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ayenny02@yahoo.com

you must be very careful abt ur business idea u have, some people here will just use trick to get ur business idea and later they will go and execute it because u r in financial problem

i have seen it thks

Walaykum salam,

Zina in its broad meaning indicates any haram (prohibited) act, whether the act was sexual intercourse or a look, talk, touch, or desire that is related or may lead to illicit sexual relations.

Ibn ‘Abbas narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

‘Allah has written for Adam’s son (mankind) his share of zina (adultery and fornication), which he commits inevitably. The Zina of the eyes is in evil glances and Zina of the ears is by listening (to evil) and Zina of the tongue speaking (about evil) and Zina of the hands is in touching (forbidden) and Zina of feet is in walking (towards evil) and the heart desires and hopes (in evil) and thereafter the private parts accepts that (acts upon it) or rejects it.' (Mishkaat Hadith)

These are forbidden because they eventually might lead to sexual intercourse, and they are forbidden as a preventive issue.

Allah in the Nobel Qur’an said:

"Do not come (even) near to adultery, for it is a shameful (deed) and an evil, opening the road to other evils."
Surah 17 Verse 32

Apart from a man's parents, children and near relatives, there also exists a permanent association and contact between him and his neighbors. The state of his association - be it good or otherwise has a great influence on his life and morals.

He is aware of the many Islamic teachings concerning neighbours, and the high status given to them in the scale of human relationships, such as has never been equalled in any other religion or system before or since.

Allah has commanded the good treatment of neighbours in the Qur'an:

{Worship Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good - to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the Companion by your side, the wayfarer [you meet], and what your right hands possess...} (Qur'an 4:36)

The "neighbour who is near" is one with whom one shares ties of kinship or religion; the "neighbour who is a stranger" is one with whom one shares no such ties; and the "companion by your side" is a friend, colleague or travelling-companion.

Everyone whose home neighbours yours has the rights of a neighbour over you, even if you are not connected by kinship or religion. This honouring of the neighbour is an example of the tolerance promoted by Islam.

The Prophet (SAW) had attached great importance to this and has constantly urged the Muslims to pay due regard to the rights of neighbors to the extent that he had declared good neighborliness to be part of Iman (Faith) and an essential requisite for salvation.


THREE CATEGORIES OF NEIGHBORS

In a Hadith, related by Jabir (R.A.), the Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said

"Neighbors are of three kinds. Firstly, the neighbor who enjoys only one right (and as far as rights are concerned) he is of the lowest grade. Secondly, the one who enjoys two rights and thirdly the neighbor who enjoys three rights.

The neighbor with only one right is a non-Muslim neighbor with whom there are no family ties. The neighbor with two rights is the neighbor who is also a Muslim (as such he has a claim as a neighbor as well as a fellow Muslim) and the one with three rights is the neighbor who is a Muslim and a Relative - he has a claim as a neighbor, as a fellow Muslim and as a relative".

This Hadith clearly explains that the obligation to live in peace and harmony with neighbors, as demanded in the Holy Quran and the Traditions, also includes the non-Muslim neighbors. They too have a claim to our kindness and sympathy. We treat the animals with kindness and we have been warned against ill treating them, then what of our fellow humans - more so our neighbors. It will be significant to note that in all Ahadith Traditions mentioned, with regards to the basic rights of neighbors, no distinction had been made between Muslims and non-Muslims.


EMPHASIS ON THE RIGHTS OF NEIGHBORS

It is reported, on the authority of Ayesha (R.A.) and Ibn Umar (R.A.) that the messenger of Allah (SAW) said "The Angel Jibra'il (A.S.) counseled me so frequently regarding the rights of the neighbor that I feared, he too would be declared an heir."

This Hadith shows that Angel Jibra'il (A.S.) brought commandments from Allah, concerning the rights of the neighbor so frequently and stressed the need to be kind and courteous to him with such force and regularity that the Holy Prophet (SAW) thought that the neighbor also will be made an heir i.e. just as parents, children and near relatives inherit the property left by the deceased, he thought that the neighbor, too, will be given a share in it.

Note:- The purpose of this Hadith is not merely to state a fact, but rather it is most effective way of highlighting the importance of the neighbor to the Muslims.


IMPORTANCE OF GOOD TREATMENT TO NEIGHBORS

It is narrated by Abu Shurayh (R.A.) that the Prophet (SAW) said

"Whoever believes in Allah and the final day (Day of Judgment) it is essential that he does not harm his neighbors and whoever believes in Allah and the final Day it is essential for him to entertain his guest with kindness and generosity and whoever believes in Allah and the Final Day it is essential that he speak what is good or otherwise remain silent."

Amongst other points this Hadith explains that it is essential for the true believer to be mindful of his neighbors at all times so that he does not harm him in any way. It also gives us an idea of the value placed on the rights of neighbors by the Holy Prophet of Islam (SAW).

In another Hadith related by Abu Hurairah (R.A.) the Prophet (SAW) said,
"By Allah, he is not a true believer, By Allah, he is not a true believer, By Allah, he is not a true believer (three times). He was asked 'Who?" Upon which he replied, "The one whose neighbors do not feel secure from his mischief and evil.

The construction and manner of the Hadith shows how agitated the Prophet (SAW) must have been when he said this. The essence contained in this Hadith is that the Muslim whose character is such that his neighbors expect nothing but evil from him and they live in fear of being hurt or harmed by him, cannot be regarded as a true and faithful believer - he doesn't deserve the title of Muslim or Mu'min. On another occasion the Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said that such a person (whose neighbors do not feel safe on his account) shall not go to Heaven.

Note:- In the language of Prophet hood, when special emphasis is laid on a deed, the customary way of putting it is to say that whoever neglects it etc. is not a true believer, and he shall not go to Heaven. It should be understood that this does not imply that he has actually been thrown out of the fold of Islam and now the laws of Infidelity (Kufr) will apply to him, and that in the hereafter he will be treated as an infidel, but rather this is an emphatic way of explaining that such a person does not possess the true spirit of Iman which is the glory of a Muslim and is pleasing to Allah. The particular phrasing is used to lend greater force to the matter.

In yet another Hadith, related by Anas (R.A.), the Prophet (SAW) said

"He has not affirmed faith in me (i.e. he is not a true follower) who eats to his satisfaction and sleeps comfortably at night while his neighbor goes hungry - and he is aware of it."

How astonishing that such a wide gap has occurred between these teachings and traditions and the actual conduct of the Muslims as a whole! It is extremely difficult for an unknowing person to believe that such, really, were the teachings of the Holy Prophet of Islam (SAW).

Nevertheless, these traditions and teachings explain clearly the importance of good and kind treatment to neighbors and they are a clear admonition to those who remain indifferent to the needs and difficulties of their neighbors and care nothing for them.

@OP, great job

Jamonirich: E.g who want to be a millon, online viture game. Please as a new convert. I will like to know more on the question.

Game, lottery, raffling, betting etc are not permitted in islam and it is a kind of devouring people's money without right, for every participant pays a sum of money by chance and he does not know whether he will get it back or not which resembles the forbidden gambling.

The best way to earn money in Islam is to work hard and employ thought. Islam prohibits a Muslim from earning vast amounts of money without making any effort. Allah Almighty says:
O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansâb, and Al-Azlâm (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitan’s (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful. 5:90


Check this site below for more
http://islamicislamic.com/halal_&_haram.htm

Sorry my brother, Accept my sincere condolence. May Allah forgive him and grant him Aljannah

[quote author=Al-Baqir]SOME ACTS DECLARED 'HARAM (forbidden)' BY THIS GROUP OF MUSLIM:

(c). SALATIL FATIH (a form of Durood/salawat on the prophet)[/quote]Yes, it is HARAM to recite salatil fatil, how do you expect us to accept anything related to religion of Allah from a LIAR when their leader, Ahmad Al-Tijany, claims that he physically met the Prophet (SAW), talked with him, and learned Salat-ul-Fatih from him.

Are u forgotten the ayah of Allah which says “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion” [Noble Quran5:4].
The religion of Allah has completed and we don't need addition from a LIAR, anybody who claim that he met the Prophet physically and learned something from Him, is a LIAR

Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “…Verily he among you who lives [long] will see great controversy, so you must keep to my Sunnah and to the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Khalifahs – cling to them stubbornly. Beware of newly invented matters, for every invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is a going astray, and every going astray is in Hell-fire.” [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi][quote author=Al-Baqir]1. The fact that it was not tendered by the holy prophet (saws) himself. So the argument is how can we embrace the durood of a certain sheikh and left that of Rasul?[/quote]Mr Man, pls stop this ur virus about Salat-ul-Fatih, if you don't know the intention of MR LIAR who brought the Salat-ul-Fatih I will give you some details about his intention and some of his beliefs concerning this Salat-ul-fatil, including:

1. The Messenger of Allah (SAW), told him that the reward for reciting it once is equivalent to that of reciting the Qur’an six times.

SUBHANALLAH!, he was telling us directly that we should not read d Quran again except Salat-ul-fatil to get reward of six times of the Quran


2. The Messenger of Allah (SAW), told him once again that the reward for reciting this Salat-ul-fatil once is six thousand times as much as that for every Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah), Du`a’ (supplication), long or short, and the recitation of the Qur’an (Jawahir Al-Ma`any Wa Bulugh Al-Amany, vol. 1, p. 136)

3. Allegedly being the words of Allah (Exalted be He), this Salah is deemed to be a Hadith Qudsy (Revelation from Allah in the Prophet’s words) (Al-Durrah Al-Faridah, vol. 4, p. 128).

4. He who recites Salat-ul-Fatih ten times will gain a reward that even an `Arif (Sufi who has reached a high station of worship) who had lived for one million years would not get if he had not recited it.

5. He who recites this Salah even once will have his sins forgiven and will have a reward as much as that for six thousand Tasbihs (saying: “Subhan Allah [Glory be to Allah]“), Du`a’s (supplication), and Dhikrs. (See Mushtaha Al-Kharif Al-Jani, pp. 127, 299 and 300.

Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands, and then say:"This is from God," to traffic with it for miserable price!- Woe to them for what their hands do write, and for the gain they make thereby 2:79[quote author=Al-Baqir]Putting aside the fact that Sheikh Muhammad al-bakri claimed he received the Durood from the prophet himself or the so-called Merits to be received for its recitation, the questions is: Is it a Bid'ah and Haram?[/quote]YES, its HARAM

Islam is based on Quran and Authentic Hadith of the Prophet, anything in religion of islam that we have seen the evidence of Ayat of Quran and the Authentic Hadith of the prophet (saw) contrary to that is HARAM.

Allah said in d Quran;
Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect."[33:56]

When the verse was revealed to the Prophet(saw) His Sahabi asked the Messenger of Allah (saw): “O Messenger of Allah, Allah has commanded us to ask blessings on you but how should we invoke blessings on you?” The Messenger of Allah (saw) kept silent. The Sahabah were much perturbed over his silence and wished that he had not asked him this question. Finally, the Messenger of Allah (saw) said:

“Say, ‘O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed Ibraheem and the family of Ibraheem. O Allah, give baraka to Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You gave baraka to Ibraheem and the family of Ibraheem. Surely You are worthy of Praise and Glorious,’ and then give the tasleem as you have learnt.” [Muslim; Kitab as-Salat].

So, Mr MAN, the Prophet(Saw) has gave us sallat ibraheem not sallatil fatih. Sallatil fatih is haram is islam and pls stop propagating what is not in islam

.

[quote author=Al-Baqir]SOME ACTS DECLARED 'HARAM (forbidden)' BY THIS GROUP OF MUSLIM:

(b). MAWLUD NABIYY(Birth of the prophet) celebration. And Death commemoration![/quote]Celebrating the birth of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is Bid‘ah (innovation in religion).

It is authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it, will have it rejected.”

According to another narration, he (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever does an action which is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islam), will have it rejected.”

The Messenger (peace be upon him) did not celebrate his birthday, nor did he order others to do so, nor did he see one celebrating it and remained silent about it. Also, the Rightly-Guided Caliphs and the Salaf (righteous predecessors) during the first and best three centuries of Islam never celebrated Mawlid; it was invented and introduced after their time

Check this site below for fatawa ibn baz

www.alifta.net/fatawa/DisplayMargins.aspx?languagename=en&ID=2004
[quote author=Al-Baqir]There's no doubt celebrating the birthday of the holy prophet was an age-long practice introduced by great scholars of Islam, sunni-shia alike.

We read in the Sirah Halabiyah page 80:

"Muslims have been celebrating gatherings of Mawlid Sharif in large cities for-long"

"On the Eve of Mawlid an-Nabi; whole Islamic world is observed to be delight and celebrating it. And it is celebrated till now with enthusiasm and integrity.
[Encyclopedia of Islam, Vol. 21, Page 824]

This is the view of Sheik Ibn Hajar al-Haytami (in his Fatawah al-Hadithiyah); Sheik Ibn Jawzi (in Bayan al-Mawlid an-Nabiy); Sheik Yusuf Ibn Ismail an-Nabhani (in Jawahir al-BiHar); Ibn Battuta (the famous 8th century historian) et al.[/quote]The History of Islam is fourteen centuries old. But the history of Mawlid celebration is seven centuries old. The Golden ages of Islam – the era of Rasulullah (SAW ), of the Sahaabah, of the Taabieen, and of the Tabe-Taabieen (Quroone Thalaathah) had long passed, yet the custom of Mawlid was not initiated. Six centuries after our Nabi (SAW) an irreligious ruler initiated this custom in the city of Mosul. Imaam Ahmad Bin Muhammad Bin Bisri Maaliki (rahmatullah alayh) writes in his Kitaab, AL-QOULUL MU’TAMAD:


“Allaamah Muizzuddin Hasan Khwaarzimi (rahmatullah alayh) states in his Kitaab: ‘The Ruler of Irbal, King Muzaffar Abu Saeed Kaukari, was an irreligious king. He ordered the Ulama of his time to act according to their opinions and discard the practice of following any of the Mathhabs. A group among the learned men inclined towards him. He (this king) organized Moulood sessions during the month of Rabiul Awwal. He was the first of the kings to have innovated this practice.’ (AL-QOULUL MU’TAMAD)

This irreligious ruler squandered vast sums of public funds in the organization and upkeep of these celebrations which had no sanction in Islamic Law. Allaamah Zahbi (rahmatullah alayh) – died 748 Hijri- says: “Every year this ruler spent three hundred thousand (from the Baitul Maal) on Moulood celebrations.” (DOULUL ISLAM)

So, this practice of Moulood was originated by irreligious people. In the year 604 Hijri this king, Muzaffaruddin Koukari, introduced this custom with the aid of some learned people whose purpose was to gain the wealth and honour of this world. A notable and a prime instigator in the origination of this custom was one Molvi Amr Bin Dahya Abul Khattab who died in the year 633 Hijri. He was a great supporter of the worldly and irreligious king of Irbal who introduced this custom. The evil character of this irreligious learned man is a fact upon which there exists unanimity among the great and pious learned men of Islam. Hafiz Ibn Hajar Askalaani (rahmatullah alayh) says about this Molvi who was responsible to a great extent for the innovation of Moulood customs: “He was a person who insulted the Jurists of Islam and the pious learned men of former times. He had a filthy tongue. He was ignorant, excessively proud, possessed no insight in matters pertaining to the Deen and he was extremely negligent as far as the Deen was concerned.” (LISAANUL MIZAAN)

Hafiz Ibn Hajar Askalaani (rahmatullah alayh) further adds: “Allaamah Ibn Najjaar (rahmatullah alayh) said: ‘I have witnessed unanimity of opinion among the people as to him (this irreligious Molvi), being a liar and an unreliable person.’ ” (LISAANUL MIZAAN)

Every unbiased Muslim will realise from the aforegoing discussion that the Moulood custom was introduced by evil men and given prominence by evil men. Islamic History bears testimony to this fact. Right from its inception all the great and pious Ulama and Jurists of Islam have condemned this innovation and have warned against participation in these un-Islamic functions. There exists consensus of opinion among the true learned Ulama of Islam that the customary Mawlid functions are not permissible[quote author=Al-Baqir]QUR'AN TALKS!

1. Allah in many verses of the holy Qur'an talk and urge the "REMEMBRANCE of the past holy ones". He talks about what they lived and die for; thereby, urged Muslim to emulate their standards.
Sura Mary'am vs 16, 41, 51, 54: mary, Ibrahim, musa, Ismail respectively; et al repeatedly says: "Wadhkur' fil kitabi....Remember in the book (story of)...so and so..."

Who should we have remember most if not Muhammad (saws)!

2. Allah (swt) highlight the importance of 3 stages in the life of Man in Sura Maryam: his day of BIRTH, his day of DEATH and his day of RESSURECTION citing Yahya (vs 15) and Jesus (vs 33)as a case study.

For Yahya, Allah says:

"And Salamun (peace) be on him the day he
was born, the day he dies, and the day he will be raised up to life (again)!"

Allah and His angels send Salam on Muhammad; Muslim also, have been commanded to send blessing upon Muhammad (saws) and no specific day or moment is specified meaning: AT ALL TIMES, but here, Allah Himself sends salam on Nabi Yahya (and Jesus) on the DAY OF BIRTH, DEATH and RESSURECTION![/quote]All those verses above are not proof for you to support ur Mawlid Nabiyy. The prophet (SAW) did not celebraye any mawlid. He did fast regularly on Yaum Al-ithnayn (monday) and yaum Al-khamees (thursday). But what was his reasons?
Abu Qatada Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said: It is (the day) when I was born and revelation was sent down to me. Muslim 2606

Besides, the prophet (SAW) was not celebrating Yaum Al-ithnayn (monday). No, he fasted: abstaining from food, water and intimate relations with his wives. Nowadays, in the name of Mawlid, people do the exact opposite: they eat, drink, dance, and make merry. Great contradiction: a day the Prophet (saw) spent in meditation they spend in celebration; a day he spent FASTING, they spend FEASTING

Mawlid are not traceable to the Prophet (saw) or to any Prophet for that matter or His companions. Yet, those are the best people any sane human being could intimate.
Narrated Zahdam bin Mudarrib:`Imran bin Husain said: The Prophet said, "The best people are my contemporaries (i.e., the present (my) generation) and then those who come after them (i.e., the next generation)." The Prophet added, "And after them there will come people who will bear witness, though they will not be asked to give their witness; and they will be treacherous and nobody will trust them, and they will make vows, but will not fulfill them, and fatness will appear among them."
Burkari 8:436

[quote author=Al-Baqir]WHAT IS BID'AH?

A. Meaning given by a certain group:
Any act or practice not primarily done by the holy prophet(saws) or by "the rightly guided caliph" vis-a-vis pious predecessors (salaf salih).

NB: Who are the (real) "RIGHTLY GUIDED CALIPH"? A question that exposes the fallacy of this group of muslim:
www.nairaland.com/1448210/myth-around-rightly-guided-caliphs

B. Linguistic Meaning of BID'AH :
1) The act of introducing something new.
2) The act of innovating; introduction of something new, in customs, rites, etc. –(Dryden).[/quote]Bid’ah I.e Innovation in Islam is the invention, creation or addition of any religious matter which was not originally found in Islam. It is not innovation in general life….like the invention of cars, planes, electricity etc.
For aspects of worship or ritualistic behaviors in Islam there must be something in the Quran or the Hadith to explain and confirm its practice.

Prophet (SWA) said, “…and the best speech is the Speech of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad(peace be upon him), and the worst of all affairs are the newly invented matters (in the religion)” [Sahih Muslim]

 
Evidence against Bid’ah

Prophet Mohammad, (peace be upon him) says in this respect: “He whoinnovates something that is not in agreement with our matter(religion), will have it rejected.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning of the Quran that“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favorupon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion” [Noble Quran5:4]

Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “…Verily he among youwho lives [long] will see great controversy, so you must keep to mySunnah and to the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Khalifahs – cling tothem stubbornly. Beware of newly invented matters, for every invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is a going astray, andevery going astray is in Hell-fire.” [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]
[quote author=Al-Baqir]C. PROPHETIC meaning (and explanation):

1. Narrated Aisha:
Allah’s Apostle said, “If somebody innovates
something which is NOT IN HARMONY with the principles of our religion, that thing is
rejected.”
(Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 49, Number 861)[/quote]ـ حدثنا يعقوب، حدثنا إبراهيم بن سعد، عن أبيه، عن القاسم بن محمد، عن عائشة ـ رضى الله عنها ـ قالت قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ من أحدث في أمرنا هذا ما ليس فيه فهو رد ‏"‏‏.‏ رواه عبد الله بن جعفر المخرمي وعبد الواحد بن أبي عون عن سعد بن إبراهيم‏.‏


Your translation is incortrect

This is translation of the hadithh:
On the authority of Aishah, who said : The messenger of Allah said: "He who innovates something in this matter of ours that is not of it will have it rejected. "narrated by Bukhari and Muslim And in one version by Muslim it reads : "He who does an act which our matter is not [in agreement] with will have it rejected."[quote author=Al-Baqir]2. Jarir b. Abdullah reported:
Allah’s Messenger (saws) said: He who introduced some good practice in Islam which was followed after him (by people) he would be assured of reward like one who followed it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect. And he who introduced some evil practice in Islam which had been followed subsequently (by others), he would be required to bear the burden like that of one who followed this (evil practice) without theirs being diminished in any respect.
(Sahih Muslim, Book 034, Number 6466)

The two above quoted hadith are enough to show that the holy prophet(saws) welcome new ideas and rites so far its within the scope and principles of Islam.[/quote]The second hadith was talking abt charity and you can not use it to justisfy your Bi'dah

Book 034, Number 6466:

Jarir b. Abdullah reported that some desert Arabs clad in woollen clothes came to Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). He saw them in sad plight as they had been hard pressed by need. He (the Holy Prophet) exhorted people to give charity, but they showed some reluctance until (signs) of anger could be seen on his face. Then a person from the Ansar came with a purse containing silver. Then came another person and then other persons followed them in succession until signs of happiness could be seen on his (sacred) face. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: He who introduced some good practice in Islam which was followed after him (by people) he would be assured of reward like one who followed it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect. And he who introduced some evil practice in Islam which had been followed subsequently (by others), he would be required to bear the burden like that of one who followed this (evil practice) without their's being diminished in any respect.

@OP, you are here again to mislead people with your ignorance abt islam. I can see that your level of ignorance in deen is A1
Also, the translation of the two hadith that you brought to support your bi'dah ideology is incorrect

Fatwas of the Permanent Committee



Question:
Is marriage obligatory for a Man/ woman who can control his/her sexual desire and who refuses marriage to be able to devote his/her life to worship and to avoid having marital responsibilities?

Answer:
Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) legislated marriage, as He (may He Praised and Exalted) says:

And marry those among you who are single (i.e. a man who has no wife and the woman who has no husband) and (also marry) the Sâlihûn (pious, fit and capable ones) of your (male) slaves and maid-servants (female slaves). If they be poor, Allâh will enrich them out of His Bounty. [The Qur'an 24:32]

Also the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded us to get married. On the authority of `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: 'O young people! Whoever among you is able to marry, should marry, for marriage would help him lower his gaze and keep his virtuousness and whoever is not able to marry, is recommended to fast, for fasting would diminish his sexual power. (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, and this is their wording, also related by Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhy, and Al-Nasa'y)

In the Hadith that relates the story of three people who went to ask about the worship of the Prophet (peace be upon him), when they were told about the Prophet's worship, they considered it to be little. In this story one of the three people said: I will keep away from women and will not marry forever. The Prophet (peace be upon him) told that man and his companions that he (peace be upon him) fasts and breaks his fast, prays and sleeps and also marries women. Then he said, "So he who does not follow my Sunnah is not from me (not one of my followers)." The Hadith of this story is related in full by Al-Bukhari. This story includes a sign from the Prophet (peace be upon him) warning against monasticism practiced by men and women among the Jews and Christians. The woman asking this question should not stay without a husband. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta

excelsiorfarm: Have you ever thought of packing food items.This a process whereby you get food items & pack them into suitable containers for stores,office workers etc.Iam not talking of cooking foods & packing in containers for sales either for lunch break or for travellers,though that is another business you can do with less than 30000 naira.

I love this, pls have sent u mail to ur inbox, check ur inbox and reply me sir

usermane: Salaam.
Good day ayeen02. You give the impression that you either didn't read my thread 's op or you just glanced it for 6.5 mins. Please if am right, go back to it and study it vigorously. The quoted verses are no figment of my imagination. They are verses of the Statute Book.

Back to hijab issue.
Qur'an 24:31
"Khimar" in the verse has been generally distorted to mean headscarf. According to typical arabic or Qur'an, a "khimar" is a cover or shield of any material. A "khimar" could be a scarf,veil,headtie,jacket,carpet,curtain,wrapper,skirt, shirt e.t.c. The commandment is; "draw your veil/covering/clothes over your bosom", which simply means, cover your chest or bosom with your outfit. The word head,hair,face or neck wasn't mentioned in the verse. You can see the emphasis is soley on covering the bosom from lustful gaze.
Towards the end of this verse, we read; "do not strike your feet to draw attention to your hidden ornaments(zeenatahuna)...". Ornaments/beauty/adornment in the context of this verse refer not to jewelries but to attractive, lust inciting body parts like bosom,thighs and butt whose shape and size can be outlined by striking the feet while walking. Certainly jewelries like ring,necklace or wristwatches' revealing have nothing to do with striking one 's feet.

Qur'an 33:59
simply further explain 24:31 without adding more rulings. It is simple, pull or lengthen your garment or outfit over yourself to cover your unclothedness and this can be achieved by even just a skirt and blouse. Just ensure they aren't skin-fit. Outer garments or cloak is whatever is worn over the undergarments(vests,pants e.t.c). Provided the outfit is not skimpy or short, the extent of lengthening it or drawing it over the body is the personal choice of any woman.

Note my friend,how your translation is full of parenthesis to further explain the verses. The Qur'an is made up of 6348 verses, no parenthesis, no footnotes. What you find in the parenthesis are the translator 's own word,not GOD 's. They could sometimes be wrong as in the above dress code verses.

Pls,let 's stop this attitude of self righteousness. Recall righteousness is the best clothing Qur'an 7:26. One must not try to appear righteous, one must try to be righteous. A righteous woman doesn't have to wear niqab,abaya or khimar to be respected. That she is not using the above garment doesn't mean she is unclad or immoral. If as a woman you insist you must don a khimar,abaya or niqab to look decent, different story, but to claim these specific dresses are scriptural commandments is to err. Even the Torah and Gospel didn't ask women to cover their head,hair,face or all over from head to toe.

I can now see ur level of ignorance and I will not quote you again because of ur ignorance and again the topic is not meant for ignorant people but for those who are ready to follow the commandment of Allah.

SALAM

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta (FATWA)

QUESTION 17:
Pig is used in many industries and commercial products, especially its fat, marrow, and hair. Since lard

(Part No. 22; Page No. 280)

and marrow are used as catalysts, product labels do not mention them due to the small quantity that the law does not forbid. However, a Muslim cannot know these matters, and I wish to stress certain points since I am responsible before Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). In most cases, there is no difference between the products sold here and in our countries. Some of the products including lard or marrow may be sold in our Muslim countries without a warning. Laws here oblige companies to list the main ingredients of their products. Unfortunately, there is no monitoring or accurate testing in our countries to check if prohibited substances are included in products or not. Generally, lard and marrow are used in the following industries:

1- Cheddar cheese: Such as Kraft's products as one of its top officials admitted on German television.

2- Jelly: which is a gelatinous substance used in producing many types of sweets and ice creams.

3- Many women's cosmetics, creams, toothpastes, and some toothbrushes that are made from pig's hair.

(Part No. 22; Page No. 281)

4- Some medical products, such as insulin that is basically taken from the pig's pancreas.

5- Some extracts taken from different glands of the pig are used in the pharmaceutical industry.

Is pig and dog hair impure?

Alcohol may be used as a solvent in some industries; therefore, can a Muslim perform Salah (prayer) in the clothes sprinkled with alcohol at work? I am asking about the tangible impurity of alcohol.


ANSWER:
If a Muslim is sure, or partly sure, that pig's meat, fat or marrow are used in a particular food, medicine, toothpaste or the like, it is not permissible for them to eat, drink, or rub it against their skin. It is better to avoid doubtful substances, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Leave what causes you doubt to what does not cause you doubt."

May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.

http://alifta.org/Search/ResultDetails.aspx?languagename=en&lang=en&view=result&fatwaNum=&FatwaNumID=&ID=8530&searchScope=7&SearchScopeLevels1=&SearchScopeLevels2=&highLight=1&SearchType=exact&SearchMoesar=false&bookID=&LeftVal=0&RightVal=0&simple=&SearchCriteria=allwords&PagePath=&siteSection=1&searchkeyword=112105103#firstKeyWordFound

Anvaller: @OP I beg to disagree with you. U can not categorically state that a woman who doesn't wear hijab is committing a sin or will go to hell. Now u have quoted 2 verses from 2 surahs and u went ahead and said it was explicitly ordered. Well Alfa, nothing is explicit about the order of Hijab in the quoted verses. Did u not read it?

You don't need to disagree with me, am I the one who revealed the Quran to the prophet (SAW), Allah said in Q33:59 that
‘O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks ("Jalabib" veils all over their bodies that is most convenient that they should be known (as such) and not molested: and Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful."

MY QUESTION FOR YOU IS THAT, ARE U NOT AMONG THE BELIEVING WOMAN?

Anvaller: Do u want to know what is explicit? What is explicit in those verses is that women should cover their modesty, they should wear clothes "garments" that cover their bosoms. Now we all know what bosom is. And what is also clear is that there is an exception, "except the parts that are apparent thereof" so which part of a woman can reveal the beauty of a woman apparently? The face, the hair, the arms and the legs (if she has beautiful arms and legs)

That's your personal opinion, Allah said in Quran that "O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye DIFFER IN ANYTHING among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination (4:59)
So, the case of Hijab and Jilibab must refer to what Allah and his Prophet (SAW) said, not personal opinion. Islam is not based on Personal ideology or opinion

Anvaller: @
Any Muslim woman who wants to wear hijab can wear it but u should stop imposing it as if it is obligatory for all Muslim women. What is obligatory is to dress modestly and not expose ur "vital" body parts or clothes that are too tight on you. What I expect from this kind of teaching from Alfas like u is teach women on the importance of dressing modestly, and what God says about dressing modestly, that is the bottom line.

Again from surat nur,
24:31 And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's unclothedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed

POINTS IN ABOVE VERSE ARE:
1. To display of their adornment only that which is apparent;

2. to draw their veils over their bosoms:

3. and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers,

From point no 1, Allah mentioned "display of their adornment" that's ur clothes, ur jeweries etc

and from point 2, He said "to draw their VEILS over their bosoms that's to cover all that HE mentioned in point 1,

And to understand d verses very well from point 3, Allah said "and not to reveal ur adornment(clothes, IRO and BUBA, BLOUSE and SKIRT, jeweries) to anybody except ur HUSBAND, ur FATHER, ur HUSBAND's FATHER..........

LASTLY, one other evidence from book of Allah which confirms that d generality of Muslim women are ordered to wear d JALABIB which is not the same as ur IRO and BUBA or ordinary clothes is,

Allah said in Q24:60;
And (as for) women advanced in years who do not hope for a marriage, it is no sin for them if they put off their clothes without displaying their ornaments; and if they restrain themselves it is better for them; and Allah is Hearing, Knowing

The above verse means that "it is no sin on them if they put off their clothes I.e JALIBAB and they appear b4 men in their indoor and normal dress provided they do not throw away prudence and excite lust.

nikegbade: To sisters, please whatever it is halal in islam, don't let us make it haram via our mere worldly interest. May Allah giv us d strenght to pass all d test of dis dunya. If my husband wake me tomorrow $ tell me he's interested in mohsna. Toh! Bismilahi. I'l support him. May Allah guide us right

Good sermon

nbright: True... I have Muslim friends that vowed never to marry more than one wife... I don't think a man can love four women equally...

Let him marry d first wife b4 he can decide maybe to stick with one or more

Can someone love all his children equally? If NO, then you can't love all ur wives equally

Seriousbusiness: This question should be directed to matured men not boys.When I was younger,I hate polygamy with passion but now that Ve grown up,I think I can support polygamy.If you ve ever been heart broken b4 as a man,nobody will tell you to go for polygamy.
Moreover,why is it that polygamous men always live longer than monogamous men?
So I go for polygamy 100% so far you are capable.

Yes, matured men shud contribute not boys, infact having 2 wives is far better than having one wife with experience

Double post

usermane: PEACE TO YOU ALL

Hello everyone and what a beautiful morning. Got a small token in form of an exposé please. You may thank me later.

I respect most of these girls' excuses for not wearing 'hijab' even though majority are oblivious that hijab is not obligatory. I put the quotation marks because that word in regard to dress code is not in the Qur'an at all. How do you as a person expect all women to put on that black abaya,drooping over the ground when ever they go out? Even in the heat?
See, i used to believe the hijab was an obligation. I used to listen to muslim clerics talk about it mandation by the Qur'an. But you know what gave them away, it was the verses(Qur'an 24:31, 33:59) that gave them away.

24:31 Thank GOD,the verse said,'draw your veil over your bosom', not the head. A 'veil' is a piece, that covers something. It could be wrapper, sheet,blouse e.t.c. The command is not to be covered from head to toe but to dress without revealing certain parts of their bodies that incite lust. Otherwise head, neck ears,hand could have been stated. GOD explains His verses in detail.
33:59 command women to draw their cloth or garment over their body. How again is this talking about the so called hijab?

In summary cover your bodies properly especially the parts that could incite lust or molestation like the bosom. You don't need a 'jilbaab' or 'abaya' to do this.

Hijab,Abaya and Niqab are misconceptions among muslims. Please check here for some other misconceptions:
https://www.nairaland.com/1493271/ten-misconception-among-muslims

From ur comment and going through ur thread I realized that you don't know NOTHING, I repeat NOTHING about islam, and I'm not surprised abt ur comment because ISLAM is based on knowledge not ignorance.

Islam based on Quran and Authentic Hadith of the Prophet (SAW), and understanding of his Companions on particular verses of the Quran


I know that u have so many doubts if the Hijab and Niqab is not in Islam. let us start with these Quranic verses:

“And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; That they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what is apparent of it and that they should draw their veils over their bosoms.” (Surah Noor 24:31)


''O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks ("Jalabib" veils all over their bodies (screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way Tafseer Al-Qurtabi) that is most convenient that they should be known (as such) and not molested: and Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful." (Surah Al-Ahzab: 59)


This verse tells us that d beauty and ornaments should not be displayed-except that which is apparent.

No one can dispute the fact that the wives, daughters and Sahabi women covered their faces. If you don’t believe in that too, read these Sahih Hadith:

Narrated Safiya bint Shaiba:

‘Aisha used to say: “When (the Verse): “They should draw their veils over their necks and bosoms,” was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their faces with the cut pieces.”

Volume 6, Book 60, Number 282: (Sahih Bukhari)

It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: “The riders used to pass by us when we were with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in ihraam.When they came near, each of us would lower her jilbaab from her head over her face, and when they passed by we would uncover (our faces).” [Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1833; Ahmad, 24067]

Narrated ‘Aisha:

Allah’s Apostle used to offer the Fajr prayer and some believing women covered with their veiling sheets used to attend the Fajr prayer with him and then they would return to their homes UNRECOGNIZED.

Volume 1, Book 8, Number 368: (Sahih Bukhari)

Aisha (RA) mentioned the women of Ansar, praised them and said good words about them. She then said: “When Surat an-Nur came down, they took the curtains, tore them and made veils from them.” [Sunann Abi Dawud Hadith No. 3577]

These Hadith will clarify the fact that Sahabi women and the Ummahtul Mu’mineen covered their faces. Now tell me, if the wives and daughters of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), whom we have to follow in order to be true believing women, covered their faces, isn’t that something highly recommended? And if it’s highly recommended, shouldn’t we all be following it?

So, you can't understand the verses of the Quran untill you ask what Prophet said abt the verses and d understanding of the companions of the Prophet(SAW)

.

truthman2012: You goofed here, your quote is wrong. It is not 3:5 but 5:3.

You have raised another questionable point. ....''THIS DAY I have perfected your religion for you''. Can't you see deception in that statement?

If allah actually perfected islam for muslim on the day he made that remark, why did he continue to give more instructions after that day? Did he forget something?

Oh! I made a mistake I will edit it. Alhamdulilah, you know the verse from d Quran by urself, have u ever seen that statement from any other religion book except in the Quran, can u bring such from ur book? Capital NO

truthman2012: Wait a minute: you are no more active as usual. Your rubber bullets have been exhausted? When you were firing everyday, I told one of your muslim brothers, evilvirus by name on NL that what you have is rubber bullets and would soon be finished. Am I not right now?

I don't need to waste my time with u anymore, you people know the truth and I don't blame u people but I blamed the poverty level of the country.

You(christians) have been shouting of OGUN AYE OGUN AYE, but OGUN AYE still continue,

you(christians) have bn shouting of "bring all ur problem to christ" but problem still continue every blessed day in d country

You(christians) have bn shouting of OGUN OSO, OGUN AJE but OSO and AJE still increasing everyday

You(christians) have bn shouting "if u don't have HUBAND or WIFE christ will provide" but reverse is the case in d church and many more

So, u people know the truth but u refused to follow it because of worldly material. May God will let u know d truth as truth and falsehood as falshood

@OP, I believe one day u will hug d transformer about islam, don't worry very soon u will commit suicide when u see ur pastors convertn to islam.

We, as a muslims we don't need to fear because Allah has said that, ....... this day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. 5:3

Story of Jesus Christ was 'fabricated to pacify the poor', claims controversial Biblical scholar


A controversial American biblical scholar is set to make his first appearance in London next week to present a discovery that he claims proves the story of Jesus Christ was invented as a system of mind control to enslave the poor.

Joseph Atwill, who is the author of a book entitled 'Caesar's Messiah: The Roman Conspiracy to Invent Jesus', asserts that Christianity did not begin as a religion, but was actually a sophisticated government propaganda exercise used to pacify the subjects of the Roman Empire.

At the 'Covert Messiah' conference, to be held at the Conway Hall in Holborn a week on Saturday, Mr Atwill will present his theory that the New Testament was written by first-century Roman aristocrats and that they entirely fabricated the story of Jesus Christ.

Outlining his ideas in a blog posting on his website Mr Atwill writes: "Christianity may be considered a religion, but it was actually developed and used as a system of mind control to produce slaves that believed God decreed their slavery."

Mr Atwill says that acts of insurrection by Jewish sects, who were awaiting the arrival of a so-called 'warrior Messiah' in Palestine, were a perpetual problem for the Roman Empire and that after the Empire had exhausted all traditional means of dealing with the problem they resorted to psychological warfare.

"They surmised that the way to stop the spread of zealous Jewish missionary activity was to create a competing belief system," Atwill told PRWeb.com

"That's when the 'peaceful' Messiah story was invented.

"Instead of inspiring warfare, this Messiah urged turn-the-other-cheek pacifism and encouraged Jews to 'give onto Caesar' and pay their taxes to Rome."

Mr Atwill continues: "Although Christianity can be a comfort to some, it can also be very damaging and repressive, an insidious form of mind control that has led to blind acceptance of serfdom, poverty, and war throughout history.

To this day, especially in the United States, it is used to create support for war in the Middle East."

Elsewhere, Mr Atwill also writes: “In fact he [Jesus] may be the only fictional character in literature whose entire life story can be traced to other sources. Once those sources are all laid bare, there’s simply nothing left.”

Atwill says he made his discovery when while studying the New Testament alongside the 'War of the Jews' by Josephus - the only surviving first-person historical account of first-century Judea.

Mr Atwill claims that he began to notice a sequence of parallels between the two texts.

"What seems to have eluded many scholars is that the sequence of events and locations of Jesus ministry are more or less the same as the sequence of events and locations of the military campaign of [Emperor] Titus Flavius as described by Josephus," Atwill claims.

"This is clear evidence of a deliberately constructed pattern", he continues.

"The biography of Jesus is actually constructed, tip to stern, on prior stories, but especially on the biography of a Roman Caesar."

Richard Dawkins, the English evolutionary biologist and author, well known for his anti-religion views, yesterday tweeted a link to the press release advertising the event in London.

However, he later tweeted: "RT doesn't imply endorsement. I'm not qualified to judge Atwill's thesis. Just thought it might be worth a look."

Mr Atwill's theory is simply one of a number of what are known as Bible conspiracy theories.

These theories commonly include the suggestion that secret societies, mystery schools and other religions used the fictional story of Christ to unify the Roman Empire under one state religion.


http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/story-of-jesus-christ-was-fabricated-to-pacify-the-poor-claims-controversial-biblical-scholar-8870879.html

Around 5,000 British people convert to Islam every year – and most of them are women. Five of them talk about prejudice, peace and praying in car parks




1. IONI SULLIVAN:

Ioni Sullivan, local authority worker, 37, East Sussex

I'm married to a Muslim and have two children. We live in Lewes, where I'm probably the only hijabi in the village.

I was born and raised in a middle-class, left-leaning, atheist family; my father was a professor, my mother a teacher. When I finished my MPhil at Cambridge in 2000, I worked in Egypt, Jordan, Palestine and Israel. Back then, I had a fairly stereotypical view of Islam, but became impressed with the strength the people derived from their faith. Their lives sucked, yet nearly everyone I met seemed to approach their existence with a tranquillity and stability that stood in contrast to the world I'd left behind.

In 2001, I fell in love with and married a Jordanian from a fairly non-practising background. At first we lived a very western lifestyle, going out to bars and clubs, but around this time I started an Arabic course and picked up an English copy of the Qur'an. I found myself reading a book that claimed that the proof of God's existence was in the infinite beauty and balance of creation, not one that asked me to believe God walked the Earth in human form; I didn't need a priest to bless me or a sacred place to pray. Then I started looking into other Islamic practices that I'd dismissed as harsh: fasting, compulsory charity, the idea of modesty. I stopped seeing them as restrictions on personal freedom and realised they were ways of achieving self-control.

In my heart, I began to consider myself a Muslim, but didn't feel a need to shout about it; part of me was trying to avoid conflict with my family and friends. In the end it was the hijab that "outed" me to wider society: I began to feel I wasn't being true to myself if I didn't wear it. It caused some friction, and humour, too: people kept asking in hushed tones if I had cancer. But I've been pleasantly surprised at how little it has mattered in any meaningful relationship I have.


2. ANITA NAYYAR
Anita Nayyar, social psychologist and gender equalities activist, 31, London

Anita Nayyar: 'One of the biggest challenges I face is the prohibition of women from the mosque.'

As an Anglo-Indian with Hindu grandparents who lived through the partition of India and Pakistan, and saw family shot by a Muslim gang, I was brought up with a fairly dim view of what it was to be Muslim.

I was a very religious Christian, involved in the church, and wanted to become a vicar. At 16, I opted for a secular college, which is where I made friends with Muslims. I was shocked by how normal they were, and how much I liked them. I started debates, initially to let them know what a terrible religion they followed, and I started to learn that it wasn't too different from Christianity. In fact, it seemed to make more sense. It took a year and a half before I got to the point of conversion, and I became a Muslim in 2000, aged 18. My mother was disappointed and my father quietly accepting. Other members of my family felt betrayed.

I used to wear a scarf, which can mean many things. It can be a signifier of one's faith, which is helpful when you don't wish to be chatted up or invited to drink. It can attract negative attention from people who stereotype "visibly" Muslim women as oppressed or terrorist. It can also get positive reactions from the Muslim community.

But people expect certain behaviour from a woman in a headscarf, and I started to wonder whether I was doing it for God or to fulfil the role of "the pious woman". In the end, not wearing the scarf has helped make my faith invisible again and allowed me to revisit my personal relationship with God.

One of the biggest challenges I face is the prohibition of women from the mosque. It's sad to go somewhere, ready to connect with a higher being, only to be asked to leave because women are not allowed. In the past, I have prayed in car parks, my office corridor and in a fried chicken shop. The irony is that while my workplace would feel it discriminatory to stop me praying, some mosques do not.

3. DR. ANNIE (AMINA) COXON

Dr Annie (Amina) Coxon, consultant physician and neurologist, 72, London

Dr Annie (Amina) Coxon: 'After 9/11, my relationship with my sister-in-law changed and I am no longer welcome in their home.

I'm English back to the Normans. I was brought up in the US and Egypt, before coming to boarding school in the UK at six, then doing medical training in London and the US. I've been married twice, have three stepchildren and five stepgrandchildren.

I converted 21 years ago. It was the result of a long search for a more spiritual alternative to Catholicism. Initially, I didn't consider Islam because of the negative image in the media. The conversion process was gradual and ultimately guided by the example of the mother of the current Sultan of Oman – one of my patients – and by a series of dreams.

My family were initially surprised, but accepted my conversion. After 9/11, however, my relationship with my sister-in-law changed and I am no longer welcome in their home. I have friends for whom my conversion is an accepted eccentricity, but I lost many superficial ones because of it.

When I converted, I was told by the imam that I should dress modestly, but didn't need to wear the hijab because I was already old. During Ramadan, however, I do warn patients that I'll look a bit different if they see me coming back from the mosque. The response has been fascination rather than repulsion.

I tried to join various Islamic communities: Turkish, Pakistani and Moroccan. I went to the Moroccan mosque for three years without one person greeting me or wishing me "Eid Mubarak". I had cancer and not one Muslim friend (except a very holy old man) came to pray with me in nine months of treatment. But these are small annoyances compared with what I've gained: serenity, wisdom and peace. I've now finally found my Muslim community and it is African.

Many Muslims come to London as immigrants. Their ethnic identity is tied to the mosque; they don't want white faces there. We are pioneers. There will be a time when white converts won't be seen as freaks.


4. KRISTIANE BACKER

Kristiane Backer, TV presenter, 47, London

Kristiane Backer: 'It has been a challenge transforming my TV work in line with my new-found values.'

I grew up in Germany in a Protestant but not terribly religious family, then in 1989 moved to London to present on MTV Europe. I interviewed everyone from Bob Geldof to David Bowie, worked hard and partied hard, but something was missing. At a moment of crisis, I was introduced to the cricketer Imran Khan. He gave me books on Islam and invited me to travel with him through Pakistan. Those trips opened a new dimension in my life, an awareness of spirituality. The Muslims I met touched me profoundly through their generosity, dignity and readiness to sacrifice for others. The more I read, the more Islam attracted me. I converted in 1995.

When the German media found out, a negative press campaign followed and within no time my contract was terminated. It was the end of my entertainment career. It has been a challenge transforming my TV work in line with my new-found values, but I am working on a Muslim culture and lifestyle show. I feel I have a bridging role to play between the Muslim heritage community and society at large.

Most Muslims marry young, often with the help of their families, but I converted at 30. When I was still single 10 years later, I decided to look online. There, I met and fell in love with a charming, Muslim-born TV producer from Morocco who lived in the US. We had a lot in common and married in 2006. But his interpretation of Islam became a way of controlling me: I was expected to give up my work, couldn't talk to men and even had to cut men out of old photographs. I should have stood up to him, because a lot of what he asked of me was not Islamic but cultural, but I wanted to make the marriage work. I am now looking for a trusting Muslim husband who is more focused on the inner values of Islam than on outward restrictions.

I have no regrets. On the contrary: my life now has meaning and that is priceless.


5. ANDREA CHISHTI
Andrea Chishti, reflexologist and secondary school teacher, 47, Watford

Andrea Chishti: 'Islam has strengthened my ethics and morals.

I have been happily married for 18 years to a British-born Muslim of Pakistani origins. We have a son, 11, and a daughter, eight.

Fida and I met at university in 1991. My interest in Islam was a symbiosis of love and intellectual ideas. Fida wanted a Muslim family, and by 1992 my interest in Islam had developed significantly, so I chose to convert. It took us three more years to get married. During that time, we battled things out, met friends and families, agreed on how to live together.

I grew up in Germany, in a household where religion did not play a prominent role. My father was an atheist, but my mother and my school left me with a conviction that spirituality was important. When I converted, my father thought it was crazy, but he liked my husband; even so, he bought me a little flat so I "could always come back". My mother was shocked, horrified even. We had a typical Pakistani wedding with Fida's large extended family, and I moved to another country, so it was a lot for her to deal with. His family were not all happy either, because they'd have preferred someone from a Muslim background.

I don't feel I need to dress differently. I don't feel I need to wear hijab in my daily life, but I am very comfortable wearing it in public when performing religious duties. I don't wear it also out of consideration for my mother, because it was a huge issue for her.

I was a sensible teenager. I didn't drink. I am a teacher. So, I didn't drop out of an old life to find a new onee. But Islam has strengthened my ethics and morals, and given a good foundation for our family life.

You sometimes feel like a "trophy" because you are white. If you go to a gathering, everyone wants to help and teach you and take you under their wing, up to the point where I found it suffocating. But, mostly, a lot of conversion problems are human problems, women's problems.




www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/11/islam-converts-british-women-prejudice

WHAT STOPS YOU FROM WEARING THE HIJAB?


10 years ago, you’d find almost every Muslim woman with the Hijab, but now, most women make excuses for not wearing the Hijab. Fast forward another 10 years and who knows if we’d find as many Hijabis as we find now, may Allah save us!

So here are a few excuses people make for not wearing the Hijab, and the solutions for it in case you find yourself in a position where you have to convince a non-Hijabi on the stern obligation of the Hijab.



1. HIJAB ISN’T NECESSARY 

Lately, I’ve come across quite a lot of pages online saying the Hijab isn’t obligatory in Islam. I don’t know how they can even manage to say something like that when the Hijab is ordered explicitly in the Quran in Surah Al-Ahzab and Surah Noor.

“And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; That they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what is apparent of it and that they should draw their veils over their bosoms.” (Surah Noor 24:31)
‘O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks ("Jalabib" veils all over their bodies that is most convenient that they should be known (as such) and not molested: and Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful." (Surah Al-Ahzaab: 59) 



If a woman calls herself a Muslim, it means that she’s convinced that Islam is the truth. If she is convinced that Islam is the truth, how can she not be convinced of the orders and laws in Islam? Now, seeing as the Hijab is an order in Islam ordained by Allah and revealed in the Quran, how can she not follow an order of Allah? A true Muslim woman will be in her Hijab wherever she is and she’ll never make excuses for not wearing it.

2. MY PARENTS DON’T ALLOW ME TO WEAR THE HIJAB 

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said “There is no obedience to the creation in the disobedience of Allah”. [Ahmed]

How can you obey your parents while disobeying Allah, who created your parents in the first place? You have to obey your parents-yes- but you can disobey them when they make you disobey Allah. Allah has said in the Quran : “But if they strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not.” [Sura Luqmaan 31:15]

3. I WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO FIND A JOB WITH MY HIJAB/ MY JOB DOESN’T ALLOW ME TO WORK WITH THE HIJAB

If you go out, you have to be in your Hijab. There are no “but”s, there are no “if”s. If you think that wearing the Hijab is going to stop you from finding work, remember this is nothing but the whispers of Shaytan. There are some companies that do not allow the Hijab, but even if there are 10 such companies there surely should be at least 1 company that allow you to wear the Hijab, right?

If your workplace doesn’t permit the Hijab, find another job. Remember that you sacrificed your job for Allah so He will look into helping you. Allah says in the Quran “And whoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty) and He will provide him from sources he never could imagine” [Sura At-Talaaq 65:2-3].
Subhanallah, isn’t this not a big enough guarantee for you? What do you think is bigger: this excuse for not wearing the Hijab or Allah’s promise in the Quran? Think for yourself.

4. I’M TOO YOUNG FOR THE HIJAB!

When Angel of death comes, he doesn’t send a postcard. You never know if you’ll be alive tomorrow, so how can you say you’ll wear the Hijab when you’re older? Sisters, don’t wait for your funeral shroud to be the first time you wear the Hijab. Wear the Hijab now- you know it an obligation- and every moment you’re out without it, you’re earning for yourself the wrath of Allah. Is it worth it?

5. IT’S SOOO HOT UNDER THE HIJAB!

Yes it is- maybe sometimes, but certainly not always. And remember, Hell is way hotter.
“Say: The Fire of Hell is more intense in heat if they only understand” [Sura At-Taubah 9:81]

The heat of this world is nothing in comparison to the heat of the Fire. Are you ready to face the heat of this world or the heat of Jahannam? The Sahaba women managed to cover themselves completely, from head to toe, and that was in the desert. Subhanallah! How hot can the desert sun be? And here we are, making excuses for not wearing the Hijab just because we’d have to endure a little bit of heat for a short time. Is it even justifiable?

6. I CAN’T HIDE MY BEAUTY WITH THE HIJAB! 

Firstly, the Hijab doesn’t hide your beauty. It only makes you a lot more beautiful. You know who the most beautiful woman is? She’s the one who covers herself for the sake of Allah and when you cover for the sake of Allah, that in itself, makes you a thousand times more beautiful!

Secondly, who gave you your beauty? Isn’t it a blessing from Allah? And what kind of gratitude are you showing to Allah for having blessed you with beauty when you disobey His order of the Hijab? If Allah has given you beauty, the best way of thanking Him for it is by doing what He has asked you to. 


7. I’LL WEAR THE HIJAB WHEN I’M READY 

Sisters, there’s absolutely nothing to be ‘ready’ for. Hijab is ordered in the Quran, and if you’re waiting until you’re ready to wear it, that time might never come. And is this the excuse you’re going to give Allah on the Day of Judgement when He asks you what stopped you from wearing the Hijab? Think about it.

8. NO ONE WILL MARRY ME IF I WEAR THE HIJAB 

If a man is unwilling to marry you for the simple reason that you wear the Hijab, know that that man isn’t worth marrying in the first place. Are you willing to marry a man who doesn’t want to follow the commands of Allah? A real man and a real husband would obviously want his wife to be covered in the Hijab. Don’t sacrifice your Deen for a man. And just a small note: there are plenty of men out there who are more than willing to marry a girl with the Hijab. Don’t take your hijab off just because the one you’re going to marry doesn’t want you to wear it. Again, there is absolutely no obedience to the creation in the disobedience of Allah.

9. I’D FEEL WEIRD WITH THE HIJAB

Why should you feel weird by obeying Allah? You should only feel weird when you disobey Allah!

"Islam started as something strange and it would revert to its (old position) of being strange. So good tidings for the strangers.
(Sahih Muslim, Book 1 : Hadith 270)

Sisters, there’s nothing to feel weird about with the Hijab. Remember that the Hijab is a beautiful gift for you from Allah. It helps you guard your modesty, your chastity, upholds your dignity, defines your femininity, demands respect for your womanhood and gives you a sense of liberation and security no other piece of clothing can offer. How can you feel weird when you’re wearing the most amazing dress?

10. PEOPLE WILL CALL ME A TERRORIST IF I WEAR THE HIJAB

So be it. Let people call you whatever they want. Remember that you’re doing this for Allah, not for people so don’t make the opinions of people matter. Only the opinion of Allah does. Hold tight to the rope of Allah and obey His commands- and don’t worry a bit about what people say! Let them say all they want. You’re doing what Allah has asked you to do, so stand tall and strong! You’re a Muslim woman!!!


*           *          * 

Dear sisters, remember that no excuse comes even close to justifying your reasons for not wearing the Hijab. As a Muslimah, you're way too precious to be on display for every single man to see. All the fashionable dresses, all the glamourous make-up and jewelry and all the flashy hairstyles will please people- not Allah. And do you think it’s worth pleasing people at the cost of displeasing Allah, your Creator?

Finally, remember that the Hijab is a lot more than just a headscarf. Hijab is a way of life and it should be with you wherever you go. Wear the perfect Hijab, please Allah and give us all Muslims a reason to hold our heads high! Now go show the world that you are a Hijabi!


Source:


WASHINGTON, October 11, 2013 — 

This week, thousands of American Muslims are departing from the United States to travel to Saudi Arabia, where they will perform the Islamic Hajj.  The travelers, traditionally called “Hajjis” (‘pilgrims’) will travel to the cities of Medina, where Islam’s Prophet Muhammad is buried, and the Makkah, where the Kaaba is located. According to Islamic beliefs, Hajj is required at least once for each individual who can afford to attend at some point in their lifetimes.

“More than 3 million pilgrims made hajj last year, including 1.7 million people from outside Saudi Arabia. This year the Saudis are issuing fewer hajj visas, although close to 3 million people are expected, including more than 14,500 American pilgrims,” says Religion News Service⁠. 


The State Department⁠ notes that “The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia, and the largest mass gathering in the world.”

The American Muslims will be joined by Muslim pilgrims from around the world, and will participate in traditional Hajj practices. Aspects of Hajj include walking around the Kaaba seven times in “tawaf”; running between the hills of Safa and Marwa; spending a day in the tent city of Arafat; spending a night outdoors and under the stars in the city of Muzdalifa; and travelling to the city of Mina to throw pebbles at Shaitan (“Satan” in English). Upon completion of the pilgrimage, many Muslims utilize the title of “Al-Hajj” (“The Pilgrim”) with their names, appearing as a prefix similar to “Mr.” or “Dr.”

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Much of the Hajj must be done while wearing special clothing, an unstitched garb consisting of two cloth pieces for men, and a less stringent requirement for women to wear simple, plain clothing. For the most part, the pilgrims will only wear white.


Prominent American civil rights leader, Malcolm el-Shabazz (“Malcolm X”), cited Hajj as the reason for abandoning his opposition to unity amongst races in the United States. As quoted in his biography, he wrote of Hajj:

“There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blondes to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and non-white…

 “…During the past eleven days here in the Muslim world, I have eaten from the same plate, drunk from the same glass, and slept on the same rug - while praying to the same God - with fellow Muslims, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was the whitest of white. And in the words and in the deeds of the white Muslims, I felt the same sincerity that I felt among the black African Muslims of Nigeria, Sudan and Ghana.” (From The Autobiography of Malcolm X)

After returning from Hajj, el-Shabazz preached a message of racial unity and harmony, and was soon assassinated, in part, academics believe, for abandoning his previous radical beliefs. In the approximately fifty years since, the worldwide Muslim population has grown significantly, accounting for the now millions of Hajj pilgrims.


 “There are an estimated 1.6 billion Muslims around the world, making Islam the world’s second-largest religious tradition after Christianity,” says a report from Pew Research’s FactTank⁠.

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“Although many people, especially in the United States, may associate Islam with countries in the Middle East or North Africa, nearly two-thirds (62%) of Muslims live in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the Pew Research analysis. In fact, more Muslims live in India and Pakistan (344 million combined) than in the entire Middle East-North Africa region (317 million).”

The same report asserts that approximately 3.5 million Muslims currently live in the United States.

To reduce the amount of people in the city each year, the Saudi government has controversially established quotas limiting the number of visas granted each year to citizens of each country. This year, the quota for each country has been reduced by 20%. England recently was told that their quota would be reduced to a mere 17,000 individuals. ​

​Some countries have complained about the quota system in general, stating the practice violates Islamic law and is unnecessary. The critics believe proper management of the religious sites could allow for significantly more pilgrims to attend each year.

Saudi Arabia claims the reduction is necessary to facilitate safe and timely construction to expand the Hajj facilities, which is expected to take several years.  

Saudi Ambassador Ibrahim Mustofa Al Mubarak claims that typically, the Grand Mosque  in Makkah receives 48,000 pilgrims per hour, but the renovations will bring the capacity of the Hajj facilities up to more than 100,000 pilgrims per hour. Responding to complaints about the reduced quota requirement, the Saudi government has promised to freeze fees and costs for the next two years at 2013 levels.

Typically, American pilgrims to Hajj will return within two or three weeks of departure


http://c.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/american-muslim/2013/oct/11/more-14000-american-muslims-leave-pilgrimage-saudi/