Bringing up Muslims Intelligentsia

It’s good to meet people that can make you think. People that are very critical about lives and also very responsive over what is happening around them. All you have to do is just mingle with them, discuss about something and your mind would be triggered to embark on a journey that can make you see things differently and from a different angle. Honestly, I don’t like people who just accept what society put before them. They don’t know whether what they are doing is right or wrong and worse , they just follow what society says without even trying to think what implications that it may have towards their life. Quite complicated, but in a simple words they just follow blindly what society does, they just accept what society says and in fact, they are no different than a robot preprogrammed to accept things as how they are ought to be.

The day before yesterday, I had a big chat with one of my dearest friends. A friend who always amazed me with his critical thinking ability and also a unique individual who always look at things from a different angle.I believe, age does play a role here. Not to forget, maybe due to the upbringing itself. The moment he speaks and utters a word, you just started to think and think. Actually, on that day it was supposed to be a visit to his house where I was thinking to see his baby aged several months . Yet, the baby and the mother went back to the grandparent’s house all away in Johor. As a result, we decided to meet up somewhere and  hence took the chance to chat about everything under the sun. A bit disappointed because ever since the baby came into this world, this uncle of him never had any chance to meet him personally=) InsyaAllah, next time I believe. Hopefully it would be so soon InsyaAllah =)

Back to the points that I’ve raised earlier, what’s so important about thinking and being critical anyway? Does it make any changes if I do that ? Does it make any difference if I do that ? Is it really necessary to be critical ? For all of these questions- My answer would be a BIG HUGE Y-E-S !

By being critical, it does not mean that you have to go against your faith, rather to be critical is to affirm you faith at the first place. I still remember back then in Uni whereby me and a couple of friends planned to have a small talk or discussion with a Christian friend of mine. Some people just don’t get it and started to condemn that it was so wrong to have that kind of discussion. Their arguments was - “do we have that right to talk about Islam ?”

I was totally pissed off when I heard that kind of argument. I don’t blame them, because I’m sure the thought is ingrained into their heads by the society. However, I feel so sorry for these types of people. I personally believe there is no wrong in doing that kind od discussion. Anyway, I am talking about my religion. I am talking about my faith. And In fact, I am talking about my life, as Islam is 24/7 inside me. So, is there any wrong side of it?

Definitely I believe it is wrong, if let’s say you come up with your own fatwa or any of those kinds. For that one, absolutely they are WRONG. However, when it comes to talking about your own faith, it is your inherent right (with knowledge of course ! ). For me, Islam is not meant for the Ulama’ or the learned ones only. It is for everyone.

Though it is like that, there is one thing that we should take note and give serious thought.

Islam is only for intelligent people, definitely not for the ‘silly’ one.

It might sound harsh, but that’s the reality. Isn’t it so abundance in the Qur’an that Allah asked us to think , think and think?. Not only to think, but also to reflect , ponder , deliberate and in fact contemplate. That’s basically our main argument when it comes to the issue of being critical as I see it.

InsyaAllah, try to be critical and try to be responsive over what is happening around us. Avoid blind following so that we know we are do things not because it is ingrained in our society but rather because we know the underlying meaning behind them.

I believe this words of of Erich Fromm is indeed real to be pondered upon;

"The danger of the past was that men became slaves. The danger of the future is that man may become robots "

Allahu A'lam..Allah knows best.

Do they not reflect in their own minds? Not but for just ends and for a term appointed, did Allah create the heavens and the earth, and all between them: yet are there truly many among men who deny the meeting with their Lord (at the Resurrection)!

Holy Qura'n , Ar Ruum 30 :8

Some thoughts on Life by Nouman Ali Khan

Challenges & Struggles: Is Life Fair?



How to achieve contentment, peace and purpose in life?

Being an Ambassador Of Islam

Assalamu’alaikum,

Subhanallah, I’m quite busy for this week and the next weeks to come. InsyaAllah, I’ll try my level best to share some thoughts here whenever I’ve the chance. I would write anything.. as long as it concerns you and me =)

Alhamdulillah, I thank Allah for everything that He has given me. After some time of leading a jobless life( to prettify the word- Self Unemployed. ^_^ ) , I am now employed in a company based in KL. Alhamdulillah.. Indeed, I want reiterate what I wrote in the shout box. After every ‘rainfall’ must come a ‘rainbow’. Subhanallah !

Right now I’m having a training for that company and accommodation was prepared for us at a hotel . At the end of the day, I found that I’ll be sharing the room with three Chinese brothers who are non Muslim. If you ask me, I would definitely say it’s a new experience for me. Even at my workplace, I would say we have around 70% non Muslim staff. Though at first I had a culture shock when it comes to dressings (the ladies of course) and so on, I know that I can’t run from the reality. By hook or by crook, I’ll definitely have to encounter this somewhere in my life .Luckily, I don’ find any difficulty so far to perform my obligation as a Muslim.

I’m so fortunate to know those three brothers . They are such a good and friendly people. I won’t be talking about language differences or anything as we don’t have any problem at all in terms of communication. However. What I would like to share here is about me as Muslim and being the ambassador of Islam.

Living alone as a Muslim in that room, I know that I have to portray good characters and manners. As they know that I’m a Muslim, doing a particular act that shows the not so Muslim manners would be unwise at the first place. Of course, I can’t be hypocrite when it comes to faith, but I pray to Allah that He would guide me so that I would never ever give bad impression on Islam to them. I’m so glad that after some time, one of the brothers seems to be interested to know something about me. He asked me: Oh, you pray five times a day ya?.You are so diligent”. In fact, He asked me about solat twice in which, to a certain extent surprised me =)

Alhamdulliah, I tried to tell him in brief with the best of my ability. There were times when they all asked me to have dinner with them and I told them that I was so sorry that I couldn’t make it. They asked me ; “why? You want to pray ?” I was quite shocked when they asked that. Only then I explained to them that, “no..I have to meet someone at the mall nearby”. Subhanallah, to a certain extent it shows that they know at least a bit =)

Referring back to the title of this post, I would then assert that as Muslims we are the ambassadors of Islam. At workplace, in your room, in our neighbourhood - we should bare in mind that we are the ambassadors of Islam. The way we talk, the way we behave, the way we conduct ourselves etc-all of these relate to us being the ambassadors of Islam. It’s totally not a matter of preaching, but it’s matter of knowing the significance of carrying the title. Islam is to be and to do and not otherwise. InsyaaAllah, I’ll take this opportunity whenever chance arises to explain what Islam is and what Islam isn’t. Hope you take up this challenge too =)

Till then..
Allahu A’lam

p/s: I’m also planning to give him a translation of the Qur’an. Luckily my brother managed to bring it form my hometown last night. Alhamdulillah ^_^

image credit to>here

Are You Inspired ?

People Inspired By Muhammad :

Inspired By Muhammad – On Animal Welfare - by Sarah Joseph

Inspired By Muhammad -On Human Rights - by Ahmad Thomson

Inspired By Muhammad – On Social Justice -by Myriam Francois Cerrah

Inspired By Muhammad – On Women's Rights – by Shaista Aziz

Inspired By Muhammad – On Coexistence – by Imam Suhaib William Webb

Inspired By Muhammad – On Environment - by Timothy J Winters

Inspired By Muhammad – On Education –by Akram Khan-Cheema

Inspired By Muhammad – On Healthcare – by Amina Coxon

Inspired By Muhammad -On Charity – by Dr Hany El-Banna

>A site dedicated to exploring the inspirational teachings of the Prophet Muhammad: inspiredbymuhammad.com

Are You Not Inspired ? 
=)

Watering The Seeds of Love

Love as portrayed by the Chosen one  =)

‘Ali Ibn Abi Talib said; “The prophet was the most open hearted of all people, the most truthful of speech, the tenderest in disposition and the most generous in relations.”

Abu Sa’id Al Khudri relates that “the prophet was more shy and modest than a maiden in seclusion, and if anything was displeasing to him we would see it on his face. His was a kind and gentle face, so tender in appearance that he would not say of anyone what that person did not want to hear out of the shyness and generosity of his heart”.

Jarir Ibn ‘Abdullah said; “since I became a Muslim, the prophet was never out of my sight and whenever he saw me he was smiling. He would make jokes with his companions, mix and chat with them, play with their children and sit them on his lap. He would respond to the invitation of the free and the enslaved, the captive and the needy. He would visit the sick in the farthest part of the city and accept an apology from him who apologized.”

According to Anas; “He would never be the first to release a proffered hand and he would never stretch out his legs in the presence of a seated guest. He would be the first to extend the greeting of peace to whoever he met. While sitting, he would be the first to make room for his companions. He was generous to whoever visited him, sometimes spreading out his garment for him and out of deference, offering his own cushion to his guest and prevailing upon him to sit on it if he refused. He would call his companions by the names they liked best as a mark of honour and dignity to them and he would not interrupt the speech of anyone.”

Al Qadi Abu’l Fadl related : “The prophet united the hearts of his companions and did not alienate them one from another. He would treat honourably and generously any noble person of a tribe and confer the responsibilities of leadership on such a person. He was on his alert with some people but without denying them his cheerfulness and good disposition. He took care of his companions giving each his due so that no one felt that he favoured another more. Whoever sat with him or approached him with a request, he treated him patiently until he left. Whoever asked of him any need was never sent away without some reassuring word. He was expansive in his cheerfulness to people. He was like a father to them and with him they enjoyed the same rights. He was always smiling, comforting and sociable.”

The Prophet is also reported to have related: “A man once visited his brother in faith for the sake of God. So God designated an angel for him. The angel then asked him: ‘Where do you wish to go?’ ‘I want to visit my friend.’ ‘Is there anything you need at his place?’ asked the angel. ‘No.’ ‘Is he a relation of yours?’ ‘No.’ ‘Why then (are you visiting him)?’ ‘I love him for the sake of God.’ Thereupon the angel said: ‘God has sent me to inform you that He loves you on account of your love, and He has undertaken to grant you Paradise.’

Reference: Watering The Seeds of Love by Said Ramadan

p/s: To all my brothers and sisters out there, I would like to tell you , Ana uhibbukum Fillah!! ^_^

Guidelines For Better Living According to Hassan al Banna

Guidelines are very much needed in our life. Without guideline, it is as if we are driving with no purpose of destination, wandering in the dark without knowing which way to go and so on. Guidelines make it easy for us to have a clear picture of what to do and what ought not to do in our day to day living. It is so interesting to know how Hassan al Banna-a thinker, a leader, and the founder of Ikhwan al Muslimun(Muslim Brotherhood) highlighted his views on guidelines for a better living. There are nearly 40 guidelines that he had highlighted. However, I would choose some only based on my preferences and based on our contemporary circumstances. I believe all these guidelines are very helpful for our day to day living as a Muslim. InsyaAllah, in another post, I’ll be writing about Hassan al Banna himself because knowing his personalities and life is truly something that you would be fascinated with. =)

Hassan al Banna says ;Your acceptance of Islam obliges you to seek continuous improvement in your condition. As you strive to please your Lord and earn the eternal reward and pleasure of Paradise, keep the following advice close to your heart.

1-Devote a daily period for the recitation of the Qur’an. Aim to finish the whole of it within a month, but not before the end of three days.

2-Carefully recite the Qur’an, listen to it, and ponder over its meaning. Set aside a period to study of Sirah or life history of the prophet, and the history of the early Muslims. You should read many books. You should also read many books of hadith and memorize at least fort hadith. Last but not least, you should study the basics of the’Aqidah or Islamic faith, fiqh or Islamic jurisprudence and Islamic law.

3-Have a thorough medical check-up regularly, and get treated for any ailments diagnosed. Attach importance to physical fitness and self defence, and stand aloof from all bodily weaknesses.

4-Avoid excessive use of coffee, tea and other stimulating drinks, and strive to abstain completely from smoking.

5-Show interest in the cleanliness and tidiness of your home and place of work. Be concerned with personal hygiene, for Islam was founded on cleanliness.

6-Always be truthful and never tell lie.

7-Fulfill your promises and agreements. Do not resort to making lame excuses.

8-Be courageous and enduring. The highest degrees of courage are telling the truth in your own disfavour, keeping secrets, admitting mistakes and maintaining self control when angry.

9-Be serious and dignified. However, this should not stop you from enjoying jokes and laughing.

10-Be modest, careful and sensitive to both good and bad things by expressing your happiness when experiencing good and gratitude when encountering bad. If you demand less than what you deserve, you will receive what you deserve.

11-Be fair in judging according to sound evidence. Your anger should not make you ignore the good in others and your blessings should not make you forget the bad in others. Always speak the truth; no matter how painful it is, even if it is against yourself and against the people dearest to you.

12-Be active, energetic, and skilled in community services. You should feel happy when you offer a service to another person. You should feel compelled to visit the sick, assit the needy, support the weak, and give relief to the ill fated, even if it is only a kind word of sympathy. Always rush to do good deeds.

13- Be compassionate, graciously excusing and forgiving towards others. You should be kind to all human beings and animals, and have good relations with everyone. Observe Islamic social injunctions. Be merciful to the young and respectful to the old. Make room for others in meetings and gatherings. Do not spy and backbite. Do not be noisy. Respect others’ privacy, and neither condemn nor insult them.

14-Improve your reading and writing skills; increase your knowledge of the Islamic movement by reading about it. Read newspapers and magazines. Establish a personal library even if it is a small one. Delve deeply into your field if you are a specialist in science or the arts. Acquaint yourself with the general Islamic subjects to the degree which makes you capable of forming general judgements concerning day-to-day problems.

15-Underatke some economic enterprise, even if you are wealthy. Try to establish a private business, regardless of how small it may be or how busy or academically oriented you are.

16-Work, even though the pay is small, and do not quit unless the work is against Islam.

17-Perform your job in the best manner you can, and stand aloof from dishonesty and cheating. Observe your appointments, and never be late for work.

18-Be amicable in claiming your due, and hasten to give others their due in full, without procrastination.

19-Keep away from all forms of gambling, no matter what the incentive may be. Avoid unlawful means of livelihood, regardless of what quick profit lies therein.

20-Avoid the practice of charging interest(riba’) in all your transactions. Purify yourself from its putrid touch.

21-Contribute to the material gains encouraged by Islam by promoting private industry, especially Islamic enterprises.

22-Support da’wah work by contributing some of your wealth to the Islamic movement. You must pay the minimally established amount of Zakah on your assets because this is the inalienable right of the poor and deprived.

23-Set aside a portion of your income to defray unforeseen expenses, no matter how small your income is, and never indulge in extravagance.

24-Perfect your personal purity and cleanliness, and try to keep in a state of ablution(wudhu’)as often as possible.

25-When you perform the daily prayers, do so on time, and always fulfil the rules. Try to pray in congregation and at the Masajid as frequently as possible.

26-Obsereve the fast of Ramadhan and go on the Hajj as soon as you have the means. If you cannot afford to make Hajj, make it one of the goals of your life and strive hard to undertake it.

27-Regularly renew your repentance, seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Try to avoid pardonable offences as well as major sins. Devote a period of time every night before going to bed for self-criticism, reflecting upon the good or bad things you may have done throughout the day.

28-Avoid lustful thoughts,emotions, and occasions of sin, for example, by restraining your gaze from Haram things , urging your emotions to focus on good deeds, and keeping your heart and desires away from all that is forbidden.

29-Completely avoid intoxicating drinks and everything that causes impairment of the body or delays of the mind.

30-Do not take immoral people as friends. Keep away from places of immorality and sin.

31-Avoid all evil forms and places of entertainment, and in general, avoid the environment of arrogant and extravagant luxury.

32-Share the message of Islam everywhere you go.


Allahu'Alam(Allah Knows best) 

Health in Islam: Diet and Nutrition

>>>By Aisha Stacey
Islam is a code of life. Muslims do not practice only during the weekends or festive seasons; rather religion is an ongoing part of daily life. Islam is organised in a spiritual and moral way, taking into account humankind’s innate needs and desires. The tenets of Islam are derived from the Qur'an and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad, known as the Sunnah, These two sources of revelation are a guide, or a manual for life.

Although, it may, at first, seem like a rather strange analogy; let us compare Islam’s life instructions with the manual that comes with a computer. Imagine buying a new laptop without ever having seen any of the technological advances of the last several decades. Would you know where the on/off button was? If you managed to turn the computer on would you know how to look after it, do a system restore, run an anti-virus scan, or generally maintain it? Without a manual, the computer would be not much more than a useless piece of technology.

The computer’s designers also designed a manual or guide, knowing that without specific instructions the computer would not be put to the best possible use or do what it was designed to do. Technology usually comes with guarantees and warranties that become useless, unless you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Therefore because we want to get the best possible use from our expensive technology we read the manuals and follow the guidelines.

Islam also offers a specific set of instructions that come with a guarantee, a promise of eternal Paradise. There is no ‘use by’ date on this guarantee and it allows unlimited extensions. If you make a mistake or ‘click’ the wrong button the instructions clearly advise you how to make amends and restore normality. God designed and created humankind for the specific purpose of worshipping Him and sent Prophets and Messengers with specific guidance to make our task easy. However, without God’s guide to life, humankind can become lost and adrift in a world that does not make a lot of sense or offer any real security and contentment. Lives are lived without purpose or meaning and many people seek out an existence that provides little or no real sense of having a life worth living.

The traditions of Prophet Muhammad teach us to cherish good health and realise its true value as one of God’s countless bounties.
“And when your Lord proclaimed, “If you give thanks, I will give you more; but if you are thankless, lo! My punishment is dire.” (Quran 14:7)
Islam’s holistic approach to health includes treating our bodies with respect and nourishing them with, not only faith, but also with lawful, nutritious food. A major part of living life according to the Creator’s instructions is implementing a suitable diet. Choosing wholesome food and avoiding the unwholesome is essential to good health. God says in the Quran, “Eat of the good things which We have provided for you.” (Quran 2:173) “Eat of what is lawful and wholesome on the earth.” (Quran 2:168)

The Quran contains many verses of advice about healthy eating that relate to the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual health. Encouragement to eat only good and pure food is often combined with warnings to remember God and avoid Satan. Healthy eating not only satisfies hunger but also has an effect on how well we worship.
“O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” (Quran 2:168)

If one becomes obsessed with food or indulges in too much unwholesome or junk food he or she may become physically weak or distracted from his primary purpose of serving God. On the other hand, if one concentrated exclusively on spiritual endeavours and neglected their health and nutrition, weakness injury or illness would also result in failure to carry out obligatory worship. The guidance found in the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad advise humankind to maintain a balance between these two extremes.

A healthy diet is balanced with a mixture of all the foods God has provided for His creation. The variety satisfies all the body’s needs for carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, proteins, fats and amino acids. Numerous verses of Quran mention the foods God has provided for us to nourish and maintain our bodies. It is not an exhaustive list of dietary requirements but rather a general idea of the types of food that maintain a healthy body and prevent illness.
“He created cattle that give you warmth, benefits and food to eat.” (Quran l6:5)
“It is He who subdued the seas, from which you eat fresh fish.” (Quran 16:l4)
“It is He who sends down water from the sky with which He brings up corn, olives, dates and grapes and other fruit.” (Quran 16:11)
“In cattle too you have a worthy lesson. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, between the undigested food and blood: pure milk, a pleasant beverage for those who drink it.” (Quran l6:66)
“There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought. .” (Quran 16:69)
“And it is He Who produces gardens trellised and untrellised, and date palms, and crops of different shape and taste (its fruits and its seeds) and olives, and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in taste). Eat of their fruit when they ripen...” (Quran 6:141)
“…and from it (the earth) we produced grain for their sustenance.” (Quran 36:33)God has also provided us with a list of foods that are forbidden and apart from these everything else is considered lawful.

“Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead animals - cattle-beast not slaughtered, blood, the flesh of swine, and the meat of that which has been slaughtered as a sacrifice for other than God...” (Quran 5:3) “...and intoxicants.” (Quran 5:91-92)

While sweets and junk food are not forbidden they must be eaten sparingly as part of a balanced diet, designed to maintain optimum health. Many of the most common chronic illnesses today derive from unhealthy eating habits. Coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and depression have all been linked to inadequate diets. The traditions of Prophet Muhammad praise moderation as a way of maintaining good health and the Quran stresses the need to strike a balance between any extremes.

True believers need healthy bodies and minds in order to worship God in the correct way. To maintain a sound mind, a pure heart and a healthy body special attention must be paid to health. The heart and the mind are nourished by remembrance of God, and worship performed in a lawful way, and the body is nourished by partaking of the good and lawful food God has provided. Attention to diet and nutrition is a part of the holistic health system inherent in Islam.

© 2006-2010 IslamReligion.com.
*Aisha Stacey is an Australian revert to Islam currently residing in Doha Qatar.

Can’t We Be Like the Letter ‘x’ On Our Computer Keyboard ?

I was amused when reading a simple article in one of the local magazines about the importance of attending a meeting. The author put forward a simple but interesting analogy with regard to the importance of attending a meeting and relates it with the letter ‘x’ on our computer keyboard. He said;

Can’t we be like the letter ‘x’ on our computer keyboard ? Knowing that we do have our function in the system while not thinking that our presence would be of no importance. Subhanallah. Beautiful isn’t it? Just imagine me myself as the letter ‘x’. Let’s say that you want to write something and need to use words like ‘x-ray’, ’xylophone’ or any word that have the letter ‘x’. Don’t you think that without me as the letter ‘x’, surely such words cannot be constructed at the first place? Agree? Yes, it is true that people might rarely ‘use’ me to write their essays, theses or whatsoever, however it does not mean that I don’t have any function in the system. Rather, my function is very much needed in the system!

If we look at ourselves as the letter ‘x’ on the computer keyboard, surely there is so much lessons that we can learn from. What I mean is, the letter ‘x’ symbolizes we as individual/s while the computer keyboard symbolizes the society/ies that we lived in. Don’t you think that there are very much resembled to each other? Of course yes =) By making ourselves as the letter ‘x’ in our society, we are thus conscious over the significant role that we can play in our society.

For instance, with me as the letter ‘x’ in the society, I would try my best to feed the poor, treating the sick and the wounded ones, assisting the visually impaired people to cross the roads, giving a helping hand to those who are in a dire condition or the least that I can do is to give a word of advice or even encouragement to those who feel hopeless and despair. Isn’t it our beloved prophet has said; “Convey (from me) even if it is one single ayah (statement)"

MasyaAllah, one ayah only (at least) and surely we are playing our part in contributing something to those people around us. Not only that, we remind each other to forgive and forget each others’ mistakes, to meet people with a god face, so on and so forth. By being the letter ‘x’ , I am not only portraying myself as not insignificant , rather without me doing my part on the computer keyboard( in the society), the whole system would be disturbed and not functioning in its fullest sense. The failure to construct the terms that have the letter ‘x’ basically means the failure to look at myself as significant as others in the society. In fact, it is so much undermining the principle of how we (the letter ‘x’ along with all other letters, signs and symbols! ) complement each other in the system. I am sure a,b,dj,k,,r etc would not like it if they see me as the letter ‘x’ not doing my part on the computer keyboard. It’s true isn’t it?I am sure we can grasp something from the lesson of the letter ‘x’ on our computer keyboard. Indeed, I am sure such letters like a,b,dj,k,,r,t or even any sign and symbol would be very sad thinking that any particular letter on the keyboard consider himself as not playing any part in the system while the truth is each and every single letter or even symbol or sign has a very significant and vital role to ensure the system runs accordingly!
So, are you the letter ‘x’ that I am looking for? Of course you are !No doubt about that !! =D
A simple reminder for you and me. =)

If Prophet Muhammad Were in Haiti

A beautiful Article By Dr. Hesham A. Hassaballa
(a Chicago doctor and writer)>>
I recently had a heated discussion with a very dear and close relative of mine about the relief efforts in Haiti. When it was mentioned that some of the people of Haiti followed the religion of Voodoo, he remarked that we should not help them because they are not of the People of the Book (an Islamic term referring to Christians and Jews).

I took very strong exception to this because according to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Muslims should help anybody and everybody, regardless of their faith tradition. Had Prophet Muhammad been alive today, I believe he would have said the same.
It goes without mentioning that it is our duty to help our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters whenever disaster strikes them. It is part of our duty as members of the Muslim Ummah (worldwide community). But, being a part of the Ummah has an additional obligation: to help anyone who needs help around the world.

One of the first things Prophet Muhammad said to the Companions was: "Spread peace, feed the hungry, keep strong the family tie, pray when other people are sleeping, and you will enter Paradise safely" (Al-Tirmidhi). This has been interpreted to be a general exhortation, not just to Muslims. We are supposed to spread peace to all those around us, and we are supposed to feed all those who are hungry.

Allah (God) says in the Quran that Muslims are {the best nation sent forth for humanity} (Aal-Imran 3:110). Note, the Lord did not say "the best nation for believers," but rather all of humanity. Another trait that Muslims should have is that they {give food - however great be their own want of it - to the needy, the orphan, and the captive} (Al-Insan 76:8). Again, notice that the verse does not mention the faith of that needy person, or orphan, or captive.

The traditions of Prophet Muhammad are consistent with these Quranic injunctions, and he further elaborated on the point that kindness and compassion is not linked to the faith of the recipient. One such tradition came into play when a companion of the Prophet was preparing some meat and insisted that some be sent to his Jewish neighbor. When asked about his insistence he replied that Prophet Muhammad had said "Gabriel has repeatedly recommended me to be good to my neighbor to the extent that I thought that he would include him [my neighbor] among my heirs" (Ahmad and Al-Tirmidhi).

This tradition clearly indicates the importance of kindness and giving to others, regardless of the fact that the recipient of this kindness is not Muslim. In a similar tradition, Prophet Muhammad also said: "A believer is not the one who eats his fill when his neighbor is hungry" (Al-Bukhari, Al-Hakim, and Al-Baihaqi). Once again, no mention of the faith of that neighbor, and during the time of the Prophet many Muslims had non-Muslim neighbors – as evinced by the above tradition.

There are many other traditions and sayings of Prophet Muhammad that exhort Muslims to compassionate giving, with no mention of the faith of the recipient. Such traditions include:

"Give food to the hungry, pay a visit to the sick and release (set free) the one in captivity (by paying his ransom)" (Al-Bukhari).

"I and the person who looks after and provides for an orphan, will be in Paradise like this," putting his index and middle fingers together (Al-Bukhari 8:34).

"The one who looks after and works for a widow and for a poor person, is like a warrior fighting for Allah's Cause or like a person who fasts during the day and prays all the night" (Al-Bukhari 8:35).

Some may concede that we should help non-Muslims so that the world may know the true, compassionate face of Islam. I say NO! We are not a missionary people who have an ulterior motive behind its charity work. We feed the hungry {for the sake of God alone…we desire neither thanks nor reward from you} (Al-Insan 76:9-10).

We feed the hungry because it is our duty, as believers, to help all those who are less fortunate. Yes, as members of the Ummah, it is our duty to help those fellow Muslims who are in need; but the concept of the Ummah is more transcendent: it exhorts us to help all people who need our help, Muslim or otherwise.

I overheard someone say, "If I had the choice to give charity to Haiti or Palestine, I would give to Palestine." I say, "Give to both," and I believe the Prophet Muhammad would have said the same thing. The people of Haiti have been absolutely devastated by the recent earthquake, and the reports and images coming out of that country have been absolutely heart-wrenching. They are our neighbors: if we have no compassion for these people, then we must check our faith.

Prophet Muhammad said "He who is not merciful to others, will not be treated mercifully" (Al-Bukhari). This saying clearly uses the word 'others' which can encompass people of any faith. In another saying, Muslims are told, "If any Muslim plants any plant and a human being or an animal eats of it, he will be rewarded as if he had given that much in charity" (Al-Bukhari). This saying is exceptionally clear in its use of "human being", which by definition encompasses all of humanity.

Had Prophet Muhammad been alive today, he would have been in Haiti himself, helping the people with his own blessed hands. Alas, he is not, but his people are: Islamic Relief and the Islamic Society of North America, among many other Islamic organizations, have pledged their support for the relief effort in Haiti.
We must support these efforts.

The people of Haiti are calling out for help. We must answer their call. Prophet Muhammad would have done so.

credit to :Readingislam.com

Of Images, Artistry and We

19. Do They not observe the birds above them, spreading their wings and folding them in? None can uphold them except ((Allah)) Most gracious: truly ((Allah)) Most gracious: truly it is He that watches over all things. (Qur'an 67:19)

I always have this impression that images can give a profound impact and influence on one’s life. At least, how that particular individual looks at the very surrounding or milieu that he or she is living in. Indeed, a picture speaks a thousand words. Try to show a picture that you find fascinating, appealing and absorbing to you friend, and listen to his or her interpretation. It might be that he/she interprets that picture in a common ground as yours or it is also possible that, he/she might have a total reverse of interpretation from yours! That is why we say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder! People look at things differently.
A picture like this may tell you that:
1) I’m a British and I’m also a Muslim.
2) I love my country so much!!
3) Hijab is my right !
4) Is it true that I'm oppressed?
5) The list goes on….

Personally, I don’t consider myself as an artistic person or what. Yet, I would say that I am a person who appreciates art (I guess!! ). I remember having seen this image in a mini exhibition that I used to go long time ago. The image portrayed a niqabi(a veiled women) which happened to be a beautician and is busy preparing her client(a model) which is the total opposite of how she dresses. You know what I mean. Yes, I do have my own interpretation of such image, but it is not important here. The most important thing which I am trying to say is, you may deduce thousands of interpretations only with a simple yet striking image. It ignites your senses. It can tickle your heart; make you burst into tears, tranquil your heart, soothe you when you feel distressed and in deep sorrow and many others. Isn’t it great? The facts that the world we are living in is filled with many implicit elements require us to reflect them. Not to look at those images with a mere look, rather to look them from your third “eyes”. Meaning to say, if you want to look at something, it should come from the bottom of your heart. From your sixth sense I guess?? .Only then you would be able to reflect them.

Just look at how Allah has created His creations. Its all varied in terms of colors, shapes, looks, size and many other attributes-so that we human being may reflect why they are so. Don’t you think life would be dull if Allah created this world colourless (even black and white is color right?).It must be hard to imagine living in such world.!!That is why, Allah asks us to look at His artistic creations and reflect them. Indeed, there is wisdom behind it. The ‘images’ or ‘paintings’ that He has used to portray this very world is actually a signal that He wants to send a message to us. Whatever those messages are, only those who really reflect would understand them. My point here is that, why don’t we use the same methodology? It doesn’t matter what message that you want to send-be it message of humanity, world peace, environmental awareness and definitely for Muslim, truly there are lots of advantages of using images to portray the real picture and nature of Islam. Maybe people like Peter Sanders can be your role model I guess?.InsyaAllah, if we are really sincere in conveying the message, Allah will make it easy for us to do our part..
Allahu’Allam (Allah knows best)

Peaceful Coexistent In The Spirit Of the Madinah Charter

Can we really coexist despite the many differences that we have? For me, the answer is definitely yes. It doesn’t matter whether you are a Muslim, a Jew, a Christian, a Hindu or others- yes we can coexist if we look at each other as human being and not as belong to any particular group or preferences. This is basically exemplifies in the Madinah Charter. Something which I see as a precious & priceless treasure, yet many people take it for granted!!.
The reason why I relate the issue of peaceful coexistent and the Madinah Charter is due to the fact that the charter upholds the spirit of human coexistent despite the many differences that people have. For those who do not know what the Madinah Charter is, it is basically the first written constitution in Islam & maybe to a greater extent, the first constitutional law that had ever existed in society. Moreover, it is this constitution that binds people of different tribes and faiths as one single and open community. You can find the Jews, the Muslims and various tribes living together and considered themselves as the people of Yathrib
(Madinah) rather than putting their ethnic preferences with regards to their identity.

Any principle that you may find in modern day’s constitution exemplifies in the Madinah Charter. For instance, the principle of equality whereby all citizens are treated equally irrespective of their different cultural backgrounds, preservation of basic rights like freedom of religion is well safeguarded, protection against oppression, principle of leadership, justice and so many other principles that it concerned with. In fact, even at the beginning while drafting the charter, the prophet consulted the leaders of each tribe, thereby demonstrating his willingness to listen to the needs of all tribes. That is why, I would say that the Madinah Charter exemplifies as a way or a source of answer for the conflicting interests that prevailed over and over in today’s globalized world with a pluralistic society. Maybe it is the time for us to go back to the basic, try to appreciate the best method that Rasulullah had deduced and uphold the spirit of the Madinah Charter to the best of our ability so that we may live in a better situation and coexist peacefully despite diversity. As Allah says in the Qur’an(Al Hujuraat:13):
“ O mankind! we created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and Tribes, that ye may know Each other (Not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the Most honoured of you In the sight of Allah is (He who is) the Most righteous of you. and Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”


Note: you may refer to the English translation of the Madinah Charter in
A. Guillaume, The Life Of Muhammad-A Translation of Ishaq’s Sirat
RasulAllah, Oxford University Press, Karachi,1995,pp.231-233.