Monday, 2 January 2012
Sunday, 1 January 2012
Pillars Of Islam
Iman or Faith
"There is none worthy of worship except God (Allah) and Muhammad is the messenger of God." This declaration of faith is called the Shahadah, a simple formula that all the faithful pronounce. The significance of this declaration is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey God, and this is achieved through the teachings and practices of the Last Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh).
Salah or Prayer
Salah is the name for the obligatory prayers that are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam and there are no priests. Prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Qur'an and is generally chosen by the congregation.
Prayers are said at dawn, mid-day, late-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. These five prescribed prayers contain verses from the Qur'an, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation. Personal supplications, however, can be offered in one's own language and at any time.
Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities. Oftentimes visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life.
A translation of the Adan or Call to Prayer is:
God is Great.
God is Great.
God is Great.
God is Great.
I testify that there is none worthy of worship except God.
I testify that there is none worthy of worship except God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Come to prayer!
Come to prayer!
Come to success!
Come to success!
God is Great!
God is Great!
There is none worthy of worship except God.
Zakah. The financial obligation upon Muslims.
An important principle of Islam is that everything belongs to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakah means both "purification" and "growth." Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need and for the society in general. Like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.
Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakah individually. This involves the annual payment of a fortieth of one's capital, excluding such items as primary residence, car and professional tools.
An individual may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqa-h, and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as "voluntary charity" it has a wider meaning.
The Prophet said, "Even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is an act of charity." The Prophet also said: "Charity is a necessity for every Muslim." He was asked: "What if a person has nothing?" The Prophet replied: "He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity." The Companions of the Prophet asked: "What if he is not able to work?" The Prophet said: "He should help the poor and needy." The Companions further asked: "What if he cannot do even that?" The Prophet said: "He should urge others to do good." The Companions said: "What if he lacks that also?" The Prophet said: "He should check himself from doing evil. That is also an act of charity."
Sawm or Fasting
Every year in the month of Ramada-n, all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown--abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations with their spouses.
Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing, are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year if they are healthy and able. Children begin to fast (and to observe prayers) from puberty, although many start earlier.
Although fasting is beneficial to health, it is mainly a method of self-purification and self-restraint. By cutting oneself from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person focuses on his or her purpose in life by constantly being aware of the presence of God. God states in the Qur'an: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self-restraint." (Qur'an 2:183)
Hajj or Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage to Makkah (the hajj) is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to do so. Nevertheless, over two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another.
The annual hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar, so that hajj and Ramada-n fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter). Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments that strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God.
The rites of the hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include going around the Ka'bah seven times, and going seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa as did Hagar (Hajir, Abraham's wife) during her search for water. The pilgrims later stand together on the wide plains of 'Arafat (a large expanse of desert outside Makkah) and join in prayer for God's forgiveness, in what is often thought as a preview of the Day of Judgment.
The close of the hajj is marked by a festival, the 'Id al Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This and the 'Id al Fitr, a festive day celebrating the end of Ramadan, are the two holidays of the Islamic calendar.
"There is none worthy of worship except God (Allah) and Muhammad is the messenger of God." This declaration of faith is called the Shahadah, a simple formula that all the faithful pronounce. The significance of this declaration is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey God, and this is achieved through the teachings and practices of the Last Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh).
Salah or Prayer
Salah is the name for the obligatory prayers that are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam and there are no priests. Prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Qur'an and is generally chosen by the congregation.
Prayers are said at dawn, mid-day, late-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. These five prescribed prayers contain verses from the Qur'an, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation. Personal supplications, however, can be offered in one's own language and at any time.
Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities. Oftentimes visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life.
A translation of the Adan or Call to Prayer is:
God is Great.
God is Great.
God is Great.
God is Great.
I testify that there is none worthy of worship except God.
I testify that there is none worthy of worship except God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Come to prayer!
Come to prayer!
Come to success!
Come to success!
God is Great!
God is Great!
There is none worthy of worship except God.
Zakah. The financial obligation upon Muslims.
An important principle of Islam is that everything belongs to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakah means both "purification" and "growth." Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need and for the society in general. Like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.
Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakah individually. This involves the annual payment of a fortieth of one's capital, excluding such items as primary residence, car and professional tools.
An individual may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqa-h, and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as "voluntary charity" it has a wider meaning.
The Prophet said, "Even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is an act of charity." The Prophet also said: "Charity is a necessity for every Muslim." He was asked: "What if a person has nothing?" The Prophet replied: "He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity." The Companions of the Prophet asked: "What if he is not able to work?" The Prophet said: "He should help the poor and needy." The Companions further asked: "What if he cannot do even that?" The Prophet said: "He should urge others to do good." The Companions said: "What if he lacks that also?" The Prophet said: "He should check himself from doing evil. That is also an act of charity."
Sawm or Fasting
Every year in the month of Ramada-n, all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown--abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations with their spouses.
Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing, are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year if they are healthy and able. Children begin to fast (and to observe prayers) from puberty, although many start earlier.
Although fasting is beneficial to health, it is mainly a method of self-purification and self-restraint. By cutting oneself from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person focuses on his or her purpose in life by constantly being aware of the presence of God. God states in the Qur'an: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self-restraint." (Qur'an 2:183)
Hajj or Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage to Makkah (the hajj) is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to do so. Nevertheless, over two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another.
The annual hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar, so that hajj and Ramada-n fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter). Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments that strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God.
The rites of the hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include going around the Ka'bah seven times, and going seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa as did Hagar (Hajir, Abraham's wife) during her search for water. The pilgrims later stand together on the wide plains of 'Arafat (a large expanse of desert outside Makkah) and join in prayer for God's forgiveness, in what is often thought as a preview of the Day of Judgment.
The close of the hajj is marked by a festival, the 'Id al Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This and the 'Id al Fitr, a festive day celebrating the end of Ramadan, are the two holidays of the Islamic calendar.
Scientific Facts and Quran
Science: Finger tips can be used for Identification
Qur'an : Does man think We cannot assemble his bones?
Yes . . . We are able to put together in perfect
order the very tip of his fingers.
Qur'an : Does man think We cannot assemble his bones?
Yes . . . We are able to put together in perfect
order the very tip of his fingers.
Science : Atoms are found in pairs
Qur'an : Glory be to ALLAH, Who created in pairs all things
that the earth produces, as well as their own( human )
kind, and other things of which they have no knowledge.
Qur'an : Glory be to ALLAH, Who created in pairs all things
that the earth produces, as well as their own( human )
kind, and other things of which they have no knowledge.
Science : Honey is healing for mankind
Qur'an : Comes from their ( the bees ) belleis
a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing
for human being. Verily in this is a sign for people who reflect.
Qur'an : Comes from their ( the bees ) belleis
a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing
for human being. Verily in this is a sign for people who reflect.
Science : Separation of salt and sea water
Qur'an : Verily He is the One Who has joined
the two seas: this is palatable and sweet, and
this is salty and bitter. And He made a barrier
between the two of them, and a partition that is forbidden to be passed
Qur'an : Verily He is the One Who has joined
the two seas: this is palatable and sweet, and
this is salty and bitter. And He made a barrier
between the two of them, and a partition that is forbidden to be passed
Science : Milk as a wholesome meal
Qur'an : And verily for you in the cattle there
is an instructive sign ( lesson ). We give you to
drink of that which is in their bellies from
between excretions and blood, pure milk palatable to the drinkers.
Qur'an : And verily for you in the cattle there
is an instructive sign ( lesson ). We give you to
drink of that which is in their bellies from
between excretions and blood, pure milk palatable to the drinkers.
Science : Oceans have darkness under their surfaces
Qur'an : Or as darkness in a vast, deep sea,
there it covers waves, from above which are
waves, from above which are clouds. Darkness
on top of each other. If a man stretches out his
hand, he can hardly see it. And whoever ALLAH
does not make light for him, for him there is no light.
Qur'an : Or as darkness in a vast, deep sea,
there it covers waves, from above which are
waves, from above which are clouds. Darkness
on top of each other. If a man stretches out his
hand, he can hardly see it. And whoever ALLAH
does not make light for him, for him there is no light.
Science : Iron and steel
Qur'an : And We sent down Iron, in which is
severe strength and benefits for mankind.
Verily in this is a Sign for people who reflect.
Qur'an : And We sent down Iron, in which is
severe strength and benefits for mankind.
Verily in this is a Sign for people who reflect.
Science : Sun and Moon
Qur'an : It is not permitted to the sun to catch
up with the Moon, nor the night outstrip the Day. Each floats in an orbit.
Qur'an : It is not permitted to the sun to catch
up with the Moon, nor the night outstrip the Day. Each floats in an orbit.
Science : Creation of living creatures from water
Qur'an : We made from water every living thing.
Qur'an : We made from water every living thing.
Science : Mountains have roots inside the earth
Qur'an : Have We not made the earth as a
wide expanse, and the mountains as pegs.
Qur'an : Have We not made the earth as a
wide expanse, and the mountains as pegs.
ISLAM Terror Or Peace?
This past Friday a bomb blast rocked the American Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan. The act was carried out by a suicide bomber driving a Suzuki van into the surrounding protective barriers. The toll was 11 killed and numerous people injured. Those killed were primarily Pakistanis. Sadly it was but another violence wracked day in a long history of violence. Many mourned the violence, and long for peace and security. But some think otherwise..
Why has this brutal violence flared up once again? Why does it continue to occur over and over? Why do we see Islam and brutal violence together again and again? Why do those who kill act with such callous disregard for life, their own lives included? What is it that motivates them? What is it that brings men to fight what they perceive to be evil and destructive and in so doing become participants in far greater evil and destruction themselves? What is it about the heart of man that leads to this? What kind of worldview or mentality is it that persuades men that evil and brutality are good and necessary? To believe as the witches in Shakespeare’s Macbeth declared "that foul is fair, and fair is foul"?
A Pakistani Muslim friend told me some time ago of the corrupt grip of Islamic radicalism on the educational systems of Pakistan. He argued that it was the mullahs, the madrassas, certain Islamic student unions and their preying upon the disaffected intellectuals to the poverty stricken and frustrated, along with their intimidation of others, that led to such evil and violence. He said it was that the hopeless were indoctrinated into believing that by a 'heroic' death of murdering civilians, under the name or aim of Islamic expansion, there would be certain entry into paradise.
Recently I read of the publishing of an open letter to those who practice Islam. It called them to self-examination. To not side-step the heart issues, but to face them head on. It asked why is it that there is debate also in the North American Muslim community over the events of the past year? Why not unanimous and wholehearted condemnation of violence among those within the mosques and Islamic centers? Why there were/are feelings of sympathy, support, or even jubilation among some at the events of September 11? And disappointment by some that September 11 did not lead to the downfall of America, but appeared to be merely a bump in the road to that nation? Why do the same long for the implementation of sharia in North America and Europe? Is it the claimed desire for peace that rules, or is it for some at heart a hatred and callousness against any who would stand in the way of a lust for power and control? Can there really ever be true peace or happiness within a worldview founded by violence and intimidation? Or will it prove itself to be merely a vortex of increasing suspicion and violence leading to self-destruction? These are questions that must be answered if truth and peace are truly to prevail.
The prophet Isaiah spoke of the day when the Promised One would come (Isaiah 9:6-7). The Prince of Peace is Jesus Christ. This is illustrated when he spoke of the day when the Child would be born and His name would be called "Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" and whose peace would increase and come to prevail by the power of the Lord. The Bible teaches this many times in the Injil, or Gospel. In John chapter 18:1-11, we read of the account of Jesus' wrongful arrest, and how his disciple Peter drew his sword and attacked his enemies, cutting the ear off one. Jesus tells Peter to put away his sword. The same event is recorded in the writing of Luke who gives us the added information that Jesus at the same time healed the man who had been injured. (Luke 22:51) Time and again we see the Gospel teaching that Jesus came to bring peace -- that is peace with God, reconciling men to God through His sacrifice for their sins. He taught time and again that the fruit, the result of peace with God will be at peace with your fellow man. Jesus said "You have heard that it was said, 'you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hurt you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be the sons of your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:43-45)
The Bible teaches that Jesus' death was a self-sacrifice of love. Love for men and women who by their sin had become the enemies of God. Jesus took upon Himself the punishment and penalty of God's wrath against sinners -- those who rejected and ignored God and His true way. That is real grace and love -- forgiveness by God, through Jesus for everyone who will repent of sin and seek forgiveness by Him. So it is the love of Jesus Christ -- who died selflessly for those who least deserved it, who sought forgiveness even for those who treated Him violently and abusively, and who taught that true religion can never be advanced by the sword -- it is His love that stands in stark contrast to the beliefs of those who live by violence. It is His love that makes men willing to peacefully stand up for truth, even if the cost is death. (consider the Christians who died while worshipping in the Protestant International Church in Islamabad in March 2002, and those in Bahawalpur in October 2002, all who were slain because they dared worship God for His grace and love in Jesus Christ, rather than give in to threats and intimidation). It is God's love and true way of peace that exposes the darkness of a falsehood that would lead men to destroy both themselves and others.
Why has this brutal violence flared up once again? Why does it continue to occur over and over? Why do we see Islam and brutal violence together again and again? Why do those who kill act with such callous disregard for life, their own lives included? What is it that motivates them? What is it that brings men to fight what they perceive to be evil and destructive and in so doing become participants in far greater evil and destruction themselves? What is it about the heart of man that leads to this? What kind of worldview or mentality is it that persuades men that evil and brutality are good and necessary? To believe as the witches in Shakespeare’s Macbeth declared "that foul is fair, and fair is foul"?
A Pakistani Muslim friend told me some time ago of the corrupt grip of Islamic radicalism on the educational systems of Pakistan. He argued that it was the mullahs, the madrassas, certain Islamic student unions and their preying upon the disaffected intellectuals to the poverty stricken and frustrated, along with their intimidation of others, that led to such evil and violence. He said it was that the hopeless were indoctrinated into believing that by a 'heroic' death of murdering civilians, under the name or aim of Islamic expansion, there would be certain entry into paradise.
Recently I read of the publishing of an open letter to those who practice Islam. It called them to self-examination. To not side-step the heart issues, but to face them head on. It asked why is it that there is debate also in the North American Muslim community over the events of the past year? Why not unanimous and wholehearted condemnation of violence among those within the mosques and Islamic centers? Why there were/are feelings of sympathy, support, or even jubilation among some at the events of September 11? And disappointment by some that September 11 did not lead to the downfall of America, but appeared to be merely a bump in the road to that nation? Why do the same long for the implementation of sharia in North America and Europe? Is it the claimed desire for peace that rules, or is it for some at heart a hatred and callousness against any who would stand in the way of a lust for power and control? Can there really ever be true peace or happiness within a worldview founded by violence and intimidation? Or will it prove itself to be merely a vortex of increasing suspicion and violence leading to self-destruction? These are questions that must be answered if truth and peace are truly to prevail.
The prophet Isaiah spoke of the day when the Promised One would come (Isaiah 9:6-7). The Prince of Peace is Jesus Christ. This is illustrated when he spoke of the day when the Child would be born and His name would be called "Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" and whose peace would increase and come to prevail by the power of the Lord. The Bible teaches this many times in the Injil, or Gospel. In John chapter 18:1-11, we read of the account of Jesus' wrongful arrest, and how his disciple Peter drew his sword and attacked his enemies, cutting the ear off one. Jesus tells Peter to put away his sword. The same event is recorded in the writing of Luke who gives us the added information that Jesus at the same time healed the man who had been injured. (Luke 22:51) Time and again we see the Gospel teaching that Jesus came to bring peace -- that is peace with God, reconciling men to God through His sacrifice for their sins. He taught time and again that the fruit, the result of peace with God will be at peace with your fellow man. Jesus said "You have heard that it was said, 'you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hurt you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be the sons of your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:43-45)
The Bible teaches that Jesus' death was a self-sacrifice of love. Love for men and women who by their sin had become the enemies of God. Jesus took upon Himself the punishment and penalty of God's wrath against sinners -- those who rejected and ignored God and His true way. That is real grace and love -- forgiveness by God, through Jesus for everyone who will repent of sin and seek forgiveness by Him. So it is the love of Jesus Christ -- who died selflessly for those who least deserved it, who sought forgiveness even for those who treated Him violently and abusively, and who taught that true religion can never be advanced by the sword -- it is His love that stands in stark contrast to the beliefs of those who live by violence. It is His love that makes men willing to peacefully stand up for truth, even if the cost is death. (consider the Christians who died while worshipping in the Protestant International Church in Islamabad in March 2002, and those in Bahawalpur in October 2002, all who were slain because they dared worship God for His grace and love in Jesus Christ, rather than give in to threats and intimidation). It is God's love and true way of peace that exposes the darkness of a falsehood that would lead men to destroy both themselves and others.
Closeness Of ALLAH
Abu Huraira (R.A) narrated that Rasool Allah (P.B.U.H) said, “Allah Tabaraka wa Ta’ala says I am closer to my slave than his supposition of which he keeps of me. And when he/her does Zikr of Allah, I am with him/her. If he does Zikr in his heart, I do his Zikr near MY proximity (closeness) and if he does Zikr in a gathering, I mention him in a gathering Afdhal (better) than it. (Bukhari)
Gunah Aik Bemari
Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.W) Ne Farmaya :
[Ibn-e-Majah, Vol # 02, Page #1254]
Kya Main Tumhein Tumhari Bemari Aur Dawa Bata Dun?To Sun Lo, (GUNAH) Bemari Hai Aur (ASTAGHFAR) Iski Dawa Hai.Us Shakhs Ke Liye Jannat Ki Khush Khabri Hai Jis Ke Nama-e-Amal Mein ASTAGHFAR Kasrat Se Paya Jaye.REFERENCE:
[Ibn-e-Majah, Vol # 02, Page #1254]
