FIRST APRIL - A DISHONEST TRADITION!

1st April - a day when people lie, play jokes and mock in the name of entertainment. This ugly practice of lying and deceiving,which is considered to be merely a
humor, is known to have caused great harm to many...! Still this dishonest tradition is not only practiced among the common masses,but also newspapers and magazines
participate in it by publishing false news 
and untrue stories! Much is said about the origin of this
practice, however what concerns the most to the Muslims is that it is a
tradition which directly CONTRADICTS the teachings and morals of Islam. True belief in Allah and the Day of
Judgment implies that the person is truthful in his speech - if he truly believes
that Allah Hears and Sees everything he does, and a Day will come when he will 
be held accountable for his actions, then he will not lie... 

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said,"Let he, who truly 
believes in Allah and the Last Day speak good or be silent."[Saheeh al-Bukhari]

 

'APRIL FOOL IS PROHIBITED IN ISLAM'

Your best friend comes up to you and tells you news that makes you jump for joy. No sooner have you expressed your happiness than he quickly tells you it is untrue. You stare at him blankly an asked him why he lied. He says to you: “It’s April Fool’s Day.

Does Islam sanction such behavior? Can it regard such behavior as a harmless custom? Can we concoct lies containing happy or sad news, as long as we quickly inform the other person that it is a lie or cry out “April Fools!”?

To start with, we must know that a lie is defined as giving information about something, where that information is at variance with the truth. A lie is forbidden in Islam.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Be truthful, for indeed truth guides us to righteousness, and righteousness leads us to Paradise. A man remains honest and steadfast in ascertaining the truth until he is recorded with Allah as a truthful person. A lie guides us to wickedness, and wickedness leads us to Hell. A man keeps lying and seeking out lies until he is recorded with Allah as a liar.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (6134) and Sahîh Muslim (2607)]

 —

STORY OF MALIK ASHTAR - WHO WAS A FAMOUS COMMANDER UNDER THE RULE OF IMAM ALI

!! READ & FOLLOW !!

MALIK ASHTAR was a famous commander under the rule of Imam Ali. He was a strong warrior and a powerful man who was gifted in the Tactics of Warfare.

Once a shop-keeper was sitting outside of his shop in the major street of a city. He was chatting with his friends and cracking jokes. Then he saw a man with bruises on his face, with old cloth and a dusty face passing by. So just for fun, the shop-keeper threw a piece of junk at the dirty man so that his friends would laugh.

A friend of his said: "Oh my God! didn't you know who this man was?"

Shop-keeper: "No. Probably an ordinary man who was just walking by."

Friend: "No. That was Malik Ashtar...the brave commander of Imam Ali's army!"

Shop-keeper: "No way!"

Friend: "Yes way!"

shop-keeper: "Oh my God! He is a warrior. What is going to happen to me?! he might punish me really bad...I better apologize to him."

So the shop-keeper followed Ashtar and saw that he is going to the Masjid. Then he saw that Milek Ashtar is performing a prayer...so he waited until his prayer was over. Then he approached Malik and said: " I came here to apologize, I am the one who threw that piece of junk at you for amusement!"

Malik Ashtar: " I swear to Allah that the only reason I came to this Masjid was because of you. I saw how lost and ignorant you were so I came here to pray for you so that Allah might guide you to the right path, because you hurt people with no good reason. And no, I am not thinking the way to thought about me(meaning punishing him)."
-------------------------------------

Benefits Derived from This Story:

It is important, to not get Angry quickly, Specialy at your Ignorent brothers, because Anger is cause of Shaytan (devil). It is Also very Important to Pray for your fellow Brothers who are lost and ignorent, that allah might guide them to the right path.

Important Note: Maybe if it wasn't for the Prayer that Malik Ashtar Made for His Brother, he wouldn't have come to Apologize and Change his ways, to the right path....

ISLAM - A MESSAGE OF PEACE

From Noble Quran:

And whenever you give your word, say the truth [al-An'aam 6:152]

And seek help in patience and prayer [al-Baqarah 2:45]

And fulfil the Covenant of Allaah when you have covenanted [al-Nahl 16:91]

Verily! Allaah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due [al-Nisa' 4:58]

And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift) [al-Isra' 17:29]

Eat and drink, but waste not by extravagance [al-A'raaf 7:31]

And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is al-taqwa (piety, righteousness) [al-Baqarah 2:197]

And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty) [al-Talaaq 65:2]

And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him [al-Talaaq 65:3]

He who obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allaah [al-Nisa' 4:80]

A MOST BEAUTIFUL HADITH AMONG ALL THE BEAUTIFUL AHADITH

Khalid ibn al Wald (Radi Allahu Ta’ala anhu) narrated the following hadith:

A Bedouin came one day to the Holy Prophet (sallallahu ‘alahi wasallam) and said to him, ‘O, Messenger of Allah! I’ve come to ask you a few questions about the affairs of this Life and the Hereafter.’ – ‘Ask what you wish’ said Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaiyhi wasallam).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q: I’d like to be the most learned of men.

A: Fear Allah, and you will be the most learned of men.

Q: I wish to be the richest man in the world.

A: Be contented, and you will be the richest man in the world.

Q: I’d like to be the most just man.

A: Desire for others what you desire for yourself, and you will be the most just of men.

Q: I want to be the best of men.

A: Do good to others and you will be the best of men.

Q: I wish to be the most favored by Allah.

A: Engage much in Allah’s praise, and you will be most favored by Him.

Q: I’d like to complete my faith.

A: If you have good manners you will complete your faith

Q: I wish to be among those who do good.

A: Adore Allah as if you see Him. If you don ‘t see Him, He seeth you. In this way you will be among those who do good.

Q: I wish to be obedient to Allah.

A: If you observe Allah’s commands you will be obedient.

Q: I’d like to be free from all sins.

A: Bathe yourself from impurities and you will be free from all sins.

Q: I’d like to be raised on the Day of Judgement in the light.

A: Don’t wrong yourself or any other creature, and you will be raised on the Day of Judgement in the light. 

Q: I’d like Allah to bestow His mercy on me.

A: If you have mercy on yourself and others, Allah will grant you mercy on the Day of Judgement. 

Q: I’d like my sins to be very few.

A: If you seek the forgiveness Allah as much as you can, your sins will be very few.

Q: I’d like to be the most honorable man.

A: If you do not complain to any fellow creature, you will be the most honorable of men.

Q: I’d like to be the strongest of men.

A: If you put your trust in Allah, you will be the strongest of men.

Q: I’d like to enlarge my provision.

A: If you keep yourself pure, Allah will enlarge your provision.

Q: I’d like to be loved by Allah and His messenger.

A: If you love what Allah and His messenger love, you will be among their beloved ones.

Q: I wish to be safe from Allah’s wrath on the Day of Judgement.

A: If you do not loose your temper with any of your fellow creatures, you will be safe from the wrath of Allah on the Day of Judgement.

Q: I’d like my prayers to be responded.

A: If you avoid forbidden actions, your prayers will he responded.

Q: I’d like Allah not to disgrace me on the Day of Judgement.

A: If you guard your chastity, Allah will not disgrace you on the Day of Judgement.

Q: I’d like Allah to provide me with a protective covering on the Day of Judgement.

A: Do not uncover your fellow creatures faults, and Allah will provide you with a covering protection on the Day of Judgement.

Q: What will save me from sins?

A: Tears, humility and illness.

Q: What are the best deeds in the eyes of Allah?

A: Gentle manners, modesty and patience.

Q: What are the worst evils in the eyes of Allah?

A: Hot temper and miserliness.

Q: What assuages the wrath of Allah in this life and in the Hereafter?

A: Concealed charity and kindness to relatives.

Q: What extinguishes hell’s fires on the Day of Judgement?

A: Patience in adversity and misfortunes.

SIGNS OF DAY OF JUDGEMENT - FROM DIRECT HADITHS :By Dr Zakir Naik

1. Narrated Abu Hurraira (r): While the Prophet(s.a.s) was saying something in a gathering, a Bedouin came and asked him, "When would the Hour (Doomsday) take place?" Allah's Apostle (s.a.s) continued his talk, so some people said that Allah's Apostle had heard the question, but did not like what that Bedouin had asked. Some of them said that Allah's Apostle(s.a.s) had not heard it. When the

Prophet (s.a.s) finished his speech, he said,"Where is the questioner, who inquired about the Hour (Doomsday)?" The Bedouin said, "I am here, O Allah's Apostle ." Then the Prophet(s.a.s) said,

- When honesty is lost, then wait for the Hour (Doomsday)." The Bedouin said, "How will that be lost?" The Prophet said,

- When the power or authority comes in the hands of unfit persons, then wait for the Hour (Doomsday.) (Bukhari)

2. Narrated Anas(rz):

Allah's Apostle (s.a.s) said, "From among the portents of the Hour are (the following):

1. Religious knowledge will be taken away (by the death of Religious learned men).−2. (Religious) ignorance will prevail.−3. Drinking of Alcoholic drinks (will be very common).4. There will be prevalence of open illegal sexual intercourse. (bukhari)

in another hadith anas (r) also adds:

-5. Women will increase in number and men will decrease in number so much so that fifty women will be looked after by one man. (bukhari)3. Narrated `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al−`As (r): I heard Allah's Apostle (s.a.s) saying, "Allah does not take away the knowledge, by taking it away from (the hearts of) the people, but takes it away by the death of the religious learned men till when none of the (religious learned men) remains, people will take as their leaders ignorant persons who when consulted will give their verdict without knowledge. So they will go astray and will lead the people astray." (bukhari)

4. Narrated Abu Huraira(rz)



The Prophet(s.a.s) said, "The Hour (Last Day) will not be established until

(religious) knowledge will be taken away (by the death of religious learned men),2. earthquakes will be very frequent,3. time will pass quickly,4. afflictions will appear,5. murders will increase and 6. money will overflow amongst you." (bukhari)



4.A Narrated Anas ibn Malik (r)



Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "The last hour will not come before time contracts, a year being like a month, a month like a week, a week like a day, a day like an hour, and an hour like the kindling of a fire."



Tirmidhi transmitted it.

5. Narrated Sa'd ibn Abu Waqqas (r) (all the below from tirmidi)



Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "The last hour will not arrive till people come forth who eat with their tongues as cows do."



Ahmad transmitted it.



6 . Narrated Hudhayfah(r)



The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The last hour will not come till you kill your leader, fight together with your swords, and your worst ones inherit your worldly goods."



Tirmidhi transmitted it.



7. Narrated AbuLubabah ibn AbdulMundhir





Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "Friday is the lord of days and the chief of them in Allah's sight, being greater in Allah's sight than the day of sacrifice and the day of breaking the fast. It has five distinguishing characteristics: on it Allah created Adam, on it Allah sent Adam to the Earth, on it Allah took Adam in death, it contains a time at which no one will ask for anything without Allah giving it, so long as he does not ask for anything

unlawful, and on it the last hour will come. There is no angel near Allah's presence, nor sky, nor earth, nor winds, nor mountains, nor sea which do not fear Friday."



Ibn Majah transmitted. Ahmad transmitted from Sa'd ibn Mu'adh.



8. Narrated Talhah ibn Malik



Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "One of the signs of the approach of the last hour will be the destruction of the Arabs."



Tirmidhi transmitted it.

9. Narrated Abdullah ibn Hawalah al-Azdi (abu dawood)



The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) sent us on foot to get spoil, but we returned without getting any. When he saw the signs of distress on our faces, he stood up on our faces and said: O Allah, do not put them under my care, for I would be too weak to care for them; do not put them in care of themselves, for they would be incapable of that, and do not put them in the care of men, for they would choose the best things for themselves. He then placed his hand on my head and said: Ibn Hawalah, when you see the caliphate has settled in the holy land, earthquakes, sorrows and serious matters will have drawn near and on that day the Last Hour will be nearer to mankind than this hand of mine is to your head.



10. Narrated Anas ibn Malik



The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The Last Hour will not come until people vie with one another about mosques.



11. Narrated Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (rz) Subay' ibn Khalid said: I came to Kufah at the time when Tustar was conquered. I took some mules from it. When I entered the mosque (of Kufah), I found there some people of moderate stature, and among them was a man whom you could recognize when you saw him that he was from the people of Hijaz. I asked: Who is he? The people frowned at me and said: Do you not recognize him? This is Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman, the companion of the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him). Then Hudhayfah said: People used to ask the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) about good, and I used to ask him about evil. Then the people stared hard at him. He said: I know the reason why you dislike it. I then asked: Apostle of Allah, will there be evil as there was before, after this good which Allah has bestowed on us? He replied: Yes. I asked: Wherein does the protection from it lie? He replied: In the sword. I asked: Apostle of Allah, what will then happen? He replied: If Allah has on Earth a caliph who flays your back and takes your property, obey him, otherwise die holding onto the stump of a tree. I asked: What will come next? He replied: Then the Antichrist (Dajjal) will come forth accompanied by a river and fire. He who falls into his firewill certainly receive his reward, and have his load (sins) taken off him, but he who falls into his river will have hisload retained and his reward taken off him. I then asked: What will come next? He said: The Last Hour will come.

12. Narrated AbuHurayrah (rz) (all from abu dawood)



The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The Last Hour will not come before there come forth thirty Dajjals (fraudulents), everyone presuming himself that he is an apostle of Allah.



13. Narrated AbuHurayrah (rz)



The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The Last Hour will not come before there come forth thirty liar Dajjals (fraudulents) lying on Allah and His Apostle.



14. Narrated Sulamah daughter of al-Hurr



I heard the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) say: One of the signs of the Last Hour will be that people in a mosque will refuse to act as imam and will not find an imam to lead them in prayer.



15. Narrated AbuHurayrah (rz)



The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) said: The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he was expelled (from Paradise), on it his contrition was accepted, on it he died, and on it the Last Hour will take place. On Friday every beast is on the lookout from dawn to sunrise in fear of the Last Hour, but not jinn and men, and it contains a time at which no Muslim prays and asks anything from Allah but He will give it to him. Ka'b said: That is one day every year. So I said: It is on every Friday. Ka'b read the Torah and said: The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) has spoken the truth. (other some part of hadith is there which is a masla)

Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman said, "People used to ask the Prophet (S) about good things, but I used to ask him about bad things because I was afraid that they might overtake me. I said, 'O Messenger of Allah, we were lost in ignorance (Jahiliyyah) and evil, then Allah brought this good (Islam). Will some evil come after this good thing?' He said, 'Yes'. I asked, 'And will some good come after that evil?' He said, 'Yes, but it will be tainted with some evil.' I asked, 'How will it be tainted?' He said, 'There will be some people who will lead others on a path different from mine. YOu will see good and bad in them.' I asked, 'Will some evil come after that good?' He said, 'Some people will be standing and calling at the gates of Hell; whoever responds to their call, they will throw him into the Fire.' I said, 'O Messenger of Allah, describe them for us.' He said, 'They will be from our own people, and will speak our language.' I asked, 'What do you advise me to do if I should live to see that?' He said, 'Stick to the main body (Jamah) of the Muslims and their leader (Imam).' I asked, 'What if there is no main body and no leader?' He said, 'Isolate yourself from all of these sects even if you have to eat the roots of the trees until death overcomes you while you are in that state.'" (Bukhari, Kitab al-Fitan, 9/65)



'Abdallah Ibn Masud said: "The Prophet (S) said, 'Islam began as something strange, and it will revert to being strange as it was int he beginning, so good tidings for the strangers.' Someone asked, 'Who are the strangers?' He said, 'The ones who break away from their people (literally, 'tribes') for the sake of Islam.'" This hadith was narrated by Ibn Majah on the authority of Anas and Abu Hurairah. (Muslim, Kitab al-Iman, 1/90; Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Fitan 2/1320 (3988))



Hazrat Ahban bin Saifi has narrated that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) has said:

"Very shortly some differences and disputes are going to arise. When you come upon such a time break your sowrd and hold in your hand a wooden sword and sit quietly in your house, lest some mischievous hand or calamity should fall upon you." (Tirmizi)



"No doubt trials and disorders will soon occur. A man lying during the period of these disorders will be better than the man sitting and the man sitting will be better than the man standing; the man standing will be better than the man running. Then listen! when these trials and disorders begin to descend, then he who possesses camels should take refuge with his camel. He who has cattle, should take refuge with his cattle; he who has land should take refuge with his land; he who has nothing should turn his attention to his sword and strike it against stone. He should try to seek security and shelter as best as possible."



"Only that which was effective for the first of this community will be effective for the last of it."

-Imam Malik (ra) 

SPEAK A GOOD WORD OR REMAIN SILENT

Description: A beautiful advice by Prophet Muhammad regarding using the tongue wisely and showing kindness to neighbors and guests.

Abu Hurayrah relates that God’s Messenger, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said: “Whoever believes in God and the Last Day should speak a good word or remain silent.  And whoever believes in God and the Last Day should show hospitality to his neighbor.  And whoever believes in God and the Last Day should show hospitality to his guest.”

The importance of this Hadith

This hadith discusses some of the ways a Muslim’s faith should affect the way he relates to others.  Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani writes: “This hadith speaks about three matters, and in doing so it brings together everything that good manners entail with respect to both word and deed.”

Whoever believes in God and the Last Day…

This is a conditional sentence.  It is repeated three times in this hadith, each time with a different condition.  The first of these three conditions is to either speak a good word or remain silent, the second is to show hospitality to one’s neighbors, and the third is to show hospitality to one’s guests.  This hadith is showing us that these three qualities are among the many qualities of faith.  A person who fails to fulfill any of these conditions is a person whose faith is incomplete and in want of improvement.

Speaking a good word or remaining silent

This is an encouragement to speak what is good and beneficial; at the same time it is a warning, cautioning us to be careful in what we say, lest we say something that is harmful or false.

It is part of a Muslim’s faith to speak the truth and to say things that bring about benefit to others.

God says:

“O you who believe! Fear God and speak a word that is right.  He will set right for you your deeds and forgive you your sins.  And whoever obeys God and His Messenger has certainly attained a great achievement.” (Quran 33:70-71)

God informs us in the Quran some of what constitutes good in our speech and benefits other people.

He says:

“No good is there in much of their private conversation, except for those who enjoin charity or that which is right, or bring reconciliation between people.  And whoever does that seeking God’s pleasure, then we shall grant him a great reward.” (Quran 4:114)

When we have nothing beneficial to say, silence is golden.  Once, Mu`âdh b.  Jabal asked the Prophet to inform him of some good work that would admit him into Paradise and distance him from the Hellfire.  The Prophet mentioned to him the virtues of many good deeds, then said:

“Shall I inform you of the foundation of all of that?”

Muadh said: “Certainly.”

The Prophet took hold of his tongue and said: “Restrain yourself from this.”

Muadh then asked: “O Prophet of God!  Are we held to task for the things that we say?”

The Prophet replied: “May your mother be bereaved of you, O Mu`âdh! Does anything topple people headlong into the Hellfire save the harvests of their tongues?”

We should avoid speaking ill of others.  We should rather remain silent unless we are seeking justice for some wrong that has been perpetrated against us.

God says:

“God does not like that evil should be mentioned in public except by one who has been done injustice.  And God is all-hearing, all-knowing.” (Quran 4:148)

Our tongues are like double-edges swords.  They can work for us and against us, both in this world and the Hereafter.  We will be held accountable for what we say.

God tells us:

“He does not utter a statement except that there is an observer by him ready to record it.” (Quran 50:18)

The Prophet said: “Indeed a servant will speak a word pleasing to God that he thinks to be insignificant, but because of it God raises him by many degrees.  And indeed a servant will speak a word displeasing to God that he thinks to be insignificant, but because of it, He will consign him to the Hellfire.”

We must be vigilant not to speak falsehood.  We must think about what we are saying and the possible consequences of our words before we go ahead and speak.

The Prophet said: “A man might speak a word without thinking about its implications, but because of it, he will plunge into the Hellfire further than the distance between the east and west.”

Al-Nawawi comments on the meaning of this hadith, saying: “This hadith encourages us to guard our tongues.  A person who wants to speak should think upon what he is about to say before he utters it.  If it then shows itself to have some benefit to it, he may speak it; otherwise he should refrain from doing so.”

Showing hospitality to the neighbor and the guest

From the perfection of a person’s faith is his showing kindness to those with whom he has dealings, especially his neighbors and his guests.

God says:

“Worship God and associate nothing with Him, and show kindness to parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, the near neighbor, the distant neighbor, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess.  Indeed, God does not like those who are conceited and boastful.” (Quran 4:36)

Islam emphasizes the right of the neighbor.  The Prophet said: “Gabriel continued to impress upon me the rights of the neighbor until I thought that he would soon confer upon him the right of inheritance.”

There are many forms that this hospitality can take.  It can take the form of help in times of need.  The Prophet said: “He is not a believer who lets himself be satiated while his neighbor goes hungry.”

It can mean making allowances for the neighbor’s needs, even by waiving some of one’s own rights.  The Prophet said: “None of you should prevent his neighbor from placing his rafter in his wall.

It can take the form of gift giving.  The Prophet said: “O Muslim women!  None of you should consider insignificant a gift that you give to your neighbor, even if it is but the trotters of a sheep.”

Islam teaches us to be generous and hospitable to those who come to us as guests.  Indeed, those who come to our homes have a right over us.

The Prophet said: “Whoever believes in God and the Last Day should show hospitality to his guest according to his right.”

He was asked: “What is his right, O Messenger of God?”

The Prophet answered: “It is (to offer the best) for a day and a night, and hospitality extends for three days.  What is beyond that is charity.

JUSTICE IN ISLAM

Description: Justice is a basic objective of Islam and a moral virtue, and the standard of justice envisaged by the Quran.

THE MEANING OF JUSTICE



In the Islamic worldview, justice denotes placing things in their rightful place.  It also means giving others equal treatment.  In Islam, justice is also a moral virtue and an attribute of human personality, as it is in the Western tradition.  Justice is close to equality in the sense that it creates a state of equilibrium in the distribution of rights and duties, but they are not identical.  Sometimes, justice is achieved through inequality, like in unequal distribution of wealth.  The Prophet of Islam declared:

“There are seven categories of people whom God will shelter under His shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His.  [One is] the just leader.”(SaheehMuslim)

God spoke to His Messenger in this manner:

“O My slaves, I have forbidden injustice for Myself and forbade it also for you.  So avoid being unjust to one another.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Thus, justice represents moral rectitude and fairness, since it means things should be where they belong.

The Importance of Justice

The Quran, the sacred scripture of Islam, considers justice to be a supreme virtue.  It is a basic objective of Islam to the degree that it stands next in order of priority to belief in God’s exclusive right to worship (Tawheed) and the truth of Muhammad’s prophethood.  God declares in the Quran:

“God commands justice and fair dealing...” (Quran 16:90)

And in another passage:

“O you who believe, be upright for God, and (be) bearers of witness with justice!...” (Quran 5:8)

Therefore, one may conclude that justice is an obligation of Islam and injustice is forbidden.  The centrality of justice to the Quranic value system is displayed by the following verse:

“We sent Our Messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Book and the Measure in order to establish justice among the people…” (Quran 57:25)

The phrase ‘Our Messengers’ shows that justice has been the goal of all revelation and scriptures sent to humanity.  The verse also shows that justice must be measured and implemented by the standards and guidelines set by revelation.  Islam’s approach to justice is comprehensive and all-embracing.  Any path that leads to justice is deemed to be in harmony with Islamic Law.  God has demanded justice and, although He has not prescribed a specific route, has provided general guidelines, on how to achieve it.  He has neither prescribed  a fixed means by which it can be obtained, nor has He declared invalid any particular means or methods that can lead to justice.  Therefore, all means, procedures, and methods that facilitate, refine, and advance the cause of justice, and do not violate the Islamic Law are valid.[1]

Equality in Justice

The Quranic standards of justice transcend considerations of race, religion, color, and creed, as Muslims are commanded to be just to their friends and foes alike, and to be just at all levels, as the Quran puts it:

“O you who believe!  Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, and your relatives, or whether it is against the rich or the poor...” (Quran 4:135)

According to another Quranic passage:

“Let not the hatred of a people swerve you away from justice.  Be just, for this is closest to righteousness…” (Quran 5:8)

With regards to relations with non-Muslims, the Quran further states:

“God does not forbid you from doing good and being just to those who have neither fought you over your faith nor evicted you from your homes...” (Quran 60:8)

The scholars of the Quran have concluded that these rulings apply to all nations, followers of all faiths, as a matter of fact to all humanity.[2]  In the view of the Quran, justice is an obligation.  That is why the Prophet was told:

“…If you judge, judge between them with justice…” (Quran 5:42)

“We have revealed to you the scripture with the truth that you may judge between people by what God has taught you.” (Quran 4:105)

Furthermore, the Prophet was sent as a judge between peoples, and told:

“…Say: I believe in the Scripture, which God has sent down, and I am commanded to judge justly between you...” (Quran 42:15)

The Quran views itself as a scripture devoted mainly to laying down the principles of faith and justice.  The Quran demands that justice be met for all, and that it is an inherent right of all human beings under Islamic Law.[3]  The timeless commitment of the Quran to the basic standards of justice is found in its declaration:

“And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can change His Words.” (Quran 6:115)

To render justice is a trust that God has conferred on the human being and, like all other trusts, its fulfillment must be guided by a sense of responsibility beyond mere conformity to set rules.  Thus, the Quran states:

“God commands you to render trusts to whom they are due, and when you judge between people, judge with justice…” (Quran 4:58)

The reference to justice which immediately follows a reference to fulfillment of  trusts indicates that it is one of the most important of all trusts.[4]

Justice and the Self

The Quranic concept of justice also extends justice to being a personal virtue, and one of the standards of moral excellence that a believer is encouraged to attain as part of his God-consciousness.  God says:

“…Be just, for it is closest to God-consciousness…” (Quran 5:8)

The Prophet himself instructed:

“Be conscious of God and be just to your children.”[5]

The Quran tells the believers:

“…When you speak, speak with justice, even if it is against someone close to you…” (Quran 6:152)

Specific Examples of Justice Encouraged in the Quran

The Quran also refers to particular instances and contexts of justice.  One such instance is the requirement of just treatment of orphans.  God says:

“And approach not the property of the orphan except in the fairest way, until he [or she] attains the age of full strength, and give measurement and weight with justice…” (Quran 6:152, also see 89:17, 93:9, and 107:2)

Fair dealings in measurements and weights, as mentioned in the above verse, is also mentioned in other passages where justice in the buying, selling, and by extension, to business transactions in general, is emphasized.  There is an entire chapter of the Quran, Surah al-Mutaffifeen (‘The Detractors in Giving Weights,’ 83) where fraudulent dealers are threatened with divine wrath.

References to justice also occur in the context to polygamy.  The Quran demands equitable treatment of all wives.  The verse of polygamy begins by reference to orphaned girls who may be exposed to depravation and injustice.  When they reach marriageable age, they should be married off, even if it be into a polygamous relationship, especially when there is inequality in the number of men and women, as was the case after the Battle of Uhud when this verse was revealed.  But, as the Quran states:

“If you fear that you can not be just, then marry only one…” (Quran 4:3)


In conclusion, ‘to render justice’, in the words of Sarkhasi, a noted classical Islamic jurist, ‘ranks as the most noble of acts of devotion next to belief in God.  It is the greatest of all the duties entrusted to the prophets…and it is the strongest justification for man’s stewardship of earth.’[6]

DEATH AND THE HEREAFTER IN ISLAM

�Every soul shall taste death. � Quran 29:57

Death is Near

"Wheresoever you may be, death will overtake you even if you are in fortresses built up strong and high!"Quran 4:78

Death is the reality from which none can escape. It draws nearer every day; every hour; every minute. According to the CIAs The World Factbook 2007, almost two people die each second. Thats a staggering 57.9 million people each year! Every single being will reach this inescapable fate, regardless of their age, health, background, social status or piety. Where are the past kings, the billionaires and the powerful? Where are the once beautiful, the famous, and the intellectual elite?

The Reality of Death

Death is not a disaster, but simply a passing from this world onto the next. It should make us reflect and ponder about the purpose of life, and what will become of us after death. 

Allah (God) has informed us in the Quran that He has created us with the purpose of worshipping Him alone and that He made this life a test to see who will fulfil that purpose: 

�And I did not create the Jinn and mankind except to worship Me.�Quran 51:56

God has also informed us the purpose behind the creation of death and life: 

�Allah is He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deed.�Quran 67:2

One does not prepare for death by pre-paying funeral services or selecting a coffin in advance. It is about fulfilling ones purpose in life to worship Allah alone, to live according to His commandments, and perform good deeds. The concept of worship in Islam is all encompassing and is not merely restricted to praying. In fact, any action that is pleasing to Allah is considered an act of worship, and a person will be rewarded for it.

The Moment of Death

�Let every person consider what they have sent ahead for tomorrow.�Quran 59:18

Every day we see examples of death. We perceive a peaceful death as one with neither pain nor violence. However, this is not necessarily the case. When a person dies, the soul leaves the body, and so the physical appearance of the body may not reflect the situation of the soul. The peacefulness or unease of the soul will be a direct result of how well a person fulfilled their purpose in this life, and has little to do with the cause of death. 

Consider an example of two people who have a one-way ticket to a destination they have never been to before. The first person takes the time to learn about the language, culture and practices relating to the destination. He acquires the right currency and vaccinations, and when it comes time to travel, he arrives without any surprises. He is safe and content, because he has taken the time to prepare. 

In contrast, the second person is careless in his preparations and simply lives for the moment until the time comes to depart. He arrives at the unknown destination scared and confused. His unpreparedness causes him to end up with a dreadful fate, as all of the things he has brought with him were of no use. 

Describing such a heedless person, Allah says in the Quran: 

�When death comes to one of them, he says, �My Lord, send me back! So that I can do good in the things I neglected.� By no means! It is a mere word that he speaks.�Quran 23:99-100

Also consider the response of those people consigned to hell, when they are questioned regarding what put them there: 

�They will say, �We were not of those who prayed, nor did we feed the poor. And we used to enter into vain discourse with those who engaged in it, and we used to deny the Day of Recompense (the Day of Judgement) until there came to us the death that is certain.� �Quran 74:43-47

We all have an appointed time with death, and we will all travel to this unfamiliar destination. Ask yourself - have you prepared for it?

The Purpose of Life

�Did you think that We (God) created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us (God)?�Quran 23:115

Life is a test which ends in death, but it does not mark the end of ones existence. Once death arrives, the opportunity to do good ceases. It will be too late to repent and our fate will be determined solely by our beliefs and deeds that we do in our current life. Man's life is divided into two parts: a brief stay in this world, and an eternal life in the next. Any sane mind will conclude that eternal bliss is far more beneficial than short lived pleasures on Earth. 

Allah created mankind and made us responsible for our actions by granting us freedom of choice, and intelligence to discern right and wrong. If there were no afterlife in which the good were rewarded and the bad punished, that would contradict the perfect justice of Allah. 

Hence it is an absolute demand of justice that there be a Day of Judgement on which every soul is brought to account.

�Shall We then treat the People of Faith like the People of Sin? What is the matter with you? How do you judge?�Quran 68:35-36

The Day of Judgement

�Death, from which you are running away from, will certainly catch up with you. Then you will be returned to the Knower of the Unseen and the Visible (i.e. Allah) and He will inform you about what you did.�Quran 62:8

Everyones deeds in this life are meticulously recorded and preserved, as Allah says: 

�And the Book (of Deeds) will be placed open, and you will see the sinful in great terror because of what is recorded therein. They will say, "Ah! Woe to us! What is this book that leaves nothing small or great, but takes account thereof!" They will find all that they did placed before them. And your Lord does injustice to no one.�Quran 18:49

We will be amazed by the accuracy of such a record of all our actions, as we will be reminded of matters long forgotten. Allah says, 

�Allah has kept account of it, while they have forgotten it.�Quran 58:6

Thinking deeply on this should make us ashamed of committing any sin while knowing that it will be recorded against us and exposed on the Day of Judgement in front of Allah. 

For those who doubt Allah’s abilities to resurrect and judge them, Allah quotes the disbelievers as saying:

� �Who will give life to these bones when they have rotted away and became dust?� Say (O Muhammad), �He will give life to them Who created them for the first time! And He is the All-Knower of every creation!� �Quran 36:78-79

Paradise and Hell

Those who believe in Allah as the only God worthy of being worshipped, and perform good deeds, will be rewarded with Paradise. 

�Verily, the dwellers of the Paradise, that Day, will be busy in joyful things. They and their wives will be in pleasant shade, reclining on thrones. They will have therein fruits (of all kinds) and all that they ask for.�Quran 36:55-57

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) narrated that Allah said: 

�I have prepared for My righteous slaves such excellent things as no eye has ever seen, nor an ear has ever heard, nor a human heart can ever think of.� 

This is in sharp contrast to the people who deny the Oneness of Allah, who will be told: 

�This is the Hell which you were promised! Burn therein this day, for that which you used to disbelieve.�Quran 36:63-64

For the disbelievers is the worst of punishments:

�Indeed, Hell has been lying in wait for the transgressors, a place of return, in which they will remain for ages [unending]. They will not taste therein any coolness or drink except scalding water and dirty wound discharges - an appropriate recompense [according to their evil acts]! Indeed, they were not expecting an account, and denied our verses with emphatic denial. But all things We have recorded in a Book. �So taste the penalty, and never will We (God) increase you except in torment.� �Quran 78:21-30

Conclusion

�O man! What has deceived you concerning your Lord, the Most Generous? Who created you, fashioned you perfectly, and gave you due proportion. In whatever form He willed, He put you together. No! But you deny the Recompense (reward for good deeds and punishment for evil deeds on the Day of Judgement).�Quran 82:6-9

�Indeed, the righteous will be in pleasure, and indeed, the wicked will be in Hellfire.�Quran 82:13-14

Death is inevitable. Our purpose in life is to worship Allah alone, perform acts of righteousness and to avoid all that is forbidden. Our fate is being decided on the basis of our present actions, so we can either make use of our opportunities on Earth to ensure an eternal place for ourselves in Paradise, or we can waste them and condemn ourselves to eternal punishment in Hell.

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

READ & UNDERSTAND

"A true believer is neither vulgar nor immoral when he speaks". Prophet Muhammad pbuh .Many of us use words that we are prohibited
from using, and get so used to using such language that we don't even realise what we are uttering.

Using such words is sinful even if we are joking, and it results in the loss of blessings in our lives, the discomfort to the angels of
protection who distance themselves from us, losing respect among fellow human beings and
setting a very bad precedent in our families and societies.

It also diminishes our spirituality and strengthens the link with Satan. It has a great negative effect on our minds and overall temperament.

For this and many other reasons, we must never ever utter vulgar or immoral words. Speaking using the best and purest language
will create a blessed look on our faces to begin with and result in us being respected and blessed at the same time.

Our general lives will begin to improve and we will see this clearly and feel it truly.

SEVEN QUALITIES THAT ALLAH LOVES

1. Tawbah (Repentance)... "For Allah loves
those who turn to Him constantly (in
repentance)"[Surah Al Baqarah 2:222]

2. Taharah (Purification). .."Allah loves those
who keep themselves pure and clean."[Surah
Al Baqarah 2:222]

3. Taqwa (Piety)..."For Allah loves the
righteous (the pious)."[Surah Al Tawbah 9:4]

4. Ihsan (Goodness & Perfection)..."For Allah
loves those who do good"[Surah Ali'Imran
3:134]

5. Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)..."For Allah loves
those who put their trust (in Him)."[Surah
Ali'Imran 3:159]

6. Adl (Justice)..."For Allah loves those who
judge in equity."[Surah Al Ma'idah 5:42]"For
Allah loves those who are fair (and just).
"[Surah Al Hujurat 49:9]

7. Sabr (Patience)..."And Allah Loves those
who are firm and steadfast (As-Sabirin (the
patient))."[Surah Ali'Imran 3:146]

★ SEVEN QUALITIES THAT ALLAH DOES NOT LOVE...

1. Israaf (Extravagance). .."But waste not by
excess: for Allah loves not the wasters (Al-
Musrifun (those who waste by extravagance)).
"[Surah Al An'am 6:141]

2. Istikbaar (Pride)..."Verily He loves not the
arrogant (proud)."[Surah Al Nahl 16:23]

3. Mukhtal Fakhoor (Arrogant boaster)..."For
Allah loves not any arrogant boaster."[Surah
Luqman 31:18]

4. Udwaan (Transgression) ..."For Allah loves
not transgressors." [Surah Al Ma'idah 5:87]

5. Zulm (Evil, Wrongdoing)..."But Allah loves
not those who do wrong (Zalimun (oppressors,
polytheists and wrong doers))."[Surah
Ali'Imran 3:57]

6. Khiyaanah (Treachery)..."For
Allah loves not the treacherous."[Surah Al
Anfal 8:58]

7. Mufsideen (Mischief-makers)...

THE NEED AND IMPORTANCE OF ALLAH’S MERCY

Many have heard the need for Allah’s (God’s) mercy, yet not fully understand its meanings and implications to our existence and forgiveness in the hereafter. Comprehending its meanings, therefore, can help us to strive more through deeds and worship to earn His mercy rather than missing out on His blessings in this life and forgiveness in the hereafter.

To get an idea of its importance, let us first remind ourselves of the high status that Prophet Muhammad (s) holds before Allah. In Surah Al-Hijr (Chapter 15 of the Quran), verse 72, Allah takes an oath on the life of the prophet (s) when telling the story of Prophet Lot (A.S.) The verse starts as follows:

“Verily, by your life (O Muhammad) …” [Quran (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:72)

Ibn Kathir comments on this verse in histafsir by stating, “Allah swore by the life of His Prophet, which is an immense honor reflecting his high rank and noble status. Amr bin Malik An-Nakari reported from Abu Al-Jawza’ that Ibn `Abbas said: “Allah has never created or made or formed any soul that is dearer to him than Muhammad. I never heard that Allah swore by the life of anyone else.””

This is Prophet Muhammad (s), who used to stand in prayer at night so long that his feet would swell up. Observing him engaged in worship with such high devotion, ?’ishah asked him: “Messenger of Allah! Why do you do this, when Allah has forgiven you your past and future sins?”

He replied: “Should I not, therefore, be a thankful servant?” [Sah?h al-Bukh?r?(4837) and Sah?h Muslim (2820)]

Knowing the high honor that the prophet (s) enjoyed before God, now consider the following hadith. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“No one’s deeds will ever admit him to Paradise.” They said, “Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “No, not even me, unless Allah showers me with His Mercy…

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5349; Muslim, 7042

 

So, imagine if the prophet (s) on whose life Allah took an oath (in the Quran) because the prophet (s) is so dear to him, will not be able to enter paradise without Allah’s mercy, how much of His mercy will we need to enter paradise? The same applies to us needing Allah’s mercy in this world. Can we expect to enjoy provisions, rizq, happiness, or any of the blessings of this life without Allah’s mercy?

Knowing this, therefore, how can we afford not to ask Allah for His mercy? More importantly, why do so many of us not long for Allah’s mercy when He has repeatedly reminded us that He is the “Most Merciful”?

About Allah’s Mercy

Allah has repeatedly reminded us in the Quran about His mercy. He says in the Quran:

Say [O Muhammad (s)]: “To whom belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth?” Say: “To Allah. He has prescribed mercy for Himself… (Surah Al-Anaam, 6:12)

He also says:

And your Lord is Rich (Free of all needs), full of mercy;… (Surah Al-Anaam, 6:133)

Allah’s mercy is boundless. It is there for us to ask and for Allah to give it to us if he chooses to shower it on us. In Saheeh Muslim it is narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“Allah has one hundred parts of mercy, of which He sent down one between the jinn, mankind, the animals and the insects, by means of which they are compassionate and merciful to one another, and by means of which wild animals are kind to their offspring. And Allah has kept back ninety-nine parts of mercy with which to be merciful to His slaves of the Day of Resurrection.” [Muslim, al-Tawbah, 6908.]

Another example of Allah’s mercy is illustrated by an example where it was narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab said:

“Some prisoners were brought to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and there was a woman among the prisoners who was searching (for her child). When she found her child she embraced him and put him to her breast. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to us, ‘Do you think that this woman would throw her child in the fire?’ We said, ‘No, by Allah, not if she is able not to.’ The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘Allah is more merciful to His slaves than this woman is to her child.’” [Agreed upon. Al-Bukhaari, 5653; Muslim, 6912.]

 

Asking for Allah’s Mercy

As humans, we tend to commit a lot of mistakes but if those mistakes and sins are done in ignorance and not with the intention to willfully ignore Allah’s commands, Allah may forgive us out of His mercy on us. He says in the Quran,

 Your Lord has prescribed mercy for Himself. So that if any of you does evil in ignorance, and thereafter repents and does righteous good deeds (by obeying Allah), then surely, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah Al-Anaam, 6:54)

However, we run the risk of losing Allah’s mercy when we are arrogant toward His teachings. Allah says in the Quran,

And your Lord is Rich (Free of all needs), full of mercy; if He wills, He can destroy you, and in your place make whom He wills as your successors, as He raised you from the seed of other people. (Surah Al-Anaam, 6:133)

Let us ensure, therefore, that we are constantly striving to perform deeds that are deserving of His mercy. We should also be steadfast and sincere in asking for His mercy in our supplications and Duas.

“O Allah, it is Your mercy that I am seeking…”

WHY MUSLIMS SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO APOLOGIZE FOR TERRORISM

You wake up in the morning to hear your wife screaming at you because it’s pouring rain outside. She hates the rain and now her day is ruined because of you. You go downstairs only to hear your children yell at you because they broke the toaster. They can’t have waffles now and it’s all your fault. On the way to work, you stop and fill up gas only to hear everyone at the gas station curse you out because gas prices have risen. You arrive at work only to see all your coworkers gathered around your desk demanding that you apologize for the printer being jammed. On the way home from work, everyone on the highway screams at you because they are upset with the rush hour traffic.

Quite a ridiculous scenario, right? Can you imagine always being blamed for things that you have absolutely no control over? Can you imagine always being asked to apologize for these things? Can you imagine being hated whether or not you do apologize? This is what being a Muslim in America today feels like.

I am a proud American, raised in Texas. I’m a college student. I’m a humanitarian. I’m an aspiring physician. I’m someone who hopes to revolutionize access to medicine and healthcare in the United States and in war-torn countries across the world. I also am a M-u-s-l-i-m, one of over 1.6 billion who are blamed whenever an act of terrorism occurs as if we are nothing more than this 6-letter word hijacked by those who wrongly use our religion to justify their heinous crimes.

As a Muslim American who continually strives to do everything I can for the betterment of my community and this nation, I am tired of being asked to apologize and condemn terrorism that I have absolutely nothing to do with.

Here Are Five Reasons Why Muslims Should Never Have To Apologize for Terrorism: 

1) It’s ridiculous to ask us to apologize.
As a practicing Muslim, I know that my religion teaches peace. I am so certain of this fact that I will award anyone $10,000 if they can find me a verse in the Quran that says it’s ok to kill innocent people or to commit acts of terror. This is an open offer that will never expire.

I also know that Muslims, as a religious group, are not terrorists. I have factually proved this. I also have factually proved that you are more likely to be struck by lightening, crushed to death by a couch, or killed by a toddler, than to be killed by a Muslim.

This being said, why should I have to apologize for a violence that I have no connection to? A violence my religion blatantly stands against.

Ask yourself: Should car manufacturers have to apologize when drunk drivers kill people using their vehicles? Should you be required to apologize to the police if your sibling gets a speeding ticket because you share the same last name? Should every single gun owner in America have to apologize whenever someone is killed by a firearm? Should weathermen have to apologize for cloudy days? Should pharmacists have to apologize for your allergies? Should I have to apologize for the typos of another writer?

Unless you can find that $10,000 verse or unless you blatantly hear a Muslim explicitly supporting terrorism, please understand that asking us, both individually and collectively, to apologize for terrorism would be just as ridiculous as the questions above.

2) It should be obvious by now that Muslims condemn terrorism.
By now, it should be very clear that Muslims condemn terrorism. All it takes is a simple Google search of any terrorist attack to find the plethora of Muslims publicly condemning it. 

Muslims condemn terrorism, we always have. This is a fact. And just as I shouldn’t have to reassure you each morning that the sky is still blue, Muslims should not have to reassure you that we still condemn terrorism every single time a terrorist attack occurs.

And frankly, if you don’t already believe that Muslims condemn terrorism by now, then no apology or repeated broken-record condemnation from any Muslim or Muslim organization will help cure your intolerant hatred.

3) Muslims are at the very forefront of combating terrorism.
The only thing more ridiculous than asking people to apologize for something they have no connection to is to make people apologize for something they are working so hard to combat.

For the same reasons that firemen don’t apologize for fires and doctors don’t apologize for heart disease, Muslims should not be expected or asked to apologize for something they are working so hard to combat.

4) Muslims are the largest victims of terrorism.According to the Counter Terrorism Center at the United States Military Academy at West Point, Terrorists kills over seven times more Muslims than non-Muslims. According to the UN, Muslims are the largest victims of Terrorism .According to the State Department, Muslims are the largest victims of terrorism in general. No matter where you look, you will find that the strongest association between Muslims and terrorism is one in which Muslims are victims of it.

5) If we have to apologize for terrorism, then so should everyone else.
This last point is especially important. Why are Muslims the only group that are required to apologize for and condemn the actions of criminals that associate with their group?

To put things into perspective, ask yourself: Why aren’t all white males asked to apologize for the slavery that white males endorsed less than two centuries ago? The slavery in which one third of slaves were Muslims. Why aren’t all Buddhists asked to apologize for the radical Buddhist monks in Mynammarthat are violently attacking Muslims? Why aren’t all policemen asked to apologize for the racist cops that are dropping the bodies ofunarmed blacks like leaves in the autumn?

You must understand that just as you are detached from the heinous crimes mentioned above, I am just as detached from the terrorism that so many keep trying to link me with for no other reason than me being a Muslim.

You must understand that by asking me whether I condemn terrorism, you are questioning my humanity.