Islam

Islam

Wednesday, 14 March 2018

Despite Obstacles, Islam Continues to Spread


Since the advent of Islam, as the final and all-compassing Message to mankind up to the moment, its adversaries left no opportunity to thwart it and curb its followers. Right from day one, they did their level best to kill it in the bud using different ways.
Due to the fact that this new religion holds all people equal in terms of rights, duties, human value, etc, regardless of their ethnic, social or economic backgrounds, the rich and leading figures in Makkah, fearing lest they would lose their prestige and wealth, stood adamantly in the face of the then nascent Message. They tried to put different kinds of obstacles to hinder the spread of Islam, in feverish attempts to maintain their positions and prevent any sort of threat to their interests.
In their war against Islam, they tried many kinds of weapons: bodily torture, economic sanctions, false propaganda, and financial seduction, none of which was of any fruit.
With the Help of Allah, the Most Exalted, then the will, patience and perseverance of Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) and his faithful companions, may Allah be pleased with them, Islam could successfully pass all those hard tests. It survived all the hardships and expanded its span to include not only the Arabian Peninsula, rather spacious lands outside it.
By the tenth century, Islam became the main religion, or at least, the religion of the majority of nations in an area covering more than half of the civilized world stretching over three continents from the Pyrenees and Siberia in West and North Europe to the farthest end of Asia, up to China and New Guinea in the East; from Morocco in North Africa to the southern tip of Africa, covering two-thirds of the African continent.
It is one of the most striking facts of human history that the spread of Islam over such a vast area took place within three centuries. Most striking of all, within half a century after the Hijrah (Prophet Muhammad's  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) Migration from Makkah to Al-Madeenah), Islam had already conquered the whole of North Africa from Egypt to Morocco, all the Middle Eastern lands from Yemen to Caucasia and from Egypt to the lands beyond Transoxiana (portion of Central Asia corresponding approximately with modern-day Uzbekistan and southwest Kazakhstan).
What makes Islam spread?
There are many reasons why nations have been, from past to the present, so ready to embrace Islam, what is pointed out by Muhammad Asad, a Jewish convert to Islam, probably being the foremost:
“Islam appears to me like a perfect work of architecture. All its parts are harmoniously conceived to complement and support each other, nothing lacking, with the result of an absolute balance and solid composure. Everything in the teaching and postulate of Islam is in its proper place.” [Islam at the Crossroads, p.5]
Most of Western writers, especially those under the influence of the Church, have never failed to accuse Islam of spreading by the sword. The causes of this prejudice lie mainly in the fact that the spread of Islam has often occurred at the expense of Christianity. While Islam has, for centuries, obtained numerous conversions from Christianity without much effort or organized missionary activities, Christianity has almost never been able to achieve conversions from Islam in spite of sophisticated means and well-organized missionary activities, and it has always been at a disadvantage in its competition with Islam for fourteen centuries.
This has caused its missionaries and most of the orientalists to develop a complex within themselves by depicting Islam and introducing it as a regressive, vulgar religion of savage people.
If history is to be read with an objective eye, such allegations will easily be debunked.
In addition to many other reasons which are responsible for the spread of Islam, it is the exemplary life-style and unceasing efforts of individual Muslims to transmit the message of Islam throughout the world which lie at the root of the conquest of the hearts by Islam. Islamic universalism is closely associated with the principle of 'enjoining the good' for Islam is to be spread by Muslims by means of this principle. This principle seeks to convey the message of Islam to all human beings in the world and to establish a model Islamic community on a world-wide basis.
Among every four humans in the world, one of them is Muslim. Muslims have increased by over 235% in the last fifty years up to nearly 1.6 billion. By comparison, Christians have increased by only 47 %... Islam is the second largest religious group in France, Great Britain and USA.
The following statistics show the growth of Islam in the world from (1989-1998):
North America: (25%)
Africa: (2.15%)
Asia: (12.57%)
Europe: (142.35%)
Latin America: (4.73%)
Australia: (257.01%)
Western fierce media campaign against Islam and Muslims escalated after the 11th of September attacks. Biased media, especially in the USA, rushed into a feverish contest to depict Islam as a religion based on savagery, intolerance and blood-thirst.
Not only in the media were Muslims harassed in the United States of America, Britain, Australia, and other European countries; rather, they were physically attacked at their homes, in the streets, in public places, and in their Mosques, Islamic centers, etc. The same attitude was, unfortunately, maintained toward the Noble Prophet of Islam  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) and the Noble Quran.
Islamophobia reached its peak when a Danish newspaper published heinous caricatures picturing the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) as a terrorist. The noble Quran was also desecrated in the US and some other countries, which indicates the deep hatred towards Islam and Muslims.
There have been many rigid regulations and extremist procedures enacted against Muslims in the US and some European countries, on the pretext of their "war on terror". Many Muslim students were banned from completing their studies, many families expatriated, Islamic activities limited or stopped, Muslim men and women subjected to sophisticated checking and screening procedures in airports, women with hijab and men with beards mocked or harassed, etc. In brief, a Muslim has become for them a word synonymous to “suspect”.
Nonetheless, even after the events of September, a wave of new Muslims embraced Islam all over the world. In the USA alone, more than 30000 persons embraced Islam.
By the year 2020, Islam is projected to be the largest religion in the world.
To sum up, in spite of all the feverish attempts on the part of the adversaries of Islam, old and new, Islam is still sweeping the globe easily and peacefully, thus conquering and illuminating the minds and hearts, no matter how hard and intricate their conspiracies are. Allah, the Most Glorious, Says in the Quran (what means): “It is He (Allah) Who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, although they who associate others with Allah dislike it.” [Quran 9: 33] -islamweb.net

Sunday, 11 March 2018

CHAPTER 2, AL-BAQARAH (THE COW) (PART 3 OF 5)

Verses 94 – 110 Faithlessness

Chapter-2-part-3.jpgIf you (Jews) really believe that Paradise is for you alone why don’t you wish for death? They will not because they are well aware of the consequences of their behavior.  God understands how the disbelievers’ minds work.  They are greedy for life, wishing for a thousand years, but not even that will save them from the promised punishment.
The enemies of angel Gabriel should know that he brought the Quran to Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.  Whoever is an enemy to God, His angels, and His messengers should know that God is the enemy of such unbelievers.  Those who refuse to believe the clear messages defy God.  Every covenant was thrown aside. 
When the Messenger confirmed their scriptures, they hid their books as if they were nothing.  They accepted what the followers of Satan falsely attributed to Solomon.  In Babylon the angels Harut and Marut taught the people witchcraft after warning them not to disbelieve.  They learned from them how to cause discord between a man and his wife although they could harm no one except with God’s permission.   What they learned was harmful and of no benefit in the Hereafter.  Being mindful of God would have been a better choice.
When speaking to Prophet Muhammad do no use ambiguous words in order to abuse him.  The disbelievers do not want you receive any good from God, but God chooses whoever He pleases.  God does not abrogate a verse or cause one to be forgotten except that He sends one better or similar.  God has dominion over the heavens and the earth and He is the only Protector or Helper.  Do you intend to persistently question Prophet Muhammad the way Prophet Moses was questioned? Whoever exchanges belief for unbelief is lost.  Many Jews and Christians wish they could turn you back from your belief; forgive them and put up with their behavior until God gives His command.  Establish the prayer and pay your obligatory charity.   Whatever good deeds you send forth for yourselves, you will certainly find its reward with God.  God has power over all things and sees everything.

Verses 111 – 121 Religious prejudices

Saying no one will enter Paradise unless they are a Christian or a Jew is just wishful thinking without evidence.  Any good person who submits to God (i.e.  follows Islam) will have nothing to fear.  The Jews, the Christians, and the pagan Arabs all accuse each other but God will decide between them. 
The most unjust are those who prevent the mention of God’s name and try to destroy the mosques. They will have disgrace in this world and punishment in the Hereafter.  Both the east and the west belong to God so no matter where you turn you will find His Face.  They say that God has a son! Exalted is He above all they falsely attribute to Him.  Everything belongs to Him, He only has to say "Be," and it is.  They ask why God does not speak to them, but there are clear signs for those who have faith.  Prophet Muhammad was sent with the truth to convey the message, and he is not responsible for the inhabitants of the Fire.
The Jews and Christians will never be satisfied until you follow them, but if you turn from the truth you will lose.  Those who disbelieve are losers, but some who follow the previous scriptures recognise the truth. 

Verses 122 – 132 Abraham the leader

Remember, Children of Israel, how God favoured you over others, and fear the Day when there will be no help of any kind.  When Abraham was tested and fulfilled God’s commands, He made him a leader.  Abraham asked about his descendants and God said only those who did not do evil would be leaders.
Remember also when the Kabah was a sanctuary and God instructed Abraham and Ishmael to cleanse it for those going around it in circles.  Abraham asked God to secure and provide for those who believed in God.  God answered that He would provide for the disbelievers also but that their enjoyment would be short and then they would be subjected to the torment of the Fire. 
Abraham and Ishmael renewed the foundations of the Kabah and asked God to accept it from them.  They asked God to make them and their descendants Muslims.  And Muhammad was appointed from among them.  Only a fool would not accept the religion of Abraham.  God chose Abraham to be a Muslim and he left this legacy to his sons.  And Jacob commanded his sons to devote themselves to God, warning them not to die unless they are Muslims.

Verses 133 – 145 The religion of Abraham

The Jews were not there when Jacob was dying.  He asked his sons what they intended to worship after he was gone.  The sons answered that they would worship his God and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Ishmael.  That community passed away and they will be answerable for their own deeds.  When they ask you to be Jews or Christians, answer that you follow the religion of Abraham.  The believers should answer that they believe in God and what was sent down to all the prophets without making a distinction between them.  Believers should say God ordained our religion.
Muhammad is told to tell the disbelievers not dispute about God and that all will be held accountable to Him.  Are you saying that Abraham and his descendants were Jews or Christians? Who would know better, you or God? Who could be more wicked than the person who hides the truth from the previous scriptures attesting to the nature of God’s religion and the coming of Prophet Muhammad.  This nation has passed on and only they will be questioned about their deeds.
Foolish people will ask what caused the change in the prayer direction.  All directions belong to God, and He changed the direction only to determine who the true followers of Prophet Muhammad were.  It was a hard test.  Many times God watched Prophet Muhammad turn his face towards heaven; now the faces will turn in a direction that will please him, towards the Kabah.  The Jews and Christians will not accept your direction.  Do not yield to their desires or you will be among the wrong doers.

Verses 146 – 154 A new direction

Those who received the scriptures before you conceal their knowledge.  The truth is from God, do not doubt it.  Each religious community has its own direction (to face), so compete with each other to do good deeds, and God will bring you all together on the Day of Judgment.  When you pray, turn towards the Holy Kabah in Mecca.  Prophet Muhammad recites the Quran and teaches you wisdom.  Remember Me (God), be grateful and do not deny Me, and I will remember you.  Seek help through patience and prayer because God is with the patient.  Do not say that those who die in God’s cause are dead; they are alive, but you are unable to perceive it. -islamreligion.com

READ PART 1 : CHAPTER 2, AL-BAQARAH (THE COW) (PART 1 OF 5)


READ PART 2 : CHAPTER 2, AL-BAQARAH (THE COW) (PART 2 OF 5)

Saturday, 10 March 2018

A Practical Program for the Compassionate Mother

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In order to satisfy the child's need for love, compassion and security, you, dear mother, have to take the following steps:
1- Kissing: A kiss is a sign of the heart's mercy for the young child, and confirms the relationship of love between the old and the young. It is an established Sunnah (tradition) proven from our Messenger, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:
It is narrated on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, that she said, "Some Bedouins came to the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and said (addressing the Companions), "Do you kiss your children?" He said: "Yes." They said, "But we, by Allah, never kiss them." On that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "What can I do for you if Allah has deprived you of mercy?" [Al-Albaani: Saheeh in Saheeh Sunan Ibn Maajah]
It is further narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, that Al-Aqra‘ ibn Haabis saw the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, kissing Al-Husayn, may Allah be pleased with him, thereupon he said to him, "I have ten children, and I have never done this (i.e. kissed) with anyone of them." On that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said to him: "The one who does not show mercy, receives no mercy." [Al-Albaani: Saheeh in Saheeh Sunan Abi Daawood]
2- Playing and coddling: That is the method of our Messenger, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, with children. He used to play and laugh with them.
In this respect, it is narrated on the authority of Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said: The Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, used to mix with us to the extent that he would say to a younger brother of mine: "O Abu ‘Umayr! What happened to the Nughayr (nightingale)?" He (my brother) had a little bird with which he used to play and then it died. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Undoubtedly, playing has a good impact on the child.
3- Presenting gifts: To be sure, gifts have a great effect on the soul, as confirmed by the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, in his statement: "Exchange gifts, perchance you would love one another."[Al-Albaani: Hasan in Saheeh Al-Jaami‘]
Those gifts may be attached to acts of worship as to maintain with care the prayer, fasting and others, to excellence in study, and to changing bad behavior like chaos and disorder in the children's room. This, therefore, helps the child fulfill his tasks swiftly and wholeheartedly.
4- Passing one’s hand over the head: That is the guidance of our Messenger, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He used to pass his hand over the children's heads and cheeks while talking to them. It is a form of kindness, compassion, love and closeness.
5- Receiving children cheerfully, and asking about their affairs. The Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, used to stand for his daughter Faatimah, may Allah be pleased with her, whenever she entered upon him, receive her with warmth, kiss her and make her sit in his place, except during his fatal illness in which he died: he received her with warmth and kissed her, but he did not stand for her. The mother has to take care of the affairs of her children, inquire about them, and about what they have done after their return from school, to make them feel that they are loved and cared for.
6- Assuming equal treatment between the children, regardless of whether they are boys or girls.
It is narrated on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, that she said, "A lady along with her two daughters came to me asking (for charity), but she found nothing with me except one date which I gave to her so she divided it between her two daughters, and did not eat anything herself, and then she got up and went away. Then, the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, came in and I informed him about this story. He said: “Whoever is put to trial by these daughters and he treats them generously (with benevolence) then these daughters will act as a shield for him from Hell-Fire." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
A Muslim mother then has to do justice between her children, and regard both boys and girls with the same eye of mercy, justice, care and compassion, as confirmed by the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam: "Fear Allah, and do justice between your children." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
7- Invoking good, not evil, upon them: A Muslim mother should not invoke evil upon her children, as commanded by our Messenger, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
It is narrated on the authority of Jaabir, may Allah be pleased with him, in his long Hadeeth that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "Do not invoke evil upon yourselves, nor upon your children nor upon your property, lest your invocation (of evil) may coincide with the time when Allah answers your invocation." [Saheeh Muslim]
By applying this program, dear Muslim mother, you would get the best results with your children. No doubt, the house whose roof is the father, and whose heart is the mother, and is filled with love, mercy, consciousness and faith, is worthy of producing a balanced self-confident Muslim individual.
- islamweb.net

Wisdom Behind Two Years of Breastfeeding - A Scientific Perspective

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Allah the Almighty Says (what means): {Mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing [period]. Upon the father is the mothers' provision and their clothing according to what is acceptable. No person is charged with more than his capacity. No mother should be harmed through her child, and no father through his child. And upon the [father's] heir is [a duty] like that [of the father]. And if they both desire weaning through mutual consent from both of them and consultation, there is no blame upon either of them. And if you wish to have your children nursed by a substitute, there is no blame upon you as long as you give payment according to what is acceptable. And fear Allah and know that Allah is Seeing of what you do.}[Quran 2:233]
Opinions of the scholars of Tafseer:
Commenting on this verse, Ibn Katheer  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him says, "It is a guidance to mothers to breastfeed their children the complete term; two years. The rules of suckling do not apply to a child who is nursed beyond this period.
Most leading scholars are of the opinion that suckling for less than two complete years prohibits marriage. If a baby is nursed beyond the age of two, marriage is not prohibited. At-Tirmithi  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him assigned a chapter in his Sunan about suckling which prohibits marriage if it is done for no more than two years. Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, narrated on the authority of the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, that he said, "Suckling does not prohibit (i.e. marriage) except when it penetrates the intestines (meaning which serves as nourishment for the child) from the breasts, and it is prior to weaning."
This is the practice according to most scholars from among the Companions of the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and others. Suckling does not prohibit marriage except when it is done for less than two complete years. Suckling beyond two complete years does not prohibit marriage. "From the breasts" indicates the occurrence of breastfeeding within two years, as said in another Hadeeth. It is narrated that the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, "My son Ibraheem died at the period of breastfeeding, he has two wet nurses in Paradise who will suckle him the complete term." [Muslim]
In another version, "He has a wet nurse in Paradise." [Al-Bukhari]
The Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said this because his son Ibraheem died when he was one year and ten months old. The Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said that there will be a wet nurse who will complete his breastfeeding.
The opinion which states the prohibition of marriage due to suckling for less than two years is narrated on the authority of ‘Ali, Ibn ‘Abbaas, Ibn Mas‘ood, Jaabir, Abu Hurayrah, Ibn ‘Umar, Ibn Salamah, may Allah be pleased with them, Sa‘eed ibn Al-Musayyib and ‘Ataa'  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  them. It is also narrated on the authority of the majority of scholars.
Al-Qurtubi  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him said that a period of two years is qualified in the verse as complete. Maalik  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him as well as the followers of his opinion and a group of scholars, inferred from the above verse that suckling which prohibits marriage and takes the rulings of blood relations is what it is done when the child is less than two years of age. Once the two years has ended, there are no consequent prohibition due to further suckling. Imam Maalik  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him said this in his Muwatta'.
Shu‘bah  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him narrated on the authority of ‘Amr ibn Dinaar  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him back to Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, "Suckling which prohibits marriage is that which is done within two years." Ad-Daaraqutni  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him said that only Al-Haytham ibn Jameel  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him narrated this through a chain of narrators on the authority of Ibn ‘Uyaynah  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  himwho is trustworthy and Haafith.
In his Tafseer, Ar-Raazi  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him said, "Specifying the term of breastfeeding as two years indicates a special ruling related to suckling in Sharee‘ah. The ruling is the saying of the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, 'Suckling prohibits what blood relations prohibit.' "
In his Tafseer, Ash-Shawkaani  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him says, "The verse includes evidence suggesting that it is not obligatory to breastfeed the baby for two years. To do so is perfection, but it is permissible to breastfeed them for less than two years."
The rationale behind two years of suckling
Breastfeeding with consequent rulings in Sharee‘ah is what is done within two years. Having known that, is there medical wisdom behind it?
Nelson's textbook in Pediatrics, 1994 edition, a famous reference on children's medicine, discussed this issue. It says that modern researches discovered a strong relation between the number and period of breastfeeding and the appearance of type 1 diabetes. Some relevant studies were carried out on children from Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Researchers justified the discovery by the fact that mother's milk protects the baby against environmental elements which destroy pancreas beta cells in the children who have hereditary readiness for this disease. Also, artificial baby formula and foods include chemical elements that poison the pancreas beta cells. Cows' milk also contains proteins that may be harmful to these cells. In other countries as well, it was noticed that the period of breastfeeding is inversely proportional to the occurrence of diabetes. Researches, therefore, recommend a long period of breastfeeding so as to prevent the development of this dangerous disease and to protect children's health in the future. According to the facts, a theory evolved in recent years suggesting that cows' milk protein can bring about a preventive biological interaction that leads to the destruction of pancreas cells that produce insulin. To support this theory, it was found that there are high rates of antibodies to cows' milk proteins in the vaccine of the children who suffer from diabetes, compared to the children who do not suffer from it.
In a study, which has recently been published in Diabetes Digest in January 1998, researchers found that cow's milk protein is an independent element that causes diabetes in some children, irrespective of hereditary readiness.
In another study that was published in February 1998 in Immunity journal, the authors found that feeding on cows' milk and some other artificial baby formula as substitutes for mothers' milk leads to children contracting diabetes. This study was carried out on young children until the age of nine months. Therefore, the authors recommended long periods of natural breastfeeding.
In a similar study published in Diabetes Digest in January 1994, researchers illustrated the existence of a strong relation between ingesting products of the artificial formula, especially cows' milk, at an early age until the first year of age and the development of diabetes.
In a study that was conducted in the abdomen department in 1995 under my supervision, we found that the antibodies to cows' milk were found in the serum of children who were fed on cows' milk to the end of the second year. Children who had cows' milk after the second year were free of these antibodies. This clearly shows the rationale behind the Quranic specification of breastfeeding for two complete years.
However, the question is: Why does cows' milk cause this harm before the second year, but not after?
A study was carried out in Finland in 1994 and it was published in Self-immunity journal. The authors say that cows' milk protein passes intact through the lining membrane of the digestive system. Enzymes in the digestive system cannot break the protein into amino acids. Consequently, cows' milk protein enters as a compound protein, something that stimulates the formation of immune bodies inside the children.
Similarly, modern references mention that the work of enzymes, the lining membrane of the digestive system, the workings of the digestive system and the dynamics of digestion and absorption are not perfectly developed in the first months after birth. They are develop gradually until they are completely developed by the end of the second year.
All the above researches suggest that the more natural breastfeeding is done for nearly two years, the less concentrated the immune bodies are which are harmful to the pancreas beta cells that produce insulin. If alternative feeding, especially cows' milk, begins early after birth, the concentration of the harmful immune bodies in the serum of the children increases.
In another accurate scientific indication, we find that the Quran specifies the period of breastfeeding as nearly two years. Allah the Almighty Says (what means): {And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years.} [Quran 31:15]
Also, Allah the Almighty Says (what means): {and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months.} [Quran 46:15]
The two verses, thus, indicate that breastfeeding for two complete years is not obligatory. It is perfect to do so, but it is permissible to breastfeed children for less then two years as the relevant Sharee‘ah rulings state. This depends on the part of the verse (what means): {And if they both desire weaning through mutual consent from both of them and consultation, there is no blame upon either of them.}[Quran 2:233]
Ibn Katheer  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him says, "If the child's parents agree to wean him/her before two years after discussing it, then there is no blame on them. It is understood that the individual decision is not enough, and one of them is not permitted to take the decision exclusively without consulting with the other partner, as mentioned by Ath-Thawri  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  himand others. This indicates care for children and consideration for their welfare. It is an aspect of the mercy of Allah the Almighty toward His servants that He Set rules for the raising of children and Guided parents to the good of their children."
It is now very clear why breastfeeding is to be made for two complete years, as illustrated in the Quran. Modern scientific researches have emphasized the miraculous indication of the Quran which stated this more than one thousand four hundred years ago. Allah the Almighty Says (what means): {We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness?} [Quran 41:53]  -islamweb.net

Thursday, 8 March 2018

CHAPTER 2, AL-BAQARAH (THE COW) (PART 2 OF 5)

Verses 53 – 62 Covenants with the Children of Israel

Chapter-2-part-2.jpgAnd remember when God gave Moses the scripture and the law so that you would be guided.  And remember when Moses told his people how wrong they were when they worshipped the calf.  Moses advised his people to kill the guilty amongst them and God accepted their repentance.  And recall also when you told Moses that you would not accept him unless you saw God.  A thunderbolt struck you down dead but God revived you and gave you shade and provided you with manna (provisions) from heaven.  In spite of this your forefathers violated God’s commandments.  By doing so they did not harm God but they did harm themselves.
And remember also when God told you to enter Jerusalem and eat from wherever you found abundance.  He reminded you to enter the gate humbly asking for relief from the burden of your sins.  Your sins would have been forgiven, and your rewards increased, but the wrongdoers changed the words you were given and God punished you with a scourge from heaven.
Remember when Moses prayed for water and was told to strike a rock with his staff.  Twelve springs sprang forth and one was assigned to each tribe.  God told you to eat and drink and not to create mischief or spread corruption.  You complained to Moses about the food when you were already eating the best food.  Go back you were told and you will find what you have asked for, and you found nothing but humiliation, degradation and the wrath of God.  This was because you continually rejected the commandments of God and unjustly killed His prophets.  This is all because you were disobedient lawbreakers.
Rest assure that the believers and those who were Jews, Christians or Sabians before the coming of Prophet Muhammad will have nothing to fear from God.

Verses 63 – 74 Broken covenants including the sacrifice of the cow

Remember the covenant, where we made the mountain tower above you;  We asked you to hold fast to what We have given you and to remember its teachings.  But even when you turned away God’s Mercy and Favor was still on you or you would have become the losers.  And you knew that those who turned away from the Sabbath were turned into despised apes.  It was a deterrent and a lesson for those that were there and those who followed them.   
And recall what happened when Moses told his people that God commanded they slaughter a cow.  They accused Moses of ridiculing them, and began to ask details instead of simply following the instruction.  Moses told them God said the cow should be deep yellow and pleasing to the eye, but still they persisted in getting more detail.  So Moses told them that God said the cow should not have been used to till the soil or water the fields and she should be free from blemishes.  They were finally satisfied and slaughtered the cow.
Then a killing that was concealed, along with accusations and denials, was brought to light by God.  Therefore, as a sign that God has power over life and death, He ordered them to strike the dead body with a piece of the cow.  The body came back to life, but in spite of this sign, their hearts became harder than rocks.  There are some rocks from which rivers burst forth, others that split open with water, and there are some that fall down from fear of God.  And God knows exactly what you do.

Verses 75 – 93 Revelation rejected

Believers! Do you still hope that some of the People of the Book will believe in what you say even though they have already heard the words of God and perverted them? When they are with the believers they say that they are believers too.  But when they are alone they say do not tell them what we know in case they use it against us before God.  Do they really believe that God does not know what they conceal and what they reveal?
Some of them are illiterate and they do not know their own revelation.  They follow their own desires and wishful thinking.  Woe to those who write the "scripture" with their own hands, and then claim that it is from God in order to make some small gain.  Woe to them, for what they have written and for what they have earned.   They believe the Fire will not touch them except for a few days.  Did God make this promise? God does not break his covenants, so are you saying things that you have no evidence for?
Whoever earns evil and is surrounded by his sin will abide in the Fire, forever.  On the other hand, those who believe and do good deeds will be in Paradise, forever.  God took a covenant from the Children of Israel to worship none but He (God), and to be good to parents and family, and to orphans and the destitute; to speak mildly and kindly, and to establish the prayer, and pay the obligatory charity.  All but a few turned away and broke the covenant.
And there was yet another covenant, to not shed blood amongst one another or to drive one another from their homes.  They acknowledged it at the time but now they do these things and help one another in sin and aggression.  They also trade those they expelled unlawfully for ransom.  Do they believe in some parts of the revelation but not all parts? What punishment do they deserve, disgrace in this world and severe punishment on the Day of Judgement? They trade this life for the Hereafter, so their punishment will not be lightened.
We gave Moses the Torah and then sent Jesus with clear signs and supported him with Gabriel, the Holy Spirit.  God asks the Jews, why did you call some of the prophets imposters and kill others? They answered that their hearts are sealed.  God has cursed them for their disbelief.  A Book (Quran) has come confirming the revelations before it but they reject it.  They sell their souls for a small price.  A humiliating torment awaits them. 
When they are told to believe in God’s revelations they say we believe in what was revealed to us but not in what came after it, even though it confirms their own scriptures.  If you truly believed your own scriptures, why did you kill your own prophets? Moses came to you but as soon as he was out of sight you worshipped the calf.  Remember the covenant when the mountain was lifted over their heads? Listen to what We say, God said, but they answered we hear and disobey.  That is how much they loved the calf.  If you are real believers, why does faith cause you to do such evil? -islamreligion.com



Saturday, 3 March 2018

Virtues of Seeking Knowledge


Allah Almighty says (what means): {Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge – [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.} [Quran 3: 18] 
{So know [O Muhammad] that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women. And Allah knows of your movement and your resting place.}[Quran 47: 19]
He, Almighty, also says (what means): {and say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge.} [Quran 20: 114]
‘Uthman, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said, “The best among you are those who learn Quran and teach it to others.” [Al-Bukhari]
Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said:
Whoever relieves a believer of a suffering of the sufferings of the worldly life, Allah will relieve him of a suffering from the sufferings of the Day of Resurrection. Whoever alleviates the hardship of someone in distress, Allah will alleviate his hardship in the worldly life and the Hereafter. Whoever conceals (the faults) of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in the worldly life and in the Hereafter. Allah helps a servant so long as the servant is helping his brother. And whoever treads a path in search for knowledge, Allah will make that path lead him easily to Paradise. [Muslim]
Mu‘awiyah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said:
The one for whom Allah intends good, He gives him understanding of the religion. And I am only the distributor, while Allah is the Bestower. There shall remain a group of my Ummah victorious over those who contradict them until the command of Allah Almighty comes while they are victorious. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] -islamweb.net

Friday, 2 March 2018

When the prohibition of marriage to mothers-in-law and stepdaughters takes effect

Image result for kahwin dengan janda 3 anak

Question
Asalamualikum, I was taught in many fiqh classes that when someone marries a girl or a boy the father in law and mother in law become Mahram after marriage consummation. If someone marries a woman or a man their daughters and sons from previous marriage become Mahram right away. Now when I read in many fatawas, they all become Mahram before marriage consummation. Would you pleas tell me which one is correct or there is difference of opinion among scholars. Jazakum Allah Khairan
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.
The parents and grandparents of the husband and his children and grandchildren become forbidden for his wife as soon as the marriage contract is conducted, and the mother and grandmothers of the wife also become forbidden for her husband as soon as the marriage contract is conducted. As regards the daughters (and granddaughters) of the wife, then they do not become forbidden for her husband until the marriage is consummated.
Therefore, if a man marries a woman, then her mother becomes forbidden for him as soon as the marriage contract is conducted, according to the view of the majority of the scholars  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  them among whom are the Four Schools of jurisprudence. This is also the preponderant opinion and when mentioning the women whom we are forbidden to marry Allah Says in the Quran (what means):{…and your wives’ mothers…} [Quran 4:23] Allah did not condition the consummation of the marriage for the prohibition of the marriage of the mother of the wife to the wife’s husband. Contrarily to the opinion of the majority of the scholars  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  them Ibn Qudamah  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him said: “It was reported from ‘Ali (Ibn Abi Talib) may  Allah  be  pleased  with  him that she [the mother of the wife] does not become forbidden unless one consummates the marriage with her daughter, in the same manner her daughter does not become forbidden to the husband unless the marriage [with the wife] is consummated.
The wife also becomes forbidden to her husband’s father as soon as the marriage contract takes place; Allah Says (what means): {And [also prohibited are] the wives of your sons who are from your [own] loins.} [Quran 4:23] 
Ibn Qudamah  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him also said: “It is forbidden for a husband to marry the wives of his sons as well as the wives of the sons of his granddaughters, either from family lineage or from suckling relationship, regardless whether the relation is close or remote, as soon as the marriage contract is conducted, as Allah Says (what means): {And [also prohibited are] the wives of your sons who are from your [own] loins.} [Quran 4:23]
 Allah Knows best.                                                                                     
Fatwa answered by: The Fatwa Center at Islamweb