True Essence of Islam

Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) .. a pioneer of the environment

2009-03-22T16:28:00.002+02:00

Within the polluted environment,and all the conferences calling for saving resources, greening, preserving nature, Prophet Mohamed (Prayers and Peace be upon him) was the pioneer from more than 1400 years in guiding the Muslim community to protect our environment.

In one of his Ahadith (speaches/sayings) : "There is none amongst the believers who plants a tree, or sows a seed, and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats thereof, but it is regarded as having given a charitable gift [for which there is great recompense].” [Al-Bukhari, III:513]. "

More to read here: http://www.islamonline.com/news/articles/2/Prophet_Mohammed_A_pioneer_of_the_environment_.html

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Islam and equality

2009-01-17T17:23:00.003+02:00

Within the recent decades, people are trying to prove their point that no one is better than the other, because of their race or their color of skin. The only thing that distinguishes you is your actions.

These were the words that prophet Mohamed (SAWS) had said in his last speech from almost 1500 years ago.

I had chosen few words from his speech below , but the whole speech is very touching and worth reading.

"All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action."

Peace and Prayers be Upon him.

Our bodies

2008-02-06T13:40:00.000+02:00

Ever thought of how our bodies are performing ? Or what are the metabolic reactions that occur inside our bodies?

That was a discussion, I had with a friend of mine who works as a doctor, and we approached the metabolic reactions thing that happen in our bodies.

I didn't know how precise are these metabolic reactions that happen in our bodies, as my friend was explaining to me, that our bodies are having chemical reactions and everything is very precise and any small change (like extra or decrease in hormones or anything) can affect the whole thing.

While thinking of that and the great precision in our bodies elhamdullah, isn't that a great evidence of a creator who did all that with so much great detail and precision? Do some people still claim and wonder if God exists or not ? Who creates our own systems so perfect ... Isn't He the Creator... the one and only God!
Do some people still wonder and think ?

" Most surely in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day, and the ships that run in the sea with that which profits men, and the water that Allah sends down from the cloud, then gives life with it to the earth after its death and spreads in it all (kinds of) animals, and the changing of the winds and the clouds made subservient between the heaven and the earth, there are signs for a people who understand" (verse 164, chapter 2, Quran).

Allah's mercy

2007-12-09T23:39:00.000+02:00

what is mercy? it is there.. we feel it in our hearts. We see it in how parents deal with their children, we see it in animals with their offsprings. We see it in many different forms, in those who help weak people, helpless and homeless people. It is something in the hearts .. elhamdullah for any mercy in our hearts. Although there are cruelity in the world for those who have little or no space of mercy in their hearts.. but Thanks God that with the mercy we feel by the beauty of things.

Allah's most merciful, has divided the mercy into 100 parts, where one part He distriuted on earth among all the humankinds, animals, insects, anybody and He kept the 99 parts for Himself until the judgement day, where He takes this part again. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “He has prescribed Mercy for Himself ” (TMQ, 6:12)

The moral of mercy is invited in Islam for people to practice. It is not only enough to know it but to practice it as well. The prophet (SAWS) said: " He who shows no mercy for people, Allah, the Exalted, the Glorious, does not show mercy to him''.

Allah's mercy is everywhere... it is an endless topic... just look around and thank God.

Some Features of prophet Muhamad's (PBUH) behaviour

2006-12-01T22:19:00.000+02:00

The more I read about his story and his noble pesonality. The more I feel by how much we should love him. The more I read about his behaviour, I feel ashamed from myself, and I question myself where do I stand ?

1- He was known as the most honest person. He was known before the prophecy by being very honest, that he never said a lie. The most clear eveidence, that on the day he wanted to announce and call people for Islam. He stood on a high mountain called " ElSafa" calling Quraish tribes. He asked them that if he told them that there are horses behind this mountain which want to invade them, would they believe him? They all agreed. They said (by what it means) they never witnessed from him a lie or dishonesty till that time. But even though when he called them for Islam and told them that he is a prophet and the messenger of Allah, most of them didn't believe in him.

2- He was very humble. There is a story that a Muslim man went to the prophet one day and he was trimbled for meeting the prophet (PBUH). The prophet (PBUH) told him (by what it means ) to take it easy on himself, and that he is not a king, but he is a slave(God's slave), and he eats like what the slave (God's slave) eats, and walks like how the slave walks and that his mother in Mecca used to eat something (I cant translate but something very modest).

3- His forgiveness. In the day the Muslims managed to open Mecca, after the prophet was forced to leave by its people going to Madina. After its' people had tortured his companions and tried to kill him. On the openning day, all Mecca's people were afraid from the revenge after what they had done to him and his friends. The prophet (PBUH) forgave them and told that they are free. This situation gives an example till now in our lives when we would like to hit an example of how forgiveness could reach to a level so high.

There are more and more indeed thatwe can learn from his noble personality.

Peace and prayers be upon prophet Mohamed, the seal of the prophets.

Unstopped Charity

2006-11-29T01:03:00.000+02:00

Islam encourages people to do charity ( the unobligatory charity ) for the needy people. This helps in spreadig the wealth and the good will among the comunity members. Many verses in Quran highlight on the reward that the person takes when he/she gives charity. To help people and feel by them and have strong bond all together.

The prophet (PBUH) encourages us by tells us that our wealth doesn't decrease with giving out charity. Muslims have yaqeen ( faith) in that. Not only will " not decrease" but God promises that charity payers will be rewarded by much much more.

Because we deal with the most merciful. If we his slaves give from our wealth that He gave to us, so how He the Mighty would be His reward inshaaAllah.

When I look on how he charity should be given and the quran verses that encourgae for charity , i feel by God's mercy. [Ye will not attain unto piety until ye spend of that which ye love. And whatsoever ye spend, Allah is aware thereof.]
(Quran :Aal `Imran 3:92).

Poor and needy people can give themselves charity by working and spending on their homes, because their homes are themselves the needy people. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “When a Muslim spends on his family seeking reward for it from Allah, it counts for him as charity.” (Reported by Muslim)

Charity " sadaqah " in Arabic could be done in Islam in intangible forms. To judge justly between two persons is regarded as sadaqah; and to help a man concerning his riding animal, by helping him to mount it or by lifting his luggage on to it, is also regarded as sadaqah; and (saying) a good word is also sadaqah; and every step taken on one's way to offer the compulsory prayer (in the mosque) is also sadaqah; and to remove a harmful thing from the way is also sadaqah.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim

Even a smile or a kind word is considered charity! How merciful is God with us and how can we take rewards from the simplest things, that we may do by default but we should renew our intension to Allah.

2006-10-26T13:00:00.000+02:00

Some shots of the beauty of Islam

2006-10-15T03:16:00.000+02:00

I was reading a book by a convert, he was talking about how he found that the bible was saying that people should pray without ceasing. And he wondered how can someone prays without ceasing. Until he was introduces to Islam and he found that through Islam, we can pray without ceasing. Through working, smiling, talking, praying, eating, sneezing, buying and selling,drinking and so many other things.

ElhamdAllah, it is another bless that I recognized that Islam actually gives us the chance to worship God all the time without ceasing. How Generous is God to us, by setting from our usuall daily practices a means and a way by which we take with rewards. Allah is most merciful. He gives us the guide to every little detail in our lives. He rewards us for every little good deed we do till the extent that we take reward for smiling in each other's faces. By saying the truth. By praying Him and asking Him for His help and support. Sunhan Allah, His mercy extends that we take reward for asking Him for our needs, for His protect and for His forgiveeness when we misled His way.

ElhamdAllah, thanks God for everything

Miracle of Quran

2006-10-13T00:20:00.000+02:00

Since I got aware, I knew that Quran is itself a miracle. As for each prophet (PBUH) has a miracle. And the miracles end with the prophets' death like Prophet's Mousse's (PBUH ) stick. After his death, the stick turned to be a normal stick found in a museum at the Istanbul. But when God wanted it to be a miracle, the stick turned to a snake with a command fom Allah and then returned to its nature state afterwards. But the Quran's miracle is everlasting ISA. Its words don't change a bit for more than 1400 years. No one ever managed to change a word into it. God had protected it. As it was sent for all the mankinds all over the world. Each prophet (peace be upon them) used to address his people, except for prophet Mohamed prayers and peace be upon him was sent mercy for all the humankinds.

I started to realize when I grew up by reading the beauty of Quran itslef and its literary beauty. I can easily distinguish the difference when I hear Quran that this is Quran even if I didn't recognize the verses or the chapter.. but the feeling that I get is uthe same, that it is from God.

" The prophet Mohamed (PBUH)did not how to read or write. Yet the Quran which was being revealed to him was (and still is )the highest pinnacle of literary beauty and excellence in the Arabic language. It was beyond the ability of the prophet to produce such this book. And God declares that it is beyond the ability of all of humankind and spirit -kind to produce a book like the Quran." taken from Common questions people ask about Islam, Shabbir Ally.

God challened the humankinds four times in the Quarn to produce such a book , and they couldn't do it. Then the challenge was reduced to a chapter , and they couldn't do it. and at that time his people were excelled in literary , but yet they couldn't do it.

" Say: If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Quran they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support." (QURAN: 17:88)

Ramadan... a chance to unite?

2006-09-20T16:35:00.000+03:00

Happy Ramadan everyone... I hope this Ramadan brings all the good to muslims everywhere...

Ramadan is full of gifts... full of mercy... and full of opportunities.

yes... opportunities of all kinds... for this world and the one after ISA.

I will try ISA to do a small post about all the benifits of Ramadan... though I know I will not suffice it. but today I wish to talk about ramadan as a chance for our unity.

The Islamic Ummah has been going through a rough time lately, to put it in the mildest terms. It has been under fire, under attack... if not by violence, then by slandering and alienating. Muslims everywhere want a way out.. want our once glorious ummah back on its feet... with its head held high... an ummah that the Prophet Muhamed would be proud of on judgement... the Ummah that he would plead for on Judgement day saying; Ummaty Ummaty. His request for our salvation... we want to be that Ummah... Lets us pray for that.

But prayer is not enough... though it is very important. we need to get back on our feet. we need to practice our values... be sincere... and do an effort, then God will help us ISA. the rise of the Ummah... a dream I wish to see fulfilled. maybe through hardships, new beginnings are born. I hope.

One thing I beleive in.... Muslims have to feel thier belonging... that their identity comes from belonging to this ummah... to feel that all muslims are brothers and sister... that we have to unite and not fight amongst our selves.

Ramadan should help bring us all together somehow... a whole month... 30 days (or 29) where over a billion people do almost the same things... they eat at the same tiems, fast at the same times, read quran... pray salat qiyam.... do duaa's and supplications... wait for laylat al kadr. wait for Eid, how many of us are going to say the same duaa when having our iftar meal? Allahumma laka Sumt wa 3ala rizkak Aftart? (OH ALLah, for you we fast, and on your food we have our fitar/first meal).

already we have so much in common everyday... we all turn towards the same place 5 times a day... do ablution 5 times a day, and share alot of ethics that Islam has taught us. Islam has given us so much to share...so it would be easier for us to be one. take the time to reach out this Ramadan, not only to family and friends.... but to any muslim that you happen to know(or not know) and connect.

May Allah make this Ramadan a new beginning for prosperity of this Ummah ISA. Amen

Ramadan Kareem

2006-09-17T23:45:00.000+03:00

Ramadan Kareem insha'Allah. I know this is a bit early but I thought it would be better to be early than late..

I am very fond of this fanous (Lantern). It is a bright one that makes me personally feel happy. I used it last year for my Ramadan greetings and I am using it again... I pray that Allah grants us all His blessings and accepts our good deeds throught out this months and the ones to follow insha'Allah.

Presence of Allah

2006-09-17T00:45:00.000+03:00

An interesting story about the presence of Allah…

A man went to have a hair cut at the barber shop. The man and the barber spoke of many things and finally the subject of the presence of Allah was brought up.

Barber: I do not believe in the presence of Allah.

Customer: Why do you not believe in the presence of Allah?

Barber: If you simply go around in the streets you will realize there is not God. If there were a God, a kind God, why would He allow people to get sick? Why are there so many homeless children on the streets? Etc etc. if there were a kind and just God, we would not witness pain and anguish in this life time, would we?

The customer thought of what the barber was saying and felt it was better not to answer immediately. The aim was not to make the barber fall into more sin and for purposes of organizing his thoughts for now or later to answer what he said. What the man did was very wise… sometimes it is better not to answer provocative issues immediately in order to say something that would help rather than create more problems.

The barber finished his work and the customer was leaving. As he was just stepping outside the barber’s shop, Allah sent him the answer.

The customer saw a man with very long, messed up hair and a long unrefined beard. So he walked in again and quickly called the barber to show him the man.

Customer: Do you know that there are no barbers at all?

Barber: (looking at the customer in amazement and asked?) How come? I am a barber and I just gave you a haircut.

Customer: If yes, then why are there men walking around with such long messy hair and beards?

Barber: (confidently he answered :) They choose not to come to us, and that is their choice.

Customer: There you go, it is “their choice” to stay like this, it is not that you are non existent, nor are other barbers.

You see, it is the same concept with God. God is there for us, only when we go to him for help or at times of need will we feel His presence. Misery is something we choose. If it comes to us, we can simply ask God for help. Either it will be sorted out, or He will grant us the patience and strength to handle it till it passes! But only then will we feel His presence, when WE establish the communication with Him. We are the ones that need Him, He does not need us. He is “The Creator” and He has created us to worship Him.

Allah is always there for us, at all times. Only we are the ones that are sometimes too lazy to reach out for Him.

There are abundant verses in the Holy Quraan mentioning this issue and more over there are Ahadeeth Qudseya (Sayings by Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammed Via the Arc Angel Gibreal) and there are also Ahadeeth Nabaweaya (Prophet Muhammed Allahomma saly wa salem 3aleih’s sayings).

Having this is a privilege since serious psychological problems cannot find their way to those who are strong believers. Those who resort to Allah do go through sadness and distress as well, we all do, but things cannot and do not take too much time because those of us who have strong Faith, know it is only a test, and that God is kind and just.

Long Long issue, but in a nutshell Believing is beautiful. It makes Life worth living!

Islam...

2006-09-16T23:35:00.000+03:00

Islam means "to surrender." It is derived from the Arabic word silm, which means peace. Surrender to whom you may ask? A Muslim, one who follows the religion of Islam, surrenders oneself to Allah or God in order to live in peace. Allah is the same God of Abraham, Moses and Jesus. In English, He is called God, in Spanish, He is called Dios, and in Arabic, He is called Allah. Even Christian Arabs call God, Allah. For Muslims, He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
Islam is a way of life for Muslims. It is the same message that God had revealed to all prophets and messengers to humanity throughout the centuries.

Excerpt from "Discovering Islam" by Dr. Ahmed Yousef & Imam Fawaz Damra

Madina

2006-09-16T21:42:00.000+03:00

The Madina is the city where prophet Muhammad (PBUH) went to, after he moved from Mecca due to the great abuse he had from the non –believers there. And on that day particularly a representative from each tribe there in Mecca had joined together where they planned that they would all kill him together in one shot. So that his blood would be spread between the tribes. In that day, he left with his friend "Abu Bakr" to Madina where most of its people had converted into Islam and they all came out of their city Men, women and children to welcome him by singing for him. All wanted him to stay in their homes.

The above picture with green dome is the place where the prophet (PBUH) built his house in Madina and under it he is buried now.

When Muslims go to Madina, they visit the prophet's (PBUH) tomb. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that who ever visits him in his death as if he had visited him in his life time. And when we say "Assalam Alaykom", he answers our salam back.

The Madina is known that it is the city where its people had welcomed and supported the prophet (PBUH) with their wealth and their lives.

They did that because they believed in him and loved him, not because he had wealth or power that he would share with them. He promised them with the paradise for those who believe in him and in God and acted indeed in a good way.

The Quran says: Say (O Muhammad PBUH) " I possess no power over benefit or harm to myself except as Allah wills. If I had the knowledge of the Ghaib (Unseen), I should have secured for myself an abundance of wealth, and no evil should have touched me. I am but a warner, and a bringer of glad tidings unto people who believe." (Quran: AL- A'raf -188)

Carnival of Islam in the west

2006-09-10T17:25:00.000+03:00

I came across this beautiful thing... It is called the carnival of Islam in the west.

What is it? this is what is said about it... :
"A monthly carnival by Muslims largely for Muslims, though not exclusively so.

Aims and Objectives:
This carnival is, in the first instance, an effort to allow Muslims in the West to express what life is like for Muslims living in the West. This carnival is meant to be a voice for Muslims in the West, a significant part of the greater ummah. Because not only do most Westerners not know what is really going on in the Middle East, but many do not know that there Muslims in the West. Entries from those who are not Muslims are also welcome.

The carnival is a also great way to bring together Muslims and strengthen the ummah from every corner of the world whilst concentrating on the West. The aim is to grow from there, inshaallah."

I really liked the idea... I was wishing this blog would somehow be something like that... it is good that alot of people are looking forward to bring the Ummah together, in one way or the other. We need t connect. We need to unite. I look forward to read its posts ISA.

Tonight tonight...

2006-09-08T01:30:00.000+03:00

Tonight is the eve of Mid Sha3ban. It is a very special night. in the middle of Shaban, Our Kibla (the direction towards we face 5 times a day in prayer) was changed from Al Masjid Al Aksa in Jerusalem, to Al Ka3ba Al Mosharrafa in Mecca. Tonight, the night between the 14th and 15th of Shaban is supposed to be according to several Ahadith to be one where God forgives and grants prayers and Duaa's with His mercy.. Alhamdulillah Rabb Al 3alameen

So it is so advised to do Ihyaa' this night. meaning... dedicating the night (or some of it ) to God, doing zikr (subhanallah... alhamdulillah etc), Duaa (supplication), prayer and tilawa (recitation of quran).

So now it is almost 2 am in the morning, unfortunately I have not done much of that... I was quite tired today... and I was doing stuff till about 45 minutes ago... I tried to do Salah 3ala Alrasool because I know they are always accepted ISA even if I am not concentrating or doing something else... I just had some tea with milk to try to keep me awake a little bit, I hope I can. thought maybe writing about it may count as doing something good tonight... maybe if anyone reads this later... where their timing is after mine would remember and say some prayers ISA.

In any case... these last hours of the night are always good to do quiyam layl and praying every night of the year.

Tonight... reminds me so much of Ramadan's mood. especially the last 10 days, where we try to stay awake at night and have our caffeine shots one after the other... lest we fall asleep and miss any of it. Reminds me of looking forward to laylat al kadr... wondering each night if this is the one. and being hopeful always that God will forgive us... and love us.

I love tonight for bringing ramadan so close to my heart.. making me spiritually prepared and waiting for it... like a warm up you may say.

I wish that this Ramadan brings all the good and blessings from God to our Islamic Ummah.... To answer all our prayers belkhair (that are in our own good... Allah always knows best). I hope God lights the path for us this year... And I hope Ramadan this year finds you all in good health and Iman.. ISA.

Salla Allahu 3Ala Muhammad.. Salla Allahu 3alayhi wa Sallam.

Snap Shot from Khaibar

2006-09-05T16:24:00.000+03:00

The Battle of Khaibar… year 7th higry. 7 years after the Prophet PBUH's emigration to Madina. Whilst not going to go through the battle itself here, nor the causes and strategies involved, I wanted to bring this snap shot of the event. I had seen this battle used by Islam haters in other blogs and places on the net, as a sign if how blood thirsty and intolerant to Jews Islam is in their eyes. Do not know if these people have not researched the event properly… or are just trying to fake facts to paint Islam with a colour they want… but here is just a small part of the story… taken from Amr Khaled's narration of the story in the "Path of the beloved" series:

After ghazwat al khandak, there was still a minority of Jews -those who didn’t break the treaty with the prophet (SAWS) - inside Madinah. These still enjoyed all their rights of citizenship and peaceful living in the city side by side with the Muslims. This was a good example of peaceful coexistence between people of different religions. And of course there were transactions between them. It happened that a Jew, called Abu-Shahm lent some money to a companion of the prophet whose name is Abdullah Bin Abi Hazrag. The amount of money was meager; only 5 dirhams. Abi Hazrag was leaving among the soldiers to Khaibar, and Abu-Shahm asked him to give him his money back before he went to battle. Abi Hazrag, however did not give him the money then, because he did not have the money, and secondly the debt was not due yet. He told Abu shahm to wait till he came back from Khaibar, when he will have money and pay him back. Abu Shahm argued that he will not come back… that they will be beaten, and he will be killed and so he wanted his money before he left.

The Jew complained to the prophet (SAWS), and accordingly the Prophet (SAWS) ordered his companion to give the money back to the Jew and when Abi Hazrag argued that the debt is not yet due the Prophet explained that it is his right to have his money for he may not come back alive! And if he can not pay then he has to stay behind and not join the battle, lest he be killed.

The companion, wanting so much to join the Prophet PBUH, had to resort to selling his clothes. He had only two gilbabs (robes), and he knew he was going to be gone for a long time and he needed them, but he sold one of them nonetheless and for it he got 3 dirham. For the last 2 dirham left, he sold his turban that protected him from the desert's scorching sun. Therefore, the companion was obliged to sell his clothes in order to be able to pay the man back! You see how eager they were to the prophet's (SAWS) fellowship

Abi Hazrag narrates that while he was sitting so sad that he sold one of the only two Gilbab's he owned, a woman asked him about the reason of his sadness and offered him her only cloak she had in order the share the reward with them. Can you see how the society is supporting each other, how they sacrifice for the sake of this message, the woman told Abi Hazrag that she did not mind remaining home till they get back as she had nothing to protect her form the cold weather except this cloak. This is a story of a humble companion who was not mentioned in the prophet's biography except this one time yet it is enough to be honored with.

And so, he paid Abu Shahm , one of a minority of Jews living in Madina, his debt of 5 dirham, to be able to travel and join the Prophet PBUH. And then they say that Khaibar was a battle that was rooted from intolerance and hate towards Jews? Would the Prophet (SAWS) have been just with this man if that was true?

Shaban

2006-09-04T01:50:00.000+03:00

we are in Sha3ban....
next month is Ramadan...
Get Ready Everyone!!!!

The prophet PBUH used to say in Sha3ban:

"Allahumma barek lana fe Sha3ban wa balleghna Ramadan"

roughly translates to: God bless Sha3ban, and let us reach Ramadan

try to do good deeds in Sha3ban, to get alot of Ramadan's good fortune and mercy and blessings ISA.

PS. Try to fast on the 15th ISA.

and do not forget the ISlamic Ummah in your duaa (prayers).

Thanking God and saying ElhamdAllah

2006-09-02T17:47:00.000+03:00

I worte before in one of the posts at roora, about thanking God and the so many blessings that God gives us that we take for granted, not realizing how many things we should thank Him for ...countless. I then concluded the post with a verse in quran " And if you would count Allah's favors, you will not be able to number them; most surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. "(An-nahl : 18).

Our teacher drew my attension that the verses stated before this one in (An nahl) were all stating some of the so many blessings that God gives to us, i started reading ..and yes they are countless.

"He has created the heavens and the earth for just ends: Far is He above having the partners they ascribe to Him!, He has created man from a sperm-drop; and behold this same (man) becomes an open disputer!, And cattle He has created for you (men): from them ye derive warmth, and numerous benefits, and of their (meat) ye eat, And ye have a sense of pride and beauty in them as ye drive them home in the evening, and as ye lead them forth to pasture in the morning,And they carry your heavy loads to lands that ye could not (otherwise) reach except with souls distressed: for your Lord is indeed Most Kind, Most Merciful, : And (He has created) horses, mules, and donkeys, for you to ride and use for show; and He has created (other) things of which ye have no knowledge, And unto Allah leads straight the Way, but there are ways that turn aside: if Allah had willed, He could have guided all of you, It is He who sends down rain from the sky: from it ye drink, and out of it (grows) the vegetation on which ye feed your cattle, With it He produces for you corn, olives, date-palms, grapes and every kind of fruit: verily in this is a sign for those who give thought, He has made subject to you the Night and the Day; the sun and the moon; and the stars are in subjection by His Command: verily in this are Signs for men who are wise, And the things on this earth which He has multiplied in varying colours (and qualities): verily in this is a sign for men who celebrate the praises of Allah (in gratitude), It is He Who has made the sea subject, that ye may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that ye may extract therefrom ornaments to wear; and thou seest the ships therein that plough the waves, that ye may seek (thus) of the bounty of Allah and that ye may be grateful, And He has set up on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with you; and rivers and roads; that ye may guide yourselves, And marks and sign-posts; and by the stars (men) guide themselves, Is then He Who creates like one that creates not? Will ye not receive admonition?, If ye would count up the favours of Allah, never would ye be able to number them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. " Quran : An- Nahl (3-18)".

The Day she opened her heart

2006-09-01T20:47:00.000+03:00

I like to wander along the blogosphere... looking for interesting blogs.. especially Islamic ones... I am happy to have found so many... a lot of muslims that have the same aim in mind... bring Muslims together... and try to show islam's beauty. they are so many... don't know who to link.... will need a free after noon for that.

And reading... some posts so touch my heart. Some of the most heart touching stories i read are those by Islamic converts... btw I love that alot of them refer to themselves as "reverts" rather than converts... feeling that Islam in inherent in their soul and fitra. Maybe it is that their faith is so new.. and pure.. not tainted by time.. and being taken for granted that happens with born muslims. but al hamdulillah... all muslims have to renew and regenerate their faith... even by saying"La ilaha Illa Allah".

Anyway.. do not want to wander too far off from my story... I came across this Muslim blogger revert in the US that dedicates her blog to stories and poems about her life as a muslimah. going through her archives, I found this beautiful post called "The day I opened my heart".

The story is so beautiful I almost cried. I do not have the link to it but .here is the link to the january archive, it is the second post, dated January 24th, 2006.

It was beautiful for so many reasons... it shows how God is so kind...
How He answers our prayers... and how He stands by those who need them... especially new muslim reverts... they are so lucky to have a whole new clean slate. I wish to know of a new muslim to ask him/her to pray for me... I believe that they are close to God... and hopefully will always be... along with the rest of us ISA.

I also loved the tradition the turkish women in the post have... they meet every week for studying religion... and every week they put their names on pieces of paper... and pick one out.. and the name that is pulled out.... they all do duaa (prayer) for that person for whatever her heart desires. It is so nice. wanna do it. anyone intersted?

Praying to God

2006-08-28T23:00:00.000+03:00

The most wonderful thing is that when you pray and you talk to God, there is no intermediate where you can say and say , and going on in your prayers knowing that He hears your calls and your prayers. He knows so well our needs but yet praying and asking him for what we need makes us feel better , so much burden is removed from our hearts , we ask Him and there is no intermediate between you and Him , you ask him sincerely and you feel His generosity and his mercy . Praying and asking him your needs makes you feel how close He is to us.

Sometimes we have things in our selves that we dont want others to know , they may blame you , they might not understand, they may not help , but you are sure from where to call immediately who knows our weakness because He is our creator who loves us and loves hearing our call.

" And when My slaves ask you (O Muhamad صلي الله علي وسلم ) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near ( to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so they may be led aright " ( Quran : 2: 186)

"واذا سألك عبادي عني فإني قريب أجيب دعوة الداع إذا دعان فليستجيبوا لي وليؤمنوا بي لعلهم يرشدون"

Why Religion?

2006-08-26T11:20:00.000+03:00

Among the arguments one sees everywhere, and most commonly on the net... is the argument of "why religion in the first place?"

This muslim girl was trying to argue her point, that religion is important because religion keeps us from doing evil deeds... and religion calls for discipline...

although this is true somewhat....I mean religion does of course aim to discipline our conduct... but because these days... alot of people who are supposed to be of religion, act quite frankly very unethically... this argument falls on deaf ears for someone who does not know how religion can really affect you.

she so prevoked this response that one does not need relgion to be ethical, and it is true that a lot of atheists can behave in a very moral way in this world.

But the thing is, other than discipling our conduct, that Islam really does for those who follow its teachings, religion is about the truth.

The truth that there is a Higher Being that exists, who has created us from nothing... who has given us everything... who is always watching over us at every instant and everywhere, and to whom one day we will answer for all our deeds on this earth. A God who is most merciful, just and generous. Allah, our God, who there is no God but Him.

That is why we are called "beleivers" rather than "followers". that we believe all that... and thus we are encouraged through our conduct... to do all we can to please Allah.

Religion is composed of 2 things... our beliefs... and our conduct.... Allah refers to the beleivers as those who beleived and did good deeds.

Religion and belief allows us to feel content... that no good deed goes unrewarded. that when times are hard, God will be there for you when you turn to him. That through a relationship with God, you can have the most fulfulling loving relationship there is, that brings you peace and comfort in your darkest moments...

If I ramble on about what believing in God and Loving Him does to your soul... I will be here for a very long itme... I hope I got my point across..

Islam is not just ethical conduct... it is also the love of God.

Allahuma inna nasalak hubbak, wa hubb man ahabbak wa hubb 3amal yokarebany ila hobbak.

translation:

God grant us your love, and the love of those who love you.... and the love of deeds that get me closer to your love. amen

Mission Statement of this Blog

2006-08-24T16:02:00.000+03:00

Al Salamo Alikom warahmatu Allahi wa barakatu (Peace and blessings of Allah be to you) our dear readers,

There are so many misconceptions about our Lovely Islam. Unfortunately many Moslems have contributed to spreading these misconceptions.

Doshar proposed that we try to contribute as best as we can to help those of you out there who are unaware of the truth about this religion; to really understand the true beauty Islam is based upon. It is a religion that offers so much and it is truly a religion that calls for peace, love and unity, not just amongst its followers, not just amongst humans, but amongst creation in general.

God willing, this blog shall aim at showing the true essences of Islam, to shed light upon some of the controversial issues and misconceptions about it and the false accusations resulting from the aforementioned.

All people from different faiths are most welcome to comment here. However we would really appreciate it if decency and respect of differences are maintained.

Al Salamo Alikom warahmatu Allahi wa barakatu

The True Essence of Islam

2006-08-24T01:33:00.000+03:00

Like a precious stone, Islam reflects light and colours in different ways, all of them beautiful.

However the reflections may vary, the stone remains unchanged.

The precious jewel, the centre of Islam and the first pillar of Islam is embodied in the Shahada:

La ilaha il Allah, Muhammad-ur-Rasool-Allah

Which can be translated as:
There is no God but Allah and Muhammed is the Messenger of Allah.

Habib Umar, the prominent Yemeni scholar, stated that such is the weight of the Shahada, it outweighs everything else in the world.

This is because the Shahada is the ultimate truth and the truth belongs to everyone. That is why Muhammed (pbuh) was sent as a Messenger for all peoples, for all time.

The whole purpose of Islam, the goal of every Muslim on earth is to worship Allah and to work towards perfecting this worship.

Such a state of perfection was described beautifully by Rabi'ah al Adawiyya:

Of gardens or fire I have no opinion.
I seek no exchange for my dearest love.