Sixir??? Interesting. What a let down, khalaf Audhubillah. Whats keeping your Uncle preoccupied is the care he gets from his sijui lady.Thats called love and affection. To my fellow sijui ladies- Love you all for the sake of Allah. Fiamanillah WOL

Inallilahi wainaillahi Rajiun. Its a pity that people who are trying to give back to our society are being targetted as well as the innocent by these holigans. Families should stop covetting their troubled sons and hand them over to the police. Enough. May Allah ease the pain of the families struck by these tragedies. And give people the courage to do what's RIGHT. Amin

Originally posted by Cadaan: ^Welcome back, Dr. WOL and Eid mubarak . Thanks Cadaan though I have never left this place . Eid Wanagsaan.

Ayoub, According to Suratil Kahf The dog was positioned at the entrance. So if anyone was to see the cave and want to come in they would be fearful and leave. As Allah ordained the inhabitants of the cave to sleep so did the dog. [وَتَحْسَبُهُمْ أَيْقَاظًا وَهُمْ رُقُودٌ وَنُقَلِّبُهُم 1618; ذَاتَ اليَمِينِ وَذَاتَ الشِّمَالِ وَكَلْبُهُمْ بَـسِطٌ ذِرَاعَيْهِ بِالوَصِيدِ لَوِ اطَّلَعْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ لَوْلَّيْتَ مِنْهُمْ فِرَارًا وَلَمُلِئْتَ مِنْهُمْ رُعْبًا ] (18. And you would have thought them awake, whereas they were asleep. And We turned them on their right and on their left sides, and their dog stretching forth his two forelegs at the Wasid. Had you happened upon them, you would certainly have turned back from them in flight, and would certainly have been filled with awe of them.) Their Sleep in the Cave Some of the scholars mentioned that when Allah caused them to sleep, their eyelids did not close, lest disintegration took hold of them. If their eyes remained open to the air, this would be better for the sake of preservation. Allah says: [وَتَحْسَبُهُمْ أَيْقَاظًا وَهُمْ رُقُودٌ] (And you would have thought them awake, whereas they were asleep.) It was mentioned that when the wolf sleeps, it closes one eye and keeps one eye open, then it switches eyes while asleep. [وَنُقَلِّبُهُم& #1618; ذَاتَ اليَمِينِ وَذَاتَ الشِّمَالِ] (And We turned them on their right and on their left sides,) Ibn `Abbas said: "If they did not turn over, the earth would have consumed them.'' [وَكَلْبُهُمْ بَـسِطٌ ذِرَاعَيْهِ بِالوَصِيدِ] (and their dog stretching forth his two forelegs at the Wasid) Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, Sa`id bin Jubayr and Qatadah said: "The Wasid means the threshold.'' Ibn `Abbas said: "By the door.'' It was said: "On the ground.'' The correct view is that it means on the threshold, i.e., at the door. [إِنَّهَا عَلَيْهِم مُّؤْصَدَةٌ ] (Verily, it shall be closed upon them) [104:8] Their dog lay down at the door, as is the habit of dogs. Ibn Jurayj said, "He was guarding the door for them.'' It was his nature and habit to lie down at their door as if guarding them. He was sitting outside the door, because the angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog, as was reported in As-Sahih, nor do they enter a house in which there is an image, a person in a state of ritual impurity or a disbeliever, as was narrated in the Hasan Hadith. The blessing they enjoyed extended to their dog, so the sleep that overtook them overtook him too. This is the benefit of accompanying good people, and so this dog attained fame and stature. It was said that he was the hunting dog of one of the people which is the more appropriate view, or that he was the dog of the king's cook, who shared their religious views, and brought his dog with him. And Allah knows best. Allah says: [لَوِ اطَّلَعْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ لَوْلَّيْتَ مِنْهُمْ فِرَارًا وَلَمُلِئْتَ مِنْهُمْ رُعْبًا] (Had you happened upon them, you would certainly have turned back from them in flight, and would certainly have been filled with awe of them.) meaning that Allah made them appear dreadful, so that no one could look at them without being filled with terror, because of the frightening appearance they had been given. This was so that no one would come near them or touch them until the appointed time when their sleep would come to an end as Allah willed, because of the wisdom, clear proof and great mercy involved in that. [وَكَذلِكَ بَعَثْنَـهُمْ لِيَتَسَآءَلُو 1575; بَيْنَهُمْ قَالَ قَائِلٌ مِّنْهُمْ كَم لَبِثْتُمْ قَالُواْ لَبِثْنَا يَوْمًا أَوْ بَعْضَ يَوْمٍ قَالُواْ رَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا لَبِثْتُمْ فَابْعَثُواْ أَحَدَكُمْ بِوَرِقِكُمْ هَـذِهِ إِلَى الْمَدِينَةِ فَلْيَنْظُرْ أَيُّهَآ أَزْكَى طَعَامًا فَلْيَأْتِكُمْ بِرِزْقٍ مِّنْهُ وَلْيَتَلَطَّف 1618; وَلاَ يُشْعِرَنَّ بِكُمْ أَحَدًا - إِنَّهُمْ إِن يَظْهَرُواْ عَلَيْكُمْ يَرْجُمُوكُمْ أَوْ يُعِيدُوكُمْ فِى مِلَّتِهِمْ وَلَن تُفْلِحُواْ إِذًا أَبَدًا ] (19. Likewise, We woke them that they might question one another. A speaker among them said: "How long have you stayed (here)'' They said: "We have stayed a day or part of a day.'' They said: "Your Lord knows best how long you have stayed (here). So send one of you with this silver coin of yours to the town, and let him find out which is the Azka food, and bring some of that to you. And let him be careful and let no man know of you.'') (20. "For, if they come to know of you, they will stone you or turn you back to their religion; and in that case you will never be successful.'') source: tafsir.com

Eid Mubaraak brothers and Sisters, may Allah accept our fast,prayers and duas and may He protect us from the Hell fire and give solace, patience and courage our Muslim Ummah who are facing persecution, tyranny, oppression in the World and make them successful. Amin

Asalaam Aleykum Bro Nur, I agree with you but people still need to be informed and educated on the truth of the matters arised. Fiamanillah Eid Wanagsaan WOL

Originally posted by sheherazade: ^where have you been? Been around dear, been adjusting to the american life.

Asalaam aleykum, For the last couple of days a new Anti-Muslim DVD has been distributed (28million copies) to Americans to spread a new wave of hatred, fear of Muslims.So, if you have across this DVD or suddenly been grilled about Islam by bystanders be calm and educate the person on the true meaning of Islam. For more information on how you can help,or get people to read the rebuttal please visit this website: http://www.obsessionwithhate.com/index.php quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'Obsession' DVD a Well-Planned Con Posted 9/19/2008 2:03:00 PM Source: Colorado Daily Camera Author: Judith Mohling Last Sunday, a free one-hour DVD in splashy, theatrical packaging was slipped into millions of newspapers across the country, mostly in "swing" states. The probable intent was to slip the DVD content cleverly into millions of American brains, scaring people into an intense fear of "radical Islam," and elevating security concerns above all others as they vote in November. The film is "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West." It is purported to be an educational film about the threat of Islamic terrorism. The "O" in "Obsession" is formed with the Islamic crescent moon and a star, and the closing "N" has a silhouette of an automatic rifle as part of the letter. Be prepared to be scared if you take the movie to heart, but, better yet, use the skills of critical thinking that we've all been taught in order to see the classical propaganda tricks used extensively throughout the film. According to writer Denise Dennis, "American citizens have been the victim of an elaborate and well-planned con game for the past eight years -- and the game will be in full play this week," with the DVD "Obsession" being spread across the nation. "Anytime American citizens can be frightened and manipulated into voting against their best interests, they have been conned." Let's hear it for the Greensboro News & Record in North Carolina. The paper turned away the money and refused to distribute the DVD. Its longtime editor, John Robinson, explained, "Many newspapers across the country distributed a controversial DVD today about Islam . . . I asked our publisher about it. He said it was divisive and plays on people's fears and served no educational purpose . . . As I've said on other occasions about news decisions, just because you can publish doesn't mean you should." If in any way the creators, distributors and financiers of the DVD had in mind "softening" public opinion about the idea of bombing Iran, the tragedy of the DVD deepens. The drumbeat for war on Iran is steady, even in this week when five former secretaries of state agreed that the U.S. must talk with Iran. Madeline Albright, Colin Powell, Warren Christopher, Henry Kissinger and James A. Baker III all said, each in his or her own way, that talking to Iran is essential. SOURCE: web page -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fiamanillah WOL

Asalaam aleykum, For the last couple of days a new Anti-Muslim DVD has been distributed (28million copies) to Americans to spread a new wave of hatred, fear of Muslims.So, if you have across this DVD or suddenly been grilled about Islam by bystanders be calm and educate the person on the true meaning of Islam. For more information on how you can help,or get people to read the rebuttal please visit this website: http://www.obsessionwithhate.com/index.php 'Obsession' DVD a Well-Planned Con Posted 9/19/2008 2:03:00 PM Source: Colorado Daily Camera Author: Judith Mohling Last Sunday, a free one-hour DVD in splashy, theatrical packaging was slipped into millions of newspapers across the country, mostly in "swing" states. The probable intent was to slip the DVD content cleverly into millions of American brains, scaring people into an intense fear of "radical Islam," and elevating security concerns above all others as they vote in November. The film is "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West." It is purported to be an educational film about the threat of Islamic terrorism. The "O" in "Obsession" is formed with the Islamic crescent moon and a star, and the closing "N" has a silhouette of an automatic rifle as part of the letter. Be prepared to be scared if you take the movie to heart, but, better yet, use the skills of critical thinking that we've all been taught in order to see the classical propaganda tricks used extensively throughout the film. According to writer Denise Dennis, "American citizens have been the victim of an elaborate and well-planned con game for the past eight years -- and the game will be in full play this week," with the DVD "Obsession" being spread across the nation. "Anytime American citizens can be frightened and manipulated into voting against their best interests, they have been conned." Let's hear it for the Greensboro News & Record in North Carolina. The paper turned away the money and refused to distribute the DVD. Its longtime editor, John Robinson, explained, "Many newspapers across the country distributed a controversial DVD today about Islam . . . I asked our publisher about it. He said it was divisive and plays on people's fears and served no educational purpose . . . As I've said on other occasions about news decisions, just because you can publish doesn't mean you should." If in any way the creators, distributors and financiers of the DVD had in mind "softening" public opinion about the idea of bombing Iran, the tragedy of the DVD deepens. The drumbeat for war on Iran is steady, even in this week when five former secretaries of state agreed that the U.S. must talk with Iran. Madeline Albright, Colin Powell, Warren Christopher, Henry Kissinger and James A. Baker III all said, each in his or her own way, that talking to Iran is essential. SOURCE: web page Fiamanillah WOL

You should visit your family doctor before you go. Diamox(acetazolamide)is usually prescribed for mountain/ high altitude sickness and you start taking it a few days before you leave for Bogota. Make sure you also take some extra MDI/inhalers with you and have your medical alert bracelet on. Hope you enjoy your visit.

Asalaam aleykum Sunnipath also provide online courses at a reasonable price. And they have a good online library, too. http://www.sunnipath.com/library/ fiamanillah WOL

Great ideas, mashallah. JZK.

Barakatullah feek.

mashallah. JZK for sharing.

The title is interesting. Unfortunately cant comprehend rest of the body even with the help of somali dictonary. Any chance of translating it, Brother Nur?

Jazkallah kheir, Brother Nur. I will say this article is one of my favorite reads. Kind keeps me on track when I find fault in myself. As its part of human nature, once the moral is down or saddened we look for something to lift the spirit. And its always better to find happiness and tranquility the "right" way.

Another Islamic Tv- Purpose TV by the broadcasting corporation run by Sh. Khalid Yasin http://www.purposetv.tv/watchlive.php

Another psychopath or person with Post traumatic Stress Syndrome. Maybe the music, the guy was listening to triggered the reaction. Still doesnt justify what he did and what the passengers didnt do. Audhubillah.

Me, your signature summarises our "Somali" problem so well. When a people loses its faith in its own ideals, it is ripe for the insidious words of the devil

The Woman: A Parable © Nuh Ha Mim Keller 2001 A man was walking through the marketplace one afternoon when, just as the muezzin began the call to prayer, his eye fell on a woman's back. She was strangely attractive, though dressed in fulsome black, a veil over head and face, and she now turned to him as if somehow conscious of his over-lingering regard, and gave him a slight but meaningful nod before she rounded the corner into the lane of silk sellers. As if struck by a bolt from heaven, the man was at once drawn, his heart a prisoner of that look, forever. In vain he struggled with his heart, offering it one sound reason after another to go his way-wasn't it time to pray?-but it was finished: there was nothing but to follow. He hastened after her, turning into the market of silks, breathing from the exertion of catching up with the woman, who had unexpectedly outpaced him and even now lingered for an instant at the far end of the market, many shops ahead. She turned toward him, and he thought he could see a flash of a mischievous smile from beneath the black muslin of her veil, as she-was it his imagination?-beckoned to him again. The poor man was beside himself. Who was she? The daughter of a wealthy family? What did she want? He requickened his steps and turned into the lane where she had disappeared. And so she led him, always beyond reach, always tantalizingly ahead, now through the weapons market, now the oil merchants', now the leather sellers'; farther and farther from where they began. The feeling within him grew rather than decreased. Was she mad? On and on she led, to the very edge of town. The sun declined and set, and there she was, before him as ever. Now they were come, of all places, to the City of Tombs. Had he been in his normal senses, he would have been afraid, but indeed, he now reflected, stranger places than this had seen a lovers' tryst. There were scarcely twenty cubits between them when he saw her look back, and, giving a little start, she skipped down the steps and through the great bronze door of what seemed to be a very old sepulcher. A soberer moment might have seen the man pause, but in his present state, there was no turning back, and he went down the steps and slid in after her. Inside, as his eyes saw after a moment, there were two flights of steps that led down to a second door, from whence a light shone, and which he equally passed through. He found himself in a large room, somehow unsuspected by the outside world, lit with candles upon its walls. There sat the woman, opposite the door on a pallet of rich stuff in her full black dress, still veiled, reclining on a pillow against the far wall. To the right of the pallet, the man noticed a well set in the floor. "Lock the door behind you," she said in a low, husky voice that was almost a whisper, "and bring the key." He did as he was told. She gestured carelessly at the well. "Throw it in." A ray of sense seemed to penetrate for a moment the clouds over his understanding, and a bystander, had there been one, might have detected the slightest of pauses. "Go on," she said laughingly, "You didn't hesitate to miss the prayer as you followed me here, did you?" He said nothing. "The time for sunset prayer has almost finished as well," she said with gentle mockery. "Why worry? Go on, throw it in. You want to please me, don't you?" He extended his hand over the mouth of the well, and watched as he let the key drop. An uncanny feeling rose from the pit of his stomach as moments passed but no sound came. He felt wonder, then horror, then comprehension. "It is time to see me," she said, and she lifted her veil to reveal not the face of a fresh young girl, but of a hideous old crone, all darkness and vice, not a particle of light anywhere in its eldritch lines. "See me well," she said. "My name is Dunya, This World. I am your beloved. You spent your time running after me, and now you have caught up with me. In your grave. Welcome, welcome." At this she laughed and laughed, until she shook herself into a small mound of fine dust, whose fitful shadows, as the candles went out, returned to the darkness one by one

Asalaam aleykum Warahmatullah Wabarakattuh. A poem to ponder. WOL The Dunya by Anonymous And nobody said it was going to be easy, Who said it won't make you cry? Did somebody tell you that you wouldn't trip, slip or fall? Tell me, who made you think it isn't hard? That your heart wouldn't be broken? Mistreated? Abused? Tired? Used? Who told you it was going to be easy..?, That you weren't going to make mistakes? That you wouldn't fail? Why do you keep saying you don't need me? And I don't need you? Who told you, you have to be alone? That this burden, you have to carry on your own? Test after test? Trial after trial? No sign of the end? Is that what you’re waiting for? Who said you wouldn't grow old? That your health would always hold? What made you think that he was yours? And not a gift from Him? What made you think you were perfect? Well, who told you there couldn't be change? Why do you keep remembering your old ways? Didn't He show you the road to take? And reminded you about him who wants you to go astray? But He gave you tauba? An open way? Why don't you take it? Who told you it was going to be easy? Give me their name! Our worlds are so different. But yet we are the same. Didn’t they tell you, you're just a traveller? That you have to cross this bridge? That the other side is nothing like this my friend? It is eternal bliss. Didn’t they tell you about the drink that you'll sip? (inshaAllah) By the Prophet's (s) hands? That you'll be united with your loved ones, as happy as can be? That you can invite them to your tea party? Didn't they remind you, His Mercy overcomes His Wrath? That no one is more Generous than He? Didn't they describe to you the Gardens so green? Where you'll sit and rest so peacefully? Did they not tell you to think big and just try your best? To keep going even when things seems dark? Did they not guide you to make your intentions sincere? To be genuine and honest, and to trust in He. Did they not tell you, anything is possible? Dreams can come true? What you seek is what you will find? So think positively. Think good of He. Nobody said it’s going to be easy. But be patient my friend. Don’t look down, look ahead. And be for He.

People shouldnt live dual lifes- online/offline personality. It only proves people like to lie and be what they are not. Alhamdullilah, being a muslim means at every second you fear Allah and you are truthful to yourself and the community around you. Stop pretending; be the person you are. fiamanillah wol

Asalaam aleykum, Please read this article. May Allah enlighten us and strenghten our iman. Amin VALENTINE'S DAY historical and Islamic perspective. What is it and where did it come from? Consider Valentine's Day, a day that after dying out a well deserved death in most of Europe (but surviving in Britain and United States) has suddenly started to emerge across a good swath of Muslim countries. Who was Valentine? Why is this day observed? Legends abound, as they do in all such cases, but this much is clear: Valentine's Day began as a pagan ritual started by Romans in the 4th century BCE to honor the god Lupercus. The main attraction of this ritual was a lottery held to distribute young women to young men for "entertainment and pleasure"--until the next year's lottery. Among other equally despicable practices associated with this day was the lashing of young women by two young men, clad only in a bit of goatskin and wielding goatskin thongs, who had been smeared with blood of sacrificial goats and dogs. A lash of the "sacred" thongs by these "holy men" was believed to make them better able to bear children. As usual, Christianity tried, without success, to stop the evil celebration of Lupercalia. It first replaced the lottery of the names of women with a lottery of the names of the saints. The idea was that during the following year the young men would emulate the life of the saint whose name they had drawn. (The idea that you can preserve the appearance of a popular evil and yet somehow turn it to serve the purpose of virtue, has survived. Look at all those people who are still trying, helplessly, to use the formats of popular television entertainments to promote good. They might learn something from this bit of history. It failed miserably) Christianity ended up doing in Rome, and elsewhere, as the Romans did. The only success it had was in changing the name from Lupercalia to St. Valentine's Day. It was done in CE 496 by Pope Gelasius, in honor of some Saint Valentine. There are as many as 50 different Valentines in Christian legends. Two of them are more famous, although their lives and characters are also shrouded in mystery. According to one legend, and the one more in line with the true nature of this celebration, St. Valentine was a "lovers'" saint, who had himself fallen in love with his jailer's daughter. Due to serious troubles that accompanied such lottery, French government banned the practice in 1776. In Italy, Austria, Hungry, and Germany also the ritual vanished over the years. Earlier, it had been banned in England during the 17th century when the Puritans were strong. However in 1660 Charles II revived it. From there it also reached the New World, where enterprising Yankees spotted a good means of making money. Esther A. Howland, who produced one of the first commercial American Valentine's Day cards called--- what else--- valentines, in the 1840s, sold $5,000 worth--when $5,000 was a lot of money--the first year. The valentine industry has been booming ever since. The history of Valentine's Day serves as a powerful lesson for Muslims. St. Valentine became a Saint trying to resist free sex. Even though there was an attempt to Christianize it, today St. Valentine's day is gone back to its roots. No one even knows that the Church even tried to ban the St. Valentine's Day. Rather, most people think of romance, cupid and his arrow, which are vestiges of pagan Rome. Pagan origins of Valentine's Day The first information about this day is found in pre-Christian Rome, when pagans would celebrate the "Feast of the Wolf" on February 15, also known as the Feast of Lupercalius in honour of Februata Juno, the Roman goddess of women and marriage, and Pan, Roman god of nature. On this day, young women would place their names in an urn, from which boys would randomly draw to discover their sexual companion for the day, the year, and sometimes the rest of their lives. These partners exchanged gifts as a sign of affection, and often married. Christian Influence When Christianity came onto the scene in Rome, it wanted to replace this feast with something more in line with its ethics and morality. A number of Christians decided to use February 14 for this purpose. This was when the Italian Bishop Valentine was executed by the Roman Emperor Claudius II for conducting secret marriages of military men in the year 270. Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, so he outlawed marriage for young, single men, who made up his military. Valentine defied Claudius and performed marriages for young couples in secret. When his actions were revealed, Claudius put him to death. Another version of the story says that Valentine was a holy priest in Rome, who helped Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured. Valentine was arrested and sent to the prefect of Rome for this. He found that his attempts to make Valentine renounce his faith were useless, and so recommended he be beaten with clubs, and later beheaded. This took place on February 14, 270. According to the Catholic encyclopaedia, there are at least three different Saint Valentines, all of whom are Christian martyrs of February 14. One of them is described as a priest from Rome (as mentioned above), another as bishop of Interamna (modern Terni), and the third from Africa. It was in the year 496 that Pope Gelasius officially changed the February 15 Lupercalia festival to the February 14 St. Valentine's Day to give Christian meaning to a pagan festival. The holiday become popular in the United States in the 1800's during the Civil War. As well, Pope Gelasius ordered a slight change in the lottery for young women that would take place during the pagan festival. Instead of the names of young women, the box would have the names of saints. Men and women were allowed to draw from the box, and the purpose of this was to copy the ways of the saint they had selected for the rest of the year. Valentine's Day Customs A number of the customs connected to Valentine's Day originate in the belief in England and France during the middle Ages, that on February 14, birds began to pair. Fourteenth and 15th centuries' French and English literatures make indirect references to the practice. Those who chose each other as husband and wife on Valentine's Day apparently called each other their Valentines. In terms of the Valentine's greeting "Your Valentine" which today you find on a number of Valentine's Day cards, the above-mentioned Roman priest Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While he was in prison awaiting execution, he apparently fell in love with a young girl who would visit him. Before he died, he allegedly wrote her a letter, signed 'From your Valentine,' In terms of the virtually naked, arrow-shooting cupid character, which shoots people with its arrows to make them fall in love, this character is a vestige of Roman pagan times. Cupid was described as the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty. You usually find Cupid's picture on Valentine cards and other paraphernalia . Islamic Perspective We should avoid anything associated with pagan immoral practices - We do not need to honour or celebrate the death of a Christian "saint" - Islam does not encourage flirting or suggestions of romantic relationships before marriage - Love between families, friends and married people does not need to be celebrated on a day with such un-Islamic origins. Question: In recent times, celebration of the Valentine Day has spread, particularly among female students. It is a Christian celebration, and it is (manifested) with fully red costumes, clothing and shoes, and exchange of red roses. What is the ruling on celebrating this holiday ? Answer: Celebrating the Valentine Day is not permissible because: Firstly, it is an innovated holiday that has no basis in the Sharee`ah. Secondly, it calls to love and passion. Thirdly, it calls to keeping one's heart busy with nonsense matters which contradict the guidance of the righteous predecessors, may Allah be pleased with them. So it is not permissible that anything from the signs of that holiday takes place on that day, whether it relates to eating, drinking, clothing, giving gifts, or other than that. It is incumbent upon the Muslim to be proud of his/her religion and that he/she does not blindly follow every crier. May Allah the Exalted protect Muslims from every trial, apparent and hidden, and that He give them protection and guidance. Ameen. Question Some people celebrate Yawm al-Hubb (Valentine's Day)on February 14 [the second month of the Christian Gregorian calendar] every year by exchanging red roses as gifts. They also dress up in red clothing, and congratulate one another (on this occasion). Some sweet shops produce special sweets - red in colour - and draw hearts upon them. Some shops advertise their goods which are specially related to this day. What is the Islamic view [concerning the following]: Celebrating this day? Buying from these shops on this day? Selling - by shop-owners who are not celebrating - the things which are used as gifts, to those who are celebrating? Response The clear evidence from the Qur.aan and Sunnah - and this is agreed upon by consensus (Ijmaa') of the early generations of the Muslim Ummah - indicates that there are only two 'Eeds in Islaam (days of celebration) : 'Eed al-Fitr (after the fast of Ramadhaan) and 'Eed al-Adhaa (after the standing at 'Arafah for pilgrimage). Every other 'Eed - whether it is to do with a person, group, incident or any other occasion - is an innovated 'Eed. It is not permissible for the Muslim people to participate in it, approve of it, make any show of happiness on its occasion, or assist in it in any way - since this will be transgressing the bounds of Allaah: " ...and whoever transgresses the bounds of Allaah, he has wronged his own self," [soorah at-Talaaq, Aayah 1] If we add to this fabricated 'Eed the fact that it is one of the 'Eeds of the disbelievers, it is sin upon sin. This is because it is Tashabbuh (imitation) of the disbelievers, and a type of Muwaalaat (loyalty) to them. And Allaah has prohibited the believers from imitation of them and having love or loyalty for them in His Mighty Book (Qur.aan). It is also confirmed from the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) that he said: " Whoever imitates a people is one of them." 'Eed al-Hubb (the celebration of Valentine's Day) comes under the category of what has been mentioned here, since it is one of the pagan Christian holidays. Hence it is not permissible for any Muslim, who believes in Allaah and the Last Day, to participate in it, approve of it, or congratulate (anyone on that occasion). On the contrary, it is obligatory to abandon it and stay far away from it - in response to Allaah and His Messenger, and to distance oneself from the anger of Allaah and His punishment. Additionally, it is forbidden for a Muslim to assist or help in this Valentine's Day, or any other of the forbidden/illegal celebrations in any way whatsoever - whether by food or drink, selling or buying, production, gift-giving, correspondence, announcements, etc. All of these things are considered as co-operating in sin and transgression and disobedience of Allaah and His Messenger. Allaah, the Glorious and Most High, says: "... and co-operate with one another in righteousness and piety, and do not co-operate in sin and transgression. And fear Allaah! Verily Allaah is severe in punishment," [soorah al-Maaidah, Aayah 2] Likewise, it is obligatory for every Muslim to adhere strictly to the Qur'aan and Sunnah in every situation - especially in times of temptations and corruption. It is incumbent that he/she understand, be aware and be cautioned from falling into the deviations of those whom Allaah is angry with and those who are astray and the immoral people who have no fear of punishment - nor hope of reward - from Allaah, and who give no attention at all to Islaam. It is necessary for the Muslim to flee to Allaah, the Most High, seeking His Hidaayah (Guidance) and Thabaat (Firmness) upon the Path. Verily, there is no Guide except Allaah, and no One Who can Grant Firmness except Him. Prepared by AL-Islaah Publications (www.everymuslim. net ) from sources: 1. Al- Balagh 2. Fatwa-on-line 3. The Catholic Encyclopedia 4. Catholic Online Saints. 5. http://www.lovestories.com/cupid/ history.htm, the History Channel, and wilstar.com and the video Holiday Myths. 6. Soundvision.com SEE ALSO: Who invented Valentines Day? -Sheikh Hakim Quick video Courtesy: AL-ISLAAH PUBLICATIONS ( www.everymuslim. net )

Just a reminder for those who may not have read this article. Fiamanillah wol

Sounds interesting ,Thanks Baashi. Tuesday 10pm Inshallah.