Monday, August 22, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Womens Liberation through Islam (part 1 of 2):
Description: The various civil, social, political and economic rights which
have been given to women in Islam.
(edited by IslamReligion.com)
Today people think that women are liberated in the West and that the Women
liberation movement was not in the 20th century.
Actually, the women liberation movement was not begun by women,
but was revealed by God to a man in the seventh century by the name of
Muhammad
may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him,
the last Prophet of God.
The Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet are the sources from which every
Muslim woman derives her rights and duties.
Human Rights
Islam, fourteen centuries ago, made women equally accountable to
God in glorifying and worshipping Him " setting no limits on her moral progress.
Also, Islam established a woman equality in her humanity with men.
In the Quran, in the first verse of the chapter entitled Women,
God says:
O mankind! Be careful of your duty toward your Lord who created you from a single soul
and from it its mate and from them both have spread abroad a multitude of men and women.
Be careful of your duty toward God in Whom you claim (your rights) of one another,
and towards the wombs (that bore you). Lo! God has been a Watcher over you. (Quran 4:1)
Since men and women both came from the same essence, they are equal in their humanity.
Women cannot be by nature evil (as some religions teach) or then men would be evil also.
Similarly, neither gender can be superior because it would be a contradiction to equality.
Civil Rights
In Islam, a woman has the basic freedoms of choice and expression
based on recognition of her individual personality.
First, a non-Muslim woman can not be forced to convert for marriage,
or upon the conversion of parents.
The Quran states:
There is no compulsion in religion.
Right has been made distinct from error. (Quran 2:256)
Women are encouraged in Islam to contribute their opinions and ideas.
There are many traditions of the Prophet which indicate that women would
pose questions directly to him and offer their opinions concerning religion,
economics and social matters.
A Muslim woman has full right to approve or deny a proposal of marriage,
and her name is to be kept after marriage.
A Muslim woman testimony is valid in legal disputes.
In fact, where women are more familiar, their evidence is conclusive.
Social Rights
The Prophet
said:
Seeking knowledge is a mandate for every Muslim (male and female).
(At-Tirmidhi)
This includes knowledge of the Quran and the Hadeeth as well as
other types of knowledge.
Men and women both have the capacity for learning and understanding.
Since it is also their obligation to promote good behavior and condemn
bad behavior in all spheres of life, Muslim women must acquire the appropriate
education to perform this duty in accordance with their own natural talents and interests.
While bearing, raising and teaching of children, and providing support to her husband
and maintenance of a home are among the first, and very highly regarded, roles for a woman,
if she has the skills to work outside the home for the good of the community, she may do,
so as long as her family obligations are met.
Islam recognizes and fosters the natural differences between men and women despite
their equality.
Some types of work are more suitable for men and other types for women.
This in no way diminishes eithers efforts or benefits.
God will reward both sexes equally for the value of their work, through,
it may not necessarily be the same activity.
Concerning motherhood, the Prophet
said:
Heaven lies under her feet. (An-Nasai)
This implies that the success of a society can be traced to the mothers
who raised it.
The first and greatest influence on a person comes from the sense of security,
affection, and training received from the mother.
Therefore, a woman having children must be educated
and conscientious in order to be a skillful parent.
Political Rights
A right given to Muslim women by God 1400 years ago is the right to
voice her opinion on social issues.
On any public matter, a woman may voice her opinion and participate in politics.
Also, Islam does not forbid a woman from holding important positions in government
which suit her role as a woman.
Abdurrahman Ibn Awf consulted many women before he recommended
Uthman Ibn Affan to be the Caliph.
Economic Rights
Islam is clear in its teachings that God created men and women to be different,
with unique roles, functions and skills. As in society, where there is a division of labor,
so too in a family, each member has different responsibilities.
Generally, Islam upholds that women are entrusted with the nurturing role, and men,
with the guardian role.
Therefore, women are given the right of financial support.
The Quran states:
Men are the maintainers of women because God has made some of them
to excel others and because they spend of their wealth (for the support of women).
(Quran 4:34)
This guardianship and greater financial responsibility given to men requires that
they provide women not only monetary support but also physical protection and
kind respectful treatment.
Muslim women have the privilege to earn money, the right to own property,
to enter into legal contracts and to manage all of her assets in any way she pleases.
She can run her own business and no one has any claim on her earnings,
including her husband.
The Quran states:
And in no wise covet those things in which God hath bestowed His gifts more freely
on some of you than on others; to men is allotted what they earn, and to women,
what they earn; but ask God of His bounty for God hath full knowledge of all things.
(Quran 4:32)
A woman inherits from her relatives.
The Quran states:
For men there is a share in what parents and relatives leave,
and for women there is a share of what parents and relatives leave,
whether it be little or much – an ordained share. (Quran 4:7)
Monday, August 15, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Reality and Obligation in Ramadan
Source: Al-Jumuah Magazine, Vol 8, Issue 9
During this Ramadhan do not let the sweetness of our deeds vansh into
the night, leaving only emptiness. When one contemplates the texts on
fasting, its wisdom and goals in Shariah, and looks at the reality of
the Muslim communities, one realizes a wide gap between the reality
and our obligations. Remember that Ramadhan is a bounty that Allah
blessed His servants with, to strengthen their faith, and increase
their piety (Taqwa). Allah said: "O you who believe! Fasting is
prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you
may become pious." (Al-Baqarah 2:183). This article is an attempt to
present the essential causes of this gap, and to some remedies.
primary reason for the gap is ignorance about the goals of fasting and
the wisdom behind it. Many Muslims ignore the purpose and wisdom of
fasting. Fasting is done merely to conform to the social environmet
without contemplation. If one is not aware of the divine wisdom of
Shariah and its fruits in this world and in the hereafter, one will
not apply it in the right way.
Goals of Fasting
Achieving Taqwa: is one of the most important wisdom of fasting.
Fasting brings on Taqwa as it lessens the desire of the stomach and
mutes the sexual appetite. Whoever fasts frequently would overcome
these two desires more easily. This deter against committing
abominations and sins and assist in controlling life leading to Taqwa.
Strengthening willpower and acquiring patience: The Prophet sallallahu
alayhe wa sallam called Ramadhan the month of patience as it increases
one's will power to control his desire and the selfishness of his
soul. This training allows him to be strong in following Allah's
commands. The most important being to carry the Message and propel it
forward. The person trains himself to be patient in obeying Allah by
stopping at the limits set by Allah both by way of action and
abstention. Allah said: "These are the limits set by Allah, so
approach them not." (Al-Baqarah 2:187)
Fasting is pure worship: The fact that he is abstaining from food and
drink both in public and in secret shows his honest faith and strong
love of Allah, and his knowledge and feeling that Allah is all-knowing
of everything. For this reason Allah has made the reward for fasting
greater than for any other type of worship. Allah said in the hadith
Qudsi: "Every deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied [in rewards],
the good deed by ten of its like, up to seven hundreds, up to whatever
Allah wills, except fasting, it is for Me and I will reward it. He
abandons his desire and his food for My sake.." (Related by Muslim)
lbn al-Qayyim said: "...And people may see that a person is not eating
in front of them, but the fact that he is really abandoning his food
and his desire for the sake of God is a thing that nobody can find out
about, and that is the essence of fasting." (Zaad al-Ma'ad 2/29).
Relieving Muslims from life's distractions: Eating, drinking, and
socializing all distract a person and weaken ties with Allah. It is by
the Mercy of Allah that Muslims are ordered to fast so as not to be
bothered by the intrusion of these activities. Nor by the thought
about them nor the anticipation for them when devoting themselves to
the all types of worship Either reading the Qur'an, offering
additional prayer or making I'tikaf. For this reason the Prophet
sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Fasting is a shield, and a secure
fortress against Hell fire" (Related by Ahmad).
Discovering Allah's Blessings: A person experiences the hardship of
the poor. He should then be thankful to Allah Who has blessed him with
His bounty while others are deprived. This should make him more
sympathetic and willing to share this bounty. The poor rediscovers
that fasting helps a person be more devoted to worship. More able to
concentrate and meditate. He should then be able of this devotion all
year long, a blessing he should thank Allah for.
Acquiring strength and endurance:It has been discovered that depriving
the body of food for a period of time helps its defense and endurance
mechanism. This in turn this protects the body from certain diseases.
Remember that fasting is not only dependent on abstentions: Many
believe that fasting consist only of certain abstentions, forgetting
that Allah established certain acts of worship with fasting. Among
which are:
Qiyamul-layl: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Whoever
performed the night prayer during Ramadhan out of belief and
anticipating God's rewards, will be forgiven his previous
sins."(Related by Muslim).Performing Umrah: The Prophet sallallahu
alayhe wa sallam said: "An Umrah during Ramadhan is like a Hajj with
me." (Related by al-Hakim).
Offering Iftar (meal) to those who fasted. The Prophet sallallahu
alayhe wa sallam said: "Whoever feeds a fasting person has the same
reward as him, except that the reward of the fasting person will not
be diminished." (Related by Ahmad).
Reading and completing the Qur'an: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa
sallam said: "Fasting and [reading] Qur'an will intercede for the
person: fasting will say: O Lord I forbade him eating and drinking so
let me intercede for him, and the Qur'an will say: I deprived him from
his night sleep so let me intercede for him," he then said: "So they
will intercede." (Related by Ahmad). The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa
sallam used to recite the whole Qur'an to Angel Jibreel each Ramadhan.
Giving in charity: Ibn Abbas radhiallahu anhu said: "The Prophet
sallallahu alayhe wa sallam was the most generous among people, and he
was more generous during the month of Ramadhan." (Related by Muslim).
I`tikaaf: which is to confine oneself in the masjid for prayer and
invocation leaving the worldly activities. Ibn Abbas radhiallahu anhu
said: "The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to perforrn
I'tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan." (Related by Muslim). It
is surprising that many people have abandoned I'tikaf though the
Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam never abandoned it from the time
he arrived to Madinah until he died.
Supplication: In the verses dealing with fasting, Allah said: "And
when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then answer them, I
am indeed near to them. I respond to the invocations of the supplicant
when he calls on Me." (Al-Baqarah 2: 186). This is an encouragement
for the fasting person to increase his invocation. The Prophet
sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Three invocations will be answered:
The invocation of the fasting person, the invocation of the oppressed,
and the invocation of the traveler." (Related by Muslim).
Repentance: Ramadhan is the time of repentance and return to Allah,
for it is a time when the devils are chained, and when many people are
saved from hell fire every night by the grace of Allah.
Applying oneself in all good deeds in the last ten days of Ramadhan:
Aysha radhiallabu anha said: "When the last ten days come, he
sallallahu alayhe wa sallam would pray most of the night and wake his
family, and apply himself, and tighten up his loincloth.", and she
also said: "The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to
strive in the last days of Ramadhan more than he did during the other
days." (Related by Muslim).
Abstaining from vain talk: Sins decrease the reward of fasting
although they do not annul it. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam
said: "Fasting is not [only] abstaining from eating and drinking, but
abstaining from vain and obscene talk, so if someone insulted you or
wronged you say: I am fasting." (Related by al-Hakim) and he also
said: 'Whoever does not abandon lying, then Allah does not need him to
abandon his food and drink." (Related by al-Bukhari).
Common errors made during Ramadhan
Excessive spending: Ramadhan should be a time to avoid being wasteful,
and learning to be prepared in facing harder times by distinguishing
the needs from the luxuries. Unfortunately, many people go beyond
their limits to spend during Ramadhan. Whether in the varieties of
food that they savor each night, or by the other types of spending.
Staying awake during the night and sleeping during the day: Some
people sleep during most of the day when they are fasting. Ramadhan is
not a time of being lazy, and this do not allow the full benefit from
the experience of fasting. It is as if they have only inverted their
nights into days and vice versa. In addition, some may spend a great
portion of the night indulging in eating and drinking and socializing
Spending more time in socializing: Because people invite each other
more often during Ramadhan they do tend to spend more time socializing
with friends, and relatives. While it is a good deed to feed the
fasting person, this should not result in precious time lost in vain
talk. Use the occasion for remembering Allah and offering additional
prayers, and for the Da'wah to Allah.
Insisting on performing a certain number of Rakaas during the Tarawih
(night) prayer to the point of not praying behind the Imam and thus
forfeiting the benefit of congregational prayer. This might also bring
hatred and disagreement between the Muslims of one community.
Reading Qur'an too fast: Some insist on finishing the whole Qur'an
once or more, even if they have to read very fast. Although reading
the Qur'an many times is desirable, this should not be done hastily,
especially during the Tarawih prayer without pondering upon its
meaning. Allah ta'ala said: "This is a Book which We have sent down to
you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its verses," (Saad
38:29), and the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Those who
read the Qur'an in less than three days do not grasp [its meaning]"
Socializing in l'tikaf: Many people are eager to do I'tikaf but some
confine themselves in the masjid not to pray and worship Allah but to
talk and socialize.
The ways of doing good are numerous in Ramadhan Many people try to
perform more than they are able to. By going beyond their
capabilities, they end up not performing any deed in the desired way.
Scholars and Dai'ahs should assume a more prominent role in educating
the people - both by talking to them and by giving the best example in
their behavior which should comply to the Shariah and following the
Sunnah.
The Muslim should realize that his priorities dictate that he does
what benefits him in the Hereafter and should not put worldly
interests first.
The Muslim should apply himself to deepen his sense of following the
Sunnah of the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, in every aspect of
his life, at all times and especially during the month of Ramadhan.
This necessitates seeking more knowledge about the Fiqh of fasting and
its etiquette, assimilating the wisdom and goals of fasting, and
facilitating the means that allow all the Muslims to benefit from
their fasting.
We ask Allah to accept our fast and our good deeds.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Medical Benefits & Guidelines for Ramadan.
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Most Muslims do not fast because of medical benefits but because it has been ordained to them in the Quran. The medical benefits of fasting are as a result of fasting. Fasting in general has been used in medicine for medical reasons including weight management, for rest of the digestive tract and for lowering lipids. There are many adverse effects of total fasting as well as so-called crash diets. Islamic fasting is different from such diet plans because in Ramadan fasting, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake. The caloric intake of Muslims during Ramadan is at or slightly below the national requirement guidelines. In addition, the fasting in Ramadan is voluntarily taken and is not a prescribed imposition from the physician.
Ramadan is a month of self-regulation and self-training, with the hope that this training will last beyond the end of Ramadan. If the lessons learned during Ramadan, whether in terms of dietary intake or righteousness, are carried on after Ramadan, it is beneficial for one's entire life. Moreover, the type of food taken during Ramadan does not have any selective criteria of crash diets such as those which are protein only or fruit only type diets. Everything that is permissible is taken in moderate quantities. The only difference between Ramadan and total fasting is the timing of the food; during Ramadan, we basically miss lunch and take an early breakfast and do not eat until dusk. Abstinence from water during this period is not bad at all and in fact, it causes concentration of all fluids within the body, producing slight dehydration. The body has its own water conservation mechanism; in fact, it has been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, at least in plant life, improve their longevity. The physiological effect of fasting includes lower of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of the systolic blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension. In 1994 the first International Congress on "Health and Ramadan", held in Casablanca, entered 50 research papers from all over the world, from Muslim and non-Muslim researchers who have done extensive studies on the medical ethics of fasting. While improvement in many medical conditions was noted; however, in no way did fasting worsen any patients' health or baseline medical condition. On the other hand, patients who are suffering from severe diseases, whether diabetes or coronary artery disease, kidney stones, etc., are exempt from fasting and should not try to fast. There are psychological effects of fasting as well. There is a peace and tranquility for those who fast during the month of Ramadan. Personal hostility is at a minimum, and the crime rate decreases. Muslims take advice from the Prophet who said, "If one slanders you or aggresses against you, say I am fasting.'" This psychological improvement could be related to better stabilization of blood glucose during fasting as hypoglycemia after eating, aggravates behavior changes. There is a beneficial effect of extra prayer at night. This not only helps with better utilization of food but also helps in output. There are 10 extra calories output for each rikat of the prayer. Again, we do not do prayers for exercise, but a mild movement of the joints with extra calorie utilization is a better form of exercise. Similarly, recitation of the Quran not only produces a tranquility of heart and mind, but improves the memory. Therefore, I encourage my Muslim patients to fast in the month of Ramadan, but they must do it under medical supervision. Healthy adult Muslims should not fear becoming weak by fasting, but instead it should improve their health and stamina. Ramadan Health Guidelines
This article provides useful advice on how to avoid some common problems encountered in Ramadhan. If followed, it would enable one to fast comfortably and enjoy fully the spiritual benefits of Ramadhan. During the holy month of Ramadhan, our diet should not differ very much from our normal diet and should be as simple as possible. The diet should be such that we maintain our normal weight, neither losing nor gaining. However, if one is over-weight, Ramadhan is an ideal time to normalize one's weight.
In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow digesting foods including fibre containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods. Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours. - Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, whole meal flour, unpolished rice, etc. (called complex carbohydrates). - Fast-burning foods are foods that contain sugar, white flour, etc. (called refined carbohydrates). - Fibre-containing foods are bran-containing foods, whole wheat, grains and seeds, vegetables like green beans, peas, sem (papry), marrow, mealies, spinach, and other herbs like methie, the leaves of beetroot (iron-rich), fruit with skin, dried fruit especially dried apricots, figs and prunes, almonds, etc. The foods eaten should be well-balanced, containing foods from each food group, i.e. fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken/fish, bread/cereals and dairy products. Fried foods are unhealthy and should be limited. They cause indigestion, heart-burn, and weight problems. AVOID Fried and fatty foods. Foods containing too much sugar. Over-eating especially at sehri. Too much tea at sehri. Tea makes you pass more urine taking with it valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day. Smoking cigarettes. If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few weeks before Ramadhan. Smoking is unhealthy and one should stop completely. EAT Complex carbohydrates at sehri so that the food lasts longer making you less hungry. Haleem (mixed meat & lentil soup) is an excellent source of protein and is a slow-burning food. Dates are excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium. Almonds are rich in protein and fibre with less fat. Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates. DRINK As much water or fruit juices as possible between iftar and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time. CONSTIPATION Constipation can cause piles (hemorrhoids), fissures (painful cracks in anal canal) and indigestion with a bloated feeling. Causes: Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fibre in the diet. Remedy: Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, use bran in baking, brown flour when making roti (flower bread). INDIGESTION AND WIND Causes: Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks like Cola also produce gas. Remedy: Do not over-eat, drink fruit juices or better still drink water. Avoid fried foods, add ajmor to wind-producing foods. LETHARGY ('low blood pressure') Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with "low blood pressure". This tends to occur towards the afternoon. Causes: Too little fluid intake, decreased salt intake. Remedy: Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake. Caution: Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present. Persons with high blood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadhan. They should consult their doctor. HEADACHE Causes: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doing too much in one day, lack of sleep, hunger usually occur as the day goes by and worsens at the end of the day. When associated with "low blood pressure", the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar. Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadhan. Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Reorganise your schedule during the Ramadan so as to have adequate sleep. LOW BLOOD SUGAR Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily, feeling shaky (tremor), unable to perform physical activities, headache, palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar. Causes in non-diabetics: Having too much sugar i.e. refined carbohydrates especially at suhur (sehri). The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop. Remedy: Eat something at sehri and limit sugar-containing foods and drinks. Caution: Diabetics may need to adjust their medication in Ramadan, consult your doctor. MUSCLE CRAMPS Causes: Inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods. Remedy: Eat foods rich in the above minerals e.g. vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat and dates. Caution: Those on high blood pressure medication and with kidney stone problems should consult their doctor. PEPTIC ULCERS, HEART BURN, GASTRITIS AND HIATUS HERNIA Increased acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadhan aggravate the above conditions. It presents as a burning feeling in the stomach area under the ribs and can extend up to the throat. Spicy foods, coffee, and Cola drinks worsen these conditions. Medications are available to control acid levels in the stomach. People with proven peptic ulcers and hiatus hernia should consult their doctor well before Ramadhan. KIDNEY STONES Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquids to drink. Therefore, it is essential to drink extra liquids so as to prevent stone formation. JOINT PAINS Causes: During Ramadhan, when extra salah are performed the pressure on the knee joints increases. In the elderly and those with arthritis this may result in pain, stiffness, swelling and discomfort. Remedy: Lose weight so that the knees do not have to carry any extra load. Exercise the lower limbs before Ramadhan so that they can be prepared for the additional strain. Being physically fit allows greater fulfilment, thus enabling one to be able to perform salah with ease. Dr. Farouk Haffejee Islamic Medical Association of South Africa – Durban Energy Boosting Medjool Date Shake
The Ultimate Energy Drink for Ramadan. Serves Two
Ingredients 1 Cup pitted dates 1 cup milk 6 scoops yogurt or ice cream 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg. Directions: Combine milk and dates in a blender and puree. Add ice cream or yogurt and grate the fresh nutmeg into blender. Mix until smooth. Serve immediately. How to Avoid bad breath
Bad breath is caused by food particles rotting in the mouth. If they are removed then the problem is solved. Here is a simple and easy way to eliminate bad breath:
1. Floss your teeth after each meal (suhur, iftar), then
2. Brush your teeth, then
3. Rinse/gargle with Oxygen Peroxide (3%)
Oxygen Peroxide is cheaper, better, and safer than any mouth wash. |
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Wohi Khuda hai ( Devotional Hamd)
Koi to hai jo, nizaam-e-hasti
chala raha hai, wohi khuda hai
chala raha hai, wohi khuda hai
There is someone
who is running the whole system of existence
and that is the only God
Dikhayi bhi jo na de nazar bhi
Jo aa raha hai, wohi khuda hai
wohi khuda hai, wohi khudaa hai
wohi khuda hai..
He is not visible,
but yet he is apparent (In the surrounding),
and that is the only God
Nazar bhi rakhe, samaatein bhi
Woh jaan leta hai, neeatein bhi
Jo khana-e-lashaoor mein jagmaga raha hai
wohi khuda hai, wohi khudaa hai
wohi khudaa hai, wohi khudaa hai
He finds out intentions too,
the one who is sparkling in the unrealized part of the human nature,
and That is the only God
Talash uss ko, na kar buttoun mein
woh hai badalti hui ruttoun mein
Jo din ko raat aur raat ko din
bana raha hai, wohi khuda hai
wohi khuda hai, wohi khudaa hai
wohi khudaa hai…
Don't try to find him in Idols, he is in changing nights.
He is turning the Night into the Day and the Day into the Night,
and That is the only God
Recitor : Al-Haj Khurshid Ahmad
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Two naats to Remember the Death
Hashr mein phir milenge mere dosto, bas ye hi hai payam aakhiri akhiri*
Zindagi ne jahan tak wafa ki rahey, chal diye ab hai salam aakhiri akhiri**
Kehna sab jeetey jee ke hain shikwe giley*
Aaj sey khatm duniya ke sab silsiley**
Shamma dhalney ko hai dam nikalney ko hai*
Ab hai qissa tamam aakhiri aakhiri**
**************Hashr mein phir milenge mere dosto....
Mujh ko nehla ke pehna diye hain kafan*
Ro chukey maa baap mil ke bhai behan**
Maut bhi aaj doston hairat mein hai*
Ab hai qissa tamam aakhiri aakhiri**
*************Hashr mein phir milenge mere dosto.....
Khusbuon mein kafan ko basaney lage*
Meri maiyyat ko dulhan bananey lagey**
Dosto ab uthao janaza meraa*
Ho chuka bas intezaam aakhiri aakhri**
*************Hashr mein phir milenge mere dosto........
Mujh ko zer-e-zameen dafna gaey*
Kis qadar sang dil ho key farma gaey**
Dosto chain ki neend sotey raho*
Bas ye hi hai muqaam aakhiri aakhiri**
*************Hashr mein phir milenge mere dosto.......
Kaisi ye duniya hai Murshid gazab re gazab*
Chand dinon mein yahan bhool jaate hain sab**
Jis bahaney meri yaad aa jaaey to*
Padh lena ye mera kalam aakhiri aakhiri**
*************Hashr mein phir milenge mere dosto ye hai muqaam aakhiri aakhiri**
Zindagi ney jahan tak wafa ki rahey chal diye ab hai salam aakhiri aakhiri**
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Driving and traffic in India........ Hillarious article but though provoking
Road accidents have earned India a dubious distinction. With over 130,000 deaths annually, the country has overtaken China and now has the worst road traffic accident rate worldwide. This hilarious article was written by an Expat from Baan, Netherlands, who spent two years in Hyderabad. For the benefit of every Tom, Dick and Harry visiting India and daring to drive on Indian roads, I am offering a few hints for survival. They are applicable to every place in India except Bihar, where life outside a vehicle is only marginally safer. Indian road rules broadly operate within the domain of karma where you do your best, and leave the results to your insurance company. The hints are as follows: Do we drive on the left or right of the road? The answer is "both". Basically you start on the left of the road, unless it is occupied. In that case, go to the right, unless that is also occupied. Then proceed by occupying the next available gap, as in chess. Just trust your instincts, ascertain the direction, and proceed. Adherence to road rules leads to much misery and occasional fatality. Most drivers don't drive, but just aim their vehicles in the intended direction. Don't you get discouraged or underestimate yourself except for a belief in re-incarnation, the other drivers are not in any better position. Don't stop at pedestrian crossings just because some fool wants to cross the road. You may do so only if you enjoy being bumped in the back. Pedestrians have been strictly instructed to cross only when traffic is moving slowly or has come to a dead stop because some minister is in town. Still some idiot may try to wade across, but then, let us not talk ill of the dead. Blowing your horn is not a sign of protest as in some countries. We horn to express joy, resentment, frustration, romance and bare lust (two brisk blasts), or, just mobilize a dozing cow in the middle of the bazaar. Keep informative books in the glove compartment. You may read them during traffic jams, while awaiting the chief minister's motorcade, or waiting for the rainwaters to recede when over ground traffic meets underground drainage. Occasionally you might see what looks like a UFO with blinking colored lights and weird sounds emanating from within. This is an illuminated bus, full of happy pilgrims singing bhajans. These pilgrims go at breakneck speed, seeking contact with the Almighty, often meeting with success. Auto Rickshaw (Baby Taxi): The result of a collision between a rickshaw and an automobile, this three-wheeled vehicle works on an external combustion engine that runs on a mixture of kerosene oil and creosote. This triangular vehicle carries iron rods, gas cylinders or passengers three times its weight and dimension, at an unspecified fare. After careful geometric calculations, children are folded and packed into these auto rickshaws until some children in the periphery are not in contact with the vehicle at all. Then their school bags are pushed into the microscopic gaps all round so those minor collisions with other vehicles on the road cause no permanent damage. Of course, the peripheral children are charged half the fare and also learn Newton's laws of motion en route to school. Auto-rickshaw drivers follow the road rules depicted in the film Ben Hur, and are licensed to irritate. Mopeds: The moped looks like an oil tin on wheels and makes noise like an electric shaver. It runs 30 miles on a teaspoon of petrol and travels at break-bottom speed. As the sides of the road are too rough for a ride, the moped drivers tend to drive in the middle of the road; they would rather drive under heavier vehicles instead of around them and are often "mopped" off the tarmac. Leaning Towers of Passes: Most bus passengers are given free passes and during rush hours, there is absolute mayhem. There are passengers hanging off other passengers, who in turn hang off the railings and the overloaded bus leans dangerously, defying laws of gravity but obeying laws of surface tension. As drivers get paid for overload (so many Rupees per kg of passenger), no questions are ever asked. Steer clear of these buses by a width of three passengers. One-way Street: These boards are put up by traffic people to add jest in their otherwise drab lives. Don't stick to the literal meaning and proceed in one direction. In metaphysical terms, it means that you cannot proceed in two directions at once. So drive, as you like, in reverse throughout, if you are the fussy type. Least I sound hypercritical; I must add a positive point also. Rash and fast driving in residential areas has been prevented by providing a "speed breaker"; two for each house. This mound, incidentally, covers the water and drainage pipes for that residence and is left untarred for easy identification by the corporation authorities, should they want to recover the pipe for year-end accounting. Night driving on Indian roads can be an exhilarating experience (for those with the mental makeup of Genghis Khan). In a way, it is like playing Russian roulette, because you do not know who amongst the drivers is loaded. What looks like premature dawn on the horizon turns out to be a truck attempting a speed record. On encountering it, just pull partly into the field adjoining the road until the phenomenon passes. Our roads do not have shoulders, but occasional boulders. Do not blink your lights expecting reciprocation. The only dim thing in the truck is the driver, and with the peg of illicit arrack (alcohol) he has had at the last stop, his total cerebral functions add up to little more than a naught. Truck drivers are the James Bonds of India, and are licensed to kill. Often you may encounter a single powerful beam of light about six feet above the ground. This is not a super motorbike, but a truck approaching you with a single light on, usually the left one. It could be the right one, but never get too close to investigate. You may prove your point posthumously. Of course, all this occurs at night, on the trunk roads. During the daytime, trucks are more visible, except that the drivers will never show any Signal. (And you must watch for the absent signals; they are the greater threat). Only, you will often observe that the cleaner who sits next to the driver, will project his hand and wave hysterically. This is definitely not to be construed as a signal for a left turn. The waving is just a statement of physical relief on a hot day. If, after all this, you still want to drive in India, have your lessons between 8 pm and 11 am-when the police have gone home and The citizen is then free to enjoy the 'FREEDOM OF SPEED' enshrined in our constitution. Having said all this, isn't it true that the accident rate and related deaths are less in India compared to the US or other countries? |
Monday, July 18, 2011
Exposing the sins of your fellow muslims....
We all know very well that we are all sinners. No matter how good we think we are, how 'religious' we look, or how good people think we are, we are ALL sinners – without exception. Sometime or the other, be it in public, in private, in the darkness of night or in the brightness of daylight, we all commit sins. It's an inherent part of human nature.
As far as our own sins are concerned, we should always try to hide them and not make them public. Of course, if we have done something which has hurt someone else or denied them their rights, then we should definitely fess up and ask them for forgiveness (such as stealing something or damaging someone's property). But if we do something which we know we shouldn't be doing (such as making out with a member of the opposite sex or looking at stuff we shouldn't be seeing), we should keep quiet about it and sincerely ask Allah for forgiveness. Allah says in the Holy Quran:
Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly (for forgiveness) and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean. (Quran, 2:222)
If we see or hear about someone else committing a sin, we should always try to ignore it. Instead of spreading it, we should hide it and keep it a secret. It is reported that the Prophet :SAW: has said:
Whosoever covers (the sins of) a Muslim, Allah covers (his sins) on the Day of Judgment. (Reported by Bukhari)
If we find it too difficult to keep it secret, the most we are allowed to do is discuss the issue with the person, in private, and try to encourage them to stop committing the sin(s). Allah has said:
The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin Al-Ma'rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and they forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden). (Quran, 71:9)
The only exception to this is if we find out that someone has committed a crime that has left someone injured or killed, or in which something was stolen or someone was denied something to which they were entitled to. In these cases, we MUST make the information public so that the person is brought to justice.
One thing we must not do when we find out about someone else's sins is discuss them and gossip about them. Why? Because doing so will considered backbiting, which has been compared to eating the flesh (meat) of our own dead brother. Allah Subhanahu wa T'ala has said:
O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful. (Quran, 49:12)
But what if what we're saying is really true?
Allah's Apostle :SAW: said:
Do you know what is backbiting? They (the Companions) said: Allah and His Apostle (peace be upon him) know best. Thereupon he (the Prophet) said: Backbiting implies your talking about your brother in a manner which he does not like. It was said to him: What is your opinion about this that if I actually find (that weakness) in my brother which I made a mention of? He said: If (that weakness) is actually found (in him) what you assert, you in fact backbited him, and if that is not in him it is a slander. (Reported by Muslim)
If we enjoy spreading stuff about people, we must think about what we are doing. Allah says in the Holy Quran:
Those who love (to see) scandal published (and) broadcast among the Believers will have a grievous Penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: Allah knows and ye know not. (Quran, 19-24)
In the above verse, Allah is warning all those who like to spread scandals and gossip about other believing Muslims to be careful, because they "will have a grievous Penalty in this life and in the Hereafter".
May Allah protect us all, and may He forgive all our sins.
Ameen.
Update
'Abd Allah reported that the Prophet of Allah, upon him be peace, said, "A believer is not a fault-finder and is not abusive, obscene, or course."
(Hadith - Bukhari's Book of Manners 313, Ahmad, Ibn Hibban, and Hakim)
... Ibn 'Abbas said, "If you wish to mention the faults of your friend, mention your own faults first."
(Hadith - Bukhari's Book of Manners 329)
... Ibn 'Abbas said on the following verse of the Qur'an, "Nor defame one another" (49:11), "Do not spend your time finding fault with one another."
(Hadith - Bukhari's Book of Manners #330)
Jubayr ibn Nufayr reported that Mu'adh ibn Jabal said, "If you love someone, do not quarrel with him and do not annoy him. Do not ask others about him, for the one you ask might be his enemy and thus tell you things about him that are not true and thus break you apart."
(Hadith - Bukhari's Book of Manners 545)
'Amr ibn al 'As said, "...I am amazed at one who spots an impurity in the eye of another but is unable to detect it in his/her own eye, or who attempts to remove a grudge from another's heart while making no attempt to remove grduges from his/her own heart. I have never blamed anyone for the confidences of mine that they have betrayed. How could I, when already they have given me reason for pause?"
(Hadith - Bukhari's Book of Manners #889 and Ibn Hibban)
Bilal ibn Sa'd al Ash'ari reported that Mu'awiyah wrote to Abu Darda' "Write to the wrongdoers of Damascus." So he asked, "What do I have to do with the wrongdoers of Damascus? How will I know them?" Abu Darda's son, Bilal said, "I will write to them," which he did. Then Abu Darda' said [to Bilal], "How did you know to whom to write? You could not have known they were wrongdoers unless you were one of them. Begin with yourself!" So he did not address the letter in anyone's name.*
(Hadith - Bukhari's Book of Manners 1295)
·i.e. he didn't single out a specific person as a wrongdoer, but spoke about wrongdoings in general, to come as a reminder (of Quran and Sunnah) to the people.
As far as our own sins are concerned, we should always try to hide them and not make them public. Of course, if we have done something which has hurt someone else or denied them their rights, then we should definitely fess up and ask them for forgiveness (such as stealing something or damaging someone's property). But if we do something which we know we shouldn't be doing (such as making out with a member of the opposite sex or looking at stuff we shouldn't be seeing), we should keep quiet about it and sincerely ask Allah for forgiveness. Allah says in the Holy Quran:
Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly (for forgiveness) and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean. (Quran, 2:222)
If we see or hear about someone else committing a sin, we should always try to ignore it. Instead of spreading it, we should hide it and keep it a secret. It is reported that the Prophet :SAW: has said:
Whosoever covers (the sins of) a Muslim, Allah covers (his sins) on the Day of Judgment. (Reported by Bukhari)
If we find it too difficult to keep it secret, the most we are allowed to do is discuss the issue with the person, in private, and try to encourage them to stop committing the sin(s). Allah has said:
The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin Al-Ma'rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and they forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden). (Quran, 71:9)
The only exception to this is if we find out that someone has committed a crime that has left someone injured or killed, or in which something was stolen or someone was denied something to which they were entitled to. In these cases, we MUST make the information public so that the person is brought to justice.
One thing we must not do when we find out about someone else's sins is discuss them and gossip about them. Why? Because doing so will considered backbiting, which has been compared to eating the flesh (meat) of our own dead brother. Allah Subhanahu wa T'ala has said:
O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful. (Quran, 49:12)
But what if what we're saying is really true?
Allah's Apostle :SAW: said:
Do you know what is backbiting? They (the Companions) said: Allah and His Apostle (peace be upon him) know best. Thereupon he (the Prophet) said: Backbiting implies your talking about your brother in a manner which he does not like. It was said to him: What is your opinion about this that if I actually find (that weakness) in my brother which I made a mention of? He said: If (that weakness) is actually found (in him) what you assert, you in fact backbited him, and if that is not in him it is a slander. (Reported by Muslim)
If we enjoy spreading stuff about people, we must think about what we are doing. Allah says in the Holy Quran:
Those who love (to see) scandal published (and) broadcast among the Believers will have a grievous Penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: Allah knows and ye know not. (Quran, 19-24)
In the above verse, Allah is warning all those who like to spread scandals and gossip about other believing Muslims to be careful, because they "will have a grievous Penalty in this life and in the Hereafter".
May Allah protect us all, and may He forgive all our sins.
Ameen.
Update
'Abd Allah reported that the Prophet of Allah, upon him be peace, said, "A believer is not a fault-finder and is not abusive, obscene, or course."
(Hadith - Bukhari's Book of Manners 313, Ahmad, Ibn Hibban, and Hakim)
... Ibn 'Abbas said, "If you wish to mention the faults of your friend, mention your own faults first."
(Hadith - Bukhari's Book of Manners 329)
... Ibn 'Abbas said on the following verse of the Qur'an, "Nor defame one another" (49:11), "Do not spend your time finding fault with one another."
(Hadith - Bukhari's Book of Manners #330)
Jubayr ibn Nufayr reported that Mu'adh ibn Jabal said, "If you love someone, do not quarrel with him and do not annoy him. Do not ask others about him, for the one you ask might be his enemy and thus tell you things about him that are not true and thus break you apart."
(Hadith - Bukhari's Book of Manners 545)
'Amr ibn al 'As said, "...I am amazed at one who spots an impurity in the eye of another but is unable to detect it in his/her own eye, or who attempts to remove a grudge from another's heart while making no attempt to remove grduges from his/her own heart. I have never blamed anyone for the confidences of mine that they have betrayed. How could I, when already they have given me reason for pause?"
(Hadith - Bukhari's Book of Manners #889 and Ibn Hibban)
Bilal ibn Sa'd al Ash'ari reported that Mu'awiyah wrote to Abu Darda' "Write to the wrongdoers of Damascus." So he asked, "What do I have to do with the wrongdoers of Damascus? How will I know them?" Abu Darda's son, Bilal said, "I will write to them," which he did. Then Abu Darda' said [to Bilal], "How did you know to whom to write? You could not have known they were wrongdoers unless you were one of them. Begin with yourself!" So he did not address the letter in anyone's name.*
(Hadith - Bukhari's Book of Manners 1295)
·i.e. he didn't single out a specific person as a wrongdoer, but spoke about wrongdoings in general, to come as a reminder (of Quran and Sunnah) to the people.
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