Another Taboo topic, as the tampon users say a less messy job. My fifty cents, if your a first time user adviced to try when your on your safe days to see if you are comfortable and no accidents happen. Make sure you change it often, as its known that a toxic shock syndrome(TSS) can result if bacterias(Staphyloccus aureus) get busy. A patient may( female of child bearing age approx 90% of the cases) present with fever,vomiting, diarhea,sore throat, muscle pain and headaches. In severe cases hypotension with kidney failure and heart failure has been reported. A skin rash also occurs. It usually happens by the 5th day of the menstrual cycle of a tampon user. Treatment? first to removal the source of the toxin( tampon or other cause e.g abscess) rehydration, given anti staphylococcal drugs.... As for the hymen, some girls are born naturally without it so dont see it as an issue. What is important in Islam is to be chaste, a tampon cannot undo that. So let people do what they see fit, no need of stigmatisation, just use common sense.*weight the pros and cons* Some people are allergic to pads, get extreme rashes, discomfort... *my aim isnt to encourage the usage nor discourage it, just passing information, and letting go of the myths, my personal choice is private*

Sorry, couldnt read all the replies. Inshallah will get back to it. Just wanted to add there is the reversed case, The Media is used by Muslimahs to down trod Islam. Its very common my end, ala Turka. A couple of weeks back there were photos of Muslim lady(with hijab) posing as a striper in a magazine with a headline Hijabified stripper. Audhubillah , so you tell me we all know its supposed to be Impossible for a Muslimah to do such an act but you read it in the news and the Muslims themselves are in the forefront. (Im sorry to say wasnt inquesitive enough to buy the magazine and read for myself what it was all about, didnt want to polute my head.) Similar topics of Muslimahs and the Ills they do especially in Istanbul are printed in the newspapers/magazines. Makes you wonder, is it a war against the ladies or there is truth to the story that people claiming to be Muslimahs but do indulge in their whims then we all get smeared. Muslimah VS Media 50%- 50% relationship when comes to the truth I think. Got to run , sorry.

I find it fascinating to. And there isa grain of truth in the saying to choose your company well. And makes sense also when you reflect on the verses regarding brothers and sisters in Islam holding to the rope of Allah and as a collective Ummah when one part is sick the whole body is diseased. As whatever it is gets rubbed in/off and affects the other person close.

Inshallah Abdul latif, Just as a reminder, our postings/ reminders regarding the verses we share are on the thread, Quraan readers Lounge. So you can start posting there. Im planning to finish a Juzuu a day, and on occasional days in order to catchup 1.5-2 Inshallah. Dont know if I will have time to read the translation in completion but will try to make an effort. One thing I am positively sure I can do is do the random reading. Open the translation of the Quraan and whatever page opens in my right handside is my daily message read that and try to reflect on it during the day. Inshallah kheir, May Allah give us the strength and zeal to enlighten our lives with the words of the Holy Quraan.Amin.

Ramadhaan Kareem.

Bur Bur= 2 Bur's Saliid Saliid= 2 Saliid's Still dont get it. Can you please translate instead. Turkey, well its a 'modern' state. Those who fast do so in hiding do not want to be noticed, unfortunately. And figures of authorities especially in Universities do have a tendency of offering students refreshments. Its 'IN' to be seen drinking refreshmsnts, smoking or eating during Ramadhan in the cities. When you visit the countryside most of the people keep to the Islamic rulings. All I can say since Erdogan took over, during the month of Ramadhan more respect and tolerance to the Muslim followers is shown. Though the media like to make sarcastic remarks on the fact that members of the party fast and pray in the govt buildings. Who prayed, who stood next to who, who appeared at the iftaar dining meeting etc. matters of no Islamic significance but have political undertones. Ah, we are in weird times.

By the way what is bur bur and saliid saliid??

Sheh, I salute you. Ive still havent got the courage to eat Doriani , its a delicacy in Zanzibar too. I just let my mum enjoy it. The smell Hehe, seems Sambusas are the number Uno delicacy in Ramadhan. The sijui way of Ramadhaan .. I would prefer the other meat apertives , meat patties (sambusas are also widely consumed) the sijuis know the mkate wa nyama, or the ovened mincemeat bread (some call it meat loaf but it not like the english one As it doesnt have pastry instead the base is made of mash potatoes and you have mincemeat, grated carrot,green pepper and spices mixed with the yoke of egg then baked. You later serve by cutting it into cubes. So it isnt like a shephards pie either.) Other must's are the 'kaymati', bajias, fish cakes (patties), kashories, plastiki (sliced potatoes in the middle a thin layer of chilly sauce covered in gram flour then fried) meat chop, egg chop. Light on the stomach and you can join tarawiih easily. For main course, you can have maraq, rice,basto, potatoes or bananas cooked in coconut milk(sometimes mixed with meat), sweet potatoes, Alot of bread types , chapatis, mkate wa Ufuta(sesame bread, coconut milk is added), mandazi is consumed in Ramadhaan. If your from the coastal towns you have a fish feast, samaki wa kupaka (grilled fish then sauce is spread on top and let to dry), fried fish, octopus isnt consumed in ramadhaan as far as I remember but squid is, fried squid or ringlets tasty. As for desert, ramadhaan Musts were fruit salads, Faluda, custard, homemade caramel pudding, pumpkin/ sweet potatoes or mumunya(dont know its english name looks like courgette)in coconut milk seasoned with cardamom (hiliki). Mkate wa kumimina, chila/vibibi, vilosa(All of them made from grounded rice and coconut milk the cooking style differs). The list never ends. Man, I feel hungry already. And alot of fresh juices are consumed. The native Swahilis love opening fast with Ujii (porridge) spicy and yummy and soft on the stomach. And there are different types. I only cook (properly) in Ramadhaan when I have freinds over. As for myself I like having a light iftaar something like a breakfast snack , dates, fruits, water a sandwich. Around 10 ish, I can decide to eat something else and it aint special. While on duty or invited over at peoples place we have the full course meal. Turks cant go without soup(my favorite lentil soup), then main course and desert. And they are very hospitable, youve got to be careful you can end up overfeed. And in Ramadhaan they have this special bread >Ramadhaan pidesi reminds me of the Mkate of Ufuta (Sesame bread common in East Africa or the Mkate wa Mofa). Guess thats enough,for today.

ZU, Lool you had me laughing, be it plastic or not, Its something I cant change as its already subconsciously implanted. You can call me biased Libaan, true what you mentioned.

^^^^Doesnt that sound hypocritical? Arent all the months supposed to be Interest free??. Argh :mad: I hate pigs, sorry and I would feel offended if I will be presented with anything with a pig. Surprising though piglet in Winny the Pooh, looked cute but I still use to cringe. The creature is just too filthy.*can still smell the stench from the pigsty*

^^^She wanted them to feel the pain first. La femme, great article. Jazakhallah Kheir Islam does not trap women into polygamy. Rather it gives them the free will to choose how they want to live their lives. Syrian society is male dominated and sexist, but as long as women continue to blame men and religion for their oppression and insecurity without taking any action, no genuine change will ever take place. We are back to square one ,*sighs* So , true.

Jazakhallah kheir, very informative and precise.

Harms of the Science of Polemics and evils of debates and disputations by Al-Imam al-Ghazali (Radhi Allahu Anhu) Know, O' Reader, that after the Holy Nabi, the Khulafa Rashideen were the leaders of the learned in the science of Allah. There were the eyes of knowledge and were experienced in the legal decisions. They did not take the help of jurisprudents except in cases where consultation was necessary. They decided on the strength of Ijtihad and their decisions were recorded in their lives. After their death, Khulafat went to those who not so experienced in legal matters and administrative affairs. They were compelled to seek the aid of jurisprudents. At that time, a band of Tabi'een were alive and they persisted in following strictly the injunctions of Deen. Whenever Khalifs called them, they fled. But some learned men used to mix with the Khalifs ans consequently became humiliated. Therefore there were differences of opinion and among the learned men and there grew different mathahib as a result, and in some cases, a sect sprung up. There were argumentations and disputations over the intricate questions of religion. They composed also many works on these subjects. This induced the people to take to controversies and disputations. There are eight conditions of debates The first condition is that where debate for search of truth is one of Fardh Kefayah duties , one who has not already fulfilled his part in duties of Farze Ain should not engage himself in the debates even for searching truth. The second condition is that one should not consider debates more important than Fardh Kefayah duties. He commits sin who does other works leaving aside a more important Fardh Kefaya. He is like a man who does not give water to drink to people who are thirsty and facing death even though he has got power to do so, because he remains then busy in giving lessons of cupping. Once the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) was asked: When will the people give up enjoining good and forbidding evil? The Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) said: When flattery will grow in good people among you, kingdom will go to the meanest of you and theology to those who will be corrupt.| The third condition which justifies debate is that the debater should have ability and give decision on his own responsibility without referring to the opinion of al-Imam al-A'zam Abu Hanifah or any other Imams. He who has not the ability of independent interpretation should not express his opinion but should refer it to an Imam. The fourth condition which justifies debate is that the subject for decision should be about actual cases that crop up, for example, the question of inheritance and not about future cases . The Sahabi (Radhi Allahu Anhum) also held consultations as questions arose or were likely to arise in order to arrive at truth. The fifth condition is that debate should be held in private in preference to open meetings in presence of noted people and in grandeur because privacy is more suitable for clear thinking and to examine what is right and what is wrong. The sixth condition is that the debater should like truth in the same spirit as a lost thing is searched for . He should not mind whether the truth is found by him or by his adversary. When Hazrat Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu) was once giving sermon, a woman pointed out to him his mistake to which he submitted. At another time, Hazrat Ali (Karam Allah wajhu) was asked a question by a man and he replied. When the man pointed out his mistake, he admitted it. The seventh condition is that the debater should not prevent his adversary from giving up one argument in favor or another and one illustration in favor of another. The eighth condition is that debate should be held with such person for whom benefit is derived and who is learned. From these eight conditions, you will be able to distinguish those who debate for the sake of Allah and those who debate for other purposes. Evils of Debates The following evils arise out of modern debates. Envy . The Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) said: Envy consumes good deeds as fire consumes fuels. A debator is never free from envy and hatred. Envy is a burning fire. One who falls in it gets punishment in the world. Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radhi Allah Anhu) said: Acquire 'Ilm wherever it is found and don't obey the shayateen who are prone to disputes. Pride . The Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) said: A Mu'min cannot have kibr (pride) in him. There is a Hadith-e-Qudsi in which Allah Ta'ala said: "Grandeur is My cloak and pride is My mantle. I destroy the one who snatches anything of these two from Me." Rancour . A debater is seldom free from the evil of rancour. Back-biting which is likened by Allahu Ta'ala to the eating of carrion (49:12). Declaration of self-purity . Allah says: Don't attribute purity to yourself. He knows best who fears Him. (53:33). Spying and prying into secrets of adversary. Allah says Pry not. (49: 12). Nifaaq . A debater expresses his friendship for his adversary outwardly but he cherishes hatred for him inwardly. The Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) said: When the learned men do not translate their learning into action, when they profess love for one another with their tongue and nurse hatred in their hearts, when they sever ties of relationship, Allah sends Curse upon them, makes their tongues mute and their eyes blind. To turn away from Haqq . The most hateful thing to a debater is to reject the truth revealed to his adversary and thus he takes to deception and deceit. The Holy Nabi (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) prohibited dispute about useless things. He (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) said: If a man gives up disputation in matters of unlawful things, a garden will be built for him in Paradise. If a man givesup disputations in matters of Haqq, a house will be built up for him in the highest Paradise. Allah Ta'ala says: He is more wrongful than one who devises a lie against Allah and calls the truth a lie when it comes to him. (29:6 Allah says: Who is more wrongful than he who lies against Allah and treats the truth when it comes to him as a lie (39:33). Another fault of debate is show and flattering the people in an effort to win their favor and to mislead them. Nifaaq (hypocrisy) is the greatest disease with which a debator is attacked and it is a major sin. Deception . Debators are compelled to deception. These ten evils are the secret major sins arising out of debates and disputations. Besides these major offences, there arise many other guilts out of controversies leading to blows, kicks, boxing, tearing of garments, etc. The learned men are of three classes. One class comprise those who ruin themselves and also ruin others. Another class make themselves fortunate and make others also fortunate. Such learned men call others towards good. The third class of learned men call ruin to themselves but make others fortunate The choice is ours to make. May Allah guide us and give us the ability to acknowledge our faults and change our ways. Amin

Interesting but I find it questionable. Africans are now being discouraged by their govts to perform traditional circumcision. As it was/is believed that the unhygienic approach used causes people to get infected.(Uganda now has people who offer these services who are approved by the local surgical authorities to make sure preventive measures are taken to stop the spread. e.g new knife per person) And here comes scientist telling them that it reduces HIV transmission. More could have been explained e.g infections and the questionable relation with genital cancer.

Be patient, increase your prayers and make duas for his soul.In the time being, try to find a figure who he respects and can take advice from.e.g Imam . Lastly, remind him that he isnt supposed to go against a matter our religion has made a decision on. Out of curiosity sister, why is he admant for you to change your name? There are more important things in a marriage to be worried about or addressed than forcing you to accept his name. And as his mother has a problem with the ruling to,it will be advisable for her to be present when the matter is adressed. Problem is alot of people still mix culture with religion, and as the world has become so care free people just shrug and move on. While in reality it is wrong. Islamically speaking you are in the right sister. May Allah give you patience and make the ordeal easy for you.

My eyes are glazed. I only wish the brotherhood he lived in Mecca could be felt beyond the Holy land from the walls of china to the icebergs in Iceland. We have become a lost Ummah.

Bro Muhammad thank you for providing the evidence as to why names are not changed. To serve as a reminder the first name though can be changed. As we were adviced by our Prophet SAW to name each other with beautiful names. Thus people who revert back to Islam or Muslims with embarassing names may change their names. I just wanted to add a quotation I once read regarding the addressed topic. An American judge once commented on the rights of the Muslim women saying ," A muslim girl may marry ten times, but her individuality is not absorbed by that of her various husbands. She is a solar planet with a name and a legal personality of her own." Excerpt from the booklet "Women in Islam versus women in judeo-christian tradition the myth and the reality".

^^^ Lol JB, be easy on the lady >> enjoy the trip. Hibo, As Bro Ngonge mentioned you havent provided enough information. I would just like to add there are rulings regarding the validity of a marriage contract. One of them is you have to consent to the offer. And during the contract, your guardian(Wali) must be there. The guardian can be your father, brother or a person of respect in the Islamic community(e.g Imaam). So the qn I can raise is did you give any man the permission to represent your acceptance of the offer? And if you are married I beleive a marriage certificate should have been issued. Do you have this in your possession or in your 'partner's? Fiamanillah.

Mr Orgi, Go ahead as long its Islamically correct give the brother advice.

Mashallah. Missed this place. Bro Nur, may your dreams come true. Road to paradise, wonderful directions glad there arent alot of bumpy rides. Dont want the cars to break down half the trip. But beleive there must be helpers on the way, right?

Asalaam aleikum Muhammed I had the same expectations. Guess we need to have a Private meeting to know more Mabruk Alaik, my fellow New mod.

Sheh and Juba, I agree with the sentiments you posted. I also used to say the same thing but as Haseena said I decided to learn the truth about Islam and the rights women have but know not of. And tried to educate those who were within my reach. Haseena, there is more to that regarding the 'he said she said'. Yes, alot of women know not of their religion it is not due to the fact they dont want to learn but because they unfortunately had the wrong teachers, YES I say again they had the wrong teachers. Unfortunately, as it maybe but scholars are willing to tell a woman to stay in their houses and not go to the mosques than telling her that she has a right to prenuptial contract of her stipulation and other matters of importance. Why? I still wonder(Dont want to come up with a conspiracy theory) I can only say I was grateful to have a good teacher and drilled for questions instead of being a silent student letting things be. Personally, I know there is no excuse, books are available,have easily accessible libraries I urge my fellow females to read and know of their rights and ask for them. And dont take NO for an answer instead, ask why? how come? and why so? Bring on the discussion. Islam allows that so lets not be blinded by lame excuses to stop you learning(NB.Some matters of Aqeedah are unquestionable though). On the day of Judgement Allah will ask both men and females the same questions, one being 'Havent you heard of my message?' And the answer should be a straight forward yes or no. Fiamanillah *Sorry If I appear like Im ranting, but I despice seeing my fellow females denied of their rights and for others to sort to trivial excuses, Empower ourselves should be our chant*

Waleikum Salaam Brother Salafi, Starvation as a state is either self inflicted or caused by lack of food. In the case of lack of food, you find that the body naturally from its reserves provides glucose and other nutrients to tend to the ever so wanting body. If this state continues for long the body, reaches a point where there is no return and you have death at your doorstep. Why do I say this, Our fasting in the holy month of ramadhan is similar the analog(but self inflicted) being that the soul searches for resources to survive as for once the body is in denial. Thus as we know we are adviced to read more of the Quraan, do good and pray Tarawiih prayers so that the soul doesnt die and lose its luster. As for your questions. 1.Most probably people instead of increasing acts of Ibadah and shunning bad, people just continue as usual paying attention to their material needs than spiritual well being.You do find the cultural aspect sweeping in to>>An opportunity to have a family meal together then people get into long discussions instead of going for Taraweeh or head for the special Ramadhan fun events(Happens in Turkey, you can watch it on Tv if you dont want to go out) Ramadhan is expected to be a training period for the soul, you control your desires the mind rules, you pray on time, shun evil, do good,open fast with family, freinds and travellers, pray Tarawiih as a collective Ummah (fosters brotherhood) this is the spirit. And the acquired training should continue after Ramadhan. Instead you may find people, do good while fasting then once they open their fast they 'rob' the fast by doing wrong deeds. 2.Criteria? I may have to check it up but this is what I do and beleive in, that Allah sees me, my every action will be recorded, thus cut down in doing wrong deeds, control my tongue, do as much good as I can, work more as active as I can be(sometimes not fruitful but still push myself).Increase acts of Ibaadah,try not to show people that Im fasting not using it as an excuse(Im in a country where deliberately figures of authority may offer you something to drink for the first time, happens every Ramadhan).Invite friends over whenever I can. The thing with Saum is its a gift to Allah, you may fool people your fasting but He is the only one who really knows. 3. No there is more to that, We are to control our tongues >>Adviced to withdraw from people who may be provocative and tell them I am but fasting. Control our human urges(copulation)> Until after sunset its Halal. Help others and do good. Be good hosts if you have the means especially to the needy. Be more appreciative of others as your not the only one fasting thus become considerate of the faults of others. 4.Im not sure on that one. The quality of the fast maybe devalued. But depends on the type of sin too. Good questions, guess I need to do some rereading. Jazkallah kheir. Looking forward to read other nomads replies.

^^^Jazkallah kheir for the reminder. But its still a sad story, the laws of asylum should be relooked into, its not worth a man losing his life. There must be room for compromise and help families stay together.

Lol, I wasnt on board by then. And thanks Nuune.