani origin, that there are many from my corner of the world that hold demeaning stereotypes of Arabs and others. No one people have a monopoly on ignorance and hate. I am a lot of things that I did not have a hand in deciding: I never asked to be named Haroon. It just happened that my parents chose it. In addition, I didn’t ask to be of Pakistani origin or American birth. Those were factors outside of my control. How, then, can anyone hate someone based on them? One of the most fascinating concepts in Islam is the idea of unity based on shared, chosen belief: All of us must make a decision to submit to the will of Allah. Even if we are born Muslim, that won’t do a thing for us, unless we personally make the effort – and that is how we will be judged. Islam rightly rejects the strangeness of exclusive identification based on things outside of a person’s hands. But now I must say something directed specifically to those people who are Arabs or think they should be. Many Muslims who are not Arab are quite insecure about their identity – and this is a common enough problem to be worth mentioning. Many Pakistanis, Iranians, Turks and others that I met honestly believe that to become a better Muslim means detaching yourself from your history and culture and becoming an Arab. I’m not even joking here. Some people even resent Islam, or reject it, because they think it’s a form of Arab imperialism. Islam urges us to identify ourselves based on the values we hold, and since Muslims take their values in the words of the Divine (the Qur’an) and the example of His messenger, peace be upon him, our identity is centered on a faith with Arab beginnings. But Islam does not ask us to remove or obliterate our positive differences. That is not only impossible, but also would be quite boring. Can you imagine? We’d end up looking like 21st century America (It’s getting harder and harder to take a vacation around here, because the same three restaurants and four chain stores are found everywhere from Hawaii to Maine). Surely we wouldn’t want to live in a world where everyone and everything is exactly alike. That’s human nature. We not only want some differences, but we also need them. But let’s not stop there. 3. “I hate all Arabs.†Too many Muslims have the nasty habit of making broad, sweeping generalizations. To make a broad, sweeping generalization out of this: Whatever we condemn or support, we do it with such lack of temperance that it’s little wonder we have trouble making things better. Consider, as an example, our “all-or-nothing†approach to social change. Muslims either want the Caliphate, right now, with all the benefits of life in America, or they want to sit home on their couches, watch the news and grumble about it to their friends. This births some rather odd propositions for how to revive our way of life: “Muslims should become one country.†Pray tell, how exactly are we going to do that? At New York University, no more than seventy-five out of over eight hundred Muslims came to Friday Prayer. And people are expecting the Ummah to work together on more difficult projects? Get an E-board member started on asking people to place their shoes neatly and orderly on the racks, and you begin to fathom the heights before us. Our faith teaches us that Islam comes slowly, that it is a constant struggle, and that there is no guarantee of fulfillment in our earthly life. There were Prophets like Noah, peace be upon him, who waited nine centuries for people to change. Often, they didn’t. So think over it again: “I hate all Arabs.†I might have applauded him had he made that statement after having visited each and every Arab in the world. But of course he didn’t do that (though that didn’t stop him from pretending like he did). Which brings me to the fourth and final point, the problem illustrated by his second sentence, be it laziness, apathy or moral cowardice. 4. “They never do anything for Islam.†I’d love to know what this guy’s done for Islam lately. Some of us think that we are somehow intimately connected to God, more so than anyone else since the Prophet (peace be upon him), and therefore the standard by which all other Muslims should be judged. I am allowed to have faults and failings, but no one else. So bad has this attitude become that we don’t see each other as distinct persons, creations of God deserving mercy and dignity, but rather, as no more than automatons, who can be judged, condemned and dismissed over a casual chai-purchasing encounter. Sometimes we complain that some Western media cast all Muslims in a negative light. But the store owner did the exact same thing: He confused individual people with flags and the boundaries of nation-states. The man at the store didn’t really mean that none of the Arab people did anything for Islam. He meant, rather, that he thought that the Arab countries didn’t do anything for Islam – and also, by extension, that the Arab people are robots who are to be identified with every single thing their governments do. Never mind that many Arabs are often active in agitating for positive social, religious and political improvement in their societies: If we were to take this man’s thinking to its logical conclusion, because I am a Pakistani-American, I am both General Pervez Musharraf and President George W. Bush. Hopefully you see the problem here. Let’s go back to it again. “They never do anything for Islam.†Notice he didn’t say: “I don’t do anything for Islam.†When the going gets tough, accuse someone else. Perhaps that man was a great and pious Muslim, and I wasn’t able to see that, but the lottery tickets and the beer cases in his store did suggest shortcomings. All of us have them. Not one of us is perfect. So why – I mean, really, why? – do we insist on putting the blame on someone else? Muslims are perfectly ready to opine for hours on end, through ten cups of tea and perhaps even one more, about how there’s a grand conspiracy against Islam and we must unite to fight it, but so many will rarely do anything productive. If you really believed that someone was out to ruin you, you wouldn’t sit there drinking tea and chit-chatting about it over biscuits. Which means you don’t really believe that there’s someone out to ruin you. Here then is my idea. Post it up in your mosque. If you’re an Imam, maybe you could mention it in a sermon, preferably also in a language the people speak. Or just talk about it with friends and family. It has a catchy ring to it, too: “Four Things for Fixing Things.†1. Nothing valuable is built on hate – including, and especially, Islam. 2. Let’s not divide ourselves over things we have no control over. Humanity is vast and varied – and that’s not going to change. Ever. So move on, please. 3. Life is not all-or-nothing, not even for the Muslims. We work with what God gives us, be it a little or a lot. 4. Let’s not blame others for what we would not do ourselves. Put the burden on yourself first and don't be so ready to toss it upon someone else. There’s enough common sense there, I hope. I'd like Muslims to take responsibility while cognizant of that. How much more can a man take, when all he wanted in the first place was a cup of tea? He made me go upstairs, in anger, and write this whole article when I was so tired. You could say, it’s all his fault

Asalamu-alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu wa maghfiratuhu One Way ticket to the Underground When we are leaving this world for the next one, it shall be like a trip to another country. Where details of that country won't be found in glamourous travel brochures but in the Holy Qur'aan and the Ahadiths. Where our plane won't be British Airways, Gulf Air or American Airlines but Air Janazah. Where our luggage won't be the allowed 23 kgs but our deeds no matter how heavy they weigh. You don't pay for excess luggage. They are carried free of charge. With your Creator's compliment. Where our dress won't be a Pierre Cardin suit or the like but the white cotton shroud. Where our perfume won't be Chanel, Paco Rabane, but the camphor and attar. Where our passports won't be British, French or American but Al Islam. Where our visa won't be the 6 months leave to stay or else but the "La Illaha Illallah.." Where the airhostess won't be gorgeous females but Isra'iil and its like Where the in-flight services won't be 1st class or economy but a piece of beautifully scented or foul smelling cloth. Where our place of destination won't be Heathrow Terminal 1 or Jeddah International Terminal but the Qabarastaan. Where our waiting lounge won't be nice carpeted and air-conditioned rooms but the 6 feet deep gloomy Qabar. Where the Immigration Officer won't be Her Majesty's officers but Munkir and Nakir. They only check out whether you deserve the place you yearn to go. Where there is no need for Customs Officers or detectors. Where the transit airport will be Al Barzaakh. Where our final place of destination will be either the Garden under which rivers flow or the Hell Fire. This trip does not come with a price tag. It is free of charge. So your savings would not come handy. This flight can never be hijacked so do not worry about terrorists. Food won't be served on this flight so do not worry about your allergies or whether the food is Halal. Do not worry about legroom; you won't need it, as your legs will become things of the past. Do not worry about delays. This flight is always punctual. It arrives and leaves on time. Do not worry about the in-flight entertainment programme because you would have lost all your sense of joy. Do not worry about booking this trip, it has already been booked the day you became a foetus in your mother's womb. Ah! At last good news! Do not worry about who will be sitting next to you. You will have the luxury of being the only passenger. So enjoy it while you can. If only you can! One small snag though, this trip comes with no warning. Are you prepared ? Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar(R.A.) reported that someone asked the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) who was the wisest. The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that, the one who remembers death often and is ever engaged in making preperation for it. These are the men who have become masters of the honour of this world and the next. (Tibraani) Hazrat Bara' bin Azib says that he attended a funeral along with the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam), who sat near the grave and wept so bitterly that the earth became wet with his tears. Then he addressed us saying : " O Bretheren, make preperation for this day." (Ibn Majah) raeesa16@aol.com

Asalamu-alaikum wa rahmatullah wa baraktuhu Hope everyone had a brillaint Eid inshallah A Fictitious story with a moral...... Some time ago, there lived a King. This King should have been contented with his life, given all the riches and luxuries he had. However, this was not the case! The King always found himself wondering why he just never seemed content with his life. Sure, he had the attention of everyone wherever he went, attended fancy dinners and parties, but somehow, he still felt something was lacking and he couldn't put his finger on it. One day, the King had woken up earlier than usual to stroll around his palace. He entered his huge living room and came to a stop when he heard someone happily singing away... following this singing... he saw that one of the servants was singing and had a very contented look on his face. This fascinated the King and he summoned this man to his chambers. The man entered the King's chambers as ordered. The King asked why he was so happy? To this the man replied: "Your Majesty, I am nothing but a servant, but I make enough of a living to keep my wife and children happy. We don't need too much, a roof over our heads and warm food to fill our tummy. My wife and children are my inspiration, they are content with whatever little I bring home. I am happy because my family is happy." Hearing this, the King dismissed the servant and summoned his Personal Assistant to his chambers. The King related his personal anguish about his feelings and then related the story of the servant to his Personal Assistant, hoping that somehow, he will be able to come up with some reasoning that here was a King who could have anything he wished for at a snap of his fingers and yet was not contented, whereas, his servant, having so little was extremely contented. The Personal Assistant listened attentively and came to a conclusion. He said "Your Majesty, I believe that the servant has not been made part of The 99 Club." "The 99 Club? And what exactly is that?" the King inquired. To which the Assistant replied, "Your Majesty, to truly know what The 99 Club is, you will have to do the following... place 99 Gold coins in a bag and leave it at this servant's doorstep, you will then understand what The 99 Club is." That very same evening, the King arranged for 99 Gold coins to be placed in a bag at the servant's doorstep. Although he was slightly hesitant and he thought he should have put 100 Gold coins into the bag, but since his assistant had advised him to put 99, that is what he did. The servant was just stepping out of his house when he saw a bag at his doorstep.Wondering about its contents, he took it into his house and opened the bag. When he opened the bag, he let out a great big shout of joy... Gold Coins... so many of them. He could hardly believe it. He called his wife to show her the coins. He then took the bag to a table and emptied it out and began to count the coins. Doing so, he realised that there were 99 coins and he thought it was an odd number so he counted again, and again and again only to come to the same conclusion... 99 Gold Coins. He began to wonder, what could have happened to that last 1 coin? For no one would leave 99 coins. He began to search his entire house, looked around his backyard for hours, not wanting to lose out on that one coin. Finally, exhausted, he decided that he was going to have to work harder than ever to make up for that 1 Gold coin to make his entire collection an even 100 Gold Coins. He got up the next morning, in an extremely horrible mood, shouting at the children and his wife for his delay, not realising that he had spent most of the night conjuring ways of working hard so that he had enough money to buy himself that gold coin. He went to work as usual - only not in his usual best mood, singing happily - as he grumpily did his daily errands. Seeing the man's attitude change so drastically, the King was puzzled. He promptly summoned his assistant to his chambers. The King related his thoughts about the servant and once again, his assistant listened. The King could not believe that the servant who until yesterday had been singing away and was happy and content with his life had taken a sudden change of attitude, even though he should have been happier after receiving the gold coins. To this the assistant replied "Ah! but your Majesty, the servant has now officially joined The 99 Club." He explained: "The 99 Club is just a name given to those people who have everything but yet are never contented, therefore they are always working hard and striving for that extra 1 to round it out to 100! We have so much to be thankful for and we can live with very little in our lives, but the minute we are given something bigger and better, we want even more! We are not the same happy contented person we used to be, we want more and more and by wanting more and more we don't realise the price we pay for it. We lose our sleep, our happiness, we hurt the people around us just as a price to pay for our growing needs and desires. That is what joining The 99 Club is all about." Hearing this the King decided that from that day onwards, he was going to start appreciating all the little things in life. Striving for more is always good, but let's not strive so hard and for so much that we lose all those near and dear to our hearts, we shouldn't compromise our happiness for moments of luxuries!